chrysoprase Archives

Jogani’s antique cat’s eye necklace is the cat’s meow.

February 19, 2016

You know that thing where you see someone around for a while and you know you want to meet them but it takes you a while to make it happen? That’s exactly how it was for me and Jogani’s antique cat’s eye necklace.

I saw it on Jogani’s Instagram, then I saw it pop up on some other people’s pages – my cat’s eye necklace was out there, it was making friends, but I hadn’t yet found a way to get an introduction to it.

Then: it found me.

I was walking the show floor at the Original Miami Beach Antique show (more about that soon) and I saw Jogani’s sign. I headed over, because I’d learned at Lueur that they are as friendly as their treasures are swoonworthy, and then I saw it. The cat’s eye necklace of my dreams, sitting there waiting for me.

Let’s talk about what makes this necklace remarkable.

Item #1 is the obvious one: it’s effing gorgeous.

Masterfully articulated swags of diamonds, designed with elegantly architectural swoops and lines as well as elegant floral elements and perfect diamond bows. The diamond cuts are all over the place – from rose cuts to at least one table cut, which suggests that they might have been removed from other jewelry or at least collected from a number of sources to create this wonder.

Jogani thinks that this spectacular piece dates to the 1800’s, although they told me that not enough is known about it yet to have an exact date estimate. The diamond swags of the design certainty feel Edwardian, so perhaps that’s a clue that this beautiful thing came to being in the later end of the 19th century, rather than earlier.

Four fantastic pairs of earrings.

July 3, 2015

I was browsing the results of a recent Phillips’ auction and I found a plethora of spectacular pairs of earrings.

I thought I’d collect my favorites and lay ’em all out for you at once! Ready?

Let’s start with something dazzling.

These 25.36 carat amethyst earrings are by Margherita Burgener. They are further embellished with tsavorite garnets, diamonds, sapphires, and more amethysts. I’m afraid they’d be pretty heavy to wear, but I think it would be worth it. Aren’t the colors magnificent?

How about these beauties?

These are much, much simpler, but no less spectacular. Those tanzanite drops weigh approximately 31.78 carats in total. The pair totals just over 4 carats of diamonds, too. So lusciously cool and curved, like flash frozen drops of ocean water.

Here’s another pair by Margherita Burgener; in fabulous pink and purple, no less. That’s 48.55 carats of kunzite right there, my dears. Serious stones.

I have to say, however, that my favorite part is the sugarloaf amethyst surmounts. I love the contrast of the rounded stones on top and faceted drops hanging below.

And a lovely, soothing pair to end on. These pretties, also by Margherita Burgener, are a vision of green loveliness. The large suspended drops are chrysoprase; and the carved, diamond-embellished surmounts are luscious jade. Those wonderful gems twinkling between the two parts are chrome diopside.

I know it’s hard to choose, but I love to ask: which of these beautiful pairs of earrings is your favorite?

These pairs of earrings were all listed in a recent Phillips auction. All images and info are thanks to Phillips.

Store profile: Trademark Antiques.

February 6, 2015

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I visited the January DC Big Flea and had a wonderful time there scouring the aisles for treasures. I’ll tell you about the Big Flea soon, but right now we’re going to talk about my dates for the Flea: noted jewelry purveyors Jessica and Jason Sitko.

Jessica and Jason own the fabulous Trademark Antiques, which you’re already familiar with if you do much hunting for antique jewelry on Etsy or Ruby Lane.

I can confirm firsthand that in addition to having an incredible eye, Jessica and Jason are extremely nice and really fun to walk a show with.

I also feel like we are kindred spirits because J & J’s background looks a lot like my current day job situation: before moving away and focusing more intently on their jewelry business, they were both DC-area professionals with very DC-like jobs.

Trademark Antiques carries a fantastic assortment of antique jewelry, from pretty little rings at affordable price points to spectacular one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The only reason I don’t own anything from them is that I can never pick just one piece to buy.

I’m head over heels for these snakes. This is also a great example of Trademark Antiques’ photography: their Instagram is a must-follow, in my opinion.

This Art Nouveau necklace with floral design and chrysoprase stones is just beautiful. Pieces like this are great because, while you can clearly feel the Art Nouveau aesthetic, it’s easily wearable with a contemporary look. Don’t you love the color of chrysoprase?

Trademark Antiques is particularly well known for their spectacular conversion pieces, which are pieces of jewelry that have been converted from one form into another. The rings above are all converted antique stickpins (and could they possibly be prettier??).

I could stare at this turquoise and enamel bracelet all day. A riot of gold and blue and white, just waiting to adorn a lucky wrist. It’s also posed on a beautiful old book, as if I needed any more reasons to adore Jessica and Jason.

This sweet little guy appeared recently on Trademark Antiques’ Instagram and everyone lost their minds over him (for good reason). He’s 14k gold with soulful garnet eyes. Do you think he looks more like a French bulldog or a Boston terrier?

This Victorian brooch looks like a seashell, but it’s actually a carefully carved banded agate. Such an incredible piece.

This killer Edwardian necklace has been at Trademark Antiques for a while. I know this because I am passionately in love with it and I like to visit its listing periodically. I’m crazy for everything about it: its sinuous silhouette, its crisp Greek key filigree details, its delicious old European center diamond. It’s a perfect piece.

As you can see, Trademark Antiques features a glorious and large inventory of antique jewelry from the easily wearable to the utterly jaw-dropping. If you like what you’ve seen here, get on over to their website ASAP.

All images and info in this post are thanks to Trademark Antiques. To purchase any of the pieces above, please visit Trademark Antiques on Etsy or Ruby Lane.

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