Hirsch M. Klusner operated the Belle Epoche jewelry shop in the seaside district of Russia. Provider of rare gems & watches, he plants a seed that will span the next five generations of his patrimony. Amidst the Bolshevik revolution, Hirsch & his son, Meir, set up shop in their new home, supplying much of the city's fine jewelry.
With the rise of the 3rd Reich, Meir & his son Stanley carve out the pages of books & fill them with jewelry. Jared Klusner is born. He soon spends weekends in his father's shop, captivated by the intricacies of precious stones and their settings. He develops an ability to spot the exotic & unique amidst the dross of metals & gems, laying the foundation for his future expertise.
With the rise of the 3rd Reich, Meir & his son Stanley carve out the pages of books & fill them with jewelry. Jared Klusner is born. He soon spends weekends in his father's shop, captivated by the intricacies of precious stones and their settings. He develops an ability to spot the exotic & unique amidst the dross of metals & gems, laying the foundation for his future expertise.
Services
It was with the transitional cut diamond that the industry was perfecting that would give rise to the modern round brilliant. The engagement ring has evolved over generations. Some things changed dramatically but some things stayed the same, like the love of diamonds. While diamonds in and of themselves have changed quite a lot.
Vintage engagement rings hand-picked by our experts, who scour the world for the unique and charmed. Our collection spans 100 years from the mid 19th century to the 1950s. Shop online or visit our NYC showroom. The term "vintage" is not a regulated industry term. Often anything 20 years or older can be classified as vintage but at Erstwhile we refer to vintage rings as rings that were made between 1919 and 1950.
Our namesake collection of engagement rings set with antique cut diamonds hand crafted in our NYC workshop. By Erstwhile engagement rings are hand crafted in New York City using antique diamond cuts in recycled metals, a fully sustainable and eco-friendly collection. Our diamonds are better than conflict-free - they are up-cycled having been mined over 100 years ago.
Reviews (21)
Katie Wadhams
Dec 22, 2021
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My experience with Erstwhile was a pleasure. I ordered through the website and it was certainly a little scary to not see the piece in person but upon request I was sent many more images and videos so I could feel confident about my purchase. It arrived in beautiful packaging (after their team double checked on date to ship so I would be home) and has exceeded expectations. What a special experience and wonderful opportunity to own a truly heirloom piece of jewelry. Special shoutout to Jesse who was wonderful to work with.
Agapito Sustaita
Nov 25, 2021
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I had some reservations about making such a large jewelry purchase without seeing the piece in person. However, when I asked for additional pictures, I received an immediate response with not just pictures, but also a short video. My order was handled quickly and prior to shipping, I was contacted because a final quality check revealed a possibly slight imperfection. After a jeweler make sure everything was perfect, my engagement ring arrived quickly thereafter. My entire experience was professional, warm, and delightful.
Kendra Lawrence
Nov 18, 2021
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We bought my engagement online two years ago and were so pleased with the quality, experience, and service that we came back to make additional purchases to celebrate a milestone birthday. Would recommend to anyone looking for something very special and unique - I get compliments all the time on my engagement ring.
Neil Smith
Oct 25, 2021
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Greg Behrens
Oct 04, 2021
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Charlie Elias
Jun 16, 2021
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I worked with Erstwhile to reset my stone in their Golden Prism Shifter setting and it was a pleasure! Jesse was very friendly, answered any question I had and kept me informed every step of the way. As for my completed ring, it is absolutely stunning and even better than I imagined! I would definitely recommend Erstwhile and wouldn't hesitate to purchase from them again. Maybe one day I will again!
Dakota Fontanello
May 07, 2021
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Denia Fonseca
Apr 05, 2021
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I recently purchased a 2mm golden hoop wedding band on Erstwhile’s site and had an excellent experience from start to finish. Their site is very user-friendly & informative. Buying online was not an impersonal experience thanks to friendly status update emails from Jesse. My ring arrived earlier than promised in uniquely beautiful packaging. The craftsmanship of the ring itself is exceptional. I look forward to ordering from Erstwhile again & highly recommend them.
Berta M.
Nov 05, 2019
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Dara H.
Jun 17, 2018
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Rachael Armayor
May 01, 2018
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Emily Cornwall
Jan 30, 2018
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Erstwhile is amazing! Me and my husband purchased my engagemet ring from them. We got the knife edge ring and Nikki was so helpful and answered all of our questions right away. We live in Reno so buying a ring online was very nerve racking. It turns out we had nothing to be nervous about. Nikki and the team at Erstwhile are amazing and we couldn’t… be happier!! The ring turned out beautifully and the craftsmanship is unbelievable! If you’re thinking about getting a ring from them...do it! You won’t be disappointed. I can’t say enough good things about them!
Justine M.
Sep 24, 2017
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My fiance and I were recently engaged, and he gave me a ring from their By Erstwhile collection. From the very beginning we've had an absolutely wonderful experience with Erstwhile and Nikki!
My now-fiance and I visited the showroom together a few months ago, where I tried on several estate pieces as well as rings from the By Erstwhile collection. We knew that we wanted a vintage stone, and when we found out that the By Erstwhile collection is made in New York with reclaimed platinum and gold, we knew this would be a great option for us. We appreciated how Nikki wasn't pushy at all,
My now-fiance and I visited the showroom together a few months ago, where I tried on several estate pieces as well as rings from the By Erstwhile collection. We knew that we wanted a vintage stone, and when we found out that the By Erstwhile collection is made in New York with reclaimed platinum and gold, we knew this would be a great option for us. We appreciated how Nikki wasn't pushy at all,
Whitney Nicole
Dec 01, 2016
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I've been dreaming of owning an estate ring for as long as I can remember. I wanted to own something with a story (even if the story wasn't my own) that I could pass down one day. I decided that this year I was… going to do the ultimate #treatyaself. Last week I finally found the piece I wanted after months of looking. I ended up getting an early Edwardian ring and Erstwhile made it SO easy. They are extremely helpful and so quick to help. Top notch service to match their incredible inventory.
Carole B.
Aug 16, 2016
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I had a very specific image in mind for my ring, but couldn't find it anywhere. I found Erstwhile's site while researching vintage rings online and am happy that I did! They have a wide selection of vintage and custom rings ranging from Georgian to present-day. The rings available are carefully curated; the buyer has a great eye.
I came back several times before we finally settled on a ring (I was torn between a few). Service was exactly what I wanted: informative, respectful, and nice. I was able to go through all the rings at my own pace trying on some rings multiple times or
I came back several times before we finally settled on a ring (I was torn between a few). Service was exactly what I wanted: informative, respectful, and nice. I was able to go through all the rings at my own pace trying on some rings multiple times or
Michael Smitty
Jul 22, 2016
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For all those that have overwhelming anxiety about purchasing a ring via their online store, don't be. I purchased a beautiful Georgian engagement ring after I spoke with the owner of the store. He was very… kind and offered his assurance that everything would go smoothly. He was right. Since then, I have sent the ring back to them once due to a small issue. They were very prompt and kind to correct the issue and did so at no expense to me. They have been so kind, in fact, that I am looking to purchase more jewelry specifically from them in the future. My fiancé loved her ring made
Meeghan Leigh
Feb 01, 2016
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We Recently got engaged. I knew I wanted a vintage style ring and couldn't find anything new with the same look, that's when we found this store and their amazing inventory. I am stunned by the detail and beauty of our ring, it's over 100 years old. Kate was amazing, always helpful and answered all of my questions after the engagement. I… would recommend this store to anyone. I know it can be scary buying an older item- but we couldn't be happier. Every jeweler we've seen afterwards has been stunned by the quality, detail and beauty of the ring- and it appraised very well. You can't go wrong
Katya R.
Jan 09, 2013
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Jared and his wife are very knowledgable about rings. I never liked wearing rings before I got my engagement ring and was hesitant about looking at diamond rings because I wanted something more original. After our meeting, I realized that my original thoughts were ridiculous. Jared showed me his collection and now I must say that I love diamonds!! I now only buy antique jewelry and Jared updates me when he sources new pieces that are my style (and in my price range).
Great experience with Erstwhile and I highly recommend looking at their collection if you're looking for an engagement ring
Great experience with Erstwhile and I highly recommend looking at their collection if you're looking for an engagement ring
Chelsea S.
Nov 28, 2012
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My boyfriend and I didn't like the idea of purchasing an engagement ring online (especially since I couldn't try it on first), so I e-mailed Jared a hundred+ questions. I wanted to know: size of the diamond and ring width, GIA vs. EGL, return policy, ring sizing, etc., etc., etc. He responded back promptly to every e-mail and with a kindness and understanding that I truly appreciated. I felt good vibes through his e-mails and told my boyfriend that I thought we would be okay if we ordered from him....
Long story short, 5 months after our initial contact, I was given a ring from Erstwhile
Long story short, 5 months after our initial contact, I was given a ring from Erstwhile
Anya K.
Aug 07, 2012
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My engagement ring was actually not from Erstwhile, but my wedding band is. My husband proposed to me with a beautiful Veragio ring that I love, but the wedding bands that came with it were just not up to my standard. I worked with Jared to get the perfect matching wedding band made. He patiently worked with me and helped me choose the best matching option. The result is beautiful- I wear the wedding band alone or with my engagement ring and both options are great.
About the company- I think they have such a unique offering and such a charming quality :) The selection Erstwhile has is absolutely
About the company- I think they have such a unique offering and such a charming quality :) The selection Erstwhile has is absolutely
Suanne L.
Feb 25, 2012
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Oh my goodness. He went to Jared! (Jared Klusner, that is.)
So firstly, dear Yelpers, I am engaged and absolutely thrilled. (Its a good story, so feel free to ask when you see me next). I had set a challenge for dear fiance (DF going forward). I really liked the idea of vintage or antique engagement rings. I wanted a ring with character and that was made with love by a skilled artist, and not mass produced with "blood diamonds" or via a website simulation. But I also didn't want a big ring - I'm a tiny person. I like tiny things. With tiny details.
DF went on a wild goose
So firstly, dear Yelpers, I am engaged and absolutely thrilled. (Its a good story, so feel free to ask when you see me next). I had set a challenge for dear fiance (DF going forward). I really liked the idea of vintage or antique engagement rings. I wanted a ring with character and that was made with love by a skilled artist, and not mass produced with "blood diamonds" or via a website simulation. But I also didn't want a big ring - I'm a tiny person. I like tiny things. With tiny details.
DF went on a wild goose
