Automotive Motif of the Art Deco Period

During the Art Deco Period within jewelry, automotive motifs became popular as a result of the first ever automobile.  This era occurred during the 1920s & 1930s.  I love all the vintage possibilities of this motif, and many of them are in the form of charms.  During my trip to California, I was wooed by the awesomeness of the Blue Angels jets as they tore up the sky (it literally sounded like they were tearing up the sky!)  At the Miramar Air Show I also got to see WWII war planes flying through the air.  Not only did that sight sort of transported me back in time, but it helped me to understand why planes were made into pieces of jewelry.

{14k yellow gold British taxi, Price: $205 from CHARMCO}

{14k yellow gold with rubies airplane, Price: $215 from CHARMCO}

{14k yellow gold cruise ship, Price: $205 from CHARMCO}

{18k yellow gold propeller with diamond, Price: $225 from CHARMCO}

{14k yellow gold double-decker bus that opens, Price: $200 from Beladora2}

Leaf Motif: Leave it to Autumn…

Photo taken by ming_chai

The first day of Autumn has arrived and although the weather has been terrible here in Tennessee, this is usually a beautiful time of the year. The first thing I think of is fall leaves. Many hours were spent as a kid raking leaves and jumping into huge piles of them. Now, I just love the colors and the beauty. Leaves have been a motif within the realms of jewelry for quite some time. Famous Jewelry Houses like Tiffany & Co. have used it in many of their designs. It makes for some elegant jewelry pieces as well as having a symbolic side. They could represent a new chapter in life or an end of another. Take a look at these gorgeous examples of some jewelry that feature leaf motifs.

The leaf motif is used as the main design element in this bracelet by Tiffany & Co. circa 1940. The leaves alternate between 14k yellow and 14k rose gold. This bracelet can be found at Ross-Simons in their estate jewelry section and priced at $2995.

Secretly obsessed with this ring from the 1950s. It is done in 18k yellow gold with sapphires and diamonds. I like the detailing of the leaf, but more importantly the brilliance of the design. It’s like a leaf wrapped around your finger! Found at 1stdibs by seller Neil Marrs, price: $3750

This is such an elegant piece–a leaf motif bracelet from the 1970s. Each link is perfected with texturized 18k yellow gold. The total carat weight is 3.5 in diamonds! Would look great worn any time of the year, really. Can be found at Ross-Simons, estate jewelry section, price: $9995.

Here is the use of the leaf motif in a neat way, done in 14k yellow gold. The ring is a bypass style, featuring a gray and white cultured pearl. This elegant little ring is from Beladora2 and priced at $146.25!

Vintage Trend: Lovebirds

Photo taken by lempel_zev

Not sure where that saying “two lovebirds” came from, in reference to two people in love, but it is quite endearing. And anytime birds are cuddling rather than dive bombing people is a moment worth noting. Can’t say birds are my favorite creature, but they sure make great appearances in vintage jewelry. There are so many vintage pieces that feature all sorts of breeds–eagles, lovebirds, swallows, flamingos–but my favorite are the doves. Doves are the image of everlasting love and fidelity as they mate for a lifetime. When one passes, the surviving dove will remain alone for the duration of its life; it will never seek another mate.

Such a pretty band, with the lovebirds almost camouflaged within the gold. This is a French Victorian piece from the 19th century. The band is crafted in 18k yellow gold, from The Three Graces.

These little guys are so cute, especially their little turquoise bellies. This bird necklace is from the 1950s, done in 14k yellow gold. Each lovebird has ruby eyes. Price: $1702 from Broken English.

These lovebirds are found on a brooch circa 1880, of Belgian origin. They are mainly etched, with seed pearl bodies, done in 18k yellow gold. Price: $357 from Adin.

Obsession: Egyptian Inspired Jewelry

The mystery and allure of Ancient Egypt has inspired many and will never stop enchanting curious historians.  It is interesting to see how this ancient civilization has influenced fashion and jewelry throughout hundreds of years ago, and even into today.  The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb is fascinating…if you haven’t read about it since high school history, you should revisit some informational websites.  I have personally discovered a newfound appreciation for history, and I think it has to do with not having to read a textbook.

A diamond and emerald cuff bracelet here which depicts Egyptian scenes all the way around, with a large bird in the center. This bracelet is from the 1980s and done in 18k yellow gold. You can find it featured at 1stdibs provided by Neil Marrs, and priced at $15000.

There are many versions of the Egyptian cartouche pendant–I like the open version best, done in 18k yellow gold. Any piece of jewelry that you can personalize is fun, and doing a word in hieroglyphics is even better. Even if the word is spelled totally wrong, no one would notice! Usually the prices are based on the number of letters you want, the one above is from Nilestone. Their prices are 1-4 characters: $135, 5-7 characters: $150, and 8-9 characters: $160.

The Art Deco Era was wild about Egyptian revival–wouldn’t anyone be with this ring? Circa 1935, it is fine craftsmanship from Rene Boivin. The ring features emeralds and diamonds, done in 18k yellow gold. It is featured at 1stdibs from Primavera Gallery. Price: $22000

Trend Spotting: Lucky Horse Shoe Jewels

I’m not sure if it is the abundance of horses and farms here in Nashville, or spotting a few celebrities wearing horse shoe jewelry--but I am loving this motif.  Horse shoes actually have been around for many years, as they are seen in many pieces of antique jewelry (a few great examples are below).  Theories of where the “good luck” folklore originated date back to the year 959 AD!  Whether you believe it to be good luck or not, one thing is for sure–if you are a jewelry lover you need a piece in your collection which features this timeless motif.

A great pair of horse shoe earrings that feature diamonds from Ross-Simons. They are done in 14k white gold and would look good alone or with other earrings if you have multiple piercings. I like how the description says “good luck will be galloping your way.” Price: $206

Such a bold ring that could be anyone’s statement piece. The horse shoe features rubies and diamonds done in 18k yellow gold. This ring dates back to the Edwardian Era and is priced at $1550, from Israel Rose.

Excalibur Jewelry has some amazing finds featured on 1stdibs. This horse shoe brooch is no different, all done in platinum and 18k gold with sapphires and diamonds. I think it is funny that the brooch features 13 sapphires, which make up the “lucky” horse shoe. Price: $1950

If you want a small token of this trend, this pearl charm is just for you. It is from C.H.A.R.M. and is done in 14k yellow gold. This can easily be interchangeable on a necklace or bracelet, and is small enough to add to and layer with. Price: $200

Card Motif Jewelry: Spades, Clubs, Hearts & Diamonds

Vintage Casino chips transformed into Jewelry, designer: Page Sargisson

Heading to Las Vegas? Or the high roller table? Or maybe just having some friends over to play some cards? I have always loved the four symbols on cards: the spade, club, heart, and diamond. Over the years these motifs have worked themselves into clothing, fashion, jewelry and accessories. Here are some great picks below, maybe any of these will bring you good luck at the Casino.

The club motif done here is so great with the two diamonds and ruby. This ring is done in 18k yellow gold from Fay Cullen. Price: $1495

Can’t forget about the Queen of Hearts, this antique ring is a great example. Done in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, total carat weight is a half carat. Circa 1915, from The Three Graces and priced at $1950.

From Doyle & Doyle, this ring is delicate and perfect for everyday wear. It features a club motif with single cut diamonds. Price: $195

Another great card motif ring from Doyle & Doyle, this one is done in 14k yellow gold and has a ruby, sapphire and diamond forming the club. Price: $950

This ring is called the “Pair of Threes” from The Three Graces. I love the twisted band, which is done in 14k yellow gold. There is a row of three rubies and a row of three diamonds. This ring is circa 1880 and is priced at $725.

This ring screams deck of cards, it reminds me of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. It is actually an Art Deco piece from Fay Cullen, featuring a 0.91 carat diamond. The ring is set in platinum with the red and black enamel embellishments. Price: $4500

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting?

This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten–10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle.

Known as a “gypsy” ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces.

Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525.

For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle.

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

We’ve seen mesh belts and bracelets,  but the combination of those two things creates the retro buckle bracelet, popular in the 40s and 50s.  Glam Hollywood starlets decked out their wrists with this look.  The buckle motif is still trendy today.  Below you’ll find some amazing examples of the retro buckle bracelets.

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels with sapphires, diamonds and 18k yellow gold! This bracelet is all about the details: the round sapphires are set in a star setting on hexagonal links, the “buckle” part is bold, with 1.35 carats of diamonds. With 12.5 carats of sapphires to top it all off, any interested party is going to have to request a price check on this piece, from Beladora.

Circa 1945, this buckle bracelet is done in 14k rose gold and platinum from The Three Graces. Although it is not an authentic Cartier piece, this one is almost identical. It can be adjusted to fit your wrist, with its largest size extending to 8.25 inches. The red stones are rubies, with 19 diamonds total. Price: $6250

This bracelet is stunning, from Connoisseur Antiques available at 1stdibs. I like how the buckle is floral, rather than a typical buckle. Everything is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of diamonds! Price: $6600

A great alternative to the more expensive and bold choices is this buckle bracelet. The sapphires and diamonds are minimal–the gold mesh is the main focus, which is done in 14k white and yellow. From Lang Antiques, priced at $1450.

Obsession: Vintage Navette Rings

Navette style rings consist of any rings that are boat-shaped. This sort of style tends to elongate the finger and has a definite feminine side. Often popularized during the Victorian Era, however you can find brand new navette rings today. This shows how timeless the look is and it is here to stay! Finding vintage navette rings is fun and a collection isn’t complete without a good one. Check out my favorites below!

From the Victorian Era, with a Belgian origin, this ring has diamonds with a single rose cut sapphire in the middle. A true definition of navette style ring. It is set in 18k rose gold and is priced at $1620. It can be found at Adin.

A more modern approach to the navette style ring is this one. It is still considered vintage since it is circa 1980. It is set in 18k gold with diamonds and sapphires. This one goes for $1420 at Ross-Simons.

This ring can be found on eBay right now, from seller: Ashland_Investments. The auction ends November 30, so there is still time! You can buy it now for $910 or make an offer! The ring features 29 diamonds set in 18k gold. Take a look on eBay by looking up the seller or typing in ‘navette’ into the search bar, and narrowing the criteria down by clicking on vintage jewelry as the category.