The past few weeks have been cherry blossom season in DC, which is one of my favorite times of the year. What better way to celebrate than with cherry blossom-adorned jewelry?
Could that possibly be prettier? Look at the gold-limned flower petals, the diamond accents. It’s perfect.
This beautiful thing was created by Emile Froment-Meurice in 1900. It’s an articulated openwork choker designed as meandering sprays of cherry blossoms realistically enameled in shades of pink and white. The cherry blossoms are enhanced by old European-cut diamonds and round and cushion-shaped emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The entire design is bordered rose-cut diamonds mounted in gold and silver. At 12 inches long, this necklace is definitely a choker.
Let’s take a really close look. You know you want to.
At this magnification, you can see the shading and lines on each individual blossom. I can’t imagine the amount of time that went into this. It’s mind blowing.
Aren’t the bold rubies, emeralds, and sapphires an interesting color choice to accompany the delicate cherry blossoms? Sort of a departure from the expected color scheme. I would have expected something more pastel; aquamarines, perhaps.
This piece was listed in Sotheby’s December 2008 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.
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Thanks! I’ve been planning a cherry blossom post too since cherry blossoms are one of my favorite things but I think I’ll tell people to pop over here instead. Don’t you love the festival?
I’d be honored to receive anyone you send my way! I’m sure there’s more fabulous cherry blossom jewelry out there, but I thought this piece was something special. And I do love the festival – and the blossoms themselves – so much! One of the best parts of living in DC, for sure.