A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.
This necklace is spectacular. Really, what comes to mind when I look at it is the phrase “fit for a queen.”
This magnificent thing was made in the late 19th century. It is of bow and foliate swag design, millegrain-set with variously cut sapphires and circular-, single-, cushion-shaped and rose diamonds. It detaches into 6 pieces so that the jewels can be worn separately.
This piece was listed in Sotheby’s November 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.
Is “rectangular(ish)” a weird theme for a roundup? It’s accurate, I promise. And they’re pretty!
How glorious and colorful is this Edwardian emerald and diamond plaque ring? I just love the way the white diamonds, green emeralds, and buttery gold play off of each other. Made in 1910, this beauty is millegrain rubover-set vertically with four old brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carats. The four diamonds are surrounded by a calibre-cut emerald cluster set in yellow gold, within a old brilliant-cut diamond surround. The design is further embellished by a yellow gold scrolled mount and beautiful, delicate diamond-set leaf-adorned shoulders.
This late Art Deco ring just might be my favorite of this roundup, if it’s possible to choose just one. It features a 3.22 carat aquamarine set within a fancy diamond set surround which is millegrain-set to a pierced mount hallmarked 18 carat white gold. It was made in 1930 and I think it’s glorious.
Okay, it’s a square. I’m cheating. But it’s quadrilateral, so I say: close enough. Plus, isn’t it great? It’s a 1930’s Art Deco ruby and diamond double cluster ring, set with a central ruby of approximately 1 carat. The central ruby is encircled by an old-cut diamond cluster surround, all within a border of calibre-cut rubies set in platinum. The ring is finished by a lovely ornate scroll-design pierced gallery and a square-section platinum shank with diamond-set shoulders.
I adore the contrast of curves and angles on this Edwardian pierced tablet cluster ring. Created in 1910, this beauty centers a flower-shaped cluster of old brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in platinum with diamond-set shoulders and pierced scroll gallery. I love the delicate details on the shoulders and on the side of the ring as well.
How spectacular is this sapphire and diamond table ring? I think it looks like a quilt, with the way the gems are fitted perfectly together. It’s Art Deco style, but it’s a contemporary design. The center stone is an old brilliant-cut diamond (approx 0.50 carats), set vertically to either side with seven square-cut sapphires and surrounded by a diamond border.I think it looks like a quilt, with the way the gems are fitted perfectly together.
These rings are all currently for sale at Bentley Skinner – please see individual descriptions for links. All images and info are thanks to Bentley Skinner.
This bracelet looks like a carpet made of sapphires and diamonds. A mini carpet that I want to put on my wrist.
Not too shabby, eh? This bracelet is designed as a wide band of oval sapphires, pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s fully articulated for movement, so it should drape languidly around the wrist. How glamorous.
The design here reminds me somewhat of this fabulous bracelet. I don’t think there could ever be too many bracelets of this style in the world, especially if they’re all this colorful. Bring ’em on.
This piece was listed in Sotheby’s November 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.