An old brooch that changed my life...

In 2005 I was a young sales associate at Washington D.C.'s oldest jeweler. With a growing knowledge for jewelry, I would carefully take out each piece from it's case, try it on, and then have to put it back with an aching heart.

One day, an endearing couple approached me and asked to have some family heirloom pieces appraised. I wrote up the appraisal job and looked at each piece meticulously. I shared with them all my experience and was extremely captivated with one particular piece; a Victorian 14k yellow gold and old mine cut diamond brooch. I'd never seen so much detail work in all my life. When I called them to let them know their appraisal had been written up, they picked up their jewelry items and let me know that I was so kind and courteous to them, they wanted to give me the Victorian brooch as a thank you for my services. I cried. The lovely old couple cried. We all cried. It was one of the most touching moments I'd ever experienced. They wanted me to have that piece because they had seen the undeniable passion in my eyes. I had finally found my niche.

To this day that pin has more meaning to me than anything I've ever owned. It started my love and appreciation for antique jewelry, and today it stands as my company's logo. I hope everyone that visits my shop that covets fine antique and estate jewelry will find that extraordinary piece as I did.