“We have always loved vintage jewelry and were just waiting for the right time to offer it,” says Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich St. Jewelers on the NYC store’s decision to add G. St Vintage, a capsule comprised of hand-picked antique engagement rings, to their existing collections.
Greenwich St. Jewelers has been a staple of lower Manhattan since the 1970s (Gandia and her sister Christina took over the family business about a decade ago), and the younger generation is known for focusing on a carefully selected group of on-trend, on-the-verge designers (see: Jamie Joseph, Jane Taylor, Rebecca Overmann, and most recently, TAP by Todd Pownell). The shop’s custom offerings, with an emphasis on the engagement ring category, have also become a priority. (Side note: Not to bury the lede, but Jennifer announced her own engagement just a few days ago, and her many friends and followers are awaiting the ring stats with bated breath!)
So for Greenwich St. Jewelers to add a vintage component to their retail tableau may strike some as a curious move…but only to those who haven’t paid attention to the widespread appetite for estate and antique jewels at auction, in store, and online.
“Over the past year we have found more and more clients asking for vintage engagement rings and we have been selling lots more antique diamonds,” says Gandia. And the best-selling brand in the store? Single Stone, an L.A.–based line that features old European and old mine cut diamonds in new, antique-inspired settings.
Meanwhile, requests for repairs and restorations were coming in for vintage engagement rings purchased elsewhere. “We also noticed a dramatic rise in the number of websites selling vintage jewelry, like on Etsy, and direct-to-consumer on Instagram,” says Gandia. “So we felt that we were uniquely positioned to offer the market the one-of-a-kind rings with all the history and romance that they were looking for, but also provide the lifetime service and care guarantee that our store is known for, just like any other engagement ring we sell.”
Approximately 21 rings are available in the G. St Vintage collection, largely comprised of styles from the late 1800s through 1950s. “We’re curating based on style and price point,” says Gandia, “and we’ve worked hard to present a collection that will work for a range of budgets. Just as with any new collection it will take time to get the mix just right but we’ve already had sell-through on a number of pieces so we know that the market is there.”
A few of Gandia’s favorites are highlighted below.
“My personal favorite in the collection is this gorgeous filigree ring. This is for the woman who is looking for a nontraditional ring with lots of presence, that also feels delicate and ornate.” (Circa 1925 engagement ring with a 1.86 ct. Old European cut center diamond surrounded by delicate filigree and diamond pavé, set in platinum, $22,000)
“The band trend continues, and, as more and more people opt for a multidiamond engagement ring, this one shows just how timeless the style is. I also love the combination of old European and rose cut diamonds and the stunning scrollwork profile.” (Circa 1900 Five Diamond ring in yellow gold, $12,000)
“A diamond cut we don’t see in modern engagement rings, this carré cut center stone from the 50s is pure elegance. When you choose a rare cut your ring is always a conversation starter.” (Circa 1950 engagement ring with a 2.17 ct. square emerald cut diamond flanked by two long baguette diamonds, set in platinum, $35,000)
(Top: Circa 1880 ring featuring a 10.56 ct. natural Sri Lankan sapphire surrounded by old mine cut diamonds set in silver with yellow gold band, $25,000)
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