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Welcome
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OGH's Story
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Era's
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Guarantee
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Ethical
we invite you to explore our exquisite collection, each piece a testament to the artistry and history of bygone eras.
We believe that every piece of jewelry should be as distinctive and individual as the person who wears it.
That’s why each piece in our collection is a unique, handcrafted masterpiece, created by skilled artisans from a bygone era.
Each piece carries its own story, waiting to be shared, and a new chapter to be written.
We remain committed to upholding our five core principles at all times.
- Excellence
- Uniqueness
- Mastery
- Assurance
- Personal Touch
We take a different approach.
The antique jewelry trade is often traditional and can be a daunting and exhausting experience to navigate.
At OGH, we've built a company we'd want to shop with—fresh, friendly, transparent, and hassle-free.
Contact Us
Hello~
I am Vijay Sarkheliya, the founder of OLD GEM HOUSE, and a passionate expert in antique jewelry. My journey began with a deep love for preserving the rich history behind Old Cut Diamonds and vintage pieces. From the very beginning, my vision has been to create a brand that honors the timeless elegance of jewelry from different eras, with each piece telling its own unique and captivating story.
The Story That Sparked the House
Born into a family with a love for art and craftsmanship, I developed a passion for fine jewelry at a young age. My fascination grew as I studied historical pieces, especially Old Cut Diamonds, and explored the rich history of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewelry. Captivated by the artistry and legacy in each piece, my love for antique and vintage jewelry deepened, leading me to embrace the timeless craftsmanship of bygone eras.
The Mastery of Craftsmanship
My journey in jewelry making wasn’t straightforward, but my passion for mastering the craft led me through years of hands-on learning. I studied every aspect, from selecting stones to diamond cutting, and developed a deep appreciation for Old Cut Diamonds. With their unique, warm glow, these vintage gems had faded from popularity but I saw their beauty and began working with skilled artisans to help revive their timeless charm.
The Birth of OLD GEM HOUSE
With years of knowledge and hands-on experience, my vision for OLD GEM HOUSE came to life. The name reflects my deep dedication to antique jewelry and my belief that diamonds carry stories across generations. I wanted to create a space where collectors and jewelry lovers could discover Old Cut Diamonds and vintage-inspired pieces that blend the spirit of the past with modern charm.Known for handpicking and restoring rare diamonds, OLD GEM HOUSE became a reflection of authenticity and purpose. From sourcing to craftsmanship, I approach every detail with care ensuring each piece meets my standards and preserves timeless beauty through thoughtful design.
The Signature Style of OLD GEM HOUSE
At OLD GEM HOUSE, I blend timeless elegance with modern sensibility, honoring the beauty of the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras. My collections feature old cut diamonds like rose cuts and old mine cuts, each chosen for their unique brilliance and romantic charm. Ethically sourced and hand-cut, these diamonds are set in antique-inspired designs that highlight fine craftsmanship through filigree, engraving, and detailed metalwork. Each piece I create is meant to be a true heirloom rich in history, soul, and lasting beauty.
The Future of OLD GEM HOUSE
Today, OLD GEM HOUSE stands as a reflection of my journey and passion for antique and vintage-inspired jewelry. What began as a personal passion project has grown into a brand that celebrates the past while shaping the future of fine jewelry. With a deep commitment to preserving history and embracing thoughtful innovation, each collection reflects my dedication to craftsmanship and design. My mission continues to be rooted in excellence, passion, and a lifelong love for the timeless beauty of antique diamonds and jewelry.
The Georgian Era (1714–1837)
The Georgian Era, spanning over 120 years under four King Georges, saw slower advancements in jewelry compared to other periods. Today, high-quality Georgian jewelry is rare, with most pieces either lost, held in museums, or no longer in existence, making it a prized find for collectors.
Materials and Gems of Georgian Era Jewelry
Georgian jewelry was crafted from yellow gold and silver, featuringgemstones like diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, topaz, garnet, glass, and paste. Due to the limited development of stone-cutting tools and techniques, the jewelry from this era is easily dated. Popular diamond cuts include point cuts, table cuts, old mine cuts, antique cushion cuts, single cuts, and rose cuts.
The Victorian Era (1837-1901)
The Victorian Era is named after Queen Victoria of England, who reigned during the 1800s and influenced significant changes in jewelry styles. The era is divided into three periods, reflecting different stages of her life: the Romantic Victorian Era, the Grand Victorian Era, and the Aesthetic Victorian Era.
Materials and Gems of Victorian Era Jewelry
Victorian jewelry is more abundant and accessible than Georgian-era pieces. Gold and silver were the dominant metals, while popular gemstones included garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds.
The Edwardian Era (1901-1915)
The Edwardian Era (1901-1910), named after King Edward VII, marked the first widespread use of platinum in jewelry, alongside gold. Also known as the La Belle Epoque Era, this period was significant in jewelry history, with platinum quickly gaining popularity as a standalone material.
Materials and Gems of Edwardian Era Jewelry
Edwardian jewelry featured diamonds, onyx, and pearls as the primary stones, with colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies usedsparingly as accents. Platinum became the dominant metal, often mixed with gold to create a striking effect.
The Art Deco Era (1920-1945)
The Art Deco period, emerging after World War I, was named after the 1925 Paris Expo. Known for its geometric, angular, and clean designs, ArtDeco jewelry differed greatly from the Georgian and Victorian styles and influenced architects in designing iconic landmarks.
Materials and Gems of Art Deco Era Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry (1920s-1930s) featured diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, emphasizing geometric precision and opulence. Platinum was the preferred metal, valued for its strength and ability to support intricate, angular designs. The result was sleek, sharp, and luxurious pieces that embodied the era's modern elegance.
The Retro Era (1939-1950)
The Retro Era, which ended with World War II, drew heavy inspiration from the war and the subsequent victory. While it retained the symmetry of the Art Deco period, the style evolved into bolder, stronger, and more dramatic designs, reflecting a sense of resilience and optimism.
Materials and Gems of Retro Era Jewelry
Retro Era jewelry (1940s-1950s) featured yellow gold and rose gold, usedin bold, chunky designs that conveyed luxury. Colored gemstones like amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, and sapphires were prominent, often set in large, striking styles. The combination of vibrant stones and intricate metalwork reflected the exuberance and optimism of the post-war era.
Excellence
We take pride in our collection, which we believe showcases the finest antique jewelry from across the ages. You’ll never find reproductions here, and unless stated otherwise, all our pieces are in excellent condition, 100% original, and free from enhancements.
Uniqueness
Antique jewelry is a limited resource, and finding truly exceptional pieces is becoming more challenging. We search farand wide for rare and unique items (some weeks we come up empty-handed), and those that make it into our collection are the best of the best.
Mastery
With many years of experience in the trade, our founder, Vijay Sarkheliya, is one of the USA’s leading antique jewelry experts, known for his exceptionally trained eye. This expertise gives him unparalleled access to the finest pieces, from which he meticulously curates his selection.
Assurance
Investing in a piece of antique jewelry can be a daunting process. We prioritize our customers' peace of mind above all else, which is why we maintain a culture of trust and integrity at all times. Should a customer be unhappy with their purchase for any reason, we will gladly offer a 14-day full money-back guarantee.
Personal Touch
Finding the perfect piece should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We're here to offer our customers expert, impartial advice and support. For us, building lasting relationships is far more important than making a quick sale.
Honest
Our jewellery is Conflict Free and Eco-Friendly.
When you buy from us, you can be confident that you’re not supporting any unethical practices.
Sustainable Economy
By choosing to buy antique, you’re not supporting a cycle of violence, war,
economic inequality, exploitation, or human suffering.
You can be confident that your purchase is not supporting industrial practices
that harm the environment, contaminate the land, or displace vulnerable
communities.
Conflict Free
By choosing antique, you’re helping reduce the need for new mining and
decreasing the demand for fresh diamonds and precious stones.
Your item likely predates any regional conflicts linked to the diamond trade and
precious gemstone mining.
You will be reducing your carbon footprint.
You are playing the role of a conservator, not just a consumer.
5 Reasons to buy Antique Jewelry
We aim to introduce antique jewelry to a new generation.
We view it as an exciting alternative to today's mass-produced jewelry, offering timeless style, beauty, and charm for those who wish to stand out.
It is Irresistable
For those who love and collect jewelry, vintage and antique pieces have a unique beauty that’s hard to match today. Often handmade by skilled craftsmen, their subtle sparkle and old-world techniques stand out from modern designs.
It is Excellent Value
Buying antique, vintage, and second-hand jewelry is VAT-free, meaning you pay 20% less than for a new piece. There are no manufacturing costs with old jewelry, so you're getting the same quality gemstones and materials without paying extra for the seller's overheads. Many antique jewelry dealers are small businesses selling through stalls, showrooms, or online, saving on retail costs. This often results in more affordable prices for their jewelry.
The Quality is better
Today, most modern jewellery is cast. Antique and vintage jewellery was almost always hand-made or at the very least (in the case of newer, vintage jewellery) hand-finished. Even in high-end modern jewelry, it's hard to match the quality and craftsmanship found in older pieces. In the past, skilled artisans spent time creating bespoke jewelry for wealthy clients, resulting in craftsmanship that often surpasses today's best designs.
It has a Story
There’s a certain romance to jewelry from another era, each piece with its own story. With antique or vintage jewelry, we become partof its shining history.
It is Unique
Jewelry wasn’t mass-produced or widely available until recently, making it unlikely to find an identical piece of antique or vintage jewelry. Each piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Many antique jewelry pieces were one-of-a-kind creations by skilled craftsmen, made specifically for members of the upper classes.