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

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19th century turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace.

Snakes aren’t one of my usual motifs when it comes to accessories. I usually favor bows or flowers. But for this snake necklace, I’d make an exception.

A 19th century turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace. Victorian era. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Could this necklace possible be any cooler? Only if you consider the fact that it’s from the mid-19th century and still looks amazing. Seriously.

Snakes were a big deal in the Victorian era – Queen Victoria’s engagement ring was actually a snake. It’s a symbol of eternal love and wisdom.

19th century turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace. Victorian era. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This snake necklace is designed as a series of links shaped like coiled snakes, alternating in size and also graduated. Each snake is set with cabochon turquoises along the body with a pearl head and ruby eyes. Several snakes suspend additional pearl drops.

I don’t even have any more words. This is amazing. Please admire it with me.

Detail view of a 19th century turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace. Victorian era. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This Victorian snake necklace was listed in Sotheby’s December 2012 The Jewellery Collection of the Late Michael Wellby: An Eclectic Eye – Jewels Spanning Four Centuries sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

 A Victorian era turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace. 19th century.

Earrings by Sharon Khazzam.

I don’t know anything about Sharon Khazzam save that she has some fabulous earrings for sale at Barney’s. Let’s take a look.

Sharon Khazzam Pink Sapphire & Diamond Slice Hoop Earrings: 18 karat rose and yellow gold hoops set with rose pink sapphires and diamond sapphires set with white diamond surrounds.

Pink Sapphire & Diamond Slice Hoop Earrings. 18 karat rose and yellow gold hoops set with rose pink sapphires and diamond sapphires set with white diamond surrounds.  Gorgeous colors, amazing texture…I’m convinced.

Sharon Khazzam Mint Tourmaline & Diamond Menta Earrings: Two faceted marquis-shaped mint tourmalines with double-face white diamond pave surround.

These Mint Tourmaline & Diamond Menta Earrings remind me a little of these earrings, which obviously I mean as a compliment to all earrings involved. Two faceted marquis-shaped mint tourmalines with double-face white diamond pave surround.

Sharon Khazzam Ruby Bee Leaf Earrings.

Ruby Bee Leaf Earrings. How adorable are these? 18 karat gold, blue topaz, and gold and ruby bees.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Barney’s. Please see individual descriptions for links to original listings.

Estate of Grace Collection.

The gorgeous collection I’m going to show you today is the work of the fabulous Beth Bernstein, whose memoir we talked about on Tuesday.

The Estate of Grace collection springs from a fabulous concept: new necklaces, and rings and bracelets all made from elements of authentic antique Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco stickpins and brooches.

“The collection is inspired by my passion for jewelry that has history and character. I have gathered and re-interpreted magical treasures and trinkets with symbolic motifs and messages. In the present, each of these pieces can be completely personalized and take on different meanings, depending upon the woman who wears them.” – Beth Bernstein on the inspiration for the Estate of Grace collection.

The pieces are each a one-of-a-kind blend of old and new, allowing the antique pieces to live on in a modern setting and be beloved by a new generation. It’s also very artfully done – the new settings really allow the antique elements to shine, adding a new tweak or twist here and there to emphasize and accentuate.

I think it’s all very romantic and that any piece of this collection would make an amazing gift. They’re also absolutely beautiful.

Honeymoon pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection, originally a 14k gold Victorian stickpin of a moon with a diamond-studded flower perched on top of its crescent.

This is the “honeymoon” pendant. It’s made from a 14k gold Victorian stickpin of a moon with a diamond-studded flower perched on top of its crescent. The silver chain is embellished also – partway up on the right you’ll notice a diamond bezel, which ties in nicely to the center of the flower. There is additional diamond embellishment on the clasp.

Pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection, originally an Edwardian stickpin - a 14k white gold circle studded with pearls and embellished with delicate diamond-accented floral details.

This one’s a particular favorite of mine. The antique element comes from an Edwardian stickpin – it’s a 14k white gold circle studded with pearls and embellished with delicate diamond-accented floral details. The chain is white gold as well. It’s simple but very lovely and entirely unique.

This piece was originally a Victorian stickpin - the original element is the twining snake. The snake is 14k gold and embellished with pearls. Estate of Grace Collection.

This piece was originally a Victorian stickpin – the original element, of course, is the twining snake. The snake is 14k gold and embellished with pearls. You can see that a little ways up the silver chain Beth has added a single pearl framed in two gold links, to tie in the pearl motif on the snake and add visual interest.

Love knot pendant from the Estate of Grace Collection. This pendant was originally a Victorian stickpin. The 14k gold love knot centered by a vibrant opal is suspended from an oxidized sterling silver chain.

The love knot pendant: here, a Victorian 14k gold love knot centered by a vibrant opal is suspended from an oxidized sterling silver chain.

14k gold forget-me-not wishbone pendant is composed of a lovely, delicate gold wishbone with a sprig of pearl and enamel forget-me-knots resting inside it. The wishbone is a converted antique stickpin.

This 14k gold forget-me-not wishbone pendant is composed of a lovely, delicate gold wishbone with a sprig of pearl and enamel forget-me-knots resting inside it.  The chain is embellished with four pearls (only two are shown in the picture).

For more information about the brains behind this beautiful collection, check out Beth Bernstein’s memoir, My Charmed Life.

The Estate of Grace collection is currently available through the following retailers:  Greenwich Jewelers, New York City; Zaver & Mor, Berkley; Gallery of Jewels. San Francisco; Lee Krombholtz Jewelers in Cincinnatti; and Palas Jewelers, Atlanta.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Communique L.A. and Beth Bernstein.

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