Mary-Kate spices up a solid black dress by adding some bold jewelry. The ring definitely catches your eye and a closer look reveals that it is actually turquoise. The ring is a round, cabochon cut with stones circling around the perimeter--looks as though the stones are diamonds. Ross-Simons Estate Collection has a very similar ring, seen below. Circa 2000, this ring is only 9 years old. The turquoise is surrounded by .75 carats and set in 18k white gold. Priced at $1836--Mary-Kate's is most likely more! Read More
The marine link has an elegant, classic, as well as trendy look to it. Hilary Duff is spotted here with an extremely large version of the marine link bracelet. I wonder if hers is real good or fake...can't imagine the pricetag if it were real! Her other wrist dons the double link version of Cartier's Love Charity Bracelet.
Below is an example from Ross-Simons done in 14k yellow gold, with a price of $445 on clearance.
This option is actually from Sam's Club and priced at $275.11, very random price. Anyway, it is 14k yellow gold as well but this one has more of an emphasis on the marine links--oversized and bold! Read More
The Art Nouveau Period (1895-1915) was an uncontrived time, as it came about as an artistic revolt against all that was popular and commonplace of the 19th Century. This time period did not last too long, but created many sought after collectibles, art, architecture and jewelry. Focus was given to craftsmanship and creativity, since people felt things were becoming too industrial and imitative. Ironically, the reason for its coming to be, became the time period's demise, after it became commercialized and cheaply copied.
Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period:
natural subjects: flowers, insects, birds
curving, asymmetrical lines and designs
female visage or silhouette with long, flowing hair
enameling & plique à jour (stained glass effect)
butterflies, dragonflies, swans, reptiles, snakes/serpents, orchids, irises, creepy/nightmarish things- bats, owls, vultures
opals, amber, horn, ivory were often used; even glass...diamonds were used sparingly
Important People of the Time:
René Lalique- French designer, worked for Cartier, Boucheron, created pieces for Samuel Bing's Paris shop Maison de I'Art Nouveau
Georges Fouquet Read More
These beautiful pieces of jewelry featuring jade will never leave you feeling jaded. The combination of white gold or platinum with jade, whether it is a cabochon or carved, is just so pretty to me. Owning a piece of jade jewelry is necessary for any jewelry enthusiast. Check out the lovely vintage picks below!
American made, vintage from the 1920s--these beautiful carved jade earrings are set in platinum and diamonds. Bring the roaring twenties back when wearing these, fitted with original screwbacks that were popular then. From Lawrence Jeffrey Estate Jewelers and priced at $3800.
From the Edwardian Period come these platinum, diamond and jade earrings. I love the bow motif that was always seen during this time period, and having it paired with the jade is even more interesting. Priced at $9000 from Meriwether.
These vintage jade earrings have the carved jade style that I love. I like the subtle etching with the tiny holes, gives it a great, almost delicate look. I've never seen jewelry done in platinum over 18k yellow gold, but here is the first example! Priced at $2450 from Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry. Read More
Just listed a vintage pendant from the 1980s on eBay. Check it out and bid if you love it! It was hard to let it go, but it is that time of year! Hopefully it brings someone else a smile to their face and passed down through future generations. Read More
