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

The Beau Sancy.

This is obviously not a piece of jewelry, but I couldn’t resist.

Can you blame me?
 Alt view; The Beau Sancy - a 34.98 carat a modified pear double rose-cut diamond previously owned by the royal family of Prussia. Via Diamonds in the Library.

That, ladies and gentleman, is The Beau Sancy.

Side view; The Beau Sancy - a 34.98 carat a modified pear double rose-cut diamond previously owned by the royal family of Prussia. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Formerly the property of the Royal Family of Prussia, The Beau Sancy is a modified pear double rose-cut diamond weighing 34.98 carats. It is K Colour, Faint Brown, SI1 Clarity. Please see the Sotheby’s listing for a long and impressive description of this beauty’s provenance.

The Beau Sancy - a 34.98 carat a modified pear double rose-cut diamond previously owned by the royal family of Prussia. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This marvelous stone was sold as part of Sotheby’s May 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

 Alternate view; The Beau Sancy - a 34.98 carat a modified pear double rose-cut diamond previously owned by the royal family of Prussia. Via Diamonds in the Library. The Beau Sancy - an extraordinary 34.98 carat a modified pear double rose-cut diamond previously owned by the royal family of Prussia. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Ring roundup: vintage/ antique diamonds.

For your left ring finger or any other! Vintage and antique diamonds.

Art Deco platinum and diamond engagement ring, circa 1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I adore the openwork on this .60 carat Art Deco platinum and diamond engagement ring. This ring was made in the 1920’s-1930’s. The central diamond is accentuated by a straight baguette diamond set in a bullet shape setting and is outlined in a gracefully scalloped diamond-set frame. Hand engraving at the top of the shank provides a final, lovely detail. I’d love to see this on a finger (I volunteer my own).

.83 carat vintage diamond engagement ring made in the 1940s. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This lovely .83 carat vintage diamond engagement ring was made in the 1940’s. The sparkling round diamond is highlighted on each side with a charming trefoil leaf motif set with tiny, twinkling, single-cut antique diamonds.

Edwardian twin-stone diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

More of a right-hander than a typical engagement ring, this leafy Edwardian twin-stone diamond ring is exceptional. This ring, crafted in platinum over gold, dates back the very end the nineteenth century. It features  a matched pair of old mine-cut diamonds weighing .45 carats set diagonally among a leafy motif shimmering with tiny rose cut diamonds.

Mid-century 2.01 carat diamond engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This mid-century 2.01 carat diamond engagement ring is bold and glamorous. The diamond is embraced by split shoulders set with long, slender baguette cut diamonds punctuated with a round brilliant cut on either side. I do love a split shoulder.

.83 carat Edwardian diamond engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This .83 carat Edwardian diamond engagement ring is so curvacous and unique.  The .83 carat old Eurpean-cut diamond is set in platinum and surrounded by beautiful openwork and  four tiny twinkling old mine diamonds. I think this one is really dainty and beautiful. (Very similar to my engagement ring!)

These rings have all been sold by Lang Antiques, I found them in the Archive. I’m sorry to break your heart by showing you rings that already belong to people, but even sold rings are worth admiring.

Vintage and antique engagement rings. Diamonds from the Edwardian era to Art Deco and MidCentury.

Edwardian sapphire and diamond tassel pendant/brooch.

I’ve been visiting this necklace’s website for a while. If we were in middle school, I’d be carrying around a draft of a note to slip in its locker while it’s in class: “Hello. I like you. – Your secret admirer.”

An Edwardian sapphire and diamond tassel pendant brooch. Can be worn as a brooch or on a necklace.

This Edwardian tassel pendant (convertible to brooch) begins with a diamond collet and scroll top section of openwork turban design centering on a cushion-shaped sapphire and diamond cluster. This top element suspends seven diamond chain tassels, six with circular-cut diamond terminals and one with a further cushion-shaped sapphire and diamond cluster. The pendants comes with a diamond-studded neckchain.

This beautiful pendant/brooch is currently for sale at Humphrey Butler. All images and info are thanks to Humphrey Butler.

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