Fred Leighton's bracelet collection

A simple search on the internet can return amazing results to you. Be it images or stories, they can inspire you or simply amaze you. It’s such a pleasure to discover virtual springs of beauty and good taste, don’t you think? This is how I felt as I was looking through the collections of Fred Leighton a couple of days ago. Oh, how many beautiful pieces it has to offer!

Just look at these bracelets made between 1860 and 1940s and you’ll see what I mean.

14 Karat Green and Rose Gold Retro Bracelet, circa 1940s

Enamel, Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1907

Art Nouveau Blue Enamel Bird Motif Bracelet by Carter Gough, circa 1900

Amethyst, Pearl and Enamel Bangle by Carlo Giuliano, circa 1890

Antique Archeological Revival Jeweled Bracelet, circa 1860

Star-accessories – exquisite earrings

If a woman wants to stand out because of her accessories, then it’s mandatory for her to wear a star-accessory that will draw others’ attention to her. When a woman decides what jewels she’ll wear in a certain circumstance and she’ll opt for something else than a parure, she’ll have a preferred adornment for sure. It is the statement jewelry item that will be much praised by the others.

These amazing earrings are definitely perfect for the role of star-accessory of an outfit.

Carved Fossilized Mammoth Penguin And Diamond Earrings by BOCHIC

ANA DE COSTA - GANDHI ZAMBIAN EMERALD EARRINGS

Georgian Yellow Gold and Amethyst Long Iberian Pendant Earrings, circa 1750 - Fred Leighton Estate Jewels

 BOGH-ART Earrings - white & rose gold, white & grey natural pearl, pink & colorless diamond earrings

Faraone Mennella Earrings - 18kt gold with green tourmaline, smoky quartz and white diamonds pave'

Rings I’d buy in a minute…

…If I had the money, of course. J It’s the kind of thing that you fall in love with at the very first sight. No need to think about it – if you have the right clothes for it or otherwise, if it’s suited for the clothes in your wardrobe ‘cause you already have them. You just know that it would be perfect for your jewelry collection. And you know what? You’re probably right. A woman’s intuition seldom fails (especially when it comes to apparel and accessories), isn't it? J

Art Nouveau Plique à Jour Enamel and Emerald Ring, circa 1900, by Fred Leighton

Rose gold ring with onyx and diamonds green agate, by Ralph Lauren

Cosmic Eye Ring by Solange Azagury-Patridge

L'OEUVRE NOIRE by MAUBOUSSIN

Design Atelier Zobel - Peter Schmid

A Diamond and Gold 'Freccia' Ring, signed Enigma

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

Birthstones and recommended jewelry for you – part 3 (February - May)

It’s time for the last part of our series dedicated to birthstones, so this post is especially for those of you born between February and May:

February: Amethyst

* The ancient Egyptians believed amethyst could keep a person from being poisoned.

* Medieval churchmen used amethyst rings and jewels to promote divine revelations and wisdom, since amethyst was considered a symbol of Christian love and sacrifice.

* Amethyst also was said to enhance courage and creativity, to promote intuition, psychic development and even self-esteem, to deflect anger, and protect the wearer against evil.

Attrape-moi…si tu m'aimes "Galet" ring in 18-carat white gold, diamonds and facetted amethyst - by Chaumet

 March: Aquamarine

* It was called "The Sailor's Stone", due to its sea-like colors, and was thought to protect sailors and people traveling over water.

* In the perception of Hindu mystics, the amethyst helped to promote mental clarity and to improve one's public speaking.

* In today’s belief, this gem provides inner calm and enhances both verbal and written communication. 

Antique Diamond and Aquamarine Pendant Earrings, circa 1890 - via Fred Leighton

 April: Diamond

*Diamonds’ unique hardness and high refractive index have inspired legends:

-> to the Greeks, they were teardrops from the gods

-> to the Romans, they came from the falling stars that tipped the arrow of Eros, the god of love

-> for Hindus, diamonds were the lightning that armed the hand of the god Indra

Open lattice bracelet - 340 round diamonds, 25.84 , platinum setting - by Harry Winston

May: Emerald

*Ancient people believed that emerald could heal maladies or improve vision.

* In ancient times, it was also believed that emeralds could help people see into the future.

Emerald Cuff by BOGH-ART

Birthstones and recommended jewelry for you – part 2 (October – January)

Are you ready for the second round of birthstones? People born between October and January pay attention, this post is for you! 

October: Opal or Tourmaline

* Opals have been used for everything from easing childbirth to bringing strength in battle.

* Long known as the Wish Stone, opal is supposed to promote love and romance and grant wishes and personal happiness.

* Tourmaline is said to bring high energy, good luck, creativity and romance, depending on its color.

  

Chopard pink opal and diamond earrings, via Pinterest

               Chopard pink opal and diamond earrings, via Pinterest

Estate Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

 November: Topaz or Citrine

* Topaz was often used to promote wisdom in its wearer, which may explain the medieval custom of giving topaz rings to heads of state, diplomats, and royalty.

* Topaz is reputed to increase understanding, strengthen breathing, prevent colds, enhance creativity, bring relaxation, control angry passions, restore energy, and aid in tissue regeneration.

Georgian Citrine Riviere Necklace with Pear Shape Drop, circa 1830 Fred Leighton

December: Turquoise or Tanzanite

* Turquoise was very appreciated in ancient Egypt; Egyptian Pharaohs wore turquoise jewelry and Cleopatra probably used ground-up turquoise for eye paint and wore turquoise in her jewelry too.

* Children in several cultures were later given turquoise charms to protect them from harm, prevent nightmares, and to grant them restful sleep.

De Grisogono Turquoise bracelet - made of 111.46 carat black diamonds, 58.65 carat rubies and 240 carat turquoise gemstones

January: Garnet

*As garnet is the group name for a family of gemstones that come in so many colors, there are so many symbols of this gem depending on its hue;

* It was believed that garnets promote true love, warn of danger by changing color, and protect the wearer's home from fire and lightning.

* Garnets in yellow, brown and orange were believed to stimulate energy, increase sexual vitality, and promote compatibility in lovers.

* Green gemstones were said to bring prosperity, calm the nerves, and protect wearers from emotional stress.

* Pink garnets were believed to attract romance and cure broken hearts.

Bohemian Garnet and Seed Pearl encrusted earrings, 19th century

Bohemian Garnet and Seed Pearl encrusted earrings, 19th century 

 See you next time, with the last part from this birthstones series!

To be or not to be…afraid of or fascinated by dragonflies

I’ve always been afraid of dragonflies but somewhat fascinated by them. Nice colors, “fast and furious” as I like to say about their rapidity in flight and moves. Now, reading more about this amazing insect as I’ve done some research for this material, I must confess I like them more and I’ll stop being afraid of dragonflies.

It seems that the dragonfly symbolizes mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. As I found out from a website, “the dragonfly’s agile flight and its ability to move in all six directions exude a sense of power and poise - something that comes only with age and maturity”.

It’s weird though how differently this insect is perceived in various cultures. While in Asia and America it has a positive meaning (it is a symbol of power, agility and victory in Japan; Chinese people associate the dragonfly with prosperity, harmony and as a good luck charm; amongst Native Americans, it is a sign of happiness, speed and purity), in Europe and Australia the dragonfly has funny nicknames like Devil’s Needle, Horse Stinger or the snake’s servant.

However you call them, the dragonflies below are harmless and they’re really beautiful. Besides the images I found on the internet, I am proud to show you my silver dragonfly brooch from my own collection. J

Lalique dragonfly woman corsage ornament (1897–1898)

                Lalique dragonfly woman corsage ornament (1897–1898)

Pearl and Diamond Plaque Brooch, French, circa 1940 - via Fred Leighton

Dragonfly necklace from Commelin of Paris, via Forbes

Art Nouveau dragonfly ring by Lucien Gaillard (1861-1933)

Folie des Prés Fairy clip, 2003, Midsummer Night’s Dream collection

And ta-daa, this is my dragonfly brooch:

Art Deco jewelry

The design of Art Deco jewelry (1915 - 1935) is very popular and much appreciated today as it was back then. It is defined by geometric shapes and bright colors and you will often find combinations of diamonds and colored gems like rubies, sapphires or emeralds in Art Deco jewelry.

High auction results for Art Deco creations reveal that this category is one of the most sought after jewelry. 

If you're wondering why, take a look at these amazing pieces:

Van Cleef & Arpels earrings with golden and blue sapphires, diamonds and emeralds

Cartier Art Deco Aquamarine Brooch, via Pinterest

Lacloche Freres 33.06 Carat Natural, 'no heat' sapphire and diamond

And this is not all. I invite you to check out other impressive Art Deco creations on Fred Leighton's website. I came across their online platform while researching for this kind of jewelry and I found there beautiful collections of adornments from different periods of time, starting the 18th century.

Here are just three examples of what kind of jewelry you can find on their website:

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Greek Key Bracelet Fred Leighton

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Greek Key Bracelet Fred Leighton

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Earrings, circa 1950s Fred Leighton

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Earrings, circa 1950s Fred Leighton

Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring, circa 1915 Fred Leighton

Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring, circa 1915 Fred Leighton