Once upon a TIME

How lovely these watches are! Not only that I admire the craftsmanship behind them but I also find their history intriguing enough to make me wonder: who wore them and in what important moments of their lives were these watches used as a time reference system?

If only they could speak…

AN 18K YELLOW GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET WATCH CIRCA 1840

Art Deco sapphire and diamond lady's wristwatch by Cartier, Paris c. 1925

FREUNDER - GOLD AND ENAMEL OPENFACE KEYWOUND POCKET WATCH WITH BROOCH, CIRCA 1830

Morelle Davidson's vintage Boucheron platinum and gold pendant watch

Gold Watch Ring c. 1860

SWISS - Gold and enamel openface keywound pocket watch, made for the Turkish Market, c. 1840

Behind the scenes - Bouquet d'ailes by Boucheron

Have you ever wondered what it takes to give life to an exquisite piece of jewelry?

I've just found this wonderful necklace from Boucheron and it’s quite amazing to see how it was made. Very briefly said, we are talking about more than 9 months of fabrication, over 1250 working hours and more than 2300 gems.

Bouquet d'ailes by Boucheron

Here, take a look behind the scenes of Bouquet D’ailes necklace:

Last days of summer

If you can’t go to the seaside, than bring the sea to you! Just imagine that you’re on the beach, feeling the warm touch of the sun and looking at the blue water. You can see a sailing boat in the distance. The sand underneath your feet is so soft and the seashells shine in the sun. There is so much calm around you and yet so much thrill in the sea.

Do you see yourself in this picture? If it's difficult to visualize it, than let me help you. You can create your own puzzle with the jewels below. 

Estate Blue Topaz & Diamond Sail Boat Pendant

Boucheron Fish Brooches -   18k Gold, Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx

CHRISTIAN LACROIX 1990s 'sun' brooch

Buccellati Gold Crab Brooch

Paul Morelli 18k Gold & Diamond Seahorse Drop Earrings

Trianon Shell Earclips with 18k Gold Stud Detailing

Seaman Schepps Extra Small "Turbo Shell" Earclips with Emerald Caps

Carolina Bucci bracelet - 18k yellow and white gold

Don't you feel that something's missing? I got it! The picture is not complete 'cause we need a love story on the beach.

Raymond C. Yard "Prisoner of Love" Gem-Set Charm

Now that's much better! :)

The roaring 20s or crazy 60s? Take your pick!

Do you ask yourself sometimes: how would have been like to be born and live in a different period of time? To feel the pulse of the roaring '20s in New York or the life in Paris in the Thirties? What about to live in London in the crazy '60s?

Your style would have been different, that's for sure. But can you imagine yourself all dressed up and with a haircut according to the fashion trends of each decade? Oh, it is fun to look back and imagine a different world, with a different version of yourself. 

I was also curious about the jewelry women wore back then. So two days ago I've decided to search on 1stdibs.com jewels made in each decade of the 20th century. It was an interesting game to play. :) Check out my virtual collection of jewels from 1900 till the '90s, do you like it?

Victorian Egyptian Revival Lapis Pendant and Chain, 1900 - 14k yellow gold, lapis, diamonds

French Gold & Enamel Eagle Pendant, Paris, 1910 - 18k gold, diamonds, enamel, mother of pearl

Ultimate Beauty in an Art Deco Ring, 1920 - Platinum and Old European Diamond

Diamond Platinum Panel Bracelet, 1930

GROGAN 1940's Necklace - yellow gold, citrines, diamonds, sapphires

Woven Gold Tapestry Bracelet, 1950

BOUCHERON 1960's Diamond Gold Swirl Brooch

1970s Impressive Structural Handmade Diamond & Gold Cluster Ring

Marina B. Spectacular Gold, Diamonds and Tourmaline Ring, 1980

FRED LEIGHTON Diamond Tiara, 1990 - 18k gold and diamonds

"La joaillerie en rose"

I am more into silver or white gold jewelry than yellow or rose gold adornments. If you have any doubts on this you should see my own jewelry collection which stands as a proof of that. Few jewels are made of yellow gold and I didn't even buy them myself. They were given to me by my mother.  

Don’t get me wrong – I am not against colored gold jewelry. I just think I haven’t come across the right yellow or pink gold jewels for me yet. Although I am a silver or white gold person, I wouldn't say “no” for sure to the rose gold jewelry below:

Montblanc Pétales Entrelacés ring

The Quatre White Edition ring in yellow gold, white gold, pink gold and ceramic, by Boucheron

Perlée bracelet with diamonds, by Van Cleef & Arpels

SOPHIA LOREN white, pink gold and diamond ring, by DAMIANI

Imperiale ring - 18 carat rose gold, by Chopard

Garrard two-finger ring in rose gold -  Wings collection 

Black and White – Opposites yet constant companions

Black and white jewelry is all you need in some occasions. The stark contrast between black and white exudes confidence and class and it could easily grab people’s attention.

As someone said before, the beauty of this combination is that it’s powerful and yet there is also a strange simplicity to it.

Chanel Joaillerie - via Precieux Conseils

Black and White Diamond Earrings - via Kevin's Fine Jewelry

Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Cocktail Ring, circa 1920's

Boucheron Bracelet 

de Grisogono pendant in white gold set with 76 white diamonds of 1.27 carats

Ivanka Trump ring - Cushion Shape Black Onyx Ring with Half Overlay Diamonds Deco Scroll

David Yurman Rings

Black and White Diamond Earrings - via Levinson Jewelers

mvee black and white jewelry 

“I will buy a ZOO” – my own movie script

Do you know Matt Damon’s movie “We bought a ZOO?” Well, I’d like to own a ZOO too, but metaphorically speaking. What would you say about a ZOO with animals made of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other gems? I'm sure I'd be very good at taking care of them.

Won’t you love them too? Just take a look at the species we could domesticate J:

Ring set with pavé diamonds and two cabochon emeralds, in white gold - via Boucheron

Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond owl brooch

Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond owl brooch

Cypris Black Sapphire Ring - via Boucheron

               Cypris Black Sapphire Ring - via Boucheron

Peacock Brooch of Aquamarine, Sapphire & Diamond by Cartier- via Pinterest

Peacock Brooch of Aquamarine, Sapphire & Diamond by Cartier- via Pinterest

SERPENTI ring in 18kt white gold with full pavé diamonds - via BVLGARI

SERPENTI ring in 18kt white gold with full pavé diamonds - via BVLGARI

Ring set with blue sapphires, pink sapphires and diamonds - via Boucheron

Ring set with blue sapphires, pink sapphires and diamonds - via Boucheron

Later edit:

I've just found this bracelet from Roberto Coin. This Unique Cobra bangle won Best Diamond Fashion Award at The Centurion 2013 Show. I like it too much not to present it here.

Via Roberto Coin's Facebook page