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Company History

 
LIKE HIS JEWELRY,
STEPHEN HERDEMIAN'S A ONE-OF-A-KIND


"I know this jeweler." It's a phrase we've all heard a family member, friend, acquaintance or coworker invariably say at one time or another. And yes, while it's true that most people do "know this jeweler," they may not know Stephen Herdemian. That is, unless they're one of the lucky ones.

This is a website whose intention is allowing all antique jewelry lovers the enjoyment of viewing the exquisite, one-of-a-kind antique pieces Steve has in his collection. Others may have similar websites, but they are not Steve, who is in a class by himself -- and has been for the last 20 years.

Honesty is of major importance to him. The New York Daily News felt him worthy of praise and featured him in a piece dated 6/8/99. In fact, his knowledge of antique and estate jewelry has been passed down through generations. Not surprisingly, so is Steve's merchandise. Other websites, where jewelers claim their pieces are from the 1890s through the 1940s, are in actuality reproductions. "Victorian like" and "deco style," is not antique jewelry. Antique jewelry is always handmade; reproductions are not. If Steve says a certain piece is from the 1920s, it is. Every piece of jewelry offered on this website is without question the age that it is stated to be.

You may not know his name, but you certainly know the movies and soap operas that have incorporated his jewelry and the many actors and actresses who have his unique and reasonably priced pieces flowing around their necks, dangling from their ears or gracing their arms. Often, much of the jewelry he rents to a movie set, ends up on the producers or stars body -- for good!

Truth be told there is no one like Steve. He loves what he sells. Steve believes in estate jewelry as art and investment. As time marches on there will only be less antique jewelry available, thus making what antiques we own more sought after. Yet all can rest assured, for 20 years he has offered a 2 week unconditional money back guarantee. Not an exchange, not a credit. If one doesn't love what one bought, Steve gladly will take it back. It is important to him that whoever buys the piece treasure it.

The jewelry speaks for itself. When something is truly beautiful, it needs no jeweler's fancy words or exaggerated histories. It is always an enjoyable and satisfying experience to do business with Steve. Always feel free to call or E-mail Steve with any questions about the pieces being sold on this site or to inquire about selling anything old and beautiful. He finds great excitement in purchasing anything of beauty. You may also inquire about a particular piece that may be in inventory, but not on this site. If you're looking for authenticity at wholesale prices, honesty and straight forwardness -- you need look no further.

As seen in the Daily News-Issue June 8, 1999

CITY LIFE
"Putting the sparkle back."

Antique jewelry aficionados know that repairs are a tricky business: many jewelers eschew the assignment entirely. Others ruin what they have promised to repair. Taking Grandma's rings and things to a modern jeweler for refurbishing is the most common mistake people make with their old baubles, explains Steve Herdemian, an expert expediter in the repair of old treasures.

 Herdemian has a thriving business in the Diamond District selling antique and estate jewelry, as well as renting it out to television and movie productions. (At the time of this interview, the $9,500 sparkler Julia Roberts wore in "Stepmom" glittered in his display case.) He also arranges the resurrection of worn-out classic watches, broken Art Deco and Victorian rings, and all manner of old bijoux with missing stones or mutilated settings. Prices are reasonable, and the work is sometimes remarkably good. 

His secret is the treasure chest of experts he's amassed over a 20-year career in the family business: lapidary and findings houses, stonecutters and setters, and watchmakers and polishers who understand the importance of exactitude when working with rare old things. "You don't expose a bloodstone to heat," Herdemian tsk-tsks. "You don't heat marcasites, onyx, turquoise or any opaque stone." He also tries to get the least expensive, best qualified expert for the task. "My primary jeweler, I'll give him a $20,000 platinum engagement ring to be sized, but you can give me a $50 old ring, and I know it should go to another guy I know a few doors down," he confides. "There's another guy I know," Herdemian says conspiratorially. "He's the only one in the world who can do things like they did 100 years ago. He's a fortune, and he takes forever," but if your lorgnette is kaput, he's your man. 

----Shella Anne Feeney Daily News 6/8/99



Consuming Passions | 47th Street
By Lynn Yaeger

My last visit this afternoon is to Stephen Herdemian, perhaps the most egalitarian dealer
on my list, a 25 year veteran of the district, Herdemian carries everything from a 1927
class ring...Read More