A street with stories

Royal Street isn’t just a pretty walk, it’s a living archive. Between balconies and brass bands, generations of collectors have chased heirlooms here, from hand-engraved gold lockets to diamond dinner rings with serious swagger.

Creole elegance, European influence

Front view of both earrings

Early New Orleans blended French and Spanish taste with Gulf-coast practicality. You’ll spot filigree work, enamel details, cameos, seed pearls, and hand-cut diamonds, pieces built to be worn, loved, and passed down.

Decades in the cases

  • Victorian (1837–1901): Engraved lockets, mourning motifs, seed-pearl pendants.

  • Edwardian & Belle Époque: Airy platinum lace, old mine/European-cut diamonds.

  • Art Deco (1920s–30s): Crisp geometry, calibre-cut gems, onyx + diamond contrasts.

  • Mid-century (1940s–60s): Buttery gold, sculptural cocktail rings, bold colored stones.

Motifs that say “New Orleans”

Fleur-de-lis, scrollwork, celestial stars, and festive color—jewelry here loves personality. Even modern pieces nod to the city’s rhythm with playful gemstones and statement silhouettes.

How to shop estate like a pro

  • Look for craftsmanship: Hand engraving, millgrain, well-set stones.

  • Check the stones: Old mine/Euro cuts have chunky facets and candlelit fire—beautiful, just different from modern brilliants.

  • Ask about metal & marks: Karat stamps and maker’s marks help date a piece.

  • Fit & future: We can resize, clean, or refresh settings while preserving character.

Why David’s NOLA

We hand-select estate and vintage for charm, condition, and wearability—everyday treasures and once-in-a-lifetime finds. Our bench team can clean, size, or thoughtfully restore pieces so they’re ready for their next chapter.

Shop the edit

Link 3–6 currently in-stock items (example mix): an Art Deco diamond ring, a Victorian locket, a mid-century ruby cocktail ring, antique earrings, and a statement bracelet. Add one-line captions (metal, era, why it’s special).

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Ester Edry