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

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To-die-for antique emerald and diamond bracelet.

Oh, my dears. You’re in for a treat this Friday morning.

A stunning antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Remember when I asked Lang Antiques to send me bigger pictures of an amazing opal and diamond necklace they were selling and they rocked my world by sending me these? They’ve done it again.

This piece is an Edwardian antique emerald and diamond bracelet, made between 1910 and 1920. The platinum bracelet is 3/4 of an inch wide and glows with a row of European-cut diamonds that leads to a 2.75 carat round cabochon emerald. The bracelet is further embellished by several smaller calibre-cut emeralds, openwork detail, and hand engraving.

Antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

What really makes this exceptional in my book – besides the masterful use of the occasional bright emeralds – is the incredible openwork and the texture that the millegraining creates around the negative space. To say it’s a feast for the eyes is to flirt with understatement.

Detail view of an antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Just look at that detail. What do you think? Do you love this antique emerald and diamond bracelet as much as I do?

It’s 7 inches long, which means it would fit me perfectly. Just FYI.

An antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This antique emerald and diamond bracelet is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All images and info in this post are thanks to Lang – specifically, thanks to the fabulous Lisa and gifted photographer Cole.

 A fantastic antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

An antique emerald and diamond bracelet, circa 1910-1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Airy and delicate antique tiara.

Are you in a fairy princess mood today, readers? I hope so.

Antique platinum and diamond tiara, circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Isn’t it wonderful? This antique tiara, which was made in 1910, is composed of an openwork scroll and foliate design. The delicate, looping whorls of the design are set with mixed cut and rose diamonds. The piece also has brooch fittings, so it can be worn in more than one way.

How about a closer look?

Detail view; an antique platinum and diamond tiara, circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Perfection. To make it even more appealing, this antique tiara has noble connections. It was presented as a gift to Contessa Heleda Castrignano Pecci on the occasion of her marriage to Conte Giovanni Battista Pecci, General of the Noble Vatican Guard and the Grand Nephew of Pope Leo XIII.

What do you think? Is this the tiara of your dreams, or would you prefer something bolder? What would you wear it with?

This beautiful antique tiara was listed in Sotheby’s July 2013 Fine Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Have you entered my giveaway yet? You could win a free pair of diamond earrings!

Ring roundup: dainty.

Dainty rings! I’m a huge fan of dainty rings. Let’s look at some.

Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, circa 1925. The emerald is .8 carat, and the total diamond weight is 1.12 carats. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This gorgeous little number is an Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, circa 1925. The emerald is .8 carat, and the total diamond weight is 1.12 carats. I adore it utterly.

Belle Époque diamond cluster ring, circa 1905. Via Diamonds in the Library.
This Belle Époque diamond cluster ring, circa 1905, is so pretty I can barely believe it exists, let alone that it’s been around for more than 100 years.
 
 Belle Époque diamond and calibré ruby ring, French, circa 1905. The total approximate diamond weight is 0.99 carats, and the rubies are 2.00 carats. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This lovely thing is a Belle Époque diamond and calibré ruby ring, French, circa 1905. The total approximate diamond weight is 0.99 carats, and the rubies are 2.00 carats.

Art Nouveau diamond ring, French, circa 1900. It's yellow gold and platinum, set with a total of 1.40 carats of diamonds. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This marvelous squiggle is an Art Nouveau diamond ring, French, circa 1900. It’s yellow gold and platinum, set with a total of 1.40 carats of diamonds.

This antique ruby and diamond cluster ring was made in 1905. The ring is yellow gold with platinum, the central ruby is 1 carat, surrounded by 0.44 carats of diamonds.

Another barely-there whisper of a ring, this antique ruby and diamond cluster ring was made in 1905. The ring is yellow gold with platinum, the central ruby is 1 carat, surrounded by 0.44 carats of diamonds.

This lovely strand of diamonds is a Victorian bypass ring. It's a 12 karat rose gold band set with old mine-cut and Swiss-cut diamonds sparkle. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This lovely strand of diamonds is a Victorian bypass ring. It’s a 12 karat rose gold band set with old mine-cut and Swiss-cut diamonds sparkle. The description describes it as a stylized serpent motif, but I think it looks more like a shooting star than anything.

A Belle Époque old cut diamond cluster ring. The ring is platinum, with a stunning pierced openwork design and delicate split shoulders. The total diamond weight is is 0.85 carats.

Could this Belle Époque old cut diamond cluster ring possibly be prettier? I think not. The ring is platinum, with a stunning pierced openwork design and delicate split shoulders. The total diamond weight is is 0.85 carats.

All images and info in this post are thanks to the seller of each piece. Please see the link in each description for sources.

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