Selecting the ideal strap for your watch

Adding a new watch strap to your timepiece can dramatically alter the overall look of your watch. By making this simple change, your watch can be transformed to look more rugged, elegant, modern or just "freshened up". Whatever style satisfies your senses, there is a watch strap out there to suit your taste. 

At Fourtane, our passion is vintage, so we prefer straps with a distinct vintage aesthetic and those that best compliment the iconic designs of 1940s and 1950s dress watches. Distressed leather and suede, thick hand stitching and antiqued hardware truly complete the look of a vintage sport watch, making it the ultimate, exclusive accessory. However, the addition of such a strap to a more classic watch elevates its style, as well. 

A strap made of an exotic skin or in a bold color is also a great way to "wake up" a watch that has been sitting idle and distinguish it from its counterparts. The right strap can truly heighten the style of any watch and keep those around you distracted by your wrist all day!

Selecting a Wedding Band for your Vintage Engagement Ring

The excitement of selecting an engagement ring can sometimes overshadow some practical details that should be kept in mind to ensure you end up with a ring that is truly “perfect for you”.

Some modern engagement rings are sold as a set with a matching wedding band, however, for those who choose a vintage piece as their engagement ring, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a band that is the ideal compliment.

Many art deco style rings, such as the example depicted above, are rounded on the outside, creating a curve against which a flat band will not sit snugly.  It is still possible to wear a classic band next to a ring of this style and many brides chose to do so, however, there will be a bit of “air” between the rings and the band will sit at a bit of an angle. 

A skilled master jeweler can hand fabricate a custom band to snugly hug the curves of a vintage ring. This is typically the preferred choice for those brides who want a traditional wedding set, with a band that truly mirrors the style of the engagement ring; however, those brides who are drawn to the unique vintage aesthetic of pieces with some history often appreciate the individual nature of having an engagement ring and a wedding band which are an imperfect, yet symbiotic match. Others choose to entirely forego wearing a wedding band next to their engagement ring at all. For those who exchange bands during their ceremony, but chose not to wear the rings together, the wedding band can either be worn on the right hand or in place of the engagement ring (in such cases as during travel).

The tradition of wearing an engagement ring and wedding band have evolved. Whether you chose to do so or not, keep in mind that there is no right, wrong or imperfect way to show the world you are spoken for. 

Andy Warhol's 1940s Rolex for Sale

Fourtane is honored to offer for sale a 1940s Rolex watch which was part of the estate of legendary American artist Andy Warhol. Whoever is fortunate enough to acquire this extraordinary timepiece will also receive the original hardcover auction catalog from the Christie's auction at which the watch was originally sold following Mr. Warhol's death. This unquestionable provenance adds to the allure and overall pedigree of this very special watch. 

View more information at :

***http://www.hodinkee.com/exclusive-andy-warhols-rare-gold-rolex-for-sale-at-1stdibs***

and:

http://www.fourtane.com/products-page/watches/andy-warhols-rolex-perpetual-wristwatch-ref-4021/

http://jewelry.1stdibs.com/jewelry_item_detail.php?id=81971

Art Nouveau Jewelry

The period of Art Nouveau was a colorful cultural movement in the arts that swept through Europe during it's transition from the 19th to the 20th century. This was one of the first departures from classical art and design toward Modernism. Art Nouveau jewelry is highly varied and asymmetrical which reflected the shifting political and social customs during that time.

Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Earrings and Turquoise Ring at Fourtane 

Characterized by graceful, soft undulating curves, ethereal, languid feminine forms and nature, Art Nouveau jewelry emotes romance and is infused with elements of whimsy and fantasy. 

Enamel Art Nouveau Pendant at Fourtane

Jewelers during this time drew inspiration from the natural world using flowers, birds, insects, serpents, twining plant tendrils and the female form.

Yellow Gold, Seed Pearl and Enamel Art Nouveau pin at Fourtane

Moonstones, pearls, opals, shells and semi-precious gemstones were prominent materials and plique-a-jour enameling techniques gave a transparent, colorful stained glass effect to Art Nouveau jewelry. Pioneers assocciated with the Art Nouveau movement were Louis Comfort Tiffany, a celebrated American glass maker, and Rene Lalique, who went on to contribute designs for Boucheron and Cartier.

 The Art Nouveau period was a pivotal development in jewelry's evolution and helped to pave the way for the advent of modern art and culture.

Pliqu-a-jour butterfly brooch at Fourtane

October Birthstone is Opal

For those celebrating a birthday in October, opal is the traditional birthstone.  Opals are one of the most beautiful gemstones and can express every color in the visible spectrum.

Custom Boulder Opal pendant at Fourtane

Opal is formed when silica rich water passes through the earth and settles inside cracks and voids within the earths crust. As the water evaporates, silica deposits are left behind. This process repeats itself over a long period of time and eventually and opal is formed. The play of fiery color seen in opal is attributed to light refraction and is due entirely to the uniform size and shape of the silica spheres. Gem quality opal deposits are sourced in Australia. 

Opal and enamel ring circa 1900 at Fourtane 

Throughout history opal has had a reputation as the luckiest and unluckiest gemstone. Ancient Romans carried opals as good luck charms of talisman as it was believed that the colorful stone, like a rainbow, brought its owner good fortune. Sir Walter Scott's novel "Anne of Geierstein" used an opal to reflect the changing fate of its heroine. This gave the opal an unfortunate reputation and crippled the European opal market for decades.

Antique Opal, enamel and diamond earrings circa 1875 at Fourtane

The alluring play of color in fine opals has intrigued for centuries. Fire, water, vivid light and striking contrast are all present in this beguiling gem.

Art Deco Platinum, Opal and Diamond Ring circa 1930 at Fourtane

"October's child is born for woe,

And life's vicissitudes must know,

But lay an opal on her breast

And hope will lull those woes to rest"

Victorian Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet at Fourtane

Trends We Love: Victorian Jewelry

Victorian Diamond Earrings at Fourtane circa 1860

The era of Victorian jewelry spans between 1840-1901 and is named after the beloved British ruler Queen Victoria. It was her influence, much like that of Princess Diana in recent years that spawned a wide range of styles in jewelry and fashion.

Victorian Yellow Gold and Enamel Cuff at Fourtane

Jewelry from this period is divided into three distinct periods: Romantic, Grand and Aesthetic, which reflects the themes and motifs deeply rooted in the past.

Allison Williams wearing Etruscan Revival earrings at the Emmy Awards

Dramatic Antique Earrings at Fourtane

Today these pieces are unique, one-of-a-kind treasures that emote romance, personal sentiment and can easily entwine into modern dress. Victorian jewelry is a welcome and refreshing trend on the red carpet

Kat Dennings wearing Victorian Garnet Jewels at the Emmys

Yellow Gold and Garnet Antique Drop Earrings at Fourtane

Victorian Yellow Gold, Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet at Fourtane

The demand for fine Victorian jewelry has skyrocketed and it is a challenge to source quality examples. The search for and discovery of antique jewelry is part of its enduring appeal and allure.

Yellow Gold, Enamel, Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Poison Ring circa 1850 at Fourtane

Sapphire is the Birthstone for September

Extremely rare and fine, non heated, sugarloaf sapphire 24.86 carats total, circa 1930 at Fourtane 

For those celebrating a birthday in September, sapphire is the traditional birthstone.

Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet circa 1930 at Fourtane

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and is found in every color of the rainbow with red being designated as ruby, all other hues sapphire. The most prized color of sapphire is a rich, sumptuous blue reminiscent of a heavenly night sky.

Gorgeous cushion cut sapphire and diamond earrings at Fourtane

Today sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nigeria. Although sapphires are no longer mined there, the most prized examples were sourced in Kashmir mines over 120 years ago. These sapphires are revered for their unparalleled royal blue color saturation and superb, velvety texture. Kashmir sapphires have almost a mythical reputation in the gemstone world. They are so scarce that they are rarely offered for auctions at Sotheby's or Christie's, though top stones draw record prices when they come on to the market.

Elegant pear shaped sapphire ring at Fourtane 12.83 carats 

The allure of sapphires has endured for centuries. They have long been a favorite among royalty who,  throughout history, considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. Sapphires are prominent in the British Crown Jewels and the iconic ring made famous by Princess Diana. 

Museum quality, antique, cabochon sapphire (26.49 carats) and diamond (5.92 carats) brooch circa 1875 at Fourtane 

"A maiden born when autumn leaves

Are rustling in September breeze,

A sapphire on her brow should bind;

To bring her joy and peace of mind."