The world of fine jewelry in general can be intimidating, and when you move into the realm of antique jewelry, you cross into an entirely different world of expertise, with the truly knowledgeable even fewer and farther between. Fortunately for Atlantans, we can turn to Steven Fearnley, the owner of J.S. Fearnley Fine & Estate Jewelry, for impeccable taste, quality and selection of antique jewelry.

Fearnley is a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist with a worldwide reputation for his discerning eye and fine taste in antique jewelry. Longtime Atlantans may recognize Fearnley from his previous stores: In 1986, he opened his first Atlanta shop, Giordano & Company Jewelers, which through the years had locations in the Galleria Specialty Mall, Perimeter Mall and a mini-shop in The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. In 2004, Fearnley opened Moffatts Fine Estate Jewelry in Phipps Plaza across from Tiffany & Co., but it closed in 2008 after Simon Malls decided to rent only to corporate stores. In April 2009, Fearnley re-opened under his own name in an intimate space on West Paces Ferry Road. And with West Paces Ferry Road’s reputation for prestigious homes and the luxury St. Regis hotel, J.S. Fearnley finds itself perfectly at home in the neighborhood.

The store is open by appointment and referral only (JEZ readers can consider this their referral) and is tastefully decorated with dramatic antique furnishings and paintings, giving it a regal yet approachable feel. This well-planned décor sets a specific tone, about which Fearnley says, “I wanted my customers to have free, upfront parking without having to get into elevators and get buzzed through doors. And once they’re inside, they feel like they are in a comfortable living room.”

Although the merchandise is constantly changing, Fearnley specializes in rare, signed collectors’ pieces from design houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Gianmaria Buccellati. Pieces range from dramatic art deco diamond necklaces to turn-of-the-century brooches to distinct trend bracelets from the 1980s. At press time, Fearnley’s pieces ranged in price anywhere from $2,500 to $2.5 million, with most of the items falling squarely in the middle of those two numbers. But the most surprising aspect of Fearnley’s fine collection is that he also has remarkable prices–typically 40 percent lower than the same pieces would cost anywhere else. It is also normal for Fearnley to have pieces that are not only beautiful but also have intriguing stories to match, such as a white gold and diamond watch that once belonged to Ella Fitzgerald and is believed to have been a gift from Frank Sinatra.

Fearnley is constantly traveling across the globe buying and selling his stunning pieces. He is well-known in the circuit for his fine eye and his rare finds, and this reputation springs from his passion for the business. He and his sole employee, Jacqueline Juter, share a love for unique and beautiful pieces, which translates into a collection of merchandise that is always alluring. And since he is in the market of fascinating jewelry, Fearnley is always seeking strong pieces and buys from the public.

It takes only a few short moments in J.S. Fearnley Fine & Estate Jewelry to appreciate the beauty of antique jewelry, and it takes even less time to have Fearnley’s passion incite the urge to own one of his pieces of ornamental art. Fortunately, it’s for sale. 87 W. Paces Ferry Road, Suite 2, 404.812.6464, jsfearnley.com.