Karen Deakin Antiques | Brand

Karen Deakin Antiques

Phone: +61 2 9221 1404

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Other
• Brand
• Jewellery/watches

25.01.2022 Just listed: here’s a great antique nine-carat rose gold curb-link albert chain, with a good wearable length of 16 1/2 inches, or 42cm. It’s nice to see a new generation of women discovering what terrific necklaces these lovely old watch chains make. I’ve been in the business long enough to remember the craze among (mainly Australian) women to wear them as such during the late 1970s, then right through the 1980s. Find full details on my website, and get in touch if you’d like my social media discount

25.01.2022 Just listed: this pretty two-row diamond ring with its boat-shaped setting shows a popular style in English jewellery from about 1900. Lively white old cut diamonds are pavé set and held in place with fine claws from a gold mount shaped like a crown. Tapered rings like this are very flattering they make the finger appear more slender. There is an overall delicate appearance to this ring but the underlying structure is satisfyingly solid. Please do scroll through to see this worn with a similar but larger example I listed some weeks ago. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com and get in touch for my Instagram price #antiquediamondring #victoriandiamondring #tworowring #tworowdiamondring #antiqueengagementring #vintageengagementring #engagementringssydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

24.01.2022 Aquamarine dress rings were the height of fashion in the postwar period. The increasingly wealthy middle class often had enough money to buy more than just an engagement ring for a woman to wear in the way of expensive jewellery. Dinner rings, or cocktail rings, were signature jewels, encapsulating the escape of women from the drudgery of the kitchen and housework, at least on occasion. Here are two examples in my stock. The larger one is listed on my website and the smaller one will be soon. Please DM if you’d like details and my Instagram discount ...

22.01.2022 Just listed: here’s a classic late Art Deco aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring. A good mid-dark blue aquamarine, just under 11 carats, is flanked by diamond-set stepped rolled shoulders. The scrolled handmade platinum setting adds another dimension of appeal when viewed from the side. (This beauty proved elusive when photographed for stills.) Please do view the YouTube video on my website where you’ll find full details about the ring to see a true picture of this jewe...l. I always think videos give us a clearer idea about a piece especially as we need to see the interaction of light with gemstones as they move to truly appreciate their beauty. And if you’d like to know my Instagram price, please send me a DM #aquamarine #aquamarinering #aquamarineanddiamondring #aquamarineanddiamond #aquamarinecocktailring #cocktailring #statementring #somethingblue #artdecoring #artdecococktailring #platinumring #karendeakin See more

22.01.2022 The unheated 1.5-carat oval ruby in the centre of this striking late Art Deco ring is intense and bright. Baguette and brilliant cut diamonds provide a lovely frame, with the baguettes stepped down on the shoulders in typical Deco style. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com #ruby #rubyring #corundum #rubyengagementring #vintageengagementring #artdecoring #artdecoengagementring #artdecorubyring #sydneyengagementrings #karendeakin

22.01.2022 Heres one of my lovely customers getting ready for a work video call from home during lockdown, wearing a sweet Edwardian bow brooch she bought from me. Im so pleased to see my jewels being worn and so well! #bowbrooch #diamondbow #edwardianbrooch #bow #diamondbrooch #bringbackthebrooch #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

21.01.2022 I posted this striking late Victorian opal and diamond carved half hoop last month and now here it is on our models hand. You can find full details in my online store, and DM me for my Instagram price #opal #opalring #opalanddiamonds #opalanddiamondring #carvedhalfhoop #australianopal #antiqueopal #antiqueopalring #yellowdiamond #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

20.01.2022 Im loving how the diamonds sparkle and the natural pearls glow in this beautiful pendant from about 1880. (We found some natural light to take a new set of shots normally Nikki from @life.is.short.diamonds has to struggle with the artificial light and shadows in my shop and this is the first of several shots from the day that Ill be posting here.) I chose a fine platinum chain to hang this jewel from, for a feminine, romantic look. It would also work with a gold chain as its impeccably crafted in yellow gold, with a silver top setting. A black ribbon or cord would be another lovely option. You can find full details in my online store

20.01.2022 Heres Pauli hoping you all have a wonderful #caturday ... #blackcat #blackcatsofinstagram #meetpauli

19.01.2022 Just listed: this very pretty ring from 1930 features an unheated vibrant sapphire surrounded by a pierced platinum plaque with early modern cut brilliant diamonds. It is engraved for July 12th 1930 exactly 90 years ago today! (I had no idea before I decided to list it, then closely read the inscription.) The millegrain settings surrounding the stones add delicacy, and the small shoulder diamonds are a lovely finishing touch. Find full details and a video in my online store theres a link to it in my bio #sapphire #sapphirering #sapphireanddiamondring #artdecoring #artdecoengagementring #vintageengagementring #engagementringssydney #karendeakin

19.01.2022 At first glance this looks like a typical, handsome, late Victorian bangle with an appealing plaited design. But this simple herringbone pattern plays tricks with the eyes when slowly twisted on the wrist. The whole piece seems to widen then narrow, then widen again. This optical illusion was well known in the 19th century, and incorporated into bangles and rings by English jewellers looking for novel designs. If you scroll through you can see a similar example in a 1901 catalogue from the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company. Click on the product tag to see full details, and get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #magicbangle #opticalillusion #victorianbracelet #victorianbangle #antiquebracelet #antiquebangle #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

19.01.2022 Just listed: this long and hefty antique watch chain makes such a strong statement. Wear it on its own or use it as a bedrock to combine with other favourite pieces. It is hallmarked for Birmingham 1908, is 19 inches long and weighs 89 grams. The hallmark is on the central ring, a sure sign of its true age. Dog clips and T-bars are often replacements in antique watch chains and are not a reliable indicator of age unless they all match. One of the dog clips here is also marked 1908. (Its possible the other was too but its too rubbed to read.) The medallion, as is common, has been added slightly later, and is also from Birmingham. It dates to 1915. Perhaps it was a wartime gift? #sundaysilver #silverwatchchain #antiquesilverwatchchain #edwardianwatchchain #silveralbert #silvermedallion #antiquesilverchain #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

19.01.2022 Just listed: here we have a very pretty early Art Deco unheated sapphire and diamond ring. The handcrafted 18-carat gold setting is solidly made yet delicate in appearance. It sits low on the finger, and the small diamonds are pavé set, secure in the platinum top making this more robust than some similar looking rings from this era. The design is geometric but still retains the soft rounded outlines of the Edwardian period. Find full details in my online store, and DM for an Instagram discount #artdecoring #artdecoengagementring #sapphireanddiamondring #artdecosapphirering #antiqueengagementring #vintageengagementring #sydneyengagementrings #unheatedsapphire #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

18.01.2022 Just listed: heres another great solitaire diamond ring, from about 1920 (at top). The central old European cut of about 1.39 carats is minimally set in a handmade pierced platinum mount, often found in early to mid 20th century rings. The shoulder diamonds add a pleasing taper, filling the width of the finger. Tiny hearts of platinum hold the main stone in place. The diamond is a very well proportioned old cut and is particularly lively. This could be a beautiful engagement ring. Find full details of it and the other solitaire at karendeakinantiques.com

17.01.2022 Just listed: I always feel excited to find antique earrings that look contemporary to the casual observer. The pared-down geometry of ovals, rounds and squares works so well in this wonderfully preserved example from about 1880. The matte 15-carat gold is simply embellished, with one row of twisted gold around the central motif. There is a lot of skilled workmanship at play. Its a deceptively simple design: many separate components have been hand assembled to form a beautifully balanced whole. Find full details in my online store, and DM for preferential pricing #antiquegoldearrings #victorianearrings #victoriangoldearrings #archaeologicalrevival #etruscanrevival #etruscanrevivalearrings #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

17.01.2022 Just listed: lovers of Scottish jewellery, this is for you. Gold examples are so much rarer than silver, and often show superb workmanship, as in this nine-carat example from about 1880. The carefully chosen contrasting stones have bevelled edges and are separated by a thin gold sheet, highlighting the uniqueness of each. The locket back contains the hair of a loved one. This was once a working padlock but has been neatly adapted to a pendant, with the arm now permanently clo...sed. Fine engraving adds a flourish to the delightful curves of the shield shape. You can see full details by clicking through on the product tags, and get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #scottishagate #scottishagatependant #scottishagatependant #scottishagatejewellery #scottishagatejewelry #antiquepadlock #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

16.01.2022 Just listed: I love bombé-shaped rings. While most Art Deco jewellery is flat and angular, some innovative jewellers in the 1920s and 30s embraced rounded forms, which work so well in statement rings. This handcrafted French beauty is fashioned in platinum, with piercing around the outside diamonds and the under-rail adding lightness and interest when viewed from all angles. Click on the product link for details, and please get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #bombe #bombering #diamondbombe #artdecoring #artdecostatementring #cocktailring #statementring #karendeakin

16.01.2022 Just listed: a vibrant Colombian emerald nestles between two beautiful old European cut diamonds in this stunning late Victorian carved half hoop ring. The vivid emerald weighs just over a carat, and each lively diamond just under a carat. Bigger and more beautiful than most, it proved hard to capture its essence on an iPhone. Some of you will know that this antique English style is one of my favourite ring settings. Sitting low on the finger, the gleaming yellow gold scrolled sides and shoulders provide a substantial setting without heaviness. Perhaps this is a good time to inform anyone who might be interested in seeing any pieces in the shop that I am now open at my usual hours of Wednesday to Friday 10-4, or by appointment. Find full details via the product tag and get in touch for my social media discount

15.01.2022 #blackouttuesday

15.01.2022 Just listed: heres another sapphire and diamond ring thats been newly added to my stock. The sapphires are a typical Ceylonese colour a bright mid-blue. The construction is 18-carat yellow gold, with the stones set in white gold. This shows the diamonds without the tint of reflected yellow an all-gold setting would bring. Delicate pierced sides add to the pretty early 20th century look. It would make a lovely antique engagement or dress ring. Find full details in my online store and DM for my Instagram price

14.01.2022 Just listed: these understated Edwardian diamond earrings can be worn at any time of the day or night. The single diamond top holds a knife-edge long joining link, which holds a lozenge-shaped drop of four diamonds. The space between the lower diamonds and the outer frame is a typical Edwardian introduction of lightness in design. The thin joining link adds to the lightness and movement, and is also distinctive of the period. The 18-carat yellow gold is another indication of ...age, along with the fine millegrain settings for the diamonds. As they are finely set in platinum-topped gold they work with accompanying jewellery in both white and yellow metals. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com, and DM for my Instagram price #diamondearrings #antiquediamondearrings #edwardianearrings #edwardiandiamondearrings #edwardianjewellery #edwardianjewelry #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

14.01.2022 Yay! My shop is getting back to normal! This week it was a joy to have a photo session with Nikki from @life.is.short.diamonds and @brie_veron. Heres their take on two very smart collars: the larger is mid-Victorian and English; the smaller is from the 1980s and Italian. I love how two pieces made more than 100 years apart work so well together. Both are available in my online store please DM me for a special Instagram price. And if youre in Sydney and would like to see my stock please get in touch to arrange a time, as for now Im open only by appointment #goldcollar #antiquegoldcollar #victoriannecklace #goldnecklace #vintagegoldnecklace #eightiesstyle #neckstack #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

13.01.2022 How do you like your emeralds? I love them when they glow with vibrant green fire, as here. Two of these rings have sold the large diamond cluster on the ring finger, and the emerald cluster on the little finger but the rest youll find listed on my website, karendeakinantiques.com. Please get in touch if youd like to know my Instagram price for any of them. Happy Sunday!

13.01.2022 You know I love a carved half hoop ... this example from about 1890 featuring sky blue turquoise cabochons and sizeable, lively diamonds sold last week before I could list it, to a gorgeous new customer. We had such fun looking at my stock. Nothing beats seeing a jewel in person but, if you can’t visit me in Sydney, rest assured I accept returns. I want all my customers to be delighted with their purchases #turquoisetuesday #turquoise #turquoiseanddiamonds #turquoisehalfhoop #carvedhalfhoop #antiqueturquoisering #antiqueturquoise #victorianturquoise #victorianring #turquoiseanddiamondring #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

13.01.2022 We shot this a couple of years ago then forgot about it when February 14 rolled around. Of all these jewels, I’m surprised that it’s the Georgian turquoise heart and the moonstone and diamond brooch that haven’t yet sold. Check them out using the product tags, and reach out if you’d like my social media discount. Happy Valentine’s Day! #heartjewellery #heartjewelry #georgianheartlocket #georgianheart #georgianlocket #georgianturquoise #turquoiseandruby #forgetmenot #heartlocket #antiqueheartlocket #turquoise #moonstone #moonstoneheart #moonstoneanddiamonds #twinhearts #heartbrooch #antiquemoonstonebrooch #victorianmoonstone #victorianbrooch #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

13.01.2022 Just listed: heres a beautiful 15-carat gold antique chain. This link is more often seen in guard chains. Here it makes a feminine statement in contrast to the stronger, plainer links normally seen in alberts. Marked 15C on the centre ring, it is almost certainly Australian. Only England and its colonies used 15-carat gold as a standard. The length is a very generous 21 1/2 inches, or 55cm. And the T-bar with the engraved central section is a rare survivor. This chain looks ...wonderful worn alone or will layer well with others. I love its bright, buttery colour. I was delighted to find it. Find full details and a video at karendeakinantiques.com and DM for a special Instagram price #watchchain #yellowgoldwatchchain #fancylink #goldalbert #albertchain #antiquewatchchain #antiquegoldchain #victorianchain #victorianwatchchain #australianantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

12.01.2022 Just listed: moonstones and diamonds work so well together. Both play with the light so differently. Here the soft blue adularescence of the central stone glows next to the sharp fire of the surrounding frame of diamonds. Together they form a beautiful whole. The brooch is handcrafted in platinum Its almost an inch long and the workmanship is superb. It dates from the Edwardian period, when colourless or pale tinted gemstones were the height of fashion. The moonstone is a particularly fine example. Find it at karendeakinantiques.com and DM for my Instagram price

12.01.2022 Heres the Edwardian diamond necklet I posted here a couple of weeks ago now seen at the length it looks best. Isnt it lovely on our model? Id be delighted to have the platinum chain shortened to the length right for you, at no extra cost. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com, and DM for a special Instagram price #y #ynot #diamond #diamonds #oec #oldeuropeancut #diamondnecklet #letterY #diamondnecklace #necklet #edwardiannecklace #artdeconecklace #1920sstyle #twentiesstyle #bridaljewellery #bridaljewelry #weddingjewellery #weddingjewelry #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

12.01.2022 There is a lot of detailed handwork in these small late Victorian English earrings. Each has a good old cut diamond surrounded by a star setting in a 15-carat yellow gold raised circular surround, bordered with rope work, then set on a rayed circular surround with granulated edges, further set on a deeply serrated base disc. These are very wearable as everyday earrings. There is a matching brooch for those days you want to make more of a statement, with even more detail. A st...epped top disc with accompanying ropework has been added, raising the height fractionally, and providing perfect balance to the overall design. It’s possible to wear a brooch like this as a pendant even on a light chain as shown. The trick is to pin the brooch in place, so no weight is actually carried by the chain #antiqueearrings #victorianearrings #victorianbrooch #antiquebrooch #jewelleryset #jewelryset #bloomedgold #demiparure #antiquediamondearrings #antiquediamondbrooch #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

11.01.2022 Just listed: charm bracelets were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in America, at a time when the the rest of the world looked with envy at the affluent United States as fashion leaders. The bracelet and all but two of the charms are 18-carat yellow gold the telephone and champagne bucket are 14-carat. These kinds of bracelets are usually a mixed bag when it comes to quality. Here all the charms are appealing. And the bracelet holding them is lovely too, which is often not the case. The length is a generous eight inches, and it weighs a hefty 73.6 grams. To see all the charms in more detail visit my website listing. Find full details via the product tag and get in touch for my social media discount

11.01.2022 Just listed: paste perfection! This glorious late Victorian necklace, in its original English box, is in the Georgian Revival style, harking back to the fashions of 100 years earlier. Set with blue glass and clear pastes, it echoes the diamond jewels worn by the rich and powerful of the late 18th century. The clear pastes are the old brilliant cuts of the late 19th century, making it easy to identify as a revival piece. Many of us would love to own a diamond version of this. ...But I find this almost more appealing, as its still a fine collectors piece yet wearable, without feeling over the top it could dress up a dinner date, for example. Its wonderfully preserved, protected by the original box, and all the pastes are still white. They could easily be mistaken for diamonds. Find full details in my online store and DM for a special Instagram price #pasteperfection #pastenecklace #antiquepaste #antiquepastenecklace #antiquepastejewellery #antiquepastejewelry #georgianrevival #georgianrevivalnecklace #victoriannecklace #originalfittedbox #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

10.01.2022 This one is personal collection, at least for the time being. I don’t know when I’ll find one I like more. There’s something so wearable about a good bow brooch. Beautiful examples abound from all periods. I only buy bows that artfully hint at movement I don’t like them to look stiff and rigid. The lightness of platinum makes it a superb medium for conveying this seeming fragility. This charming Art Deco platinum example was fashioned in about 1930. It contains 91 diamonds of four different cuts, with a total weight of almost four and a half carats all exquisitely set in a timeless motif #bowbrooch #diamondbow #diamondbowbrooch #bow #platinumbow #artdecobow #artdecobrooch #diamondbrooch #thirtiesstyle #sydneyantiques #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #karendeakin

10.01.2022 For #turquoisetuesday: the lovely mid-Victorian snake necklace and brooch are listed on my website please get in touch if you’d like my Instagram prices for them (the antique double hoop earrings have sold)

10.01.2022 Just listed: Would I wear it myself? is the acid test I often use when buying. And I would happily wear this appealing bracelet from the 1940s, though it has more carats than Im normally comfortable with. This is partly because the lovely old cut diamonds dont brashly shout their presence, partly because the design is pretty but not fussy, and partly because the platinum mount feels satisfyingly substantial on the wrist. Find full details in my online store and DM for my Instagram price #diamondbracelet #artdecobracelet #artdecodiamondbracelet #fortiesstyle #karendeakin

09.01.2022 Just listed: long gold chains were the height of fashion in the Edwardian period, retaining their popularity from most of the 19th century. This delicate rose gold example from about 1910 has three short curb links alternating with one long one not a pattern you commonly see. You could hang favourite small treasures from it, despite its fineness, as it’s in wonderful condition. Find full details in my online store, and DM for my Instagram price #rosegoldchain #antiquerosegoldchain #edwardianchain #rosegoldguardchain #rosegoldmuffchain #guardchain #muffchain #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

09.01.2022 Just listed: this stunning gold bracelet was made in about 1880. It would have been the height of fashion, emulating Queen Victoria’s passion for all things Scottish. (Not all so-called Scottish jewellery was made in Scotland. Much was produced in Birmingham, sometimes using pre-cut stones from Germany, after the local, limited supplies were exhausted.) This style of bracelet with capped engraved columns was popular, though most are much simpler, with only one row, and they’r...e usually silver set. The joining links are a special feature here, their raised agates united in an elaborate cartouche base and delineated by thin strips of gold that provide a refined contrast to the rich hues of the stones. Find full details on my website there’s a link to it in my bio and DM if you’d like my Instagram discount. The matching Scottish agate gold shield pendant and the Victorian engraved gold snake ring are for sale separately #scottishagate #agate #agates #laceagate #scottishbracelet #agatebracelet #antiquescottishjewellery #antiquescottishjewelry #antiquescottishagate #victorianbracelet #antiquegoldbracelet #agatependant #agateshield #scottishagatependant #snakering #goldsnakering #victoriansnakering #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

08.01.2022 Just listed for #silversunday: Jorma Laine was a gifted Finnish jeweller, most active during the 1960s and 70s. The design of these two silver pieces is one of his most popular. He used variations of the same motif in pendants, bracelets and necklaces. They remind me of @marimekko fabrics. That’s not surprising same time, same country. Interestingly, they bear somewhat different marks. The necklace is stamped 925 for purity, the bracelet 830. The necklace is hallmarked for ...Finland 1974, and also bears an import mark into England for 1975. The bracelet is hallmarked Finland 1971. I have to confess my ignorance of Finnish marks, so can’t throw any light on the differences. I bought them separately and am offering them as such. Note that the size of the links is far larger in the bracelet than the necklace. Click on the product links to see my shop listings, and get in touch if you’d like my social media discount. The vintage silver butterfly wing pendant is for sale separately #jormalaine #jormalainesilver #jormalainenecklace #jormalainebracelet #jormalainejewellery #jormalainejewelry #scandinaviansilver #finnishsilver #scandinaviandesign #scandinavianstyle #butterflywing #butterflywingpendant #butterflywingjewellery #butterflywingjewelry #karendeakin See more

08.01.2022 I’m delighted to see how Dahlia Chase has styled the antique paste necklace she bought from me with Austin lingerie by @agentprovocateur. Just ravishing! #antiquepastenecklace #victorianpastenecklace #victoriannecklace

08.01.2022 Just listed: two-row gem-set rings give great coverage across the finger. This early 20th century diamond band is a generous width that looks marvellous on a broader finger. A fine claw setting of platinum holds the old mine cut diamonds in a rich 18-carat yellow gold handcrafted mount. The boat-shaped setting is flattering too, gently tapering into the band. Find full details in my online store and DM for preferential pricing

08.01.2022 Just listed: this pretty sapphire and diamond ring from about 1925 is in nearly mint condition. The millegrain border and sapphire setting are still crisp, while the solid setting and band remain unworn. Like so many early 20th century rings the sides are appealing too. The rich 18-carat yellow gold mount is skilfully hand pierced, adding delicacy and interest to the overall design. The top setting is a separate platinum pierced plate holding the round old cut diamonds and r...ich blue rectangular sapphire. I particularly like the axis of the design going across the finger. This means that although it’s not a large ring, you get a lot of coverage. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com, and DM for my Instagram discount #sapphirering #sapphireengagementring #artdecoring #artdecoengagementring #vintageengagementring #engagementringssydney #karendeakin See more

08.01.2022 I posted a video of this large vintage platinum cluster some weeks ago. It looks even better on a hand, dont you think? With an estimated 2.76 carats of white, bright and lively old cuts, it offers reflection and fire from every angle and of course for far less outlay than a single stone of an equivalent size would command. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com, and DM for my Instagram price #diamondring #diamondengagementring #vintageengagementring #clusterring #diamondcluster #diamondclusterring #sydneyengagementrings #karendeakin

07.01.2022 Here are a few newly listed antique sapphire and diamond rings set in 18-carat yellow gold. Some of you have asked to see them on a hand to get a sense of their size. I hope this helps. Find them all at karendeakinantiques.com

07.01.2022 Just listed: I love the simple geometry of this Y-shaped Edwardian diamond necklet. The understated design lends itself to being worn day and night. Delicate collets of 15-carat gold topped with platinum form a series of circles, joined by a platinum chain. Fine millegraining around each old cut diamond adds to the overall prettiness. Please view the online video to see their sparkle, and note that one of the stones is warm even chocolaty in tone. This lovely necklace wou...ld look best sitting at the nape of the neck. We took these pictures in a rush before lockdown, so there was no time for niceties like pulling the chain up a little to show it at the ideal length. Id be delighted to have it shortened to the length right for you, at no extra cost. Remember that I offer layaways, and I accept returns if youre not delighted with your purchase. Find full details and the footage of it at karendeakinantiques.com, and DM for Instagram pricing See more

07.01.2022 Just listed: here’s a stunning Edwardian sterling silver jewellery box made for Hardy Brothers in London in 1908. Hardy Bros was founded in Sydney in 1853 by John Hardy, soon after he arrived in colonial Australia from England. By the time this box was made the business had opened a shop in Brisbane. It later expanded across Australia and has been granted a royal warrant by every British sovereign since George V. The repoussé design on the lid is based on Reynolds’ angels, a... turn-of-the century motif taken from a painting by Sir Joseph Reynolds and seen on many English silver items of the period. There’s also a sweet inscription for NELL. The box has sumptuously curved sides and baroque-inspired garlands of foliage surrounding more cherubim. Its interior is lined in indigo velvet, trimmed with royal blue piping, and there’s a black leather base. This would make an appealing dressing table adornment to hold your most treasured jewels. Find full details in my online store, and DM if you’d like my Instagram price #jewelbox #antiquejewelbox #sterlingsilverjewelbox #antiquejewellerybox #antiquejewelrybox #trinketbox #nell #reynoldsangels #baroque #sydneyantiques #karendeakin See more

06.01.2022 Glamorous earrings in the 1950s often swept up the ear, as here. This was a radical departure from centuries of long ear pendants. Hairstyles, whether short or long, exposed most of the ear, making this an appropriate fashion. Rounded lines and floral motifs were back in fashion, Art Deco geometry out. Think Dior and the New Look. These pretty flower and leaf clips would look marvellous on many women, includingolder ones. Ear lobes can lengthen with age, so a style covering them can be a smart move. The diamonds are very white too, and sparkle beautifully when worn. Click on the product tag to see full details, and get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #diamondearclips #diamondclipearrings #vintagediamondearrings #fiftiesearrings #fiftiesstyle #statementearrings #diamondflowerearrings #karendeakin

05.01.2022 Just listed: a large and lively golden citrine is surrounded by a classically inspired frame of rich matte 15-carat yellow gold in this appealing brooch from about 1880. Two levels of scalloped and mitred gold are further embellished with granules of gold and rope work. The citrine surround forms a fine crown of gold when glimpsed from the side. Strong mid-Victorian jewels like this work so well with modern jewellery, too. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com #citrine #citrinebrooch #sunflower #sunshine #victorianbrooch #victoriancitrine #antiquebrooch #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

05.01.2022 Just listed: five carats of fire and rainbows live within this stunning Lightning Ridge black opal. A deep rolling flash of red to orange dominates. But there are lots of other fireworks across the spectrum too. I took great pains to get a realistic valuation for this beauty. Very few people are knowledgeable enough, even here in Sydney, to assess top stones like this. The retail valuation is 33,000 Australian dollars about 24,000 USD. Yes, this is a serious stone! I did bu...y it very well, though, and am delighted that I can offer it for sale for 18,000 AUD the wholesale price my gem lab gave me. Its the most beautiful and valuable example Ive ever been lucky enough to own. Visit my website to see more of it and, as usual, DM me if youd like my special Instagram price ... #opal #blackopal #lightningridgeopal #lightningridgeblackopal #australianopal #australianblackopal #looseopal #redopal #opalcabochon #rainbowopal #karendeakin See more

05.01.2022 Just listed: this classic late Art Deco diamond solitaire could be someone’s ideal engagement ring. The central old European brilliant is white and bright, and very lively too, as it is well proportioned. The shoulder diamonds are arranged in a stepped-down pattern, typical of the geometric profiles of the interwar years. The fine millegrain beading is still intact, and adds a feminine touch to the simple design. Overall, the construction is robust enough for careful everyday... wear a vital consideration if you are looking for an antique or vintage engagement ring. Click through to the listing using the product tag on the photo, and please get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #artdecosolitaire #artdecosolitairering #artdecoring #artdecoengagementring #artdecodiamondring #vintageengagementring #sydneyengagementrings #engagementringssydney #karendeakin See more

05.01.2022 A customer loves all three. Which would you choose? #victorianbangle #antiquebangle #sapphirebangle #victorianbracelet #antiquebracelet #victorianbracelets #antiquebracelets #antiquesapphirebracelet #diamondbracelet #antiquediamondbracelet #wriststack #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

05.01.2022 Just listed: heres a staple in a wardrobe of antique and vintage gold jewels a substantial but not heavy looking good gold chain to display pendants and lockets. This handcrafted English 15-carat gold example from about 1900 is stamped on every one of its curb links. It retains its original barrel clasp. Jewels made in 15-carat gold predate 1932, when it ceased to be a British gold standard and 14-carat was adopted, bringing the country into line with most of the rest of the world. The colour is rich this chain has had very little wear and retains its original matte finish. Find full details at karendeakinantiques (the gold locket is listed there too), and get in touch for preferential pricing #antiquegoldchain #victorianchain #antiquechain #goldchain #yellowgoldchain #curblink #curbchain #15caratgold #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

04.01.2022 Here are two lovely lockets new in stock, and coming to my website soon. As always, please get in touch if you’d like my Instagram price ... #goldlocket #fanlocket #victorianlocket #edwardianlocket #goldfan #rosegoldlocket #antiquelocket #roundlocket #guardchain #victorianguardchain #muffchain #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

04.01.2022 Just listed: these mid to late Victorian Bohemian garnet earrings started life as a pair of hat or cloak pins. Theyve been rescued to live again as a stunning pair of fiery red ball earrings. Please note that theyre weighty, given their original purpose. The hooks and caps are modern additions of nine-carat gold. The garnets are very well cut and close set too, adding to the liveliness. And the art that has gone into assembling the finely graduated gemstones is a joy to behold. Find full details in my online store theres a link to my shop in my bio and please DM if youd like a special Instagram price #garnet #garnets

04.01.2022 Just listed: heres the best Cleopatra-style gold collar Ive ever seen! The nine-carat yellow gold rods form an undulating wave encircling the neck. It sits beautifully, partly because of the design and partly because of its satisfyingly heavy weight of 75 grams. And it comes in its original handsome box from Chaincraft of England, adding to its appeal. This bears an inscription dating it to Christmas 1958 in South Africa. There was an influx of middle class South African mi...grants to Australia in the 1960s, so its not surprising that this jewel should turn up in Sydney today. Its longer than most, at 18 inches, and will fit most women. I seriously considered keeping it but its too bold and gold for me at this time in my life. Im delighted to offer it for sale. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com the video on the listing shows how wonderfully it moves and DM if youd like my Instagram price #goldcollar #goldnecklace #cleopatracollar #cleopatranecklace #cleopatrastyle #cleopatra #retrocollar #retronecklace #midcenturynecklace #slinky #chaincraft #chaincraftnecklace #chaincraftengland #karendeakin See more

03.01.2022 Just listed: heres a really substantial rose gold antique watch chain of trombone links alternating with knots. It can be worn as two bracelets as well as a necklace an extra dog clip and a few round links have been added at some time in its history. (There is no T-bar but I can provide an antique one if desired.)The chain weighs a hefty 56.5 grams and is completely handmade in nine-carat gold, with the long links bearing English carat stamps. The length is a very wearable 17 inches. Find full details in my online store where the antique chalcedony cross is also listed and DM for preferential pricing #rosegoldchain #rosegoldwatchchain #antiquerosegoldchain #watchchain #trombonelink #fetterlink #longlink #fancylink #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

03.01.2022 Here’s a pretty pink sapphire and pearl ring from about 1835 the late Georgian period. The ornately carved setting is high-carat gold, as you’d expect in a quality example. The six natural pearls are lovely they’re lustrous, well-matched and white. You can find full details in my online store and please DM if you’d like my Instagram discount #georgianring #pinksapphire #pinksapphirering #pearlring #naturalpearls #naturalpearlring #georgianpearlring #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

03.01.2022 Just listed: the unheated rubies in this lovely Edwardian ring are unusually vibrant in colour. They star in this hand-carved half hoop, fully hallmarked for Chester 1904. Four small single cut diamonds set in a crossover design separate the rubies, adding a touch of white sparkle as a contrast to the rich red stones. The rubies are very well matched. The warmth between them and the buttery yellow gold setting is most pleasing. Find full details in my online store and DM for my Instagram price

02.01.2022 Just listed: I am very taken with the beautiful large unheated sapphire starring in this early to mid 20th century ring. The blue is vivid and even and such a lovely shade, typical of Ceylon gems. Ten white, bright old cut diamonds surround it in an alternating round and scalloped platinum top setting extending to the shoulders. Millegraining around all the stones adds a subtle sparkle. The mount is stamped for 18-carat yellow gold, and has ornately hand-engraved sides. The...re is a lab report for the sapphire stating that it weighs 1.94 carats, is unheated and from Ceylon. Its colour used to be described as cornflower blue but the term has sadly fallen out of favour nowadays, giving way to more scientific terms. It really does describe the particular hue seen here. Find full details at karendeakinantiques.com and DM for my special Instagram price #sapphire #ceylonsapphire #unheatedsapphire #cornflowerbluesapphire #cornflowerblue #sapphirering #sapphireanddiamondring #vintagesapphirering #handengraved #vintageengagementring #sydneyengagementrings #karendeakin See more

02.01.2022 When I saw this photo I realised Id never before seen this ring in natural light! You can find it listed at karendeakinantiques.com please get in touch if youd like a special Instagram price ...

01.01.2022 Just listed: heres another outstanding antique carved half hoop. A rich and lively unheated sapphire sits between two flashing white old mine cut diamonds. A heavy scrolled handmade buttery-yellow gold mount holds them securely in the low setting typical of these late 19th/early 20th century rings. The cushion cut sapphire is estimated at just over 0.80 carat, and the two diamonds together add up to an estimated 1.30 carats. Find details, photos and another video in my online store, and DM for my Instagram price

01.01.2022 I like a bow to look as though it’s just been tied. I don’t like examples that appear stiff or rigid. Of course, that’s a paradoxical demand to place on precious metal, but this diamond and ruby pretty from about 1930 admirably fits the brief. The pierced 18-carat gold is light, so it won’t drag delicate fabric down, and the gorgeously carved flowers add to the dainty appeal. Find full details using the product link on this photo, and, as always, get in touch if you’d like my social media discount #bowbrooch #goldbow #retrobow #retrobrooch #diamondandruby #diamondandrubybow #rubyanddiamondbow #bringbackthebrooch #karendeakin

01.01.2022 My ravishing friend Kate came in yesterday to pick up this Edwardian diamond necklet she’s had on layby. She matched it with her Art Deco diamond earrings, also from me. I offer layby layaway for all pieces over 1,000 Australian dollars. I find that many serious collectors buy this way. A bonus for me is the repeat visits and it’s always a delight to see Kate #diamondnecklet #edwardiannecklet #antiquediamondnecklace #artdecoearrings #artdecodiamondearrings #sydneyantiquejewellery #antiquejewellerysydney #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

29.12.2021 Just listed: aquamarine and diamond cocktail rings capture the mood of post-World War Two affluence and leisure. This beauty from about 1950 features a rich blue stone of just over 10 carats. Rolled shoulders step down four levels, balancing the rectangular centre with their bold and rounded geometry. Four old cut diamonds sit on either side of the aquamarine, adding just the right amount of sparkle to create a classic look. Find full details via the product tag and get a touch for my social media discount

09.12.2021 I feel so lucky to buy and sell beautiful jewels for a living. Here are nine of my favourites this year, though there are others I love and loved just as much. Happy new year to all! #bestof2021 #sydneyantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

07.12.2021 Just listed: playing with new stock, we ended up with this combo of an amethyst pendant from about 1880 with a gold heart locket from about 1900. They work surprisingly well together, but are of course for sale separately, and both are on my website now. Find full details via the product tags and get in touch for my social media discount #amethystpendant #amethystcross #victorianamethyst #heartlocket #goldheartlocket #diamondheartlocket #victorianheart #victorianheartlocket #antiqueheartlocket #sydneyantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin

21.11.2021 This delightful Art Deco band composed of linked diamonds symbolising eternity sold before we had a chance to list it. Beautifully made in 18-carat white gold with a platinum top setting, it adds another level to the eternity ring concept, as I’m sure you’ll agree. I’m just sorry there was no opportunity to show you the fine details #artdecoring #artdecoeternityring #artdecoweddingring #artdecoweddingband #eternityring #eternityband #halfeternityring #sydneyantiquejewellery #sydneyantiques #karendeakin