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

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Edwardian aquamarine, diamond, pearl, and onyx set.

More aquamarines for the March babies! By which I mean me, because: dibs.

I first saw this Edwardian aquamarine set quite a while ago and I still think it’s some of the prettiest jewelry around. It wasn’t actually sold as a set in this auction, but it clearly goes together so I’m posting it together.

Edwardian aquamarine, diamond, pearl, and onyx earrings, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.Aren’t they beautiful? The delicate details, the perfect color contrast, the stunning aquamarines. I have a love for these and it is a big love. These lovely, lovely things were made in 1915, a year that produced many things that I pine for.

Each of these gorgeous. flexibly-set aquamarine briolettes dangles within a scalloped, diamond-set frame accented by black onyx and edged by seed pearls. Each lovely frame hangs from a  navette-shaped diamond-set panel topped by an old European-cut diamond.

Now, let’s take a look at the necklace:

Edwardian aquamarine, diamond, pearl, and onyx necklace, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.The Edwardian aquamarine necklace, as I probably don’t need to tell you, matches the earrings. It is also from 1915.

To adapt the design to a necklace form, the jeweler used a larger aquamarine briolette in a larger setting, and topped it with two navette-shaped diamond-set panels and 2 old European-cut diamonds, instead of just one of each. The pendant is suspended from a delicate chain spaced by 7 pearls.

If anyone has not been taking notes (maybe I’ll give you all a Gilderoy Lockhart-style quiz on what you should have learned about me from reading my blog) aquamarine is March’s birthstone and therefore my birthstone. In related news, I do accept gifts.

These Edwardian aquamarine earrings and necklace were both sold in Doyle New York’s December 2011 Important Estate Jewelry Sale. All images and info are thanks to Doyle New York.

1940’s Diamond and aquamarine suite by Cartier.

This bright, angular-ly glamorous diamond and aquamarine suite by Cartier is mid-century, which probably surprises no one.

It’s also seasonally appropriate – aquamarine is March’s birthstone. I know that because it’s also MY birthstone. That’s right. We have entered the month of my birth. Expect the fabulousness of the jewelry to ratchet skyward as the day itself approaches.

Diamond and aquamarine suite, by Cartier. Circa 1940. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Made in 1940, the necklace of this suite by Cartier  is adorned with a line of square cut aquamarines along the front. The front of the necklace is hung with geometric clusters of square, oval and fancy hexagonal cut aquamarines and diamond highlights, collet set, on a herringbone link chain back and clasp.

The earrings are designed to match the necklace; as pentagonal clusters of square and fancy cut aquamarines with collet diamond highlights.

The fabulous Lupita Nyong’o wore the necklace from this suite by Cartier on the cover of People magazine shortly after I wrote this post! Doesn’t she look fabulous?

Here’s a closer look at those earrings:

Earrings from a diamond and aquamarine suite, by Cartier. Circa 1940. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I think the combination of the square line of aquamarines with the geometric clusters is very stately and regal. I know she usually goes for very simple jewelry, but this is giving me a Kate Middleton vibe. Maybe because the aquamarine and diamond clusters are vaguely acorn-shaped?

This suite by Cartier is currently for sale at S.J. Phillps. All images and info are thanks to S.J. Phillips.

Art Nouveau gold, aquamarine, diamond & enamel brooch.

This brooch is spectacular. And also rather strange.

Art Nouveau gold, aquamarine, diamond & enamel brooch by Georges Fouquet, circa 1901. Via Diamonds in the Library.Have you ever seen a brooch this shape before? So unique. It makes me think of Ever After…it would certainly draw attention.

This piece was designed by Georges Fouquet in Paris in 1901. It is designed with a central aquamarine panel suspending a large aquamarine drop in between two green tourmalines, within enameled oval forms embellished with diamond detailing. Forgive the long sentence. This brooch is made of 18ct yellow gold.

This brooch is for sale at Hancocks, listing via 1stdibs. All images and info are thanks to Hancocks and 1stdibs.

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