11 tips for Christmas gifts from Martin Cinolter
Author: Martin Cinolter
On the beautiful and magical date of 11th November, we celebrate Saint Martin. Although I cannot guarantee that I will arrive in Maiselova Street in Prague on a white horse—as I haven’t ridden one for some time—what I can offer you are my personal tips (not just) for Christmas gifts. And to keep those ones coming, there will be exactly 11 tips.
It is true that it wasn’t easy for me to select just 11 pieces from the vast offer of our antiques. I pondered whether to take something from each category or focus solely on one theme. Since antique jewellery is closest to my heart, I decided to choose 11 pieces that I find particularly interesting from our collection.
1. Tip: Art Deco ring with diamonds
This beautiful ring was made around 1935, during the Art Deco period. This universal decorative style dominated both Europe and the USA in the 1920s and 1930s. It gradually spread to such an extent that it became accessible to almost all social classes. I chose this ring not only for its historical value but also for its beauty and superb craftsmanship. It is made of platinum with a purity of Pt 950/1000 and is adorned with old-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.445 ct. The central diamond of old brilliant cut weighs 0.22 ct, colour I and clarity Si, complemented by other diamonds of individual weights: 5× 0.03 ct and 3× 0.025 ct, colours E-F.
2. Tip: Ring with a diamond
For this tip, we remain in the Art Deco period. At first glance, it is certain that this ring made of 14-carat white gold is a true gem. The solitaire diamond of old European cut that adorns it weighs 9.70 ct, colour O-P, and clarity VS2. The lady to whom this ring is given can be sure that she is truly the queen of his heart.
3. Tip: Platinum earrings with pearls and diamonds
For many ladies, earrings are the only jewellery they wear. Well-chosen earrings perfectly enhance the face, which is why I chose these beautiful platinum earrings with pearls and diamonds. They were made in the second half of the 20th century. They feature pearls with a diameter of 8.2 mm and diamonds with a total weight of 2 ct, colour G-H, and clarity VVS-VS.
4. Tip: Platinum ring with diamonds
The number three is filled with symbolism: the Three Kings, the Holy Trinity, three princesses, three tasks, three nuts... As we approach a magical period full of miracles and fairy tales, I have selected for you this beautiful platinum ring adorned with 3 marquise-cut diamonds, each weighing 0.40 ct, colours G-H, and clarity VVS-VS. It is further enhanced by 8 baguette-cut diamonds, each weighing 0.05 ct, totalling 0.40 ct. The total weight of all diamonds on the ring amounts to 1.60 ct.
5. Tip: Gold ring with a diamond
If the pieces we wear are enriched with history, we immediately have the perfect topic for small talk. This ring made of 14-carat white gold, adorned with a solitaire diamond of brilliant cut weighing 1.01 ct, colour E, and clarity VVS1 is sure to spark some interesting discussions.
6. Tip: Gold bracelet with diamonds and rubies
This exquisite bracelet perfectly adorns a woman's wrist. Bracelets have always been very popular—no wonder, they provide ample opportunity for adornment. This beautiful piece made of 14-carat rose gold is decorated with 5 old-cut diamonds and 4 rubies. According to its hallmark from Vienna and dating from the period of Austro-Hungary (1867–1918), we can imagine what significant ladies adorned themselves with it. You too could be one of them.
7. Tip: Gold Biedermeier earrings
Biedermeier is the period when people could finally relax after the long and cruel Napoleonic wars, if only it hadn't been followed by the harsh period of Metternich's absolutism. To brighten these difficult times, the bourgeoisie decorated their homes with porcelain, upholstered furniture, portraits, and still lifes, and they also wore massive yet light jewellery, often containing a small keepsake or memory.
These dangling earrings with drops, adorned with blue enamel and pearls, may not contain a hidden secret, but they will certainly make their owner stand out.
8. Tip: Platinum Bracelet with Emeralds and Diamonds
It is a well-known fact that a woman's best friend is a diamond. It is a symbol of beauty and purity, and these stones are also considered symbols of wealth, everlasting love, strength, and power. The green colour of emeralds symbolises hope, abundance, and freshness. Emeralds are among the rarest precious stones, and together with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds make up the essential four of the "top precious stones".
The platinum bracelet I have selected for you is adorned with princess-cut and cabochon emeralds with a total weight of 18.25 ct and brilliant and marquise-cut diamonds with a total weight of 7.38 ct, colour H, clarity VVS - VS. It was made in France in the 1920s–1930s. Personally, I am very fond of it and I am curious to see which lady will be graced by it on her wrist.
9. Tip: Gold Ring with Kashmir Sapphire and Diamonds
As we have ventured into the "big four precious stones", I cannot overlook this beautiful ring made of white 14-carat gold, adorned with an exceptional Kashmir sapphire in a rich purple colour weighing 9.21 ct. The stone is completely natural, untreated by heat, making it a true unique piece. It is flanked by baguette-cut diamonds. Although it is not a piece of jewellery with a long history, it certainly deserves attention.
10. Tip: Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Rubies are symbols of love and passion, and the demand for them is so high that current mining cannot keep up. Therefore, acquiring jewellery with a ruby is a fantastic choice not only for its beauty and uniqueness but also for its investment value.
The ring is made of white 18-carat gold, and at its centre, it is adorned with a beautiful, radiant red ruby weighing 1.55 ct, along with 46 diamonds.
11. Tip: Diamond Necklace
If I had to choose one piece of jewellery that is truly unique and breathtaking, it would be this necklace originating from Austria-Hungary, from the period between 1902–1921. It is set with antique-cut diamonds with a total weight of 24.20 ct. A man who ensures his lady unwraps a box containing this necklace under the Christmas tree will surely be the king (not only) of Christmas Eve.
I believe that my selection of 11 pieces of jewellery has inspired you. At Antiques Cinolter, you always know what you are buying. Yours, Martin Cinolter.
