Brooches Archives

Art Nouveau gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, and pearl pendant necklace.

October 21, 2012

The necklace I’m about to show you is exceptionally beautiful. It was made between 1890 and 1910. The design is abstract, but you can see a foliate influence in the vine and leaf-like feel of certain elements.

With 140 old European-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 4.10 carats, 25 round-cut rubies with an approximate total weight of 4.15 carats, 5 round-cut emeralds with an approximate total weight of .10 carats, it has some lovely sparkle and color. The pendant culminates in a pearl drop. The larger pendant detaches and can be worn as a brooch.

It’s delicate but it’s on the larger side, at 24 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches wide at the widest point. Because of the necklace length, that pearl would either be dangling mid-decolletage in a plunging dress, or resting on fabric.

Art Nouveau gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, and pearl pendant necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This unique necklace is currently for sale at Macklowe Gallery. Thanks to Macklowe for the information and lovely picture.

Kunzite, conch pearl, gem-set, and diamond peacock brooch/pendant.

October 19, 2012

This pendant/brooch was listed in Sotheby’s 09 October 2012 Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale. It is totally nuts. Like Lisa Frank grew up and developed more expensive tastes.

It also packs a serious jewel-punch: the center kunzite is 46.10; the body is set with 8.40 carats of pear-shaped and circular-cut tsavorite garnets, sapphires, and pink sapphires; as well as 1.20 carats of diamonds. The brooch dangles a gorgeous conch pearl, and the peacock’s eye is a spinel. The gems are set in blackened gold, which makes for a really lovely contrast to all of the bright colors. I think the darkness of the gold is what saves this piece from being hideous. It’s still entirely wacko, but beautifully so.

All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

So you want to buy jewelry on Ebay: a first-timer’s guide.

October 4, 2012

Ebay is dangerous (and fun). You can never really know what you’re buying or who you’re buying it from. Bidding wars are seductive, especially if you’re as competitive and stubborn as I am. That said, I’ve bought some really beautiful jewelry on Ebay. I’ve also bought some jewelry that was so disappointing and worthless that I ended up throwing it in the trash.

The best advice I can give you about buying jewelry on Ebay is to be skeptical. Keep one eyebrow raised at all times.

Some sellers use words like “Art Deco” or “antique” to attract bidders, regardless of the terms’ applicability to their item. If something is lacking in pictures or information, ask the seller questions. If they won’t answer your questions, don’t do business with them. If a seller doesn’t have positive reviews, don’t do business with them. If you do buy jewelry on Ebay (or anything), pay promptly and leave honest feedback.

I like to search for specific things to help narrow down the huge selection. I often use search terms like “Edwardian” “Art Deco” “filigree” “camphor glass” “ring” “Kate Spade” “Anthropologie” on their own or in combination with each other, depending on what I’m looking for. Then I use the categories (on the left of the screen) to narrow down my results. I usually at least select “Jewelry and Watches” and often go further to “Vintage and Antique Jewelry” if that’s what I’m looking for. From there you can choose eras or types of jewelry, but it can be fun to see a wider selection if you’re not on a specific quest.

Never forget to check shipping costs; the price you bid is the price you’ll pay before shipping. I also recommend deciding the maximum you’re willing to pay for something before you place your first bid – and writing that number down, so you can remind yourself to stick to it.

Know all of your measurements – ring size, wrist circumference, and what necklace lengths you prefer. The only thing sadder than buying crap is buying something beautiful you can never wear.
Here are some thing I’m currently admiring on Ebay.