diamonds Archives

Gold, diamond and pearl necklace, circa 1900.

September 4, 2012

This necklace is a dream. It has some fairly ornate details – like the flowers along the upper part of the gold chain, the net of pearls and diamonds, and the diamond-studded flames scrolling out to either side – but it’s delicate enough that it still feels simple. This beauty is from 1900, and I think the Belle Epoque influence is pretty clear.

This necklace going to be part of Sotheby’s Important Jewels Sale in New York on 20 September 2012 – click here for the listing. All information about and photos of this piece are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Detail; Gold, diamond and pearl necklace, circa 1900. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Detail; a gold, diamond and pearl necklace, circa 1900. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Sotheby’s description:

Gold, Diamond and Pearl Necklace

Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 USD

Featuring a natural pearl drop measuring approximately 7.9 by 7.0 mm, accented by 20 button-shaped pearls measuring approximately 4.5 to 4.1 mm, further set with numerous old mine, round and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 13.00 carats, the necklace gathered at the sides by flame motifs, length 15¼ inches, circa 1900.

Two extremely fabulous wide bracelets.

September 1, 2012

I love a good bracelet. I don’t wear them particularly often – I type all day at my day job and I have very small wrists, so it’s hard to find ones that won’t fall off or flap around. When I do wear them, I tend to go for small, flexible bracelets. These two wide bracelets are the opposite of small and flexible, but they’re so amazing I know I’d find a way to make it work.

Wide bracelet #1 is pierced yellow gold cuff accented with a floral design in silver. The scrolling floral design is accented with 2.22 carats of diamonds and two rubies. I just love the way the silver and diamond floral design winds across the latticed gold – it really looks like the design just grew onto the trellis of the bracelet, rather than being man-made.

Wide bracelet #2 might be even more fabulous. It was made in India, so you know already it’s going to be stunning. This bracelet won my heart away by doing one of my favorite things in jewelry; it’s embellished everywhere. No surface is wasted. The inside and sides of the bracelet, which could easily have been left unadorned, are covered in a gorgeously intricate enamel design. The enamel, which is a starkly contrasting design of black and gold, creates a beautiful foil for the outer, geometric design in seed pearls, rubies, and diamonds. This bracelet really is something special.

These two bracelets will be part of the Bonhams Sydney, The Royal Automobile Club of Australia, Fine Jewelry and Watches auction on 4 September 2012. All images and information are thanks to Bonhams. See the original lots here and here.

Luscious Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring.

September 1, 2012

Hello, gorgeous.

This Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring is a little unusual (in my opinion, anyway) for 1920 Art Deco because its lines are curved. You see a lot of sharp edges and hard angles in Deco jewelery, but this ring is positively voluptuous. I think it’s marvelous. And how boldly fabulous, with that 4.5 ct center diamond and the contrast of the diamonds and sapphires framing it. This ring belongs on a hand that is holding champagne.

You’re going to see a lot of Art Deco pieces on this blog. It’s my favorite era for jewelry – that, and Edwardian.

Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring, circa 1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring is going to be part of Sotheby’s Important Jewels Sale in New York on 20 September 2012 – click here for the listing. All information and photos of this piece are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Sotheby’s description:

Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire Ring

Estimate: 25,000 – 35,000 USD

Centered by an old mine cushion-cut diamond weighing approximately 4.50 carats, framed by alternating rows set with numerous old European-cut diamonds and sugarloaf cabochon sapphires, the undergallery and shank of floral design, size 6½, circa 1920.

Gold, Diamond and Pearl Necklace

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