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

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A ruby and diamond necklace, circa 1965.

I’ve always been a big fan of the combination of rubies and diamonds. It’s such a bright, cheerful combination. It was also popular during the retro period, and that’s when this necklace today comes from.

A ruby and diamond necklace, circa 1965. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Circa 1965, this necklace is a calibré-cut ruby collar with brilliant-cut diamond fringe, culminating in a gorgeous diamond and ruby cartouche. The cartouche has a lovely, vaguly folate, motif. All in all, this beauty has 15.95 carats of diamonds to dangle on your neck.

Detail of a ruby and diamond necklace, circa 1965. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This ruby and diamond necklace was listed in Bonhams’ 19 September 2012 Fine Jewellery Auction. All images and info are thanks to Bonhams.

 

Brooke Astor’s Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace.

This bright and bold statement piece was previously owned by Brooke Astor, and is soon to be auctioned by Sothby’s with other items from Ms. Astor’s estate. Made by Bulgari in 1959, this spectacular necklace has more than 100 carats of emeralds and almost 60 of diamonds. That’s some serious sparkle. I highly recommend clicking on the image to get a look at it full-sized.

Brooke Astor's Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace, circa 1959. Via Diamonds in the Library.All images of and information about Brooke Astor’s Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace are thanks to Sotheby’s. Please find this item’s auction listing here.

Sotheby’s description: A Platinum, 18 Karat Gold, Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Bulgari, 1959.

Estimate: 250,000 – 350,000 USD

centering a flexible composition of 13 emerald drops weighing approximately 71.00 carats, further enhanced with 14 cabochon emeralds weighing approximately 41.00 carats accented by 14 marquise-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 8.50 carats, and set throughout with numerous round diamonds weighing approximately 50.00 carats, length 14½ inches, unsigned, French workshop and assay marks; with signed and fitted box.

 

Bulgari diamond and blue diamond crossover ring, 1960.

Get ready for some shiny.

There really isn’t much I can say about this Bulgari diamond and blue diamond crossover ring beyond: look at it. It’s really exceptional.

Bulgari diamond and blue diamond crossover ring, 1960. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Just look at those baguette-paved shoulders. Like if the yellow brick road was made of diamonds.

This amazing Bulgari diamond and blue diamond crossover ring was sold for £1,889,250, including premium, at the Bonhams London, New Bond Street Fine Jewellery auction on 21 Sep 2011. All images and information are thanks to Bonhams. See the original lot here.

Bonhams description:

An impressive diamond and fancy vivid blue diamond crossover ring, by Bulgari, circa 1960
Obliquely-set with a pear-shaped diamond, weighing 3.93 carats and a pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond, weighing 3.78 carats, between scrolling tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders, signed Bulgari, ring size L.
  

 

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