Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Trend: Lovebirds

Photo taken by lempel_zev Not sure where that saying "two lovebirds" came from, in reference to two people in love, but it is quite endearing. And anytime birds are cuddling rather than dive bombing people is a moment worth noting. Can't say birds are my favorite creature, but they sure make great appearances in vintage jewelry. There are so many vintage pieces that feature all sorts of breeds--eagles, lovebirds, swallows, flamingos--but my favorite are the doves. Doves are the image of everlasting love and fidelity as they mate for a lifetime. When one passes, the surviving dove will remain alone for the duration of its life; it will never seek another mate. Such a pretty band, with the lovebirds almost camouflaged within the gold. This is a French Victorian piece from the 19th century. The band is crafted in 18k yellow gold, from The Three Graces. These little guys are so cute, especially their little turquoise bellies. This bird necklace is from the 1950s, done in 14k yellow gold. Each lovebird has ruby eyes. Price: $1702 from Broken English. These lovebirds are found on a brooch circa 1880, of Belgian origin. They are mainly etched, with seed pearl bodies, done in 18k yellow gold. Price: $357 from Adin. Read More

My Jewel Box

Drape Chain Charm Bracelet

{14k yellow gold drape chain bracelet 14k yellow gold St. Anthony Medallion charm} {14k yellow gold textured band 10k yellow gold antique panther ring} A Gem Gossip "Do-It-Yourself:" How to get the drape chain, charm bracelet look: 1. Get three very fine 14k gold chains (these came with pendants I've purchased that seem too thin to wear on a necklace alone) 2. Clasp them together, so that one clasp connects to the other's end ring, and do the same with its other end 3. Wrap around your wrist and add a round medallion charm Read More

Obsessions

Glimpse into the Past: Large, Button Earrings

Nothing is prettier than having your hair pulled back, showing off a pair of large, button earrings. And in this case, size does matter, because the perfect look is having them about the same size as your ear lobe. A nice round pair, featuring pearls, coral, or enamel are great choices. Actress of the 1960s Tippi Hedren is seen above portraying this look exactly. These earrings are 18k yellow gold and embellished in enamel, with center diamonds. They are from Beladora, and are contemporary--black, white and gold is a classic color combination. Price: $995 Mabe pearls are perfect for the round, button earring look. These are done in 14k yellow gold, at a great price of $295 at Beladora2. The color of these are described as a bronzy grey and are circa 1980. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, these button earrings are done in a rare natural coral, which is such a pretty color. This pair was purchased by Beladora from a prominent California estate, and is now for sale for $4250. Circa 1980, a necessary designer collector's piece for any jewelry collection. These are designed by Tiffany & Co. and feature stunning Mabe pearls in 18k yellow gold. They are contemporary, can be purchased on 1stdibs--provided by seller Hollis Reh and Shariff. Read More

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Obsessions

A Bracelet LookBook//2009

{skull elastics JessicaMcCormack} Read More

My Jewel Box

Snapshots of my Antique Jewels

[top photo] 14k yellow gold knot brooch with enamel circa 1890 from Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry featured at the Nashville flea market at the TN State Fairgrounds 14k white & yellow gold diamond & sapphire filigree ring from Steve’s Pawn Shop 113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 14k yellow gold black enamel panther ring with diamond eyes from Steve’s Pawn Shop 113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 14k yellow gold sapphire & diamond pendant circa 1950s from Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry 410 Main St., Franklin, TN 14k rose & white gold brooch with diamond & seed pearls from eBay seller: barbara*s-lost-and-found [bottom photo] 14k white gold ring ruby & 2 diamonds circa 1930s from eBay seller: mrwatch 14k white gold sapphire eternity band from Dover Jewelry 14k white gold quarter carat diamond with 2 triangle shaped sapphires from an old watch shop in Upstate New York Read More

Designer Jewelry

Gem Gossip needs your input!!

As my birthday is quickly approaching, I am continually torn between a circle or a square!! More on that in a minute--but first, I need your input.  The above rings are designed by Zoë Chicco and after much debate on choosing what I want for my birthday, I have decided upon one of these rings.  Shown are three of the spike rings stacked--you can choose either the round version or the square version. I know I like the black onyx, but can't decide upon which shape. Which do you prefer the square or the circle?  [Your input is greatly appreciated!] Read More