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

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Boodles Damask Rose diamond and yellow diamond ring.

I forgot to schedule a post for today! Here, have this one. Better late than never?

Yellow diamonds aren’t my favorite. I don’t know why…I think it’s easy to make them look tawdry. But that makes it all the more spectacular when they’re well-handled.

Like here, in Boodles’ Damask Rose.

Boodles Damask Rose ring with Ashoka-cut diamonds (one intense yellow diamond, one white) set within swirls of round-brilliant cut diamonds. Via Diamonds in the Library.
I think this ring by Boodles is exceptionally well-designed. Named the “Damask Rose” ring, this piece features two Ashoka-cut diamonds (one a 1.18ct intense yellow Ashoka diamond and the other a1.08ct white Ashoka diamond) set within swirls of round-brilliant cut diamonds. It’s POA, so you know that means $$$$$$.

All images and info on the Boodles Damask Rose are thanks to The Jewellery Editor.

Fire opal and diamond ring.

I’m pretty sure you’ll agree with my matter-of-fact deduction that this fire opal and diamond ring must be made of magic.

Fire opal and diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.You see my point?

Side view; a fire opal and diamond ring from Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Side view; another angle of the fire opal and diamond ring from Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.That incredible thing you’re staring at in the middle there is a black opal, which measures 12.22 X 11.17 millimeters and weighs approximately 4.75 carats. As Lang puts it, “A phantasmagoria of blazing red, orange, yellow, green and blue combine for a spellbinding effect in this truly fabulous gemstone.” A phantasmagoria, indeed.

Tilted front view; a fire opal and diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.This stunning opal is accented by a wreath of platinum and diamond leaves, which add to the mythical feel of the piece. The ring totals 68 European cut diamonds, for a total diamond weight of .30 carats.

Gallery view; a fire opal and diamond ring from Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.This ring is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All images and info are thanks to Lang.

 A fire opal and diamond ring from Lang Antiques. Side view; a fire opal and diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.A beautiful fire opal and diamond ring from Lang Antiques

Estate of Grace Collection.

The gorgeous collection I’m going to show you today is the work of the fabulous Beth Bernstein, whose memoir we talked about on Tuesday.

The Estate of Grace collection springs from a fabulous concept: new necklaces, and rings and bracelets all made from elements of authentic antique Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco stickpins and brooches.

“The collection is inspired by my passion for jewelry that has history and character. I have gathered and re-interpreted magical treasures and trinkets with symbolic motifs and messages. In the present, each of these pieces can be completely personalized and take on different meanings, depending upon the woman who wears them.” – Beth Bernstein on the inspiration for the Estate of Grace collection.

The pieces are each a one-of-a-kind blend of old and new, allowing the antique pieces to live on in a modern setting and be beloved by a new generation. It’s also very artfully done – the new settings really allow the antique elements to shine, adding a new tweak or twist here and there to emphasize and accentuate.

I think it’s all very romantic and that any piece of this collection would make an amazing gift. They’re also absolutely beautiful.

Honeymoon pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection, originally a 14k gold Victorian stickpin of a moon with a diamond-studded flower perched on top of its crescent.

This is the “honeymoon” pendant. It’s made from a 14k gold Victorian stickpin of a moon with a diamond-studded flower perched on top of its crescent. The silver chain is embellished also – partway up on the right you’ll notice a diamond bezel, which ties in nicely to the center of the flower. There is additional diamond embellishment on the clasp.

Pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection, originally an Edwardian stickpin - a 14k white gold circle studded with pearls and embellished with delicate diamond-accented floral details.

This one’s a particular favorite of mine. The antique element comes from an Edwardian stickpin – it’s a 14k white gold circle studded with pearls and embellished with delicate diamond-accented floral details. The chain is white gold as well. It’s simple but very lovely and entirely unique.

This piece was originally a Victorian stickpin - the original element is the twining snake. The snake is 14k gold and embellished with pearls. Estate of Grace Collection.

This piece was originally a Victorian stickpin – the original element, of course, is the twining snake. The snake is 14k gold and embellished with pearls. You can see that a little ways up the silver chain Beth has added a single pearl framed in two gold links, to tie in the pearl motif on the snake and add visual interest.

Love knot pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection. This pendant was originally a Victorian stickpin. The 14k gold love knot centered by a vibrant opal is suspended from an oxidized sterling silver chain.

The love knot pendant: here, a Victorian 14k gold love knot centered by a vibrant opal is suspended from an oxidized sterling silver chain.

14k gold forget-me-not wishbone pendant is composed of a lovely, delicate gold wishbone with a sprig of pearl and enamel forget-me-knots resting inside it. The wishbone is a converted antique stickpin.

This 14k gold forget-me-not wishbone pendant is composed of a lovely, delicate gold wishbone with a sprig of pearl and enamel forget-me-knots resting inside it.  The chain is embellished with four pearls (only two are shown in the picture).

For more information about the brains behind this beautiful collection, check out Beth Bernstein’s memoir, My Charmed Life.

The Estate of Grace collection is currently available through the following retailers:  Greenwich Jewelers, New York City; Zaver & Mor, Berkley; Gallery of Jewels. San Francisco; Lee Krombholtz Jewelers in Cincinnatti; and Palas Jewelers, Atlanta.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Communique L.A. and Beth Bernstein.

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