Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Celebrity Jewelry

Mary-Kate’s Emerald Ring

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

Obsessions

Obsession: Bario-Neal Senna Round Ring

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

My Jewel Box

My Jewel Box: My very own Serpent

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

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Designer Jewelry

Battle of the Bracelets: Skulls vs. Snakes

I've seen many takes lately of snake and skull bracelets/bangles. For now, we will focus on skulls. Yesterday it was all about the snakes. After these two styles go head to head, everyone can vote on which they like better. Check out my favorite skull bracelets below! This cuff is badass! From Aloha Rag, here we have the mini version of this bracelet done in 14k yellow gold. The cuff style lets you wear it either high up on your arm or stacked with loads of other bracelets. Designed by Luis Morais and priced at $815.  There are other sizes available as well. Had to include these skull elastics designed by Jessica McCormack for two reasons: 1. I LOVE them. and 2. I received several emails asking me about them since I posted them before. The skulls are set with brilliant-cut diamond eyes (approx. 0.20ct total) and are mounted on black leather. They are only available direct from Jessica McCormack in London (they don’t stock in the USA yet but have plans to in the future)! Price: £400. Originally, Jessica only made about 5 of these and they sold out a long time ago, so they are made for special orders only. Readers, if you are interested in buying one contact them directly. This skull bangle bracelet is more on the delicate side, if that is important to you when shopping for this trend. It can be found on Etsy, made by Michelle Chang Jewelry. If you want this done in 14k yellow gold, you will need to make a special request. Check out her profile here.  Love the little diamond accents. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Battle of the Bracelets: Snakes vs. Skulls

I've seen many takes lately of snake and skull bracelets/bangles. For now, we will focus on snakes. Tomorrow will be all about the skulls. After these two styles go head to head, everyone can vote on which they like better. Check out my favorite snake bracelets below! Circa 1970, this snake bracelet has some beautiful etchings which give it its unique look. I also like how it wraps, and would look great worn higher up on the arm. This would make a great investment piece as well, seeing that it is made of 22k yellow gold. This one's from Beladora and priced at $2250. Love this style, the snake seems to come off as a delicate creature when designed in this way. This little guy has ruby eyes and done in 14k yellow gold. Designed by Sarah Jannerbo, a team of two sisters, using the lost wax method. These lovely ladies are based in Tennessee, not too far from myself.  Price: $1760 If you want a more sparkly take on a snake bracelet, this one outshines them all. From Beladora, this piece has 7 carats worth of diamonds and 3 carats worth of sapphire, set in platinum! The huge pear-shaped sapphire accenting the snake's head is killer. This one's from the 1950s and is priced at $7550. The moment this snake bangle was "Twit-Pic'ed" I thought it was amazing. It is done in 18k yellow gold with a diamond on the snake's head.  I love the design, with the end curled around, meeting back to the head.  This piece is designed by C. Greene and can only be found at Broken English.  Price: $2200 Read More

My Jewel Box

My Jewel Box: A Heap of Hearts

Hearts are an incredibly popular motif in jewelry, mainly because hearts symbolize love. And I do love hearts! My family knows that well, seeing as the only kind of Christmas ornaments I own are all hearts!  (And I get made fun of for having a Valentine's Day Christmas tree).  I wouldn't say it is my favorite jewelry motif, but for some reason I have amassed a nice little collection. They are seen here resting on a mother-of-pearl seashell dish purchased at a boutique in Laguna Beach. Most of my heart charms are either 18k or 14k yellow gold. A few are from Italy given to me by my grandparents on their frequent trips. The puffed heart that has been dented pretty badly was worn for months straight, dangling from a bracelet. I think the dent gives it character, I like it even more than "pre-dent" heart. Love the heart-key charm, I like to wear it on a gold chain with the heart furthest to the left. Read More