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.
Throwback Thursday: Margherita Burgener floral brooch.
Good morning, darlings.
We’ve seen so many pretties together that it’s getting hard to remember them all. It’s for that reason that I’ve decided to add a new feature! Every other week we’ll have a “Throwback Thursday” post to revisit a past piece of gorgeous jewelry. Let me know if you have any requests!
Remember this fabulous Margherita Burgener floral brooch in titanium and diamonds? I certaintly do. This was one of the first pieces I posted and I still find the colors and lines of the piece utterly bewitching. It has a playful but equisitely beautiful feel, sort of like it’s a Dr. Suess flower transformed into something precious.
I’d want to wear it on the lapel of a fabulous coat like this lovely pink Simone Rocha. How would you style it?
Lookalikes: Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring.
If you read the internet much, you’ve probably seen blurry photos of Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring by now. It’s beautiful: a long Art Deco ring with three larger diamonds set in a rectangular diamond-adorned plaque. It is glorious, and I fully support her slightly nontraditional choice of a dinner ring rather than a standard engagement ring. Also, I love using this photo because it shows her wearing a fabulous Bulgari necklace which I blogged about months ago. Way to listen, ScarJo.
I fully support thinking outside the jewelry box, especially if it involves under-appreciated antique designs. To this end, I’ve rounded up some lookalikes for Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring.
Let’s start out with one that’s very similar. This streamlined beauty is from 1915. It’s not as boldly geometric overall as Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring, but it shares the rectangular shape and north-south design with three large diamonds surrounded by smaller stones.
This antique ring adds a splash of color with a vivid sapphire as the central stone. It’s Edwardian, which is slightly older than Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring is believed to be. The 1 carat Ceylon sapphire is flanked by two old European cut diamonds totaling just under a carat and surrounded by a carat of smaller old European cut diamonds.
Here’s a regal beauty. This Art Deco cluster ring is from the 1930’s, and features one large diamond flanked by two slightly smaller ones and set into a diamond-enhanced plaque, just like Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring. This is more complex than ring #2; the frame has several minute details that enhance its overall appearance of luxury. It also has more curves in its design than ScarJo’s. I think it’s marvelous.
This Art Deco platinum and diamond ring is from 1925, and stars an old European cut diamond flanked by two mine cuts and surrounded by a number of smaller stones. With its filigree and openwork details, this piece is a bit more ornate than Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring – the overall shape and pattern of three large diamonds in the center are what earned it its place in this roundup.
Last, but far from least, we have this incredibly fabulous option. This antique Art Deco ring features a 4 carat Colombian emerald flanked by two diamonds (one 2.07 cts, the other is approx. 1.85 cts) and accentuated by a further 3 carats of 26 sparkling old mine cut diamonds. The setting is platinum and pierced with openwork details.
Which is your favorite? What do you think of using a ring this shape as an engagement ring? Would you ever do it?
Also: What do you think she should do for a wedding band?
All images and info in this post are thanks to different sources; please see individual descriptions for source links. Top image of Scarlett Johnansson’s engagement ring via E online.