If you share my enthusiasm (or obsession, as the case may be), Alexandria Rossoff is a name you should know. Besides being an exceptionally regal name, the namesake is also the proprietor of a beautiful boutique full of estate jewels in downtown Seattle, WA.

Alex (I think I can call her Alex) has been involved in jewelry since college, when she was taking jewelry-fabricating classes while pursuing her degree in Geology and Environmental science. She went on to work for several years at Fox’s Gem Shop, a Seattle independent jeweler known for its beautiful jewelry and integrity, where she became the resident estate jewelry expert. While working in the industry, she earned the prestigious title (among others) of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, as well as her Graduate Gemologist title from GIA.

Lovely Estate Enamel, 18k Gold and Pearl Brooch, Alexandria Rossoff

Alex opened her own salon in 1999 (celebrating their 10th Anniversary this October of 2009!), where she has a treasure trove of amazing vintage pieces. Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco or Art Nouveau, there are incredible examples of all of those periods and more (click here for a great tutorial on period style descriptions). I have been in to the store, and I love her aesthetic. She manages to find the most appealing examples of those design eras, and they are in excellent condition. Of course, she has to attend her share of important jewelry auctions and travel the world for this kind of inventory. I know, what a drag, huh?

Coveting a lovely vintage engagement ring? This is just one example from her collection:

Retro Era Platinum Engagement Ring with app .70 ct center, Alexandria Rossoff

This pretty cuff would be perfect as a very up-to-date accessory, and with a price under $500, it’s a worthy vintage investment:

Circa 1885 English Silver Bracelet with Knobbed Sides From Alexandria Rossoff

And finally, this 5.33 carat Asscher Cut is incredibly rare and amazing. I want:

Incredible 5.33 ct Asscher Cut Ring, Alexandria Rossoff

Buying a piece of estate jewelry means more than just purchasing something. You are buying a piece of history and beginning your own “collection”. Careful though, it’s addicting.

If you are interested in any of the pieces featured, or looking for Antique or Estate jewelry you should definitely look up Alexandria Rossoff. You can ring her her at 206-381-3949, ping her at info@alexandriarossoff.com, or visit her jewel-box of a store at 402 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101. It’s worth it.

Handmade

Here’s a hand-made charm piece on Etsy:

Charm Brooch from Montgomery Crystal Co on Etsy, $125 Retail

Flora and Fauna

Nature-inspired pieces from designers like Silver Seasons, Catherine Weitzman, and Alexis Bittar at The Clay Pot:

Alexis Bittar Large Lucite Begonia Pin, $416 Retail

Or how about this Miriam Haskell Shell Pin from Avelle (the new Bag, Borrow, or Steal). Bonus: if you don’t want to buy it, you can just borrow it for a while through their site:

Miriam Haskell Shell Pin From Avelle, $300 Retail, Now $195, or $17/Week

Vintage

I found a great site with an incredible collection of vintage and antique brooches at Fabulous Facets. They have a lot of amazing brooches, so check out the whole collection (the images also don’t do them justice). It was hard to narrow it down, but here are some of my hand-picked favorites:

This bird’s plumage is very graceful. (Note: It’s hard to tell scale of any of these online, so read the details on their site carefully)

Enamel and Rhinestone Bird Brooch from 1930's or 40's, $47 Retail

This Victorian pin is a classic versatile example (great price, too):

Brass Brooch, c. 1890, $28 Retail

I’m loving the hot pink cabochon stones in this bow:

Pink Cabochon Bow, c. 1950's, $63 Retail

To complete an animal menagerie, I think this fish by Boucher is incredible:

Boucher Fish Brooch, c. 1943, $389 Retail

You could pretend this is your own family crest, circa 18th century:

Sterling 18th Century European Family Crest, $47 Retail

And finally, this Kenneth Jay Lane costume piece from approximately 1980, but the colors and shape feel very current:

Kenneth Jay Lane Maltese Cross, c. 1980, $365 Retail

Sweet

This site, Pugster, has a few fun, inexpensive options. This green leaf brooch is feminine with a cool color combo:

Green Leaf Brooch from Pugster.com, $31.49 Retail

Here’s a brooch from Dahlia, a seller on Amazon.com. It features a freshwater pearl as the centerpiece of the design, so each brooch will vary a bit based on the pearl:

Freshwater Pearl, Silver, and Crystal Brooch from Amazon.com, $195 Retail

Critters

If you’re into genuine gems, A La Vieille Russe features some incredible finds. Especially for animals and insects. You can find almost anything with fur, feathers, or tails, such as rabbits, turtles, foxes, or flamingos.

This butterfly makes me weak in the knees:

Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Butterfly Brooch from alvr.com

Classic

And finally, aside from a circle pin, it’s hard to get more classic than this crescent pin from circa 1890:

Large Antique Diamond Crescent Brooch From alvr.com, 21 Carats of Diamonds!

Find any great brooches lately? Comment and let us know!