Usually I try not to show you too many similar pieces…but apparently I just can’t say no to Michele della Valle’s bold flowery things.
This necklace is designed as a graduated line of violets. The violets are centered by round diamond and their petals are set with 23.95 carats of round amethysts. The flowers are spaced by round emeralds framed with round diamonds. The clasp suspends two vines set with round diamonds and completed by leaves set with round emeralds. The total diamond weight of this piece is 4.34 carats, and total emerald weight is 5.68 carats. At 15.5 inches, it’s a fairly short necklace, although longer than a choker.
I just love the clasp, with the leaf-ended diamond chain threaded through a diamond loop. That would be such a lovely moment, spotting that detail dangling on the nape of a lady’s neck.
This necklace was listed in Sotheby’s April 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.
As I mentioned, this spectacular piece is the creation of none other than the great Louis Comfort Tiffany. (It’s his family’s “Co.”) And looking at this piece, it’s not hard to see how the company ended up with such renown. It’s dazzling.
This piece was made between 1914 and 1927, but I’m calling it Art Nouveau because of the style. It features a double-chain of small fancy-shaped links applied with champlevé enamel in shades of blue, green and plum, spaced at intervals by cabochon emeralds. The center of the chain is decorated with a large floral link enameled in blue and green and set with cabochon sapphires, rubies, and an emerald. The center of the chain supporting an unusual blue and plum colored sapphire drop.
This beauty was made in 1910. It centers on a black opal within a textured surround of vine leaves and fruit, decorated with blue and green enamel and accented with circular-cut sapphires and green garnets. It looks to me like the opal’s chipped, which is a shame, but it’s still a lush and memorable piece.