27 Comments
User's avatar
Rebekah's avatar

Please show the bombe ring.

P.S. I have an antique OMC cluster ring arriving tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on in-person vibes…

Jess Graves's avatar

Your wish is my command

Jelly W's avatar

I love this so so much, as someone who also feels a special pull towards jewellery. Thank you for articulating this, I feel very similarly about the categories you named, although I will buy contemporary pieces such as earrings that are not necessarily “artisanal” if that makes sense. I also love the idea of the piece speaking to you and collecting slowly over a lifetime.

Jess Graves's avatar

it's so different for everyone, so personal!

Jelly W's avatar

Yes I love the reminder that things like this should remain special.

Jess Graves's avatar

yes! treasures!

Veronica Szalas Valentine's avatar

JESS...THIS POST!!!! I also own the Cummings positive/negative earrings in black jade and had the exact same thought when I bought them — the Tiffany provenance was almost beside the point. I knew they were good because I had never seen anything like them before — the inlay, the scale, all of it...mismatched!? Like, what!? And the thing is, the longer I own them the more I reach for them. That's the mark of a truly great piece. Thank you for this — so generous to share your thinking and perspective so openly.

Jess Graves's avatar

They’re soooo good,, enjoy them!!

Samantha Ronson's avatar

Epic engraving on the watch!

Madison Snider Podpirka's avatar

Loved diving into this!!!

Annie Wilson's avatar

Loved this - thank you for sharing!

Same kind of CRAZY's avatar

I recommend attending the Original Miami Beach Antique Show. Held once a year you will see so much incredible jewelry in one place! There are signed, unsigned, antique and estate pieces. There are deals and very rare pieces. One of my favorite places to shop❤️

Jess Graves's avatar

Oooh great tip

Tally Gilbert's avatar

This is such an amazing read! Thank you xxx

Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

This is how I’ve grown my collection. I collect vintage copper from the 50s, and 1970s Canadian Brutalists (brass, copper, pewter). It resonates with me and I wear it all!

Awesome article, Jess!💕

Aisha Vernon's avatar

“I think that’s the true shopper’s trick, right? Learn to see the object before you read the stamp” such a great reminder

Jess Graves's avatar

Important silencer of marketing noise

Sogole Kane's avatar

Never nodded my head so much. Incroyable!

Jess Graves's avatar

tanky tanky!

Kate Rubin's avatar

Great post, great tips, and a GREAT collection!!! Now..where can I find some Angela Cummings earrings for $2500?! :( :( :(

Jess Graves's avatar

I’d save an alert on TRR!

Aster's avatar
Apr 9Edited

Check out this designer from Miami who hunts and processes local Burmese pythons for her skins https://ellebarbeito.com/

Lauren Harper's avatar

I wish I could afford anything you are talking about, but I love to listen 😇

kco's avatar

What don’t you do!!! I learned so much. Can we get an image of all your pieces?

Dina Keilany's avatar

This is a great framework. I’ve collected jewelry for years (mix of independent designers and name brands) and am mostly focused on rings. Looking forward to seeing the bombe ring.