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A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.

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

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.

Kunzite, conch pearl, gem-set, and diamond peacock brooch pendant. The center kunzite is 46.10; plus 8.40 carats of tsavorite garnets, sapphires, and pink sapphires; and 1.20 carats of diamonds.

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.

A Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

I may be a lady given to hyperbole, but you’re going to have to believe me when I say this is one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

An antique Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

Every inch of it is spectacular. It’s full Belle Epoque, circa 1910. Even the neckchain is set with diamonds in a foliate motif – alternating flowers and leaves.

Detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

At the bottom, suspended from a single and old European-cut diamond foliate double swag (that’s what that’s called – have you ever heard a better term than “double swag”?) is a large, openwork pendant, also of foliate motif, suspending a large, pear-shaped yellowish brown diamond trimmed with single-cut diamonds.

Pendant detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

This necklace was listed in Christie’s 22 April 2010 Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

 A stunning Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

Diamond and ruby bib necklace, circa 1880.

This spectacular necklace, silver-topped gold with diamonds and rubies, was made in 1880. The jewels on this thing are no joke: 650 old European-cut diamonds adding up to 31.40 carats and 28 round and oval-cut rubies clocking in at a total of 19.45 carats. That center ruby is 5.45 carats. What wins me is the details – yes, it has some serious jewel-power, but it still gives the impression of being delicate because the construction is so careful. Look at the floral shape of the links. No part of this necklace is accidental; it’s clearly all very well thought out. Everything is intentional.

I love everything I post, but some things I love a little bit extra. This necklace is one of those things.

A spectacular Victorian diamond and ruby bib necklace, circa 1880.

This lovely thing is currently for sale at Macklowe Gallery, so if you love it (like I do) and you have the $$$Ss (unlike me) get on over there and give it a good home. Thanks to Macklowe Gallery for the lovely picture.

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