Something you’re going to learn about me is that I have a weakness for diamond necklaces shaped like flowers.
This one, from the last quarter of the 19th century, is really spectacular. It’s an articulated series of old mine and single-cut diamond flower blossoms, mounted in silver-topped gold. I think what makes this necklace special is how carefully the flowers and leaves are shaped. The necklace isn’t symmetrical, which creates the feeling that it’s something that was grown rather than made.
This necklace was listed in Christie’s 16 October 2012 Magnificent Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s. Lots of detail shots below.
Lucien Gaillard created this stunning Art Nouveau hair comb in 1900. The comb is tortoiseshell, adorned with an arched openwork plaque depicting three dark and light blue enamel and gold bluebirds. The bluebirds, which have diamond eyes, soar through pale blue and white plique-à-jour enamel clouds with old European and rose-cut diamond stars. The birds and the dreamlike clouds are both typical Art Nouveau design elements.
