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Sneak favorite: Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring.

This Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring is one of the pretties that I tried on when I had the pleasure of visiting Lang Antiques a few months ago.

Antique Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring with filigree at Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I call it my sneak favorite because I wasn’t expecting to fall for this one, but it’s turned out to be one of the pieces I haven’t been able to get out of my head. I actually wasn’t even thinking about this ring, so I have to thank my fabulous and loyal reader, PepperReed, for suggesting that I try this on while I was there. Pepper, you officially have amazing taste in jewelry. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Antique Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring with filigree at Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Could it possibly be more glorious? Look at it glow. It’s like a gumdrop full of magic. (Okay, not my most poetic. But it’s SO pretty.)

That softly glowing blue center stone is a 16.40 carat sugarloaf cabochon sapphire of exceptional quality; almost entirely flawless. The exceptional gem is accentuated by the delicate filigree of the original Edwardian mounting, which is further adorned by a halo of old European diamonds.

Antique Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring with filigree at Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.

For a good, clean look, here’s an all-around look at this beauty from the gorgeous photos on Lang’s website.

Antique Edwardian cabochon sapphire and diamond ring with filigree at Lang Antiques. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This beautiful cabochon sapphire and diamond ring is still for sale at Lang Antiques. (Only because I can’t afford it. Otherwise, it would be on my finger.) The photos in the collage are thanks to Lang, the rest are my own.

Pretty pinks: coral and diamond jewelry.

Pink is my favorite color. I know it’s a little cliche, but I can’t help what I like. It’s just so happy and pretty.

Today we’re going pink and sparkly with two pieces of coral and diamond jewelry from a recent Sotheby’s auction.

Gold, coral bead, and diamond necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Aren’t the coral beads of this coral and diamond necklace the most wonderful creamy color? It’s really more of a choker, it’s only 13 inches long. The double-strand necklace still comprises 58 beautiful polished coral beads, joined in the back by an 18 karat gold and diamond clasp in the shape of a knot.

Coral, diamond, and 18 karat gold earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels. Via Diamonds in the Library.

These fabulous coral and diamond earrings are by Van Cleef and Arpels. Two small coral cabochons on the surmounts and two larger ones on the lower sections framed by 18 karat gold embellishments set with 11.50 carats of diamonds. I love how the vaguely petal-like shapes of the gold setting evoke a floral feeling without being too on-the-nose.

Gold, emerald, diamond and coral earrings by Bulgari. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This pair by Bulgari is actually my favorite of the lot. I think the long pink coral drops hanging from the vivid emerald surmounts wreathed in twinkling diamond are simply glorious.

What do you think of these pieces? Would you wear any of them?

These beauties were both listed in a recent Sotheby’s auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s. Please see individual descriptions for source links.

Photo recap: checking out The Antique Guild’s newest jewels.

My initial store profile of The Antique Guild was a big moment for Diamonds in the Library: it was the first time I featured a store using only photos that I’d take myself, which – as you know – is now one of my favorite things.

A handful of gemstone rings - Art Deco, retro, and contemporary; sapphires, amethysts, and a ruby - at The Antique Guild. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I have some very pretty things to show you, some of which I got up close and personal with thanks to my new favorite lenses. Here’s some of the prettiest rings I met that day, from Victorian to contemporary.

Antique gold and seed pearl bracelet at The Antique Guild. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I love the details on this antique gold and seed pearl bangle – it’s like a vine that’s blooming stars.

Exceptional sapphire and diamond ring at The Antique Guild. Via Diamonds in the Library.

How do you like that sapphire? I’m kidding, obviously you love it as much as I do. 5.77 carats, gorgeous beyond all comprehension. It took my breath away.

Art Deco sapphire and diamond filigree bracelet. Via Diamonds in the Library.You know I love Art Deco filigree. In fact, here’s some more:

Art Deco emerald and diamond filigree ring

The subtitle of this post should really be “Becky plays with her macro lenses.” Because I did, and it was marvelous.

Three amethyst and gold rings. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Three antique cameo filigree necklaces. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Detail: Antique cameo filigree necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library. Vintage enamel and pink tourmaline ring. Via Diamonds in the Library. Victorian garnet, opal, and seed pearl ring. Via Diamonds in the Library. Victorian rose of sharon amethyst ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.Antique inspired ruby and filigree ring. Via Diamonds in the Library. This little ruby ring is actually contemporary, just antique-inspired. It’s good, though, yes?

Emerald and diamond retro ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I actually did not buy anything while I was there. I’m trying a new budgeting thing for 2014 – it involves spreadsheets designed by the brilliant future Mr. DitL – and I’m doing pretty well with it so far, if I do say so myself. The retro emerald and diamond stunner above is the piece I most nearly bought.

How do you decide if you love a piece of jewelry enough to buy it? I have all kinds of little logic games I play with myself to try to decide. Sometimes it work, sometimes it doesn’t. I think it only worked this time because I’m still so excited about my birthday rings, which I wore that day, too:

Antique emerald, diamond, and turquoise rings. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Antique emerald and diamond filigree ring from The Eden Collective was a bday gift to me from Mr. DitL, antique turquoise and diamond cluster ring from eBay was a birthday gift to me from me! And you already know all about my engagement ring.

But anyway, I’ve digressed. I had a glorious visit to The Antique Guild once again, and I can’t wait to return again. Mara has such a great eye, and she uses it to fill her store with sparkling delights. A huge thanks to Mara of The Antique Guild, for being as lovely a host as ever. I’ll be back soon!

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