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

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Art Nouveau sunrise brooch.

I think this brooch perfectly exemplifies the fairy-tale feeling that is what I love about Art Nouveau jewelry.

 Art Nouveau sunrise brooch with diamonds and emeralds. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It’s the ideal mix of whimsical and ethereal. The design and composition are marvelous – the lines radiating out of the sun, the diamond frame, the shape of the female nude perfectly accentuating the scene.

The openwork oval brooch centers one old European-cut diamond with gold wire rays radiating outward, atop a landscape set with square-cut emeralds and a diamond-set sun reflection, edged by old European-cut diamonds, accented by a reclining gold nude female figure wrapped in drapery.

These may be the first boobs I’ve posted on my blog. A great day for us all.

This brooch was listed in Doyle New York’s October 2012 Important Estate Jewelry sale. All images and info are thanks to Doyle New York.

Art Nouveau sunrise brooch with diamonds and emeralds. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Store profile: Antique Sparkle on Etsy.

Antique Sparkle, a San Fransisco-based Etsy store focuses specifically on antique and vintage rings from the 19th and 20th centuries. So, obviously, I love it.

What stands out to me about Antique Sparkle is their selection. This store has all kinds of rings from different eras, in different styles. The seller provides multiple pictures, including a picture of each ring on a finger. She also provides a wealth of information, including specific details about each piece’s quality. I’ve never bought anything from this store but I’d love to have the extra cash to try. Many items in this shop are under $1,000, but most are still over $500.

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.

Please click here if you’d like to read my guide to buying jewelry on Etsy.

Some favorites:

Engagement Ring - Antique Diamond in Art Nouveau Style

Engagement Ring – Antique Diamond in Art Nouveau Style
(Similar here)

Antique Art Nouveu amethyst and diamond ring in gold.

Art Nouveau Amethyst and Diamond 18k Ring
(Shop similar here)

Antique Art Deco or Edwardian ring in yellow and white gold with diamonds

Edwardian Diamond Ring
(Shop similar here)

Antique Opal and Rose Cut Russian Diamond Ring


Antique Opal and Rose Cut Russian Diamond Ring
(Shop similar here)

Antique Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring

Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring
(Shop similar here)

Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18K Gold Ring


Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
(Shop similar here)

Always remember when shopping online: size matters! Click here for my jewelry sizing cheat sheet.

This post contains affiliate links.

Sparkly gift guide: $500 – infinity and beyond.

Today is the final edition of the 2012 Diamonds in the Library gift guides. Today I bring you the things you would buy if you could buy aaaaaaaaaanything. The bling of your dreams. Also see: everything I’ve ever posted.

This post was a lot of fun. It could have been much longer. I focused on mostly contemporary pieces, since I show you vintage and antique treasures all the time.

For options at different price points, please see my past gift guides: under $25, $25-$50, $50-$100, $100-$200, and $200-$500.

For more gift ideas, please check out my past store profiles, my guide to camphor glass jewelry, and past Ebay and Etsy posts. As always when shopping online, please pay attention to shipping charges, read return policies, and make sure that any bling you buy is the right size. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Kimberly McDonald 18-karat rose gold, geode and diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Someday soon I will do a feature on Kimberly Mcdonald, I promise.

Annoushka Yewn Imperial Fan Earrings. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Annoushka Yewn Imperial Fan Earrings: £15,000.
These earrings are a dream. That’s all I can say.

 

Ben-Amun Ruby Deco Crystal Statement Necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I couldn’t bring myself to make that picture any smaller. Yes, it’s pricey…but look at it. Sigh.

Cathy Waterman Diamond & Amethyst Stud Earrings. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Cathy Waterman Diamond & Amethyst Stud Earrings: $2,320.
This is a very serious pair of studs. More creative than giving plain diamond studs, but just as beautiful. The embellished prongs of the settings make these unique.

Sparkly gift guide; $500 - infinity and beyond.Artisan Sterling silver, diamond and sapphire bracelet: $6,865

So beautiful and ornate. This bracelet would be the belle of any ball.

Which doesn’t even make sense, but maybe the prettiness has addled my brains.

These are so amazing they practically glow.

Edwardian Art Deco filigree 18k white gold .80 ct. opal diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.
I don’t think you need me to tell you how pretty this ring is.

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