It’s official, much to Mr E’s dismay I have a new favourite Etsy store and my oh my is it pretty  – before sharing, I should warn you that reading this post could seriously affect your bank balance!

Erstwhile Jewelry Co is a fine Antique & Vintage jewellery shop on Etsy. Founded by Jared and Alisa, newly weds themselves, Erstwhile Jewelry boasts a collection of rare and beautiful antique pieces, the likes of which I have never seen before. Each one is carefully hand-picked, with attention to detail and history, by Jared – a fifth generation antique jeweller with an extensive knowledge of jewellery from 19th century, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and retro 1940s and 1950s.

When they got hitched they decided to ditch the wedding hoopla and instead get married at City Hall – just the two of them (so sweet) Afterward, throwing a big party in their neighborhood – skipping the expenses and headaches of a big wedding, for a painless cocktail party with lots of flowers, hors d’ oeuvres, and dancing. “I guess this speaks to how we feel about weddings: in the end, it’s getting all the people you love together and bonding for a night, not all the frivolous details that get in the way of what really matters – love!” So true!

I love my engagement ring, it is perfect – a beautiful solitaire diamond in a simple yet elegant setting, it is timeless. And what I love most is that Mr E chose it, with no input or help, just from the heart, a ring he hoped I would love – and he couldn’t have got it more right! I confess though to an element of envy of those people lucky enough to have beautiful heirloom jewellery passed down through generations of their family. It’s not the value or the even the style I envy, its the history. That’s what draws me to vintage jewellery – the stories behind them, the love locked in them, there is nothing more beautiful.

“We have clients who come to us with stories of vintage rings that were lost in wars and migrations, with only images to go by. We try to source rings that may be similar in style. It’s fascinating to hear family stories, and an honor to be able to participate in a little bit of their history.”

I am not sure if I am envious of Alisa or just incredible in awe of her willpower! If some of these beauties passed through my hands I am fairly sure I wouldn’t let them go…. for any money!

“In the early days, we used to get attached to pieces of antique jewelry and found them hard to let go. I remember someone telling me, ‘don’t get married to them.’ That stuck with me. Over time, I realized this was a business and not a pastime. Things come and go. It’s a good lesson for non-attachment.”

“There was once an engagement ring that was such a stunner, it literally made my heart melt. I already had my ring, which I adored, so it had to go. Ah, it was a good one.”

Oh the temptation must be so great!!…. My favourites are the Art Deco style with the coloured stones – an emerald is on my Christmas wish list 🙂

It is so easy to see how this Etsy store made it to the top of favourites list isn’t it?? I adore each and every one of these rings…. hands off the Vintage 1.20 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring, I have my eye on it! Which style and ring do you prefer? Or if you’re engaged share your story about your ring, did your fiance surprise you? Or would you never trust him with such an important (and personal) choice? 🙂

Amy

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