I have a very severe crush on this antique pink topaz and gold necklace.
This antique pink topaz necklace is from 1830. The chain is made of pairs of looped links surmounted by a stylized repousse bow motif. The central element features 24 oval and pear-shaped foiled-back pink topaz stones set in a floral design which is also decorated with repousse scrolls. The floral design is framed on either side by a spray of finely worked golden leaves. There is also – very fabulously – a single pink topaz adorning the clasp, because why not?
I really enjoy the thickness of the gold chain here: it balances out the sweetness of the sweetly pink foiled-back stones. And how marvelously pink they are ! The foiled-back technique is very characteristic of the time period in which this was made. It means that a thin sheet of material – probably metal – was applied to the back of each pink topaz.
Here’s a close look at some of the details. I wish the original photo had been a bigger; I wanted a closer look at those leaves. But this at least gives you a good view of the fabulous center element.
This antique pink topaz and gold necklace was sold in a Doyle New York Auction. All images and info are thanks to Doyle New York.
Belle Époque diamond and amethyst cameo necklace.
This Belle Époque diamond and amethyst cameo necklace is both bold and delicately lovely at the same time.
It was made in 1910, which you may have already guessed from the distinctive style. The fabulous amethyst cameo pendant hangs from a delicate chain set with 84 collet-set old European-cut diamonds (totaling approx 5 carats). The chain is layered to create a double strand effect for much of the necklace but forms a single strand across the nape. The double-stranded portion of the chain suspends the pendant: a oval amethyst cameo set in pierced fancy-shaped diamond-set panels.
I swoon for this piece. Utterly. The strong colors and dramatic visual statement of the amethyst cameo against the ethereal, almost spiderweb-like diamond chain and framing plaques are precisely my style. My only qualm is that, at just over 14 inches, this necklace is a bit shorter than I would ideally prefer. A 14 inch necklace will lie very close to the neck. I imagine it being a bit longer, perhaps at 17 inches.
This spectacular Belle Époque diamond and amethyst cameo necklace was sold in a Doyle New York auction last month. All images and info are thanks to Doyle New York.
The treasures of Scott Antique Market.
I’m pretty sure it was fate that the future Mr. DitL asked me if I’d be up for visiting Georgia the same week that the fabulous Gem Gossip posted about Scott Antique Market. We scheduled our flight to give us 4 hours at the market before we were picked up and I dove headfirst into the treasure hunt.
As one of the vendors said, “There aren’t many places where you can buy a used pair of socks and a half a million dollar engagement ring, but this is one of them.” It’s $5 admission for two huge buildings full of vendors. In our four hour adventure we saw most of one building and none at all of the other
Lovely Mr. DitL ended up carrying all of our luggage around – remember, we came right from the airport – because I kept dashing away from my bags whenever I spotted something pretty. He’s a keeper.
How amazing is this 1930’s ballerina-style diamond ring? I never understood these rings until I put this one on my finger. The sparkle is so exuberant and joyful. It’s bewitching. This is officially on my life’s jewelry to-buy list.
Everyone I met was lovely, but Benchmark of Palm Beach did have the most charming salesperson.
Could these rings at Lynn’s Unique and Antique be any prettier? They’re both Art Deco/Edwardian with ornate filigree and multi-colored gold detailing.
This bracelet was another highlight. It’s a contemporary piece made by affixing an antique brooch to the glossy black cuff. I loved the juxtaposition of the delicate antique filigree with the bold, dark, contemporary base of the bracelet. Such a great way to give an old piece new life.
Most of what we saw was estate, but I couldn’t help admiring these two antique-style contemporary beauties. All in all, it was wonderful and I highly recommend going if you’re ever in Atlanta on the right weekend. Here’s what I ended up taking home:
That’s a vintage malachite bead necklace, a long double-stranded rose gold and seed pearl Victorian slide necklace, and the prettiest little turn-of-the-century engraved gold and garnet ring you ever did see.
Special thanks to the following vendors for making my visit to Scott Antique Market such a fabulous experience:
Lynn Seplowin of Lynn’s Unique and Antique
Debbie Turner of Turner’s Treasures
Beverly Losacco of Bebi Pearls & Estate Jewelry
Ryean Rad of Peabody Estate Buyers, Inc.
Michael Burns of Benchmark of Palm Beach