My pick of the week comes from Manya & Roumen, a husband and wife duo with some amazing jewelry designs. Love this cute owl and cat team handing out on this ring from their "Stories Collection." This ring is done in 18k yellow gold with tsavorite garnets and white sapphires for eyes, and a pink tourmaline. Funny to realize that their jewelry designing talent sprang from a promise that Manya made to Roumen stating that she would make their wedding rings. Their collaboration has created jewels with a whimsical feel, filled with nature-inspired subjects. They put it best by saying, "Each piece tells a story, but each wearer interprets the story differently." Read More
My trip to California was a quick one, and although there were so many things we wanted to do, the few that were chosen were amazing. An event that topped the list was a visit to the Beladora headquarters on Rodeo Drive! Never have I been on the infamous Rodeo Drive, but it is how most would describe it--unlike any other. The storefronts of places like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. had their biggest jewels displayed in the California sun. Bentleys and Rolls Royces zoomed by, and over-accessorized pets were prancing in step.
Once inside Beladora, I got to meet Nancy along with her mounds of vintage, antique and estate jewelry. The selection at Beladora is truly unprecedented--it has access to the best jewelry being on Rodeo Drive, while being able to give its worldwide customers the best prices. The variety and selection, along with prices which don't even compare to overpriced vintage boutiques is what keeps bringing me back to Beladora. I know when I am blogging and need some jewelry examples to represent a certain time period, Beladora is my first stop on my Internet searching adventure. They always seem to have just what I was imagining.
How cool is this lapis and jade apple pendant? It really stands out when you wear it and sits perfect when wearing a neckline like the one I'm in. The color combination is so vibrant. The pendant is from the '70s and I have a very similar ring that has the same stones--lapis and jade. I think I am drawn to those two colors together. There is even a small diamond hanging off of the stem. If you love this necklace, you can purchase it (chain and all!) at Beladora2 (Beladora's sister site).
The necklace is 16 inches long, on a 14k yellow gold chain. Price: $296.25 Click here to purchase. Read More
During the Art Deco Period within jewelry, automotive motifs became popular as a result of the first ever automobile. This era occurred during the 1920s & 1930s. I love all the vintage possibilities of this motif, and many of them are in the form of charms. During my trip to California, I was wooed by the awesomeness of the Blue Angels jets as they tore up the sky (it literally sounded like they were tearing up the sky!) At the Miramar Air Show I also got to see WWII war planes flying through the air. Not only did that sight sort of transported me back in time, but it helped me to understand why planes were made into pieces of jewelry.
{14k yellow gold British taxi, Price: $205 from CHARMCO}
{14k yellow gold with rubies airplane, Price: $215 from CHARMCO}
{14k yellow gold cruise ship, Price: $205 from CHARMCO}
{18k yellow gold propeller with diamond, Price: $225 from CHARMCO}
{14k yellow gold double-decker bus that opens, Price: $200 from Beladora2} Read More
Everyone has a favorite ring, whether it is because of the stone being a birthstone, because of the high value, or because it has significant sentimental value. I think it is safe to say that Mary-Kate's favorite ring is this huge emerald and yellow gold ring. She wears it quite often, no matter if the occasion is formal or not. Mary-Kate found the ring at a vintage shop on the Rue Saint Honore in Paris, France. One of the best parts about traveling is treasure hunting in antique shops, however if you are not lucky enough to do so, the Internet has so much to offer. Best resource for pieces that look like they are family heirlooms: Beladora. Want your own emerald stunner? Check out the ones I found below!
I love this choice because it is so similar. The green stone is actually jadeite rather than an emerald, it is circa 1970. The textured 18k yellow gold characterizes the seventies style of this ring. From Beladora2 and priced at $995.
Circa 1975, Beladora shows off this beautiful step cut emerald ring. This one is similar to Mary-Kate's because of its grandness--that emerald looks so regal. Not only is the stone 4 carats, but the diamonds surrounding it are .60 carats. It is set in 18k yellow gold and priced at $5550, from Beladora.
This vintage ring from the '60s features an emerald cut emerald. The emerald itself is 1.35 carats! It is set in 14k yellow gold with a few diamonds. This one-of-a-kind piece is from Ross-Simons Estate Collection and priced at $1195. Read More
I've already come to terms with my unknowing attractiveness to yellow gold and black, after a glance into my jewelry box. However, the obsession continues! Bario-Neal has some creative and delicate designs, yet the Senna Round Ring quickly became my favorite. After inquiring further, I've got some good news that will shake up my repetitive gold/black palette--the ring comes in any enamel color (except purple)! That is just what the doctor ordered! A little splash of color is necessary, and with the fall foliage in abundance, I am feeling possibly a red, orange and yellow stacked trio?! These three colors are $180 because they include flecks of gold in them. Any other color will cost $168. The Senna Round ring is done in 14k rose gold of which is reclaimed precious metal. Read more interesting tidbits on Philadelphia-based jewelry designer Bario-Neal here. Read More
I was running a few last minute errands before heading to California last week. Stopped by Walton's Antique & Estate Jewelry to get a few rings cleaned, trying hard not to look at the jewelry in the glass cases. I had a plan to keep my eyes above the glass, but failed miserably. Not only did I peek, but I also accidently saw a sign that advertised a small section to be 40% off. And I had to open my mouth and state--"Wow, you guys never have sales?!" Which was only then affirmed and made things that much more appealing. Not sure what happened next, however I found myself driving home with this little guy around my neck! Aye, forbidden fruit and temptation have won yet again!
[top photo: Victorian 14k yellow gold serpent pendant
converted from a stick pin, nestled on top
chunk of amethyst and herkimer diamond]
[bottom photo: special thanks to my dad
for letting me use his vintage Planet of the Apes
doll as a model]
Walton's Antique & Estate Jewelry ♦ 410 Main St. Franklin, TN ♦ (615) 790-0244 Read More