Go-To Pieces: Gem Gossip’s Invaluable Finds

Former head gemologist and appraiser at her local antique jewelry store, Danielle Miele started “Gem Gossip,” her website for “endless talk of all things sparkly,” in 2008. Since then, she’s pursued her passion for writing and is frequently dubbed a top jewelry blogger to know and follow. Danielle travels the world to consult and cover jewelry stories, collaborates with high end jewelry brands and auction houses, and has been featured in publications like InStyle and People Style Watch.
If there’s anyone totally in-tune with the latest antique and fine jewelry trends, it’s Gem Gossip. Danielle admits she uses sites like Invaluable all the time to shop jewelry auctions, and this week she stepped in to curate and comment on her favorite finds straight from Koller Auctions’ jewelry sale on March 21.
Lot 2003, Coral, sapphire, emerald and diamond ear pendants, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“Oh my goodness, these earrings remind me of the pair I wore on my wedding day! Mine were coral and cabochon emerald beads that formed a tassel…these are very similar, [except for] the addition of the sapphires. The color combination is to die for and they really bring out all the beautiful colors of one of the most popular eye colors – hazel.”
Lot 2042, Diamond cocktail ring, c. 1960, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“Anyone who knows me and my jewelry style would know, I love a good elongated silhouette. This diamond example is very striking and I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Lot 2095, Diamond and gold ring, c. 1920, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“I love how simple and classic this solitaire diamond ring is – it is circa 1920, yet seems so ahead of its time. It almost has a modern feel to it. This ring would make a great engagement ring for a future bride, as it is perfect for everyday wear and would stack well with almost any band.”
Lot 2016, Enamel miniature gold bracelet, c. 1880, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“I am a sucker for portrait miniatures and this one truly belongs in a museum. What a special piece, the craftsmanship is just exquisite – right down to the enamel details and the lily motifs set in between each portrait. What a find!”
Lot 2122, Pearl and diamond choker, c. 1900, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“This Edwardian pearl and diamond choker looks extremely similar to the one Olivia Wilde just wore to the Oscars! Fashionistas and jewelry experts alike crowned Ms. Wilde as best dressed of the night, and that choker may have something to do with it! This piece has eleven rows of pearls and is in amazing condition.
Lot 2156, Kunzite and diamond pendant, c. 1930, Koller Auctions (March 21, 2016)
“Kunzite has been one of my favorite gemstones since I found my own chunk while digging through tailings at a gem mine in southern California. Since then, I’ve learned and studied the stone and have yet to find the jewelry version of my dreams. This piece may be it! Art Deco through and through, diamonds set in straight lines, sheer perfection.”
Want more? Explore more options for dazzling jewels in upcoming sales including Garth’s Fine & Vintage Jewelry (March 18), Leonard Joel’s Jewels (March 21), and Shapiro’s Fine Jewellery and Luxury Design (March 22).