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

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Amazing carved emerald and sapphire brooch by Cartier.

I’ve already had to restrain myself several times from creating a label for certain posts that goes along the lines of “really really REALLY amazing” or “extra super beautiful FOR REAL.” I have restrained myself because it sounds silly and I would use it too often. But I seriously considered it for this carved emerald and sapphire brooch by Cartier.

Art Deco carved emerald and sapphire brooch by Cartier, circa 1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

That, my dears, is an enormous carved emerald.

This amazing brooch was made by Cartier, New York, in 1920. The large octagonal emerald is carved to depict a Mughal flower motif. It is framed by channel-set calibré-cut sapphires, accented at four sides with clusters of cabochon sapphires outlined by calibré-cut emeralds and sapphires. Such a carved emerald is extremely rare and valuable.

This carved emerald and sapphire brooch by Cartier was sold as part of Sotheby’s April 2012 Magnificent Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

 Antique Art Deco carved emerald and sapphire brooch by Cartier, circa 1920. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Ebay watchlist, Thanksgiving edition.

Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Thanksgiving-celebrators! Whether you are preparing to cook a lot, eat a lot, or drink a lot to deal with all of the cooking and eating, I wish you a marvelous day.

Our ancestors did some horrible things, and I’m not on board with glorifying colonialism or genocide, but I like what this holiday means in my house: a day to sit down and concentrate on spending time with your family. I hope any non-Thanksgiving celebrators out have a marvelous day too.

We’re going to take a moment to be thankful for Ebay. If you’d like to revisit my guide to buying jewelry on Ebay, please click here.

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.

Here’s my current Ebay watchlist. Today’s theme: dainty things.

Victorian amethyst, diamond, and seed pearl lavaliere necklace.
Art Deco diamond filigree lavalier necklace in 14k white gold.
Vintage sapphire and pearl in 9 k gold.
1920's Art Deco green glass and sterling silver filigree pendant and chain.
Edwardian pearl and aquamarine lavalier pendant brooch necklace.

Sapphire, tsavorite garnet and diamond ring by Schlumberger.

Jean Schlumberger is another of those names that should say to the practiced jewelry stalker, “hey, this piece is going to be worth looking at.” Allow this ring by Schlumberger to show you what I mean.

A sapphire, tsavorite garnet and diamond ring, Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This is one of Schlumberger’s less complex pieces, but I think it’s wonderful. The colors of the gems speak for themselves, more embellishment is unnecessary. I also think that gold was the perfect metal to warm up this vibrant but cold color combination.

What do you think of it? Can you see the floral inspiration? Are you with me on the gold mixed-metal setting, or would you have preferred all platinum?

The ring is designed as a flower set with an emerald-cut sapphire weighing 13.83 carats, supported by platinum stylized petals set with round diamonds. As I mentioned, it is by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.. The design is completed by a gold shank set with round tsavorite garnets. The ring is signed T&Co., Schlumberger Studios.

This ring by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. was sold in Sotheby’s December 2011 Magnificent Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Sapphire, tsavorite garnet and diamond ring, Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Via Diamonds in the Library.

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