Giuliano Archives

Leslie Hindman’s December Important Jewelry Auction.

November 29, 2016

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has another glorious jewelry auction coming up, and it’s right around the corner: the December Important Jewelry Auction. The Chicago preview starts on Wednesday, and the auction itself is next Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

I’ve combed through the literally hundreds of auction lots and picked out my favorite pieces to give you a starting point to decide what you can’t let get away next week when the bidding starts.

I had a little help, actually: Alex, Meredith, and Jamie of Leslie Hindman’s jewelry department spent nearly an hour on the phone with me, giving me the inside scoop on the most noteworthy pieces coming up in the December Important Jewelry Auction. And oh my goodness, there are some good ones.

If you’ve never bid in a Leslie Hindman auction before, this is a great one to start with. They have a wonderful introductory page here to walk you through the particulars of getting started. There are some really great pieces spanning a variety of price points. It’s their second-biggest sale ever, which means there’s a whole lot to love.

Let’s dive in!

Lot 34: A Fine Renaissance Revival Gold, Silver, Multi Gem and Polychrome Enamel Pendant, Augusto Castellani, Circa 1860.

We’re starting out with this delicious jewel right here: a colorful, eye-catching specimen of Renaissance Revival jewelry crafted by a master of revival jewelry, Augusto Castellani. If that weren’t enough, this piece also bears a strong resemblance to a piece in the British Royal Collection that is also attributed to Augusto Castellani and is believed to have been acquired by Queen Mary.

Beautiful, historically significant, and dazzlingly well-preserved? Sign me up.

Lot 6: A Pair of Egyptian Revival Yellow Gold Micromosaic Hoop Earrings, French.

I’ve seen some cool micro-mosaic pieces in my jewelry adventures, but I’ve never, ever seen anything like these hoop earrings.

It’s even Egyptian revival micro-mosaic; look at those colorful scarabs near the top!! I love the rope detail edging on the sides, too. A fascinating, unique pair of treasures in exquisite condition. Also…the low auction estimate is $500, which blows my mind.

Lot 20: A Georgian Gold and Garnet Lover’s Eye Ring.
Lot 21: A Georgian Rose Gold and Seed Pearl Lover’s Eye Brooch.
Lot 23: A Georgian Yellow Gold Lover’s Eye Locket.
Lot 24: A Georgian Yellow Gold, Pink Gemstone and Seed Pearl Lover’s Eye Brooch.
Lot 25: A Georgian Glass and Seed Pearl Lover’s Eye Pendant.

One of the first things I noticed while perusing Leslie Hindman’s December Important Jewelry Auction is that there a whole lot of delicious little Georgian pieces in day 1. I know a some of my antique jewelry Instagram buddies are going to go gaga for these – and with good reason, since many of these little pretties have auction estimates that start below $1,000.

Lot 1: A Pair of Georgian Yellow Gold and Emerald Convertible Pendoloque Drop Earrings, Spain/Portugal.

Oh, hello, you magnificent beauties.

Look at those chased, bezel settings, those rich green emeralds, that perfect articulation. Even better: one of the pendants has a removable brooch fitting, so it can be worn in more than one way.

2014 gift guide: unlimited budget.

December 12, 2014

All right, my darlings. We’ve made it through every price point that the average (and not-so-average person) could contemplate for gift buying.

Here’s what we’ve covered already: jewelry under $50, $50 – $100, $100 – $200, $200 – $350, $350 – $500, $500 – $1000, and $1000 – $3000, $3000 – $5000, and $5000-$15000.

Today we’re going to pull out all of the stops and look at the glittering gifts of our dreams.

Let’s take a look at some dream jewels for the lucky shopper with an unlimited budget.

Buddha Mama diamond star tassel earrings in 18k white and rose gold ($18,200).

Antique enamel, pearl, diamond, and sapphire necklace by C. and A. Giuliano ($130,664).

Aurélie Bidermann diamond and gold belt bracelet ($61,100).

Sevan Bicakci Fluttering Dove ring with smoky topaz reverse intaglio and diamonds ($17,727).

Coronet Diamonds’ Hekate necklace with 20.50 carats of diamonds (POA). Does this look familiar? See me wearing it here.

Antique Belle Epoque Russian diamond and emerald ring ($17,500).

One of a Kind Tanzanite with Opals necklace by Irene Neuwirth. 51.75 carats of tanzanites with Lightning Ridge opals in 18k rose gold ($73,540).

French Art Deco diamond and sapphire bracelet, circa 1925. 10 carats of diamonds bordered by calibre-cut sapphires ($60,000).

Yoko London Almalfi necklace with diamonds, pink sapphires, south sea pearls, ayoka pearls, and naturally pink pearls in rose and yellow gold (POA).

40 carat Georgian diamond tiara worn by Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary to her wedding. Circa 1800, convertible to two brooches ($191,757).

Arunashi Rock Basalt Butterfly Ring with diamonds ($48,400).

Antique style Fred Leighton old mine cut diamond double drop earrings in silver-topped gold ($125,000).

Wendy Yue Ruby Roses necklace with rubies, sapphires, tsavorites, and diamonds ($37,620).

Antique Victorian old mine cut diamond and ruby snake bracelet ($62,000).

Marie Antoinette earrings and ring by Wendy Brandes with tsavorites and amethyst (ring $20,000; earrings POA).

Edwardian tourmaline and diamond necklace by Drecier and Co., circa 1915 ($253,641).

If you would like to see more dream jewels at an infinite budget, please see almost every post I’ve ever written. Here’s a link to my archive.

I hope you enjoyed my 2014 gift guide as much as I enjoyed writing it! May you all have a wonderful December, darlings, whatever you celebrate.

All images and info in this post is thanks to the seller of each individual item. Please see descriptions above for links to original listings.

Store profile: Joden online.

January 9, 2014

It’s been a while since we had a store profile, hasn’t it, my dears? Today we’re going to take a look at Joden World Resources. Joden is a well-respected name already; the PA-based store has recently opened for e-business so now you can admire their pretties from the comfort of your own home!

I have yet to visit Joden in person, but Joden online is well worth a visit. They actually reached out and invited me to take a look, and once I saw what they had to offer (and how well their site was offering it) I knew I had to show you, too. I especially enjoyed how the site allows you to sort by price, era or type of jewelry. They also provide clear photos of the jewelry from several angles, and have some really lovely pieces – including a particularly large Giuliano collection.

Enough talk. Let’s take a look at some of what Joden has to offer.

This pendant is Victorian, with emeralds, turquoise, and rubies set in gold. It’s just so fabulously vibrant and unique.

Here’s a pretty Art Nouveau pendant with seed pearls and carved coral roses.

I wouldn’t tease you by mentioning the Giuliano collection and then not show you any. This hinged gold bangle is set with diamonds and sapphire, adorned with plique enamel, and signed “C.G.”.

How lovely is this Art Deco pink diamond ring and filigree ring?

This Renaissance-revival Giuliano brooch features a large orange zircon surrounded by enamel and pearls.

You know I love Edwardian bows. This one provides a contrast of softness to the rest of this enamel and diamond locket’s austere lines and monochromatic colors.

This juicy emerald, diamond, and opal ring is Victorian and very fabulous.

This Art Nouveau swallow pendant is simple but charming. I love the pop of color from the amethysts, too.

Another Victorian ring, this one featuring an emerald and pearls in gold.

And last but not least, another Renaissance revival piece from the Giuliano family.

Which piece is your favorite? I would have a hard time choosing. There’s lots more on their website, too.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Joden. Joden did approach me about featuring them on this website, but I was not compensated for deciding to do so. My opinions remain my own, as always.

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