Mardon Jewelers at the Mission Inn

We’re just back from the Los Angelese Antiques Jewelry Show where we acquired these wonderful vintage and antique items. Antiques are at least 100 years old, while vintage refers to pieces less old, but usually of period style, such as Art Deco or Retro.

As usual, our annual pilgrimage to the Tucson Gem Shows in early February was a fun mix of business and pleasure.

This beautifully made amethyst intaglio ring from ancient Rome, carved over 2000 years ago by master carver Hyllos, resides in the famous Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia. Featuring the head of Apollo, it reminds us very much of this magnificent amethyst intaglio ring that resides in our estate case.

We’ve been working hard this season creating pieces based on our original designs and one-of-a-kind jewelry. So what’s the difference between a one-of-a-kind and a designer original?

One of the missions Robert M. Shipley defined when he created the Gemological Institute of America was to rectify incorrect practices in the jewelry and gem business. One of the most common of these is the use of trade names and misnomers for gemstones.

We just acquired this gorgeous crystal opal from Ethiopia. Full of fiery reds and oranges, as well as golds, greens and  purples, this beauty will be the perfect drop of color for a magnificent necklace. While it’s been known for various unusual types of opal since the early 1990’s, Ethiopia burst onto the gem scene […]

We immediately fell in love with this sweet little opal and diamond pin of gold and platinum that was offered to us as part of an estate. A blend of Late Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian styling, the construction of fabricated platinum overlaid onto 14K yellow gold indicated the piece was made right around 1900.

If you think all sapphires are blue, take another look– this gorgeous bracelet is set with in an amazing array of beautiful sapphires, from deep purple to soft green to sunset orange to bright pink to golden yellow. In the gem trade, we call these unusual colors “Fancy” sapphires. Here are some handy insider tips […]

Sapphire is one of the loved of all gemstones– it’s bright beautiful color, extreme durability, and rarity have made it desirable and sought after for centuries. Because sapphire comes in a wide range of quality, it’s cost can range from very reasonable to crown jewel expensive. Here are some valuable tips that will help you […]

  Peridot is a beautiful lively gemstone that can be quite affordable. It’s an easy gem to buy because what you see is what you get and there are lots of great Peridot gems to choose from. Here are some tips that show how a professional gem trader buys.