Art Deco Archives

Camphor glass.

November 8, 2012

Camphor glass jewelry is a particular favorite of mine. It’s unusual and elegant. I almost never go a whole day wearing one of my camphor glass necklaces with somebody asking me about it.

Art Deco 14K Gold, Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant Necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Art Deco 14K Gold, Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant Necklace
from Vintage Virtuosa. Shop similar here.

First of all, what is camphor glass? Lang Antiques Antique Jewelry University has the answer, as they so often do:

“Camphor glass is clear glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid vapors to give it a frosted whitish appearance. This effect resembles gum camphor, hence the name. Camphor glass was used throughout the decorative arts to make bottles, glass objects, lamp shades and more. In jewelry the glass was often cast with a star pattern on the reverse to give it a radiant appearance. Camphor glass was made to imitate the carved rock crystal quartz that was popular from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1930’s.”

The best part about camphor glass jewelry is that it’s not too hard to find affordable(ish) pieces. Prices vary depending on the materials involved, the quality and complexity of the piece, and the presence or absence of gemstone embellishments. I’ve fallen head over heels for camphor glass pendants around $80 (at the fabulous Legendary Beast). Ebay and Etsy are also good places to look for these more affordable pieces.

I’ve collected a number of samples to show you, at varying price points. As with any online shopping, please don’t forget to make sure that the pretties you’re admiring are the right size before you pull the trigger. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Aspirational (>$200):

Vintage Antique Art Deco Fine 14k White Gold Filigree Camphor Glass Diamond Ring
from San Diego Jewelry Shop. Shop similar here.

Antique Vintage Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant in 14K White Gold with Original 16 inch chain

Vintage Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant in 14K White Gold
with Original 16 inch chain from Gold Adore. Shop similar here.

Stunning Platinum and 14K White Gold Diamond Camphor Bracelet with Black Coral

Stunning Platinum/14K White Gold Diamond Camphor Bracelet
with Black Coral from Gold Adore. Shop similar here.

Art Deco camphor glass and diamond pendant on 22 inch chain,
circa 1930’s from Everything I Own. Shop similar here.

Affordable (<$200):

Large Art Deco sterling & marcasite camphor glass pendant necklace
for sale at The More the Merrier: Vintage Jewelry on Ruby Lane. ($115)
Shop similar here.

Sun ray camphor glass pendant/necklace with diamond filigree
for sale on Ebay ($165). Shop similar here.

Art Deco Sterling Silver Camphor Glass Necklace
for sale at Adore on Ruby Lane ($155). Shop similar here.

Vintage Camphor Glass Pendant on 15 inch Sterling Chain

Vintage Camphor Glass Pendant on 15″ Sterling Chain
for sale at Style and Grace ~ Treasures from around the World on Ruby Lane.
Shop similar here.

Antique Art Deco rhodium filigree and camphor glass necklace

Art Deco rhodium filigree and camphor glass necklace sold on ebay ($113.59).
Shop similar here.

Want more camphor glass, like these beauties here? Find my curated wishlist of available vintage camphor glass jewelry on ShopMy.

All images and info in this post are thanks to the seller of each individual item. Special thanks to The More the Merrier: Vintage Jewelry, Adore, and Style and Grace for sharing their images.

This post contains affiliate links.

Early Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree ring.

November 7, 2012

I’m pretty sure that when I looked at this ring my mouth fell open and my eyes bugged out like I was a cartoon cat looking at a mouse.

Early Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Hey there, beautiful. Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?

A major part of what makes this ring so remarkable is that center stone, a 4.50 carat royal blue Ceylon sapphire.

Alternate view; an early Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The delicately milgrained octagonal setting is as stunning as the stone itself. Around the setting is a cloud of tiny, sparkling diamonds within a pierced stylized star motif.

Gallery view; early Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

To quote Lang’s description, “No attention to detail has been left unpaid.” The ring’s gallery is elegant scrollwork, the millegraining and engraving continue all around the rings shank.

Side view; early Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

They posted a lot of pictures of this baby and I’m showing you every single one. I bet you don’t mind.

This stunner is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All images and info are thanks to Lang.

Art Deco diamond and gem-set parrot brooch.

November 5, 2012

Three years ago today, my mom had a bone marrow transplant. Because of that transplant, she is still around to be my mom (and my most faithful blog reader). I just want a second to say thank you to her donor – whoever you are, you saved her life, and I’m grateful.

While my mom was sick, I did some work with a wonderful organization called DKMS. DKMS provides free registration and testing for bone marrow donors, organizes bone marrow donor drives, provides information, and provides support to patients who need bone marrow transplants.

Please take a minute to consider if you might be willing to sign up as a bone marrow donor. The test is easy and painless. If you are a match, the procedures are safe and you have the chance to save someone’s life.

Even if you don’t want to be a bone marrow donor (or can’t for medical reasons, like me) you can sign up to donate your time or contribute money in support of DKMS. It only takes $65 to cover the costs for one new donor. Knowing you could save someone’s life – that’s even better than buying jewelry, isn’t it? And that’s not a thing I say often.

My mom loves birds and bright colors – today’s piece is in her honor. I think this brooch is one of the loveliest pieces of jewelery I’ve ever found on the internet. The craftsmanship is superb and the colors are stunning.

Art Deco diamond and gem-set parrot brooch with tutti-fruitti gems (calibre sapphires, diamonds, and rubies), circa 1935. Parrots detach and may be worn separately. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Circa 1935, this Art Deco brooch is set with diamonds and “tutti-frutti gems” (calibre sapphires, diamonds, and rubies). It’s shaped like two parrots playing on a diamond-set branch. The birds are gem-set with diamond details.

The best part – each parrot detaches and can be worn separately. You could relocate them every few minutes and be a living parrot puppet show. The possibilities are endless.

This brooch is currently for sale at S.J. Philips. All images and info are thanks to S.J. Philips.

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