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

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A Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

I may be a lady given to hyperbole, but you’re going to have to believe me when I say this is one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

An antique Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

Every inch of it is spectacular. It’s full Belle Epoque, circa 1910. Even the neckchain is set with diamonds in a foliate motif – alternating flowers and leaves.

Detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

At the bottom, suspended from a single and old European-cut diamond foliate double swag (that’s what that’s called – have you ever heard a better term than “double swag”?) is a large, openwork pendant, also of foliate motif, suspending a large, pear-shaped yellowish brown diamond trimmed with single-cut diamonds.

Pendant detail; a Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

This necklace was listed in Christie’s 22 April 2010 Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

 A stunning Belle Epoque colored diamond necklace, circa 1910.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring.

You know that moment in Sex in the City when Carrie sees her new dream shoe in a window and greets it by saying “Hello, lover!”

I feel a little like that.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It’s not actually vintage, it’s an Edwardian style engagement ring reproduction. But ooh boy, what a reproduction.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I can’t improve on Lang Antiques’s description, so here it is: “A superb 2.17 carat round brilliant-cut diamond – accompanied by a GIA Gem Trade Laboratory grading report stating D color, VS2 clarity- is framed by small sparkling accent diamonds atop a fancy scroll motif gallery and openwork foliate motif diamond-set shoulders. The style of this gorgeous modern platinum and diamond ring pays homage to the classic flowing designs of the Edwardian period at the beginning of the twentieth century. A timeless beauty …”

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This Edwardian style engagement ring is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. So if there is a special lady (and $53,000) in your life…this ring could be what you’re looking for.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Thanks to Lang Antiques for all images and info.

2.17 Carat ‘D’ color diamond Edwardian style engagement ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Irene Neuwirth.

I have a thing for old jewelry, if you couldn’t tell. I think it often has more character than contemporary jewelry. I also love the idea of loving a piece that some other woman has loved before me. Elizabeth Taylor once said “The important thing to know about jewelry is that you never really own it; you’re simply a custodian of beautiful things.” I think it’s amazing to look at at ring on my finger and know it had a part in someone else’s life too.

That said, there’s a lot of beautiful contemporary jewelry and I don’t want to neglect it.

Irene Neuwirth is one of my favorite contemporary jewelry designers. It doesn’t hurt that Irene founded the company herself with partner Tracy Stoll (I love female-owned businesses – holler) but really what is remarkable is how exceptional the jewelry is. Celebrities love her pieces but, more importantly, so do I.

Irene’s pieces often have an organic, slightly bohemian feel. Her bio sites the ocean as her primary inspiration, and I can definitely see it in her work. She’s fond of large, gorgeous pieces of stone and striking colors. Enough talk. Let’s see some pretties.

I know that was a lot of pictures…I had a hard time narrowing it down so I sort of didn’t try. All images and info are thanks to Barney’s and Irene Neuwirth. Here are some more places to ogle (or buy! live the dream!) her work.

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