Sunday Spotlight: Ben Amun’s ‘Deco’ Collection

I am pretty accustomed to walking down 47th Street in the Diamond District past dozens of windows filled to the brim with sparkly diamonds and baubles, and I rarely even pause for a glance (which is also largely because it would solicit interaction with the many shopkeepers and hustlers on the street who will try to entice me with their “you have beautiful eyes” and “we buy gold” etc.). The one thing that WILL make me take a second look is an exceptional piece of vintage jewelry, especially if it is from the Art Deco period. That’s why I am particularly taken with Ben Amun’s ‘Deco’ collection, which offers a far more accessible price point for a similarly striking look. Check out a few of my faves:

Sapphire and Crystal Deco Bracelet

Emerald Deco Triangular Drop Earrings

The materials used to make these pieces are not remarkable: mostly antiqued silver, Swarovski crystal, and farmed pearls, but this is a case of the sum being far more than the parts. The emerald drop earrings pictured above retail for about $130 – a scant fraction of the cost of doing these in gold and real emeralds. I love their elegance.

Pearl Tassel Pendant Necklace

Long Deco Pendant Necklace

The two gorgeous necklaces here are actually available on Gilt.com right now for $179 and $239 respectively, so get after it! Otherwise, be sure to check out the rest of the collection over on the Ben Amun website.

If you would like to drool over the real deal, or even throw your hat in the ring to potentially own a vintage piece, there are several auctions here in New York that are worth keeping an eye on. One I am particularly fond of is the Provident Loan Society’s Jewelry auction at Doyle Auction House in July. Doyle also has an ‘Important Jewelry’ auction coming up on April 28th that will be sure to have some stunners. Fun fact for those of you not well-versed in the land of jewelry auctions: there are several viewing days that proceed the auction, and you can try on literally ANY piece of jewelry. The people who work behind the display counters are not snooty about it and are usually very happy to pull things out for you to play ‘dress- up’… I know this because I used to be one of them! For Doyle’s full calendar you can check out their site here. Just try not to drool on the cases too much…wiping that up can be a drag.