Erie Basin Blog

An unusual c1900 turquoise sphere charm studded with 18K yellow gold beads recessed into its surface. Hangs on a new 16 inch gold filled chain. 

A c1950 vintage necklace with large rectangular opalescent glass stones set in sterling silver. 

An exceptional c.1920 Art Deco stick pin set with a square old-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.35 carats, framed asymmetrically by calibré-cut natural emeralds in an architectural composition suggestive of the shadow plane of a cube. Constructed in platinum-topped 18K yellow gold. Unmarked; possibly French. A new gold filled clutch is included. 

Stick pins were popular throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries and were worn by both men and women to fasten neckwear and ties. They also wear beautifully on a lapel.

A little vintage c1980 cornicello/horn pendant, hollow cast in 18K yellow gold with a textured surface on one side. Hangs on a new 16" gold filled cable chain. 

A rare Arts & Crafts Movement lavalier-style pendant with very large intense amber-colored cinnamon garnets set in 18K yellow gold. Beautifully handmade with carved detailing. Dates to c1900. Weighs 22.2 grams.

An unusually small c1900 antique gold cased locket on a new 16" gold filled chain. 

A vintage c1960 western and cowboy themed charm bracelet in sterling silver. The charms include a spur, two boots, a horse, a man sleeping in a sombrero, a cowboy hat, a piano with functioning lid, a cactus, a rope and a bull. 

A vintage c1970 oversized diamond spiral ring, designed after a style that was popular in early 20th century, but scaled up. Built in two-toned 14K gold with brilliant cut diamonds. Weighs 5.5 grams.

A beautifully made vintage c1950 caterpillar brooch in two toned 18K gold with ruby eyes and diamond baguettes making up his antennae and each segment of his body.

Caterpillar pins of this size and era were associated with the Caterpillar Club, an informal association of airman who's lives were saved by parachuting out of a disabled aircraft. 

The club was founded in the 1920s by Leslie Irvin, inventor of the parachute. Because early parachutes were made from natural silk, the silk worm became an emblem for the Caterpillar Club, whose motto was "life depends on a silken thread." Irvin's company awarded gold pins to everyone saved by one of their parachutes, giving out more than 30,000 through WWII. 

This pin is uncommonly high quality and may have been a custom creation to commemorate a successful bale out. Reportedly from the estate of actress Dorothy McGuire (1916–2001), acquired through the trade. McGuire's husband was John Swope, a photographer and well known aviator who trained cadets during WWII. He also went on to co-found Southwest Airways. It's possible it belonged to him, though there's not public record of a parachute escape performed by Swope.

A c1950 vintage eternity band with alternating brilliant cut diamonds and square step-cut emeralds. Built in platinum. 

A c1980 Italian horse pendant, hollow cast in 14K yellow gold, hanging on a new 16" gold filled chain.

A small c1870 Victorian-era pendant with a blue and white enamel laurel detail against an engraved case. The reverse has a crystal covered compartment with a scrap of grey silk inside. The bezel can be lifted out carefully with a razor blade to place something inside, though the procedure is sometimes best done by a jeweler. Built in 15K gold. Weighs 4.0 grams.

An unusual Art Deco bracelet with geometrically patterned black and blue enamel links on sterling silver. 

A pair of saphiret marquise shaped cabochon earrings. Saphiret is a rare Czechoslovakian glass produced in the 19th century by fusing gold into sapphire-colored glass. The earrings were converted from a pair of Victorian gold filled cufflinks with new 14K gold wires. The foil behind the stones has partly oxidized, lending an attractive spotted pattern. Two slightly different pairs available.

A lovely c1880 Victorian engagement ring with an old mine cut cushion diamond weighing 0.54 carats set in a 10k rose gold mounting with a striped detail on the shoulders. 

Currently a size 5-1/4 and could be resized in the 4 to 6.5 range.

A c1880 Victorian solitaire engagement ring with a small old mine cut diamonds in an 18K yellow gold belcher setting with hand carved detailing on the shoulders. Weighs 2.1 grams.

A c1890 Victorian-era solitaire engagement ring with a slightly oval old mine cut diamond weighing 0.59 carats. A simple profile with patterning cut into the shoulders of the ring. Built in rosy-yellow 14K gold.