Lost Owl

Beautiful Georgian earrings dating from the latter half of the 18th century, circa 1760. They're crafted in silver, wonderfully detailed with floral, foliate, and star motifs, and set with glistening white strasse paste gemstones in closed back, foiled settings. They're long and articulated, allowing them to dance and dazzle as they're worn.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/18th-century-paste-dangle-earrings

So I'm lowkey obsessed with the way our cherry wood table is ageing this winter... especially when it's wet. It's a riot of red and orange tones over dark, moody blacks and greys. It's completely untreated at the moment, which is a concern - can any wood people recommend how we should look after it (ideally preserving the current aesthetic)?

These four pieces just dropped online. A Tuesday Vintage Mini Drop ✌️

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds

Elegant antique single-stone ring dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1905. The stone is a gorgeous, moody grey cat's eye chrysoberyl with dark grey body colour and a band of shimmering light - an optical effect known as chatoyancy - blazing down the middle. Tapered, reeded shoulders draw the eye towards the oval cabochon cut stone, and the ring itself is built in 18ct yellow gold.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/edwardian-cats-eye-ring

An exceptional vintage pyramid ring in the minimal mid century modernist style. Dating from the 1950s, the head is a truncated square pyramid, the lower half formed from a single piece of black onyx, and the top from white gold set with nine icy-white diamonds. The architectural form perfectly complements the minimalist design aesthetic, and hallmarks to the outer band indicate that it was made in the Catalan city of Barcelona, Spain. Crafted in 18ct white gold.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/mid-century-pyramid-ring

Charming antique five-stone ring with pearls and a diamond in square, stepped settings. The centre stone is a high-domed rose cut diamond in an engraved star setting, flanked by four lustrous white pearls - two on either side. London hallmarks to the inner band indicate 18ct gold and the year of production: 1887.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/1887-diamond-pearl-stepped-band

Striking antique five-stone ring set with vivid orange hessonite garnets. The stones - a particularly good collection - are secured by scalloped prong mounts, with clear English hallmarks for 18ct gold and the year 1912. The maker's mark AWC & Co. indicates it was made by Arthur Walter Crosbee & Company of 7 Vyse Street, Birmingham. The company was founded in 1902 remained in the family until the 1940s.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/1912-orange-garnet-ring

An adorable antique crowned double heart ring dating from the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Coral and mabé pearl are paired to stunning effect, the silky iridescence complementing the pastel coral perfectly - both hearts topped by a diamond-set crown. Such a sweet and powerful sentiment, pretty much a distillation of the overt romanticism the Victorians are known for. Built in 18ct gold.

https://lostowl.com/products/victorian-crowned-double-heart-ring

Two old cut diamonds flank a central 80pt emerald cut to form the focal point of this stunning vintage engagement ring. The stones are exceptionally clean and bright with excellent colour, mounted in a minimalist, four-prong 18ct white gold setting. Somewhat unusual to see round stones paired with an emerald cut, but it works brilliantly (if you'll excuse the pun). The three stones of a trilogy ring are said to represent the past, present, and future respectively.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/vintage-1-22ct-diamond-trilogy-ring

Striking antique pendant in the Etruscan Revival style, characterised by fine applied ropework (three different thicknesses!), bright high carat yellow gold, and an enamelled meander (aka Greek key) pattern around the central bullseye agate cabochon. It's crafted in 15ct gold and dates from the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1870, when such revivalist jewellery was at the height of its popularity.

The Etruscan Revival movement, characterised by its elaborate use of complex designs, often incorporating motifs and themes borrowed from ancient Greece. Discoveries of ancient tombs and artefacts in Pompeii and Herculaneum during the early decades of the 19th century captured the imaginations of the landed Brits, and during the course of the century various revivalist movements came to fruition: Egyptian, Archaeological, and Etruscan, being the most prominent. The intricate goldwork employed by ancient Etruscan artisans enchanted both working jewellers and the high society of the time, indeed it took more than a decade for jewellers re-learn the techniques used by their ancient counterparts - so they say.

https://lostowl.com/products/etruscan-revival-greek-key-pendant

Charming antique trilogy ring dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1910. The stones, two old cut diamonds and a central sapphire, rest in platinum bezel settings finished in fine millegrain, a beautiful bimetal colour contrast with the warm 18ct gold band. The diamonds are chunky old miners with deliciously high tables, and the sapphire has an intense blue colour with a hint of purple.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/edwardian-sapphire-trilogy-ring-1

An incredible Georgian period brooch with detachable bail for wear as a pendant. Constructed around a colossal 32 carat amber-orange citrine, it features a pearl border that graduates ever-so-slightly around the cushion shaped stone. It's a wonderful effect, adding subtle intrigue to the design. Built in 15ct gold. Distinct Napoleon (2023) vibes.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/big-georgian-citrine-pendant

Sensational vintage double row ring dating from the 1980s (which, admittedly, won't be to everyone's taste). The diamonds are set in individual mounts set on the end of thin struts: two rows of squares that step down from the middle, bordered by leaf shaped settings to either side. It's crafted in 18ct white gold throughout, a masterclass in post-modern jewellery design.

https://lostowl.com/products/post-modern-stepped-double-row-ring

The vulture was sacred to the Ancient Egyptians long before the first Pharaohs reigned. They associated the birds with purity and motherhood, believing all vultures to be female with the ability to reproduce without the intervention of males (parthenogenesis), and also with the eternal cycle of death and rebirth on account of their ability to transform scavenged carrion ("death") into not just life. And not just any old life, the Egyptians were fascinated by the incomparable elegance of their flight.

Nekhbet was an early predynastic patron of the city Nekheb, later becoming the patron of the Upper Egypt and ultimately, alongside Wadjet, the whole of Ancient Egypt after unification under Menes (around 3150 BC). Immortalised in a number of hieroglyphs, and protected by Pharaonic law, vultures were a common sight on Egyptian streets, resulting in their nickname "Pharaoh's Chicken".

This antique necklace was made during the 19th century Egyptian Revival, circa 1880, featuring colourful cloisonné enamelling over sterling silver. The colours mimic Ancient Egyptian artefacts, which were often inlayed with turquoise, carnelian, and lapis lazuli, and the pendant was made at a time when European high society was gripped by an "Egyptomania" - fascinated by all things Egyptian. We've added a silver curb-link chain for wear as a necklace.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/egyptian-revival-vulture-necklace

Charming antique crossover ring with two blood-red garnets in platinum bezel settings and rows of rose cut diamonds down each shoulder. Known as "Toi et Moi" (you and me), these two-stone rings were popular engagement rings during the early 20th century. This one, crafted in the Art Nouveau style, dates from the 1910s. The band is built in 15ct yellow gold, and the two garnets have unusual, slightly domed table facets.

https://lostowl.com/collections/rings/products/art-nouveau-garnet-toi-et-moi-ring

Remarkable ancient scarab bead mounted in a 19th century swivel mount. The stone is a bright, vibrant orange colour, carved in naturalistic likeness of the scarab beetle with a drill hole through the middle allowing it to be mounted - it dates from the New Kingdom, circa 1100 BC. The base remains uncarved. Set in a circa 1870 swivel mount allowing it to spin around the long axis, the design, as part of the Archaeological Revival style, is borrowed from example found during excavations in Luxor.

The scarab beetle, aka dung beetles, was a symbol of renewal and rebirth to the Ancient Egyptians - not at all the destructive entity as portrayed in modern Western cinema. The beetle was closely associated with the sun god, Ra, partly because of the balls of dung they roll across the desert (as the sun rolls across the sky each day), and partly because they laid their eggs in these balls - the hatching of their young perceived to be a spontaneous act of self creation, bringing them yet closer to the sun god.

https://lostowl.com/products/ancient-egyptian-scarab-swivel-ring

Cute mid-century flower earrings set with clusters of rubies and diamonds at the centre. They date from the 1950s with screw-back posts and crafted in 9ct white gold throughout. Gorgeous engraved detailing to the petals.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/mid-century-ruby-flower-earrings

A spectacular Georgian solitaire ring built around a large, foil-backed rose cut diamond within scalloped settings reminiscent of the sun in full splendour. It's beautifully made, with superb attention to detail: the shoulders are each furnished with a rose cut diamond accent inside a scallop shell motif, the band features 'twisted' engravings, and the prongs are long and slender with barbed half-hoops at the base. Built in 15ct gold with silver settings around the diamond. English, circa 1830.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/georgian-sun-rose-ring

Cute vintage 'Sputnik' pendant dating from the 1970s. It's crafted in 14ct yellow gold and studded with turquoise paste cabochons looking like little stars in their crimped settings. The petite scale makes it equally wearable as charm or a pendant.

https://lostowl.com/products/vintage-turquoise-sputnik-pendant

Gorgeous Arts & Crafts pendant dating from the turn of the 20th century. Built in sterling silver, it features organic, flowing lines and curves with a lover's not at the bottom and a black nephrite jade teardrop cabochon centrepiece. A rare example of the style, encapsulating the ethos of the Arts & Crafts movement with grace and flair.

The English Arts & Crafts movement, hand-in-hand with continental Art Nouveau and Jugendstil, can be interpreted as a backlash against the violent industrialism and strict social conventions of the Victorian era, but it was more than that: the intention was to make the fine arts more affordable, and ultimately more accessible, for everyone - not just society's elites. Beginning with the Pre Raphaelites, and later spearheaded by William Morris, the style flourished throughout all disciplines of the Decorative Arts from the late 19th century through to the middle of the 20th century. Their works drew on natural forms and motifs - wild flowers and foliage, birds, animals, and the female form - often heavily stylised, but always recognisable. Another important source of inspiration came from Medieval art and literature, particularly the Arthurian legends, Quattrocentro Italian art, and the intricate scrollwork found in illuminated manuscripts. Jewellers diverged from the florid and ornate traditions of the High Victorian period, placing more emphasis on form, craft, and wearability. This was not only a movement away from Victorian industry and technology, but was intended to make jewellery more affordable for everyone.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/arts-crafts-jade-pendant

Elegant Victorian carved half-hoop ring set with three superb gemstones: two antique cushion cut diamonds flank a bright, blood red pyrope garnet. It's crafted in 18ct gold and features exquisite engraved detailing to the gallery and shoulders. The diamonds total around 1.5 carats and display excellent colour and clarity, with further diamond accents around each of the principal stones. English, circa 1870.

This style of ring has been made, and engraved, by hand in Hatton Garden (London's jewellery quarter) for well over 150 years. This one's an early example, and the technique has been passed down generation after generation of jewellers - largely unchanged.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/victorian-garnet-carved-half-hoop

Aquamarine's name translates from the Latin as Seawater. While some stones have a greenish-blue hue, this Edwardian round cluster ring is built around an aquamarine that showcases purest, dreamiest pale blue that's reminiscent of tropical lagoons... the ancient Greeks believed these stones had washed ashore having spilled from the treasure chests of the Sirens. The ring dates from the early 20th century, circa 1910, the principal stone surrounded by an icy halo of old European cut diamonds - eleven of them totalling a full carat in weight. Crafted in platinum throughout with fluted gallery and fine prong mounts designed to let light in behind the stones to further enhance their colour and brilliance. A masterpiece of Edwardian form and proportion, the diamonds providing the perfect complement to the vibrant central aqua - wear it as an engagement ring or as a cocktail piece, it's perfectly suited either way.

https://lostowl.com/products/edwardian-aquamarine-diamond-cluster-ring

Cute antique cluster ring dating from the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. It's set with three gorgeous white pearls and six pale green emeralds in a sea of highly ornate, swirling, scrolled goldwork. Elegant etched shoulder details complete the aesthetic, and it's much more sleek and streamlined than may examples from this period. Built in 18ct gold.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/mid-victorian-pearl-emerald-ring

A stunning antique pendant dating from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. It's built around a central turquoise matrix cabochon with rusty coloured host rock and a delicate, pale hue to the turquoise itself. The principal stone is bordered by a beautifully worked laurel border, with fine textured leaves and old cut diamond accents. Crafted in 18ct yellow gold, made in the USA.

https://lostowl.com/collections/latest-finds/products/art-nouveau-turquoise-laurel-pendant

Cool 1930s Egyptian Revival fringe necklace set with five faience scarabs and four enamelled lotus flower drops. It bears Egyptian silver marks, made in the wake of the sensational discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, previously undisturbed and complete with that iconic repoussé gold funerary mask and full complement of grave goods. Here, the scarabs and flowers are suspended from long paperclip links, and the necklace dates from the early 1930s.

The wave of Egyptomania that broke over Europe and America in the mid 1920s was, in part, responsible for elements borrowed from Ancient Egyptian design and architecture forming an integral part of the Art Deco movement.

The scarabs are made of "faience" with the most wonderful turquoise-blue glazed finish. It's a type of ceramic material, produced in Egypt for many thousands of years, and thought to hold magical properties of fertility, renewal, and rebirth. It's created from powdered quartz (silica, probably literally sand) mixed with various alkaline salts, small amounts of lime, and a metallic colourant (often sodium and calcium).

https://lostowl.com/products/egyptian-revival-scarab-necklace

Edwardian Salamander Brooch (with bail for wear as a pendant). English, circa 1910.

Link in bio. Find him in Lost Heirloom 🦎

An exquisite Victorian white moonstone ring dating from the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1890. The stone is a large oval cabochon displaying excellent schiller (aka adularescence), the effect whereby light seems to shimmer and pool just beneath the surface. It's secured by long claw settings, built in 9ct gold throughout with a simple round profile band.

https://lostowl.com/collections/rings/products/victorian-moonstone-solitaire-ring

Charming antique "gypsy" ring set with alternating sapphires and diamonds. It's a slim example - 4.7mm at the widest point - with pretty star and diamond motifs around the stones. Crafted in 18ct gold with London hallmarks from the year 1898.

https://lostowl.com/collections/shop-all/products/1898-sapphire-gypsy-ring

Of Springs and Healing... the Senuna. Part of our Lost Alchemia collection in collaboration with Scottish goldsmiths Irene Orr and John Flegg.

The fading art of vitreous or "hot" enamel is an ancient technique to which John has dedicated a lifetime. Powdered glass is ‘painted’ onto gold then fired in a kiln, multiple times at different temperatures, creating a colourful, translucent material with a smooth, glossy surface.

Vitreous: literally "like glass".

Through his mastery of the science behind the enamelling process, John casts bespoke gold alloys, and through his intuitive understanding of precise firing temperatures for each colour he bridges the gap between precise science and inimitable art. In his own words:

"The glass enamel, ground by hand in a mortar-and-pestle, uses various metallic oxides to produce the colour within the kiln-fired vitreous glass which, together with the hand application, enables a subtle blending of colours throughout the finished enamel - a very special ancient technique that I still practise today."

https://lostowl.com/products/lost-alchemia-10-senuna

A strange mid-century signet ring with round face home to a single gold nugget set within a halo border of... something. My best guess is bone, or perhaps more likely an early form of plastic as the colour is off-white with a greenish tint. The nugget is recessed into the head to protect its natural form, sitting just below the bezel which presents as two rings of gold and the mystery substance. The sides of the head are beautifully textured, and the ring itself is crafted in 18ct gold.

https://lostowl.com/products/mid-century-gold-nugget-signet-ring

A charming antique crescent moon brooch dating from the latter half of the 19th century. It remains paired with the original tooled leather presentation box - branded "Sewill, Watch Manufacturer & Jeweller, 30 Cornhill London" - with a fitted, turquoise velvet insert. The brooch is set with graduated natural pearls, built in 15ct gold throughout.

https://lostowl.com/collections/brooches/products/victorian-pearl-crescent-brooch-1