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

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Wednesday wishlist: colorful costume.

I have a shopping lust right now, and it is for color. The sun is shining in DC and it makes me want to shine too!

Here are some beauties from my current Etsy favorites list. I can’t afford to give all of them a home in my jewelry box, but maybe you can? We’re talking costume jewelry today, so everything’s under $200. Please click here if you’d like to read my guide to buying jewelry on Etsy.

As with any online shopping, please don’t forget to make sure that the pretties you’re admiring are the right size before you pull the trigger. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Art Deco necklace with green chyrsoprase and black and green enamel designs, set in sterling silver. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This beauty is particularly special. From the 1920-30’s, this necklace is marked sterling silver and features green chrysoprase and black and green enamel designs. It’s chunkier and more colorful than the others, more of a classic statement necklace than a subtle accent piece.

Edwardian bracelet with filigree and emerald green glass. Circa 1920's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I’ve been admiring this Edwardian bracelet for so long that I’m shocked I haven’t already featured (or bought) it. Aren’t the filigree circles with the occasional emerald glass insets beautiful?

Edwardian or Art Deco necklace with lipstick-red glass stones and floral filigree is rhodium or silver plate. Circa 1920's-1930's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Now this Art Deco or Edwardian lavaliere-style necklace from the 1920-30’s is just as fabulous, but more intricate and from a different color family. The lipstick-red elements are bright glass and the chain and floral filigree is rhodium or silver plate (not sterling). This is another piece that I can see being integrated fabulously into all kinds of outfits.

Vintage green onyx and white gold filigree ring from the 1940's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This ring is another one that I’ve come close to buying, so I definitely want to hear from you if you decide to adopt it. It deserves a good home – just look how bright and wonderful that green onyx is! And it’s perfection in the white gold filigree setting. This beauty is from the 1940’s.

Stunning Art Deco necklace with aquamarine-colored Czech art glass set in sterling silver. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Okay. This one’s $240, but it’s SO fabulous I couldn’t leave it out. This stunning Art deco necklace features aquamarine-colored Czech art glass set in sterling silver. If I hadn’t had to buy a computer earlier in the month, I’d be wearing it right now. Or one of these other things. Decisions are rough.

This signed Nov E Line Art Deco pendant necklace is rhodium-plated pot metal with paste, green glass, and a gloriously intricate paperclip chain (my favorite). Via Diamonds in the Library.
This signed Nov E Line Art Deco pendant necklace is rhodium-plated pot metal, paste, green glass and a gloriously intricate paperclip chain (my favorite). It’s bright, happy, and on-trend. Apparently I’m in a green mood today, except for the one red necklace.
The images and info in this post are thanks to the seller of each piece – please see individual descriptions for source links. And please do let me know if you decide to gibe any of these pretties a home so that I can congratulate you on your excellent taste.

 

Store profile: Antique Sparkle on Etsy.

Antique Sparkle, a San Fransisco-based Etsy store focuses specifically on antique and vintage rings from the 19th and 20th centuries. So, obviously, I love it.

What stands out to me about Antique Sparkle is their selection. This store has all kinds of rings from different eras, in different styles. The seller provides multiple pictures, including a picture of each ring on a finger. She also provides a wealth of information, including specific details about each piece’s quality. I’ve never bought anything from this store but I’d love to have the extra cash to try. Many items in this shop are under $1,000, but most are still over $500.

As with any online shopping, please don’t forget to make sure that the pretties you’re admiring are the right size before you pull the trigger. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Please click here if you’d like to read my guide to buying jewelry on Etsy.

Some favorites:

Engagement Ring - Antique Diamond in Art Nouveau Style
Antique Art Nouveu amethyst and diamond ring in gold.
Antique Art Deco or Edwardian ring in yellow and white gold with diamonds
Antique Opal and Rose Cut Russian Diamond Ring
Antique Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Always remember when shopping online: size matters! Click here for my jewelry sizing cheat sheet.

Sparkly gift guide: $500 – infinity and beyond.

Today is the final edition of the 2012 Diamonds in the Library gift guides. Today I bring you the things you would buy if you could buy aaaaaaaaaanything. The bling of your dreams. Also see: everything I’ve ever posted.

This post was a lot of fun. It could have been much longer. I focused on mostly contemporary pieces, since I show you vintage and antique treasures all the time.

For options at different price points, please see my past gift guides: under $25, $25-$50, $50-$100, $100-$200, and $200-$500.

For more gift ideas, please check out my past store profiles, my guide to camphor glass jewelry, and past Ebay and Etsy posts. As always when shopping online, please pay attention to shipping charges, read return policies, and make sure that any bling you buy is the right size. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Kimberly McDonald 18-karat rose gold, geode and diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Someday soon I will do a feature on Kimberly Mcdonald, I promise.

Annoushka Yewn Imperial Fan Earrings. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Annoushka Yewn Imperial Fan Earrings: £15,000.
These earrings are a dream. That’s all I can say.

 

Ben-Amun Ruby Deco Crystal Statement Necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I couldn’t bring myself to make that picture any smaller. Yes, it’s pricey…but look at it. Sigh.

Cathy Waterman Diamond & Amethyst Stud Earrings. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Cathy Waterman Diamond & Amethyst Stud Earrings: $2,320.
This is a very serious pair of studs. More creative than giving plain diamond studs, but just as beautiful. The embellished prongs of the settings make these unique.

Sparkly gift guide; $500 - infinity and beyond.Artisan Sterling silver, diamond and sapphire bracelet: $6,865

So beautiful and ornate. This bracelet would be the belle of any ball.

Which doesn’t even make sense, but maybe the prettiness has addled my brains.

These are so amazing they practically glow.

Edwardian Art Deco filigree 18k white gold .80 ct. opal diamond ring. Via Diamonds in the Library.
I don’t think you need me to tell you how pretty this ring is.

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