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

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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.

Art Nouveau gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, and pearl pendant necklace.

The necklace I’m about to show you is exceptionally beautiful. It was made between 1890 and 1910. The design is abstract, but you can see a foliate influence in the vine and leaf-like feel of certain elements.

With 140 old European-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 4.10 carats, 25 round-cut rubies with an approximate total weight of 4.15 carats, 5 round-cut emeralds with an approximate total weight of .10 carats, it has some lovely sparkle and color. The pendant culminates in a pearl drop. The larger pendant detaches and can be worn as a brooch.

It’s delicate but it’s on the larger side, at 24 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches wide at the widest point.  Because of the necklace length, that pearl would either be dangling mid-decolletage in a plunging dress, or resting on fabric.

Art Nouveau gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, and pearl pendant necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This unique necklace is currently for sale at Macklowe Gallery. Thanks to Macklowe for the information and lovely picture.

 

Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire & diamond chandelier earrings.

If you’re at all in the habit of looking at fabulous jewelry online, you’re familiar with Van Cleef & Arpels. If you’re not, I recommend you do yourself a favor and check them out, because it’s worth your while.

These earrings aren’t particularly innovative, but they are stunning. High-caliber gemstones in a bold, gorgeous setting. Perfect for your finer red carpets and galas.

Fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire & diamond chandelier earrings.

These were made in France, in the 1970’s. They’re set with four pear-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 18.15 total carats, accented by circular-cut and pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 17.23 total carats, mounted in 18k yellow gold, with clips and post backs. The drops are detachable so that the upper part of the earrings can be worn separately. They are signed Van Cleef & Arpels.

I think these would be amazing on a brunette. I volunteer.

These earrings are for sale at Betteridge, listing via 1stdibs. All images and info are thanks to Betteridge and 1stdibs.

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