A client inherited this gorgeous antique Yogo Sapphire pin and asked us to appraise it. Sapphires were known to occur in several areas of western Montana as early as 1865. For the most part, these deposits produced only moderately good sapphires. The discovery of sapphires in Yogo Creek was different. In 1895, famed gemologist G.F. […]
We were thrilled to acquire this pendant featuring an authentic Piece of Eight silver coin from the most valuable sunken treasure ever found. In 1985, after 16 years of searching, famed (and persistent) treasure hunter Mel Fisher discovered the mother lode of all treasures off the Florida Keys. Valued at over 500 million dollars, the Atocha treasure […]
We recently had the pleasure of examining this superb antique chatelaine. Centuries ago, the lady of the house wore the chatelaine, a strap or bag looped over a belt at the waist. Typically, the various tools necessary for her to deal with her daily tasks, items such as keys, scissors, watches, etc. were attached with chains. During the last half of […]
This exquisite necklace from the Edwardian period, circa 1900-1915, exhibits the fine craftsmanship we associate with antique jewelry. The piece was made by fabricating and forming raw metals into the parts of the jewel. The main body and dangles began as thin sheets of platinum. The chain and bezels were made from hand-drawn wires and […]
Just in time for Valentine’s day, Friday, February 14– fabulous new goodies we recently acquired from a large collection of fine jewelry! If you are looking for something really special for that special someone, this group of vintage jewels may offer the perfect choice– we’ll highlight just a few items from over one hundred new […]
This spectacular pendant from the early 20th century highlights a parade of items new to our estate department. At 2 1/2 inches long, it’s just killer.
We just acquired these beautiful natural Alexandrite jewels from ABC Gems, our supplier who specializes in fine natural Alexandrites. For starters, the delicate pendant above features a round Alexandrite of excellent color change and clarity set in 18K white gold accented with diamonds. Alexandrite was originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia. A controversial story claims the […]
A client brought these three stones to our shop looking to sell them. She had purchased the stones while traveling and was under the impression the two 30 ct. greenish blue ones were aquamarines and the peachy pink stone was morganite. At Mardon, as gemologists, we always buy gems very carefully and only when we […]
We just completed the most unusual wedding ring we’ve ever done- a Secret Decoder Ring, crafted of 14K white and rose gold and set with diamonds. Greg, one of Jenny’s best friends, an entertainment industry buff, had taken his fiancé Rebecca to a performance of “The Thrilling Adventure Hour”. Greg and Rebecca had such a great time, the […]
We just delivered this remodeled ring to the delight of our client. He came to us looking to buy a 2 carat diamond and to have a custom ring made. We had just recut a damaged and poorly cut 2.44 carat round diamond to the gorgeous 2.09 ideal cut stone shown– we offered it to […]
