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

What I’m Reading: Vol 120.

What I'm reading. Photo of bookshelves by Alfons Morales on Unsplash

Hello darlings,

Here we are, in the full autumnal glory of fall. I hope the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here! I’ve been having a fun fall so far and I hope you are too!

I have started a new little gig for Instore Magazine doing celebrity jewelry coverage. It’s super fun so far – I am one of two writers working on the project. Here are my first few posts on Quannah Chasinghorse at the Met Gala, Kate Hudson showing her sports team spirit, and the Kravis engagement ring. If you want more, you can see all of Instore’s celeb jewelry coverage here.

On a personal note, I love this time of year. I know, loving fall is so unique, right? But the crisp air just makes me want to take a deep breath of the soul.

I once had a teacher who made the whole class file outside to look at the sky on an October day. He told us to notice the shade of blue and said that it’s a color that only happens in October. He encouraged us to always remember to take a moment notice the October blue sky each year, because time speeds by more quickly than we’ll ever believe possible.

I didn’t realize it would be something I would remember almost 20 years later (!!!) but apparently it struck a chord with me. So take a minute today, my darlings, and go soak in that October blue sky. It won’t last long.

xoxo,
Becky

What I’m reading

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin. This book is SO CUTE. It’s about Hana Khan, a Muslim Canadian podcaster with radio dreams who works at her family’s restaurant, Three Sisters Biryani Poutine. Hana has always worked hard to be a good daughter and a supportive friend, but now she’s trying to figure out what she truly wants for her life – and what kind of relationship she wants to have with a mysterious online friend she can’t stop thinking about. Hana and her family also must question their role in their community when they become the targets of some racially-motivated acts of hate. It’s a coming of age and a love story, but the level of heat on the page is below PG-13. Genuinely heartwarming, with strong women characters.

Chance of a Lifetime by Kate Clayborn. This series! Okay, I read all three books in a rush, so I’m going to mention them all. This Contemporary Romance series follows a trio friends in the years after the three of them win the lottery. It’s not a Millionaires romance, because they don’t win enough money to be wildly wealthy, but it is enough for them to all change their lives to each pursue the deeply-held wish that each woman made when they found out they held the winning numbers. Book one is sweet and lovely, book two is searingly touching and gorgeous, and book three features a main character with a chronic illness that has a lot of overlap with my own health challenges, so reading it was unexpectedly personal for me. These are true Romance, so there are sex scenes, but this series is definitely on the very sweet and tender end of the romance spectrum.

Internets

A Brief Compendium of Mesmerising and Macabre Memento Mori. Perfect for #spookyseason.

10 Calming Creative Apps for Anxious Minds To De-Stress. I love this kind of thing and I can personally vouch for the Calm app, which is a favorite of mine. I love its bedtime stories for adults. Super relaxing.

Expect the unexpected: our run down of high jewellery 2021. This is The Jewellery Editor’s 2021 Trend Report and it has lots of cool things.

The Ancient Jewelry Market Has A Counterfeit Problem. This article on antique jewelry fakes from JCK Magazine has some quotes from yours truly.

The Parisian Poison Panic and Versailles’ Secret Witch Hunt. If that headline doesn’t intrigue you, we’re probably not friends in real life.

They were the world’s only all-female army. Their descendants are fighting to recapture their humanity. A really fascinating look at the real life Amazons.

Wildlife Photographer Captures Tiny Garden Frogs Using Flowers as Umbrellas. Just in case you needed to see something delightful today.

A Food Critic Reviews the Swedish Chef’s New Restaurant . Heeheehee. Heehee. https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/a-food-critic-reviews-the-swedish-chefs-new-restaurant

Book images via UnSplash. This post contains affiliate links.

Tiina Smith: more than a jewelry store.

It took about three minutes of chatting on the phone for me to realize that Tiina Smith was a kindred spirit.

My interest had already been piqued by her store’s website, with its beautiful photos, highlight on women makers, and intriguingly gorgeous curation; but when she told me that their boutique is set up like a parlor to encourage people to come in and learn, to touch the jewelry and understand why it was special, I knew I needed to write about her.

Tiina Smith's Boston-based jewelry store

Tiina Smith: more than a jewelry store.

Tiina Smith specializes in noteworthy jewelry, primarily vintage signed pieces by master jewelers of the 20th and 21st centuries. After years of research and relationship-building as she built her own personal collection of jewelry, Smith began to feel that there was an open niche in the jewelry market that her unique knowledge could fill. Eventually she decided to turn personal passion into a second profession and founded her eponymous Boston store, Tiina Smith Vintage & Exceptional Jewelry.

A quick look at the Tiina Smith website will convince you that her approach is working like a charm. The collection is instantly impressive, filled with distinctive designs bursting with color and energy. In my initial scroll-though, I opened almost every listing to take a closer look.

Michele della Valle sapphire and diamond octopus brooch from Tiina Smith

Michele della Valle brooch from Tiina Smith

Much like yours truly, Tiina comes to jewelry from an unexpected background. Before jewelry, she worked on Wall Street. It wasn’t as strange a leap as you might expect. In the founder’s own words: “Working on Wall Street, I began to treat my jewelry collecting the way I handled my portfolios – with in-depth research, market insight and a solid understanding of value.”

Tiina prides herself in being a discerning, well-informed jewelry collector and she revels in helping her customers become as knowledgeable as she is. She wants jewelry lovers to truly understand what makes a particular piece noteworthy and valuable, what was happening in the world when it was made, what makes something a good investment rather than just a pretty object – and she wants them to know they can come to her to source the pieces they can’t find anywhere else.

Three extraordinary rings from Tiina Smith.

Rings from Tiina Smith

Here are three extraordinary rings that caught my eye: an Art Deco platinum and diamond shield ring, a 16.77 fancy light brown diamond ring, and a very cool design from Danish modernist Hans Hansen. Each very different in style, these three rings share a distinctiveness that is emblematic of Tiina’s collection.

In keeping with their founder’s belief in jewelry education, the Tiina Smith boutique frequently offers in-store events, from fun, casual evenings to art events to jewelry talks with speakers like Tom Heyman of Oscar Heyman, jewelry historian Ruth Peltason, and Jewelry Curator at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Emily Stoehrer.

Bulgari earrings from Tiina Smith

But don’t despair, my non-Bostonian jewelry lovers! The store’s website has a wealth of gorgeously-illustrated jewelry education that you can fully enjoy from anywhere.

Check out the Meet the Maker section to learn more about exceptional designers or read through Tiina’s Takes for the founder’s in-depth thoughts on any number of different jewelry topics. The store also occasionally travels for events in other cities, bringing parts of their extraordinary collection on the road.

David Webb bracelet with amethyst, green enamel, gold, and diamonds. From Tiina Smith.

David Webb bracelet from Tiina Smith

If you’re a longtime DitL reader, I don’t think I need to explain to you how enthusiastically I agree with the idea of encouraging jewelry education. Jewelry education is good for all of us – knowledgeable collectors know what they want and can make buying decisions with confidence. The more you understand something, the more you can truly appreciate it!

In addition to their gorgeous jewelry collection, education opportunities, and events, Tiina Smith also offers a variety of jewelry-related services that allow collectors to benefit from her expertise, including jewelry styling, appraisal, and more. She also acquires estates and individual pieces from collectors wishing to make room for new things in their jewelry boxes.

Fashion Illustration by Manuel Santelices for Tiina Smith, featuring a Belperron emerald necklace from Tiina Smith.

Manuel Santelices illustration featuring a Belperron necklace from Tiina Smith

Tiina Smith also uses her boutique as a jumping off point to explore the intersection of jewelry with other forms of art. In a recent collaboration with Fashion Illustrator Manuel Santelices, Tiina Smith commissioned the artist to create “A Year In Jewels,” a series of 12 original artworks featuring jewelry from the Tiina Smith collection.

On November 2nd, Tiina Smith and Manuel Santelices are taking their joint project to NYC for a day of art and jewelry featuring some very special activities for the guests who attend! The illustrations are utterly gorgeous (see above) and I’m sure the event will be fascinating.

The Salvia emerald cuff bracelet by Marina B

Marina B cuff bracelet from Tiina Smith

Tiina Smith’s next jewelry education event is coming up on October 20-21! The guest speaker will be Creative Director of Marina B, Guy Bedarida.

Marina B was founded by Marina Bulgari, and yes – those Bulgaris. Marina’s grandfather founded Bulgari, but family infighting among the next generation led Marina to strike out on her own instead. The result was Marina B, a wildly popular brand known for its boldness, versatility, and distinctive gemstone cuts.

If you’re in Boston, go check out the October 20-21 event at Tiina Smith to learn more and also see extraordinary Marina B pieces from the 1970s and 1980s along with their original jewelry renderings.

Oscar Heyman earrings from Tiina Smith

Oscar Heyman earrings from Tiina Smith

My goodness, I’ve thrown a lot at you here, haven’t I? But I didn’t want to leave anything out! The extraordinary jewelry, the founder’s Wall Street background, the educational events, the art connection, and did I mention the jewelry?? It’s each a part of what makes Tiina Smith so exciting as a whole.

What do you think, my dears? Do you plan to try to catch one of Tiina Smith’s upcoming events or stop by her store the next time you’re in Boston? I definitely hope to visit IRL someday.

Three vintage classic car brooches from Tiina Smith. With enamel and diamond details

Vintage car brooches from Tiina Smith

For now, don’t forget to visit Tiina Smith’s website and Instagram account to see more, and if you’re in Boston or NYC, don’t forget to check out the upcoming Tiina Smith Marina B event (Boston, Oct 20/21) and Manuel Santelices illustration event (NYC, November 2).

This sponsored post is brought to you by Tiina Smith.

A beautiful antique Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet from Tiina Smith
A beautiful vintage Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet from Tiina Smith
A beautiful vintage cocktail ring! This beauty is Art Deco era with diamonds in plantium. From Tiina Smith.
A gold and pearl ring by Danish modernist Hans Hansen. From Tiina Smith.
A magnificent 16.77 carat fancy light brown diamond ring from Tiina Smith. Would be a stunning engagement ring!
A magnificent 16.77 carat fancy light brown diamond ring from Tiina Smith. Would have major Elizabeth Taylor vibes as an engagement ring!
A vintage emerald and diamond necklace by Belperron, from Tiina Smith.
An Art Deco style sapphire and diamond ring from Tiina Smith. Would be a beautiful sapphire engagement ring!
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring from Tiina Smith.
Artwork from the A Year in Jewels series by Fashion Illustrator Manuel Santelices, featuring the jewelry collection of Tiina Smith.
Bulgari gemstone and pearl earrings in gold, from Tiina Smith.
Close up of a pair of gold Cartier earrings with walking elephants in diamonds and emeralds. From Tiina Smith.
David Webb bracelet featuring amethyst with green enamel, gold, and diamonds. From Tiina Smith.
David Webb earrings and bracelet, both featuring amethyst with green enamel, gold, and diamonds. From Tiina Smith.
David Webb earrings featuring amethyst with green enamel, gold, and diamonds. From Tiina Smith.
Detail of an Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet from Tiina Smith
Exquisite platinum and diamond necklace by Marianne Ostier. Converts into two bracelets! From Tiina Smith.
Glorious Art Deco diamond and plantium cocktail ring.
Marianne Ostier platinum and diamond ribbon necklace from Tiina Smith
Michele della Valle brooch with sapphires, diamonds and pearls; in the shape of an octopus. From Tiina Smith
Michele della Valle sapphire and diamond octopus brooch from Tiina Smith
Oscar Heyman earrings in the shape of gardenia flowers, with diamonds and enamel. From Tiina Smith.
Oscar Heyman earrings in the shape of gardenia flowers, with diamonds and green enamel. From Tiina Smith.
Pink spinel, pink sapphire, and diamond cocktail ring from Tiina Smith. Beautiful!!
Pink spinel, pink sapphire, and diamond cocktail ring from Tiina Smith. So pretty!
Pink spinel, pink sapphire, and diamond cocktail ring from Tiina Smith.
René Boivin starfish brooch from Tiina Smith! With sapphires and tourmaline.
René Boivin starfish brooch from Tiina Smith. With tourmaline and sapphires.
René Boivin starfish brooches from Tiina Smith
The Salvia emerald cuff bracelet by Marina B. Beautiful!
The Salvia emerald cuff bracelet by Marina B.
Three vintage classic car brooches with enamel and diamonds. From Tiina Smith.
Verdura carved adventurine and amethyst shell earrings from Tiina Smith.
Verdura earrings with carved adventurine and amethyst cabochons. From Tiina Smith.
The Salvia emerald cuff bracelet by Marina B

Monstrous beauty: KIL NYC Teras Collection.

Let’s talk about monsters, my darlings. Monsters bite, they slither, they go bump in the night – and they’re the inspiration for KIL NYC’s enthralling new release, the Teras Collection.

This charismatic collection is a tribute to the haunting, gorgeous monsters of ancient Greek mythology and I’m so excited to take a closer look at it with you!

The Harpy cuff bracelet in silver from KIL NYC's Teras Collecton, which is inspired by monsters from Greek mythology.

The idea for the Teras Collection came to KIL NYC’s Konstantinos Leoussis in a dream, and isn’t that just the perfect beginning for this story? Chimera, Harpies, Minotaurs, Gorgons, Hydras and more make up the clawed, winged, scaly, mysterious and absolutely alluring subject matter. After months of research, revisions, test pieces, and soul-searching, the Teras collection is here and it is glorious.

Above is the KIL NYC Harpy cuff, which is not a creature I ever expected to feel a connection to…but look at its face! There’s something a little bit sad in its soulful eyes, a spark that draws me in. With this baddy on your wrist, you’d always have a fierce guardian standing by to defend you.

The Lenerian Hydra pendant from the Teras Collection by KIL NYC. Inspired by ancient Greek mythology.

This is the Lenerian pendant, a tribute to the multi headed Hydra that Hercules was tasked to slay as part of his twelve tasks. Look at the detail on the scales and teeth! And yes, KIL NYC’s website gives the mythological backstory of every creature featured in the collection.

You may recognize Konstantinos Leoussis’ name because we recently talked about the other side of the KIL NYC designer’s business, which focuses on antique jewelry sales and education. Leoussis’ familiarity with antique jewelry makes itself known in the intricate details of these pieces. The designs feel like they occupy a liminal space between past and present, blending ancient inspiration with modern design and an in-depth awareness of archeological revival jewelry from other eras.

Rings from KIL NYC Teras Collection. Inspired by Greek mythology, these designs show Medusa, the Minotaur, and a Harpy.

Each of these detailed jewels is made fully by hand in New York City using the lost wax casting process, which begins with Leoussis painstakingly hand-carving each monster. KIL NYC is dedicated to using ethical and sustainable practices in all of its production methods, to the extent that even their packaging is carbon negative and uses biodegradable ink made from algae.

Not only does KIL NYC’s Teras Collection offer us mythological characters rarely memorialized in jewelry, it does so with an open mind, imbuing the features of each monster with such precision and heart that we’re forced to wonder if mythology might have unjustly vilified these complex, fascinating beings.

Pictured above: the Teras Collection’s Medusa, Minos, and Harpy rings.

The Argus medallion and Argus eye stud earrings from KIL NYC's Teras Collection.

When Konstantinos reached out to me to write about this collection, it was no pedestrian phone call or email. Instead, I received a box of jewelry with a note that introduced the collection and then basically said “I hope you like these! If you do, let’s talk soon.”

What was truly perfect was that I actually missed Konstantinos’s note the first time I opened the package, so I was able to experience the Teras Collection pieces for the first time with no prior expectations. I unwrapped the tissue paper and discovered tiny ruby and diamond eyes winking up at me from lush gold settings. The design was captivating, an intriguing pattern that reveals itself to be eyes only when you get closer to it. The jewelry immediately gave me a feeling of sanctuary: right away I knew that these were talismans, pieces I would reach for when I was having a hard day and wanted reassurance or protection.

I was reminded of the mythological figure Argus, but it was only after I’d opened all of the boxes and was wearing my new jewelry that I found the note from Konstantinos, explaining the collection’s inspiration. It electrified me that my own impressions of the collection had been such a spot on match for the designer’s intention. I couldn’t wait to see more.

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