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

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Tourmaline filigree ring, 1930’s.

I’m a little biased about this tourmaline filigree ring because I happen to own one of a similar design, but with an onyx. When I wear that ring I usually end up spending half the day staring at it, because it’s so beautiful. I wear it frequently. And yes, I often trip over things.

A lovely antique tourmaline filigree ring from the 1930's.
A lovely antique tourmaline filigree ring from the 1930's.

This antique tourmaline filigree ring is set with a gorgeous, richly green tourmaline. The ring itself is made of white gold, formed into stunningly intricate filigree. I’m completely charmed by it – the color, the filigree, the low profile. It’s bold and understated at the same time. I think you could wear this with jeans and a blouse to get drinks after work or for formal occasions.

If you also would like to trip over things as you stare at your jewelry, this tourmaline filigree ring is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All photos and info are thanks to Lang.

A lovely antique tourmaline filigree ring from the 1930's.

Tourmaline filigree ring, 1930's. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Tourmaline filigree ring, 1930's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Tourmaline filigree ring, 1930's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Art Deco opal and diamond ring by J. E. Caldwell.

It never surprises me when I find an Art Deco piece that I particularly love and it turns out it by J.E. Caldwell. This Art Deco opal and diamond ring is no exception.

This features a black opal set in platinum and surrounded by diamonds. It was made in 1925, by J.E. Caldwell. The black opal is beautiful on its own, but the carefully shaped diamond setting really makes it shine. Diamonds and opals are always a great combination, but the way these diamonds are set in the ridged silver frame at specific intervals provides a geometric visual interest here that many contemporary opal and diamond rings lack.

Art Deco black opal and diamond ring by J. E. Caldwell, circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Don’t you love how the diamonds in the setting pick up the bright colors in the opal? This one must be truly wonderful in sunshine. Let’s cross our fingers that one of us gets to see it in person one day.

This Art Deco opal and diamond ring is currently for sale at Macklowe Gallery, so if you want more information or would like to make the excellent choice of buying this ring you can find its listing here.

Art Deco cherry blossom bracelet by Cartier.

This cherry blossom bracelet is one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. Art Deco era Cartier, circa 1925. It’s a diamond strap bracelet with a really lovely design of gem-set cherry blossom branches and flowers.

Art Deco Cartier cherry blossom bracelet. Circa 1925. Via Diamonds in the Library.Isn’t it marvelous? As a DC native, cherry blossoms have a special place in my heart, and I think this is a spectacularly lovely interpretation of them. I think the blossoms make a perfect contrast to the clean Art Deco lines of the bracelet’s thick rectangular plates. I actually have a tattoo that would match this quite nicely.

This picture is from Hancocks, where the cherry blossom bracelet was listed for sale, but the it is no longer on their website.

I assume it was sold to some very fortunate person. Sadly for us, the fact that it’s no longer on their website means I don’t have a whole lot of information to give you. For example, the design looks like rubies, emeralds, and onyx, but I don’t know that for sure. It’s still wonderful to admire, even if we don’t know as much information as we might like.

Here’s another cherry blossom piece – this one from slightly earlier – if I’ve whetted your appetite and you want more.

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