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Abstract Art Deco tiara by Boucheron.

I think it’s time for an Art Deco tiara.

Alternate view; Art Deco tiara by Boucheron, circa 1937. Designed as a series of interlocking geometric arches, set with circular-, single-cut and baguette diamonds, in platinum.
I’m particularly partial to this geometric beauty, an Art Deco tiara by Boucheron. How interesting are those shapes, with the series of arches adorned by circles and tiny rectangles?

Antique Art Deco tiara by Boucheron, circa 1937. Designed as a series of interlocking geometric arches, set with circular-, single-cut and baguette diamonds, in platinum.
This piece is later Art Deco, from 1937. As I mentioned, it’s designed as a series of interlocking geometric arches, set with circular-, single-cut and baguette diamonds, all mounted in platinum. It is signed “Monture Boucheron” and comes with the original fitted case marked Boucheron, Paris. 26 Place Vendôme.

My favorite element is the circular and baguette cut diamonds adorning the tops of the arches – such an attractive, original touch. What do you think of this piece? Does this float your boat, or do you prefer a more traditional tiara?

This Art Deco tiara was listed in Sotheby’s November 2009 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info in this post are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Ring roundup: rectangular(ish).

Is “rectangular(ish)” a weird theme for a roundup? It’s accurate, I promise. And they’re pretty!

Edwardian emerald and diamond plaque ring, circa 1910.How glorious and colorful is this Edwardian emerald and diamond plaque ring? I just love the way the white diamonds, green emeralds, and buttery gold play off of each other. Made in 1910, this beauty is millegrain rubover-set vertically with four old brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carats. The four diamonds are surrounded by a calibre-cut emerald cluster set in yellow gold, within a old brilliant-cut diamond surround. The design is further embellished by a yellow gold scrolled mount and beautiful, delicate diamond-set leaf-adorned shoulders.

Late Art Deco ring with a 3.22 carat aquamarine set within a fancy diamond set surround, millegrain-set to a pierced mount hallmarked 18 carat white gold. Via Diamonds in the Library.This late Art Deco ring just might be my favorite of this roundup, if it’s possible to choose just one. It features a 3.22 carat aquamarine set within a fancy diamond set surround which is millegrain-set to a pierced mount hallmarked 18 carat white gold. It was made in 1930 and I think it’s glorious.

1930's Art Deco ruby and diamond double cluster ring, set with a central ruby of approximately 1 carat.Okay, it’s a square. I’m cheating. But it’s quadrilateral, so I say: close enough. Plus, isn’t it great? It’s a 1930’s Art Deco ruby and diamond double cluster ring, set with a central ruby of approximately 1 carat. The central ruby is encircled by an old-cut diamond cluster surround, all within a border of calibre-cut rubies set in platinum. The ring is finished by a lovely ornate scroll-design pierced gallery and a square-section platinum shank with diamond-set shoulders.

Edwardian pierced tablet cluster ring. Created in 1910, this beauty centers a flower-shaped cluster of old brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in platinum with diamond-set shoulders and pierced scroll gallery. Via Diamonds in the Library.I adore the contrast of curves and angles on this Edwardian pierced tablet cluster ring. Created in 1910, this beauty centers a flower-shaped cluster of old brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in platinum with diamond-set shoulders and pierced scroll gallery. I love the delicate details on the shoulders and on the side of the ring as well.

Art Deco-style sapphire and diamond table ring.How spectacular is this sapphire and diamond table ring? I think it looks like a quilt, with the way the gems are fitted perfectly together. It’s Art Deco style, but it’s a contemporary design. The center stone is an old brilliant-cut diamond (approx 0.50 carats), set vertically to either side with seven square-cut sapphires and surrounded by a diamond border.I think it looks like a quilt, with the way the gems are fitted perfectly together.

These rings are all currently for sale at Bentley Skinner – please see individual descriptions for links. All images and info are thanks to Bentley Skinner.

Art Deco sapphire and diamond necklace, Cartier.

This necklace is delicate and simple but I think it’s exceptionally beautiful.

Late Art Deco sapphire and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1930. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Cartier, New York, created this lovely piece in 1930. The design is foliate – the necklace centers on two undulating diamond-set branches sprouting carved sapphire leaves and diamond berries. The rest of the necklace is composed of circular-cut diamonds, interspersed by cabochon sapphires.

The center of the necklace is a sapphire-embellished buckle-shaped element; its square outline adds a geometric foil to the organic fluidity of the branches, leaves, and berries.

Detail view; a late Art Deco sapphire and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1930. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The combination of shape and color contrast in this piece is utter Art Deco perfection. The white diamonds interspersed with blue and the organic, softly twining branches and leaves set against the perfectly round diamonds and sapphires of the necklace and the geometric elements at the apex and clasp. I could look at this baby all day.

This piece was listed in Sotheby’s April 2013 Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

 A stunning late Art Deco sapphire and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1930. Via Diamonds in the Library.

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