Temptation Tuesday: Because We're All Fancy Sometimes

It’s a treat to find a piece of antique jewelry that is perfectly fitted into its original box. This late Victorian aquamarine and green beryl necklace rests on black velvet, made for the jewellery department of John Barker & Co. Ltd. Barker built a retail empire on Kensington High Street in London, southwest of Kensington Palace, over the last decades of the 19th century, with the jewellery department established in 1895.

Not one of the hand-cut beryl is quite like the next, and each of the dangles has delicate movement for sparkly, eye-catching effect. The stones were set in 15K gold, indicative of English manufacture. This collar of gems would set off any neck to lovely advantage.

Price available upon request.

References:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_91174_en.pdf

Temptation Tuesday: Because We're All Fancy Sometimes

This incredible archaeological revival necklace is a thing to behold! Inspired by the jewelry of ancient Greeks and Romans, its vivid 18K yellow gold rope chain has four gold amphora shaped dangles and five dangles with graduated garnet cabouchons decorated with applied wire work. Wearing it makes you stand a little taller, like a Greek goddess of yore. The clasp is stamped with the Vatican crown and keys for 18K gold, indicating that this piece was made between 1815-1870.

Necklace and Earrings; Late Hellenistic, 1st century B.C., Greek; Gold, garnet, agate, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gold and Garnet Necklace; Late 3rd-Early 2nd century B.C., Greek; Christie's Ancient Jewelry, December 5, 2001

Looking back at ancient jewelry, we think this necklace is a pretty fabulous antique interpretation.

Price available upon request.

Temptation Tuesday: Because We're All Fancy Sometimes

Imperial Russian Gold Chain, c. 1915

14k gold, Russian hallmarks indicate the chain was manufactured between 1908-1927

This 14k gold chain measures a whopping 6 feet, 4 inches, and was made in Russia c.1915 – right before revolution swept through the country and overtook the opulent imperial courts of the last czar. The quadruple links are incredibly well-formed and feel silky to the touch, and you could easily wear the chain doubled or tripled.  Or, even better, use an old photograph for some styling inspiration:

Woman with Chain, C.1911

All in all, a beautiful piece from a time long gone.

Price available upon request.

Temptation Tuesday: Because we’re all fancy sometimes.

Late Victorian (c.1880) diamond chandelier earrings. 

Sure, pearl studs are a classic, but why not show some originality with a pair of antique diamond dangles?

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4.15cts of old mine, rose cut and antique pear diamonds set in silver, backed in 18k rose gold. 

Almost certainly beginning their life as part of a larger suite of jewels, these fabulous diamond earrings are holding their own quite admirably 130 years later. Tiny silver oak leaves studded with rose cuts frame the center pear shaped drops, and remind us that tall trees grow from the smallest of seeds. Sparkly old mine cuts are suspended from knife-edge settings, adding fun and lively movement to the piece.  These heirlooms of the gilded age surely a timeless addition to any wedding day ensemble. 

Price available upon request.