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Two fabulous blue and yellow brooches from 1940.

I realize that “blue and yellow brooches” is sort of an odd theme, but I wanted to show these to you and color scheme is what they had in common. (But only some gemstones: as you’ll see, one brooch’s yellow is citrine and the other is sapphires.)

Van Cleef and Arpels' "La Flamme" brooch, made in 1940. Featuring 10 yellow sapphres totaling 9.50 carats and 30 calibré-cut blue sapphires weighing 4.00 carats. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Our first blue and yellow brooch is this gorgeous, simple, abstract piece made in 1940 by the esteemed Van Cleef & Arpels. This beauty was made in France and is titled “La Flamme.” I liked its dynamic shape and vibrant colors right away, and once I saw the name and realized it’s meant to evoke the blue/yellow heat of a lick of intense flame, I loved it. It’s all sapphires: 10 yellows, totaling approximately 9.50 carats and 30 calibré-cut blues weighing approximately 4.00 carats.

Brooch, circa 1940. A gold hand with ruby cabochon fingernails pinches a 100 carat citrine between thumb and forefinger before disapearing at the wrist into a delicate lace cuff detailed in diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Blue and yellow brooch #2 is this fabulous piece. It’s actually from the same year, 1940. It’s as figural as the previous brooch was abstract. The elegant hand is made of gold, with ruby cabochon fingernails that utterly blow my mind. The hand – which delicately pinches a 100 carat citrine between golden thumb and forefinger – disappears at the wrist into a delicate lace cuff detailed in diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires.

Brooch, circa 1940. A gold hand with ruby cabochon fingernails pinches a 100 carat citrine between thumb and forefinger before disapearing at the wrist into a delicate lace cuff detailed in diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The catalog notes compare the design of this second brooch to the work of Paul Flato, but this particular piece is not attributed to any specific maker.

What do you think of these two beauties? How would you wear each of them? I picture La Flamme as being amazing on a sash, whereas I think the citrine hand would be best glowing boldly on the lapel of a solid-colored coat.

These blue and yellow brooches were both listed in Sotheby’s auctions. Please see individual descriptions for source links. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Two antique Russian brooches.

These two antique Russian brooches are beautiful in a quiet refined way – they don’t scream for your attention, but it’s hard to ignore their flickering presence all the same.

Antique Russian brooch in silver and gold with an 11.25 carats central sapphire within a design of old-mine & rose-cut diamonds. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Brooch #1 is bold and beautiful, with a strong silver/blue color contrast. That central oval sapphire is about 11.25 carats, so it really makes a grand statement. The openwork, foliate inner embellishments and the outer arcs of the brooch are both set with old-mine & rose-cut diamonds. The brooch is made in silver and gold; with a lovely contrasting border of gold right around the sapphire to warm up the central element and help its color pop.

I’d love to see this pinned on colorful fabric like a rich emerald velvet or a lighter pink, wouldn’t you? I think it would be wonderful on a sash or belt.

Antique Russian brooch in silver and gold with a floral or foliate design in green tourmaline and old-mine and rose-cut diamonds. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Brooch #2 is equally lovely in a more delicate, understated way.  This brooch is designed as a plant with tourmaline buds or leaves. The branch or stem of the plant is set with old-mine & rose-cut diamonds. This brooch is also set in silver and gold.

The effect is quietly elegant and very appealing. I think it would have a marvelous forest-in-winter look on the lapel of a snowy white coat. Actually, I  think this piece could be adapated beautifully as hair bling. I can imagine it winking next to an elegant updo or pinned into the side of mass of curls.

Do you wear brooches? If so – what do you do with them? I’m afraid that I neglect this category of jewelry terribly.

Whether you wear brooches or not: what do you think of these?

These brooches were both listed in Doyle New York’s October 2012 Important Estate Jewelry sale. All images and info are thanks to Doyle New York.

Store profile: Joden online.

It’s been a while since we had a store profile, hasn’t it, my dears? Today we’re going to take a look at Joden World Resources. Joden is a well-respected name already; the PA-based store has recently opened for e-business so now you can admire their pretties from the comfort of your own home!

I have yet to visit Joden in person, but Joden online is well worth a visit. They actually reached out and invited me to take a look, and once I saw what they had to offer (and how well their site was offering it) I knew I had to show you, too. I especially enjoyed how the site allows you to sort by price, era or type of jewelry. They also provide clear photos of the jewelry from several angles, and have some really lovely pieces – including a particularly large Giuliano collection.

Enough talk. Let’s take a look at some of what Joden has to offer.

Victorian pendant necklace with emeralds, turquoise, and rubies set in gold. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This pendant is Victorian, with emeralds, turquoise, and rubies set in gold. It’s just so fabulously vibrant and unique.

Art Nouveau pendant in gold with seed pearls and carved coral roses. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Here’s a pretty Art Nouveau pendant with seed pearls and carved coral roses.

Antique gold bangle by Carlo Giuliano. Set with old mine cut diamonds and sapphires and embellished with enamel. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I wouldn’t tease you by mentioning the Giuliano collection and then not show you any. This hinged gold bangle is set with diamonds and sapphire, adorned with plique enamel, and signed “C.G.”.

Antique Art Deco pink diamond and white gold filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

How lovely is this Art Deco pink diamond ring and filigree ring?

Renaissance-revival Giuliano brooch featuring a large orange zircon surrounded by enamel and pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This Renaissance-revival Giuliano brooch features a large orange zircon surrounded by enamel and pearls.

Edwardian enamel and diamond mourning locket with diamond bow and embellished chain. Via Diamonds in the Library.

You know I love Edwardian bows. This one provides a contrast of softness to the rest of this enamel and diamond locket’s austere lines and monochromatic colors.

Victorian emerald, diamond, and opal ring in gold. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This juicy emerald, diamond, and opal ring is Victorian and very fabulous.

Art Nouveau bird necklace featuring a tiny swallow and two amethysts. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This Art Nouveau swallow pendant is simple but charming. I love the pop of color from the amethysts, too.

Victorian emerald and pearl ring in gold. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Another Victorian ring, this one featuring an emerald and pearls in gold.

Renaissance revival gold, enamel and diamond pendant by Carlo Giuliano. Via Diamonds in the Library.

And last but not least, another Renaissance revival piece from the Giuliano family.

Which piece is your favorite? I would have a hard time choosing. There’s lots more on their website, too.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Joden. Joden did approach me about featuring them on this website, but I was not compensated for deciding to do so. My opinions remain my own, as always.

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