Ring Leader: Talking To Sam Mee of The Antique Ring Boutique
When Sam Mee decided to launch The Antique Ring Boutique he had been looking to buy a flat in London but instead took a chance and used his savings to buy his first 20 rings. His company has now grown to include over 1000 styles, predominately from the 18th through early 20th century. He sells to dealers and collectors alike, through his website, meetings in his Regent Street location, traveling to see dealers and Instagram. Here we talk to Sam about how he got his start, his evolution, why he only sells rings, and what he personally collects:
When did you start having an interest in antique/vintage jewelry?
“My first job was as a buyer for Liberty of London. Before they place you in a department, you take some tests and based on those they place you where they think you belong. I had to do two apprentice training courses and then became one of the antique jewelry specialists. I loved my work and learned a tremendous amount. I only left because they decided to close the antique department. That is when I decide to throw caution to the wind and use my savings to invest in launching my business.”
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/georgian-15ct-gold-silver-sapphire-and-diamond-ring
Can you tell us a little bit about how you launched?
“I began collecting the rings for the business in 2019. I took photos, had pieces tested, made sure they were all in excellent condition. I even did one trade show, sharing a booth in New York City to meet other dealers and customers. But it wasn’t until 2020 just a few months before we got locked down due to the pandemic that I was set to launch. I had to think on my toes, worked on the website and sold as much as I could on Instagram. It turned out to be successful as that was the only way people were buying at that time.”
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/antique-ruby-and-diamond-ring-burmese-rubies?_pos=1&_psq=Antique+Burmese+ruby+and+diamond+ring&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Why did you decide to dedicate the business specifically to rings?
As an art major in school, I specialized in painting and that’s what I received my degree in. It was what I was best at. This trickled over into my career. Being an expert in one part of a field is most appealing to me. I thought that rings were the piece of jewelry that most people loved to wear. It’s the piece you can always see on yourself and although other jewelry has meaning, there are so many different styles of rings that hold various symbolism throughout time; each one truly tells its own story. I also tend to obsess over things so when I get a new ring, I do a deep dive into everything I can find out about it. If I were to sell antique/vintage jewelry across the board, I don’t think I would be able to have the same ability to look into every aspect of every piece, the way I do now.”
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/antique-victorian-three-stone-diamond-ring-18ct-yellow-gold
Do you have a favorite period?
“I am partial to the 18th and early 19th century’s romantic and sentimental rings. But I also love the craftsmanship of the early 20th century as well as rings with exceptional gemstones.”
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/antique-victorian-turquoise-double-heart-ring-15ct-yellow-gold-silver?_pos=1&_psq=Victorian+turquoise+double+heart+ring&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/18th-century-georgian-portrait-diamond-ring?_pos=1&_psq=portrait&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Where and how do you purchase your inventory?
“I go on buying trips throughout the U.K, parts of Europe and I travel to most of the antique/vintage shows in the UK and the U.S, check out all of the auctions and I have dealers whom I have relationships and contact me when they think something is right for me. I also have a connection to probate managers and therefore go to estate sales.”
Do you ever rest?
“I’m always looking but I tend to turn some of my buying trips into mini vacations as well. Often when I go on sales trips, I tend to visit with the people I know and its often fun and very relaxed.”
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/art-deco-platinum-diamond-ring
What was the first piece you ever saw that made your heart skip a beat and why?
Moonstone pendant in a fitted Liberty box. The moonstone was so illuminous and so blue. It’s hard to find moonstones that magical, in good condition and in its original box.”
Are you also a collector yourself and what do you collect?
“Exceptional examples 18th-century ruby and diamond pendants, ancient Roman pieces, and I am partial to emerald and peridot as gemstones so I collect them from different periods.”
What is the most important piece you ever had for sale?
“ A Victorian emerald five stone ring with five carat of the clearest emeralds that were in near perfect condition for the period.”
What is your favorite piece in your own collection?
“The pendant wear every day, an ancient roman urn.”
What is the most sentimental piece you own personally?
“A Renaissance ring that I kept for myself as it was not in the best condition but I loved the period, the look of it and the price was only 20 GBP. I wore it constantly.”
How have you evolved?
“I opened the business with 20 rings and now have over 1000 on the website and in stock. As the rings get sold , I search high and low to find quality rings to bring back in. I like the personal relationships with dealers and collectors who trust and have confidence in me and continue to buy from me. My goal is always to meet more dealers to sell and buy from as well as more private customers who I can provide with rare, original and quality pieces and who will recommend me to their friends and the next generation of their families.”
Georgian cluster ring with cushion cut center and mine cut surround
https://www.antiqueringboutique.com/products/antique-georgian-old-mine-cut-diamond-cluster-ring?_pos=3&_psq=Georgian+cluster&_ss=e&_v=1.0
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ANTIQUE RING BOUTIQUE
Georgian cluster ring with cushion cut center and mine cut surround
