Isadora's Holiday Gift Guide
To love antiques is already a choice and a commitment to honor and reuse what's come before. To love and wear antique jewelry is to make a conscious choice to engage in a collaboration with dealers and curators, hunters and seekers--all of whom believe that what was lovingly crafted can be loved again and again. Our mission statement reflects that belief: "As our economy becomes increasingly global, we become more aware how our consumer dollars affect not only ourselves, but people in countries all over the world." At times, I even feel it's an act of defiance: to reject what others tell me I should want, just because it's what's available.
I think this ethic holds together all of us who love old things--but of course, each individual brings their own personality to these objects, infusing them with their own energy and life. Even so, buying gifts doesn't have to be hard: you just have to know what kind of "present" (pun intended) you're bringing into the past. :)
Here's our holiday cheat sheet to help you make decisions that are personal, as well as sustainable. Think of these personality types as you would colors, with varying shades, blending into one another, just as time periods do.
The Romantic
They really do eat dinner by candlelight, prefer lace to linen, unless it's tea stained. Festoon necklaces, floral shapes, delicate seed pearls, symbolic materials and settings all indicate someone who believes to live is to love. Consider a turquoise and pearl festoon necklace, a garnet heart brooch that doubles as a pendant, or an intricate mourning ring holding space for another soul. They'll think of you when they wear it, and what's more romantic than that?
Victorian Turquoise and Pearl Festoon Necklace
The Bold
Maybe it's a necklace of authentic iridescent scarab beetles or pre-Revolution Russian coins, announcing "I am here." Maybe a loop of carved agate in fiery carnelian circles the neck that always holds itself upright or an elaborate cocktail ring flashes as they gesture broadly with their hands. Boldness is more about strong, even geometric, shape and bright color than symbolism or intricate workmanship. After all, the statement being made is the personality, and the jewelry is the fabulous punctuation.
Pre-Revolution Russian Coin Necklace
The Classic
They know that pearls last a lifetime. A rare, flawless diamond says more to them than all the diamonds in the world (unless they're in a tennis bracelet). You might include a loupe with their present so they can appreciate the facets of simple diamond studs or view the hallmarks of an elegant gold bracelet. But they might even love something Victorian if it's Etruscan-inspired. The Classics are all about fine materials and traditional motifs.
Asscher-Cut Flawless Diamond Ring
Etruscan Revivial Pendant and Chain
The Whimsical
"Oh, I TOTALLY know who'd love that!" How I love to hear someone say that! It means the gift-giving is easy and joyful, just as the appreciator of whimsy may be. Sometimes, it's a good thing when someone laughs out loud upon opening a present, as long as it's followed by "I love it." There's often a story behind these gifts: the diamond-faced dragon brooch rearing his magnificant gold wings recalling a favorite childhood book, the multi-gem stork brooch/pendant carrying a tiny diamond bundle--anything put to surprising use or bejeweled adorably appeals. Even the golden locket holding the tiny powder puff makes them feel giddy with the pleasure of the unexpected.
Multi-Gem Stork Brooch/Pendant
Of course, these are just broad types, the gifts just suggestions, but one thing is certain: with antique jewelry, it really is the thought that counts. Someone chose to search, chose to invest, and chose to think beyond the (big) box (stores). And you don't have to do it alone. Even if you don't know what your beloved wants, exactly, you do know who they are, and wonderful people like them have existed in all ages. Even as we move into the future, the past is on your side.
