Diamonds in the Library

Stunning Art Deco diamond drop earrings

October 12, 2012

There are a lot of diamond earrings in the world. It’s hard to say no to diamond earrings, but there are a few pairs that I would say “yes” to more emphatically than others. This pair is a giant, resounding “yes”.

A pair of stunning Art Deco diamond drop earrings.

I wouldn’t be surprised to hear these had been made by elves or fairies, rather than humans. Look at those tiny strings of openwork detail – the earrings look like they could float.

These earrings are for sale at Pampillonia, listing available via 1stdibs. Thanks to Pampillonia and 1stdibs for the images and info. (DISCOVERY: Pampillonia is in my city! Who’s with me for a field trip?)

A Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

October 11, 2012

I may be a lady given to hyperbole, but you’re going to have to believe me when I say this is one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

An antique Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

Every inch of it is spectacular. It’s full Belle Epoque, circa 1910. Even the neckchain is set with diamonds in a foliate motif – alternating flowers and leaves.

Detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

At the bottom, suspended from a single and old European-cut diamond foliate double swag (that’s what that’s called – have you ever heard a better term than “double swag”?) is a large, openwork pendant, also of foliate motif, suspending a large, pear-shaped yellowish brown diamond trimmed with single-cut diamonds.

Pendant detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

This necklace was listed in Christie’s 22 April 2010 Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring.

October 10, 2012

You know that moment in Sex in the City when Carrie sees her new dream shoe in a window and greets it by saying “Hello, lover!”

I feel a little like that.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It’s not actually vintage, it’s an Edwardian style engagement ring reproduction. But ooh boy, what a reproduction.

I can’t improve on Lang Antiques’s description, so here it is: “A superb 2.17 carat round brilliant-cut diamond – accompanied by a GIA Gem Trade Laboratory grading report stating D color, VS2 clarity- is framed by small sparkling accent diamonds atop a fancy scroll motif gallery and openwork foliate motif diamond-set shoulders. The style of this gorgeous modern platinum and diamond ring pays homage to the classic flowing designs of the Edwardian period at the beginning of the twentieth century. A timeless beauty …”

This Edwardian style engagement ring is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. So if there is a special lady (and $53,000) in your life…this ring could be what you’re looking for.