The Rat's Nest

Longer thoughts on old jewelry. A tangle of things worth sharing pertaining to fine antique and estate jewelry from The Rat People's Perspective.
Original Art Deco Jewelry - Isn't it just one era that has a consistent look? The answer might surprise you.
Original Art Deco Jewelry - Isn't it just one era that has a consistent look? The answer might surprise you.
Art Deco Isn't One Thing. Here's How to Tell the Chapters Apart. Say "Art Deco" to most people and they picture one look: platinum, geometry, diamonds arranged with architectural precision.... Read more...
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) – Eras for the Advanced Collector
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) – Eras for the Advanced Collector
Eras, Revisited: What Advanced Collectors Actually Do With This Knowledge Beginners learn eras as categories. Advanced collectors learn to stop trusting them. That's not a contradiction — it's the natural... Read more...
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) - Eras for the Intermediate Collector
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) - Eras for the Intermediate Collector
Jewelry Eras – Intermediate Now that you know the major eras, it's worth going one layer deeper. Jewelry doesn't get made in a vacuum — every generation of jewelers looked... Read more...
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) – Eras for the Beginner Collector
A Field Guide to Buying Old Jewelry (So You Stop Guessing) – Eras for the Beginner Collector
Let’s start with jewelry “eras” because it’s a great framework to help with classifying jewelry styles to help you understand what’s out there. So, what’s a jewelry era? A jewelry... Read more...
The Case for Wearing "Formal" Jewelry on a Random Tuesday
The Case for Wearing "Formal" Jewelry on a Random Tuesday
Going against the grain - find ways to wear your finery everyday. Don't save your pieces for a "special occasion" that may or may not ever materialize. Enjoy your jewels! Read more...
Controversial Topic: Gold Jewelry as an Investment
Controversial Topic: Gold Jewelry as an Investment
 As a passionate collector and buyer of fine gold and platinum jewelry, I’ve often heard, "Gold Jewelry is an Investment!" And this sentiment rubs me a bit and has me wondering...Is gold... Read more...
1980s Does Art Deco
1980s Does Art Deco
The 1980s Art Deco Revival: Glamour, Geometry, and Bold Jewelry Statements The 1980s were a decade defined by excess, luxury, and unapologetic boldness. Amidst power suits, neon colors, and big... Read more...
What's in a name?
What's in a name?
The story behind our name... Read more...
Unleashing Subversive Style: Rocking Antique and Estate Jewelry, Edgy Edition
Unleashing Subversive Style: Rocking Antique and Estate Jewelry, Edgy Edition
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, finding ways to stand out and make a statement is essential. If you're a lover of antique, vintage and estate jewelry and crave a... Read more...
Unlocking Timeless Glam: How to Wear Antique and Estate Jewelry in a Modern Way
Unlocking Timeless Glam: How to Wear Antique and Estate Jewelry in a Modern Way
  There's a secret to creating a style that transcends time: antique and estate jewelry. These exquisite pieces possess a charm that resonates across generations. But how do you take... Read more...
Wearing Jewelry Then & Now: Art Nouveau
Wearing Jewelry Then & Now: Art Nouveau
Wearing Art Nouveau Jewelry Then and Now Read more...