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

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Emerald and diamond chimera bangle.

There are a lot of boring animal-shaped bangles and cuffs out there. This is not one of them.

Emerald and diamond chimera bangle. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Fabulous, yes?This hinged bangle is designed as pavé-set diamond hoops alternating with lines of emerald beads. Opposite the hinge, the bangle culminates in two stylized dolphin head terminals, each holding a cabochon emerald in its mouth.I wonder what the inspiration for this “chimera” bangle was. Any ideas, Daughter of Smoke and Bone fans?This bracelet was listed in Christie’s November 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

Jade, diamond, and enamel ring by Cartier.

This jade, diamond and enamel ring by Cartier is undated but it’s certainly radiating a strong Art Deco vibe. Just look at it: the colors, the shapes, and the materials (the jade and enamel) all suggest Art Deco. I can’t make the call from a picture whether this is antique or just Art Deco inspired, but it’s definitely one or the other. Which, coming from me, is another way of saying that I think it’s beautiful.

A jade, diamond, and enamel ring by Cartier.

It is centered by an oval jadeite jade cabochon, mounted in platinum, with a black enamel line surround and old brilliant-cut diamond triplet shoulders. The ring is signed Cartier and numbered 4953.

That strong color contrast of the green jade against the black enamel and sparkling diamonds is perfection. This baby would be a real eye-catcher, even though it looks to be of modest size. I think it must be divine on a finger. I would love the chance to see it in person.

This ring is currently listed on the S.J. Philips website. All images and info are thanks to S.J. Philips.

Betteridge Collection pear-shaped black opal cocktail ring with pink sapphire.

I don’t mean to neglect contemporary jewelry, it’s just that I love the old stuff so much. But there are things happening in modern jewelry that are definitely worth a gander also.

Betteridge Collection pear-shaped black opal cocktail ring with pink sapphire.

This ring was made by Manuel Bouvier specifically for the Betteridge Collection at Betteridge. The ring rose gold and is centered by a black opal (5.08 carats) surrounded by 75 round-cut pink sapphires (0.71 total carats).

I think it’s fun without being cheesy and genuinely beautiful. I can’t get enough of the way the pink sapphires pick up the warmer flecks of color in the opal.

This ring has been sold but you can still ogle it (and the many other beautiful things in the Betteridge Collection) on Betteridge’s website. All images and information are thanks to Betteridge.

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