Palm Beach, Florida, has long been synonymous with elegance, glamour, and a refined taste for the finer things in life. From its pristine beaches and luxurious estates to its vibrant social scene, this island paradise has attracted discerning individuals for over a century. Among the many treasures that Palm Beach has to offer, antique jewelry holds a special place, reflecting the island’s rich history and enduring style.
A Legacy of Luxury
Palm Beach’s love affair with exquisite jewelry began in the late 19th century with the arrival of Henry Flagler’s grand hotels, The Royal Poinciana and The Breakers. These opulent establishments drew affluent visitors from across the country, who brought with them a taste for the finest jewels. Jewelers like Greenleaf & Crosby, established in 1867, recognized the demand and set up shop in Palm Beach to cater to this elite clientele1. Greenleaf Hamilton started the Greenleaf Curiosity Shop at the Ainslie House in Jacksonville, Florida, selling souvenirs and jewelry. In 1870, Joseph Crosby joined the firm, and they opened a store on West Bay Street. Greenleaf & Crosby expanded their presence throughout Florida, opening shops in St. Augustine (1887), the Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach (1895), Miami and the Miami Breakers Hotel (1900), and a building on Laura Street in Jacksonville (1927)1. The company was eventually sold to Betteridge Jewelers, but its legacy in Palm Beach continues. Today, Greenleaf & Crosby, now in its 128th year on the island, remains a landmark destination for those seeking exceptional estate jewelry alongside contemporary designs2.
The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show has showcased some truly remarkable pieces, including an iconic solitaire rectangular cut diamond ring valued at $100,0003. This exemplifies the high-value antique jewelry that can be found in Palm Beach, attracting collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.
Iconic Styles that Define an Era
While Palm Beach embraces a variety of antique jewelry styles, certain periods and aesthetics have become particularly associated with the island’s unique charm.
Art Deco: Geometric Glamour
The Art Deco movement, which flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, found a natural home in Palm Beach. With its emphasis on geometric shapes, bold colors, and streamlined designs, Art Deco jewelry perfectly captured the era’s exuberance and modern sensibility. Platinum, white gold, and sterling silver were the preferred metals, often adorned with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, jade, black onyx, and rubies4. Channel settings, which emphasized the linear design of the piece, were a hallmark of Art Deco jewelry4.
<img src=”https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0581/7999/4999/products/IMG_3472_1024x1024.jpg?v=1667441343” alt=”Art Deco Bracelet” width=”300″/> 5
Victorian and Retro: Romantic Elegance
In contrast to the bold geometry of Art Deco, the Victorian era (1837-1901) and the Retro period (1940s and 1950s) offered a different yet equally captivating aesthetic. Victorian jewelry, known for its intricate details, delicate filigree work, and romantic motifs, evokes a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty. Retro jewelry, with its bold, oversized designs and use of colorful gemstones, exudes a playful yet sophisticated charm6. High-quality pieces from these eras, with their exceptional workmanship, tend to stay in style, making them enduring favorites6. Both styles remain highly sought after in Palm Beach, where their timeless elegance complements the island’s classic architecture and refined atmosphere6.
<img src=”https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0581/7999/4999/products/IMG_3471_1024x1024.jpg?v=1667441319” alt=”Victorian Style Necklace” width=”300″/> 5
Signed Pieces: The Mark of Distinction
Palm Beach collectors have a particular fondness for signed pieces, whether from renowned jewelry houses or individual designers. These pieces not only represent exceptional craftsmanship and design but also carry the prestige and history of their creators. Names like Cartier, David Webb, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co. are highly coveted, with their vintage creations often commanding top prices7. Palm Beach clients also appreciate the iconic, signed, and numbered pieces from Seaman Schepps, known for their bold and “fun” aesthetic8. One particularly iconic piece is the Seaman Schepps gold and diamond Mousetrap bracelet, a 1930s design inspired by the coiled metal of a mousetrap8.
<img src=”https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/5805/products/14ksignedcitrinecabochonrubyretroring_1024x1024.jpg?v=1670441343” alt=”Signed Citrine Ring” width=”300″/> 9
Tips for Buying Antique Jewelry
When venturing into the world of antique jewelry, it’s essential to be able to distinguish authentic pieces from reproductions. While the front of a piece can be misleading, the back often reveals the true quality of its craftsmanship. Antique jewelry typically exhibits a higher level of detail and hand-finished elements on the back, reflecting the labor-intensive techniques of the past6. To ensure authenticity, consider having the stones tested by independent labs, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)6. With practice and a discerning eye, you can learn to spot the telltale signs of genuine antique jewelry.
Where to Find Antique Treasures
For those seeking to acquire or simply admire antique jewelry in Palm Beach, there are several notable destinations:
| Location | Description | Featured Jewelers/Items |
|---|---|---|
| Worth Avenue | This famed shopping street is home to a number of high-end jewelers. | Greenleaf & Crosby, Graff, Richters (vintage and antique pieces) 8 |
| Antique Row (South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach) | Boasts a diverse collection of antique shops. | Rosa Quality Estate Jewelry (Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, Rolex) 7, D. Brett Benson 10 |
| The Palm Beach Show | An annual event showcasing a wide array of antique jewelry, art, and furniture. | 3 |
| Estate Jewelers | Specialize in estate jewelry. | Benchmark Estate Jewelers of Palm Beach 11 |
| Online Platforms | Offer a wide selection of antique and vintage jewelry. | PalmBeachVintage.com, EsbiaJewelry.com 5 |
| Busby Antiques & Collectibles | Specializes in buying and selling antiquities and rare collectibles. | Gold jewelry, graded coins, rare antiques 13 |
| Eloquence Fine Jewelry | Offers custom-designed jewelry and pieces from famous designers. | Expert jewelry repair, appraisals, restorations 14 |
Conclusion
Antique jewelry in Palm Beach is more than just adornment; it’s a reflection of the island’s history, style, and enduring appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to the geometric glamour of Art Deco, the romantic elegance of Victorian and Retro pieces, or the prestige of signed jewels, Palm Beach offers a treasure trove of antique jewelry to discover and admire. The island’s legacy of luxury and its discerning clientele have created a vibrant market for these timeless treasures, ensuring that the allure of antique jewelry in Palm Beach will continue to captivate for generations to come.
Works cited
1. Greenleaf & Crosby – Antique Jewelry University, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.langantiques.com/university/mark/greenleaf-crosby/
2. Greenleaf & Crosby: Palm Beach’s Destination for Jewelry & Watches, accessed January 3, 2025, https://greenleafcrosby.com/
3. www.palmbeachshow.com, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.palmbeachshow.com/Pics_App/pdf-news/news-doc_check-out-the-antiques–the-arts-weekly-the-palm-beach-jewelry-art–antique-show-13.pdf
4. West Palm Beach – Verma Estate Jewelry, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.vermaestatejewelry.com/products/west-palm-beach
5. Jewelry – Palm Beach Vintage, accessed January 3, 2025, https://palmbeachvintage.com/collections/jewelry
6. Luxury Life Palm Beach, In The Press – From the Library at M.S. Rau …, accessed January 3, 2025, https://rauantiques.com/blogs/canvases-carats-and-curiosities/luxury-life-palm-beach
7. Rosa Quality Estate Jewelry – Antique Row West Palm Beach, accessed January 3, 2025, https://westpalmbeachantiques.com/index.php/2012-01-27-16-36-44/rosa-quality-estate-jewelry
8. A Jewelry Editor’s Guide to Shopping in Palm Beach – Only Natural Diamonds, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/culture-and-style/a-jewelry-editors-guide-to-shopping-in-palm-beach/
9. Palm Beach, FL – Patti Esbia Antique & Estate Jewelry, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.esbiajewelry.com/jewelry-gallery
10. D. Brett Benson Vintage Jewelry : Antique Row – West Palm Beach – Florida, accessed January 3, 2025, http://www.onantiquerow.com/dealer/d-brett-benson/2/1
11. Palm Beach’s Premier Estate Jewelry Dealer – Benchmark of Palm Beach, accessed January 3, 2025, https://estatejewelers.benchmarkofpalmbeach.com/
12. Sell Art Deco Jewelry in West Palm Beach, FL, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.esbiajewelry.com/
13. Antique Store Palm Beach, FL – Busby Antiques & Collectibles, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.busbyantiques.com/antique-store-palm-beach/
14. Florida Custom Jewelry | Home | Eloquence Fine Jewelers, accessed January 3, 2025, https://eloquencejewelers.com/