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

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Art Deco ‘lighter than air’ diamond pendant.

If I had an infinite jewelry budget, I think one of my biggest struggles would be to make sure that I didn’t own a thousand different pieces that looked exactly like this:

Art Deco 'lighter than air' white gold filigree and diamond pendant.

I jest. With an infinite budget, there is no reason for restraint. Especially when it comes to things that are this pretty. I gasped out loud when I saw it. It is basically my idea of perfection.

Made in the 1920’s-1930’s, this Art Deco pendant is primarily made up of delicate white gold and platinum filigree. The center of the pendant features an old mine .25ct diamond set deeply into a hexogonal mount, flanked on the north and south by small diamonds set in diamond shaped collets.

Even the chain, which is 19 inches long and original to the piece, is beautiful.

Art Deco 'lighter than air' diamond pendant; paperclip chain detail.

 

This necklace is for sale at Glorious Antique Jewelry, listing available via 1stdibs. Thanks to Glorious and 1stdibs for the images and info.

Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin.

This bracelet is a sparkling masterpiece of Art Deco jewelry genius.

Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.

If I hold up my arm and close one eye, it almost looks like I have the bracelet on.

This piece was made by Mauboussin in 1925. It has a flexible openwork strap of lattice design, centering a rose set with a round cabochon emerald. The petals of the flower are set with old European-cut diamonds (approx 3.65 carats), buff-top cabochon emeralds, and cabochon onyx segments.

The bracelet is set throughout with old European-cut, round and single-cut diamonds (approximately 10.55 carats) and sugar-loaf cabochon and buff-top cabochon emeralds and onyxes. The bracelet is about 7 inches long, and the clasp is embellished with black enamel.

An Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Now scroll back up and look at it again. (Please note: you only have to do this a few times. I’m not trying to catch you in an infinite bracelet ogling loop.)

Detail; an Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Here’s a closer look. So perfect.

This item was listed in Sotheby’s December 2011 auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

*** Fun fact: I got to try this bracelet on in person, completely by coincidence, almost exactly three years later!! See it here.

 An exquisite Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library. A remarkable Art Deco diamond, emerald, onyx, and enamel bracelet by Mauboussin, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Vintage amethyst and diamond filigree ring.

True story: I thought I saw a girl on the metro the other day wearing a ring like this in aquamarine. I made a huge effort to end up next to her on the train, and when I succeeded, proceeded to be really awkward trying to get a look at her finger.

Luckily, I realized how creepy I was being and desisted. But the moral of the story is that this ring is pretty and sometimes jewelry-stalking makes me forget my manners.

Vintage amethyst and diamond filigree ring; at Lang Antiques.

Lang Antiques’ description: “A charming 18 karat white gold filigree ring from the early 20th century. A tiny diamond is actually mounted into the center of the amethyst, which is set atop delicate openwork shoulders and gallery.”

A vintage amethyst and diamond filigree ring.

I think the contrast of the light, airy filigree with that magnificent block of amethyst and the tiny diamond in its center is just magnificent.

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

A beautiful vintage amethyst and diamond filigree ring.

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