Back to Tennessee, with Beladora goodies

My trip to California was a quick one, and although there were so many things we wanted to do, the few that were chosen were amazing. An event that topped the list was a visit to the Beladora headquarters on Rodeo Drive! Never have I been on the infamous Rodeo Drive, but it is how most would describe it–unlike any other. The storefronts of places like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. had their biggest jewels displayed in the California sun. Bentleys and Rolls Royces zoomed by, and over-accessorized pets were prancing in step.

Once inside Beladora, I got to meet Nancy along with her mounds of vintage, antique and estate jewelry. The selection at Beladora is truly unprecedented–it has access to the best jewelry being on Rodeo Drive, while being able to give its worldwide customers the best prices. The variety and selection, along with prices which don’t even compare to overpriced vintage boutiques is what keeps bringing me back to Beladora. I know when I am blogging and need some jewelry examples to represent a certain time period, Beladora is my first stop on my Internet searching adventure. They always seem to have just what I was imagining.

How cool is this lapis and jade apple pendant? It really stands out when you wear it and sits perfect when wearing a neckline like the one I’m in. The color combination is so vibrant. The pendant is from the ’70s and I have a very similar ring that has the same stones–lapis and jade. I think I am drawn to those two colors together. There is even a small diamond hanging off of the stem. If you love this necklace, you can purchase it (chain and all!) at Beladora2 (Beladora’s sister site).

The necklace is 16 inches long, on a 14k yellow gold chain. Price: $296.25 Click here to purchase.

My Jewel Box: My very own Serpent

I was running a few last minute errands before heading to California last week.  Stopped by Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry to get a few rings cleaned, trying hard not to look at the jewelry in the glass cases.  I had a plan to keep my eyes above the glass, but failed miserably.  Not only did I peek, but I also accidently saw a sign that advertised a small section to be 40% off.  And I had to open my mouth and state–“Wow, you guys never have sales?!”  Which was only then affirmed and made things that much more appealing.  Not sure what happened next, however I found myself driving home with this little guy around my neck!  Aye, forbidden fruit and temptation have won yet again!

[top photo: Victorian 14k yellow gold serpent pendant
converted from a stick pin, nestled on top
chunk of amethyst and herkimer diamond]

[bottom photo: special thanks to my dad
for letting me use his vintage Planet of the Apes
doll as a model]

Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry  ♦ 410 Main St. Franklin, TN  ♦ (615) 790-0244

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!

My Jewel Box: Gold Etchings & Cameo Rings

{10k rose gold
flower ring
from Ruby Lane

10k rose gold
onyx cameo ring
from eBay user: grandmomsattic

14k yellow gold
0.60 carat pear cut
champagne diamond ring
made/designed by Gem Gossip

14k yellow gold
cigar band
from jewelry television}

That cameo ring is the newest addition to my jewel box. I’ve always wanted a cameo ring, but didn’t really like them–I think the pinkish colored ones that we normally tend to see is what turned me off. This one however is tiny, delicate, and the contrast of the black and white is pretty. The setting is pretty unique too. And yes, I got it for a steal of only $31 on eBay--best deal yet! (It may have to do with the fact that it is a size 3.5 so it is super tiny)

On a side note, I picked up a gold foil etching kit at a craft store and recently completed this fox picture. It took a lot of concentration and time, but was great to do anytime I was bored or in between commercial breaks. It looks great when it is all finished too!

[I am wearing a HOORSENBUHS white tee–if you think they make great jewelry, just take a look at their clothing line]

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.

Glimpse into the Past: Large, Button Earrings

Nothing is prettier than having your hair pulled back, showing off a pair of large, button earrings. And in this case, size does matter, because the perfect look is having them about the same size as your ear lobe. A nice round pair, featuring pearls, coral, or enamel are great choices. Actress of the 1960s Tippi Hedren is seen above portraying this look exactly.

These earrings are 18k yellow gold and embellished in enamel, with center diamonds. They are from Beladora, and are contemporary–black, white and gold is a classic color combination. Price: $995

Mabe pearls are perfect for the round, button earring look. These are done in 14k yellow gold, at a great price of $295 at Beladora2. The color of these are described as a bronzy grey and are circa 1980.

Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, these button earrings are done in a rare natural coral, which is such a pretty color. This pair was purchased by Beladora from a prominent California estate, and is now for sale for $4250. Circa 1980, a necessary designer collector’s piece for any jewelry collection.

These are designed by Tiffany & Co. and feature stunning Mabe pearls in 18k yellow gold. They are contemporary, can be purchased on 1stdibs–provided by seller Hollis Reh and Shariff.

Snapshots of my Antique Jewels

[top photo]

14k yellow gold
knot brooch with enamel
circa 1890 from
Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry
featured at the Nashville flea market
at the TN State Fairgrounds

14k white & yellow gold
diamond & sapphire
filigree ring from
Steve’s Pawn Shop
113 E. Side Square,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

14k yellow gold
black enamel panther
ring with diamond eyes from
Steve’s Pawn Shop
113 E. Side Square,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

14k yellow gold
sapphire & diamond pendant
circa 1950s from
Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry
410 Main St., Franklin, TN

14k rose & white gold
brooch with diamond &
seed pearls from
eBay seller: barbara*s-lost-and-found

[bottom photo]

14k white gold ring
ruby & 2 diamonds
circa 1930s from
eBay seller: mrwatch

14k white gold
sapphire eternity band
from Dover Jewelry

14k white gold
quarter carat diamond
with 2 triangle shaped sapphires
from an old watch shop in
Upstate New York

I’m just tryna change the color on your mood ring

[right hand]

14k rose gold
diamond & sapphire
antique stick pin
converted into a ring
from eBay user: jgoldilox

10k yellow gold
heart ring
given to me by
my sister ALisha

[left hand]
10k rose gold
flower ring
from Ruby Lane

August 2009: Jewelry LookBook

“Lonely ghosts uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear. 

But so long, as he uttered it, in some obscure way the continuity was not broken.

It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage” (George Orwell).

This insane necklace resembles the one above, done in 18k blackened gold from ASSIL New York. Fancy to make a guess as to how many sapphires make up this piece? {answer: nine hundred twenty eight}

A diamond tennis bracelet perfects this look, this one here is similar. It has an Art Deco style to it with the graphic circles and open links of diamonds. In total, this bracelet features 3.5 carats of diamonds! It is from Israel Rose and is priced at $3450.

Featured on the right hand is a round cocktail style ring featuring turquoise. This one from Doyle & Doyle is very similar and is very gorgeous. Done in 18k yellow gold, it has a big, round citrine in the center with turquoise and a few diamonds. The twisted gold work on the shank is pretty–looks sort of like it creates the illusion of two serpents maybe? Price: $2400

Now we go to the left hand, a pinkie ring is a tough find. It has to look just right in order to be worn on the end like that. This ring is great for a pinkie ring–it is dainty yet unique. Sapphire rings from the 1920s are my favorite. From Erie Basin, which describes the side set diamonds as almost “wing-like” love that! Set in 18k yellow gold and priced at $425

Every antique jewelry collector has seen these single stone diamond rings before, and every one has to have at least one in their collection. Each is a bit different, with the filigree work and setting being unique in some way, this one being exactly that. The inspiration photo seems to be featuring one of these rings on the left hand, ring finger. This particular ring is from Lang Antiques and goes for $1395. Check out eBay for others very similar at a steal of a price. Opt for a smaller size in carat weight to make the ring even more affordable. This one is 0.3 carats.

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

Becoming a Southern Belle

Free days from work are few and far between, and I have taken advantage of those that seem to suddenly come up by antiquing and treasure hunting.  Can’t forget about a favorite that has become easier, at least for me, to scoop up a deal: eBay!  I’ve been spending nights lately looking for steals in the Fine subcategory of Antique and Vintage Jewelry.  

I came across this ring sold by seller name: jgoldilox and was so surprised that I was the final bidder at the last moment (I always lose!)  What is interesting about  a few of her rings is that they actually used to be antique stick pins.  The seller has turned them into rings by carefully bending the stick portion into a ring.  So clever!  I am wearing the ring on my middle finger in the photo below. Be sure to check out her jewelry she sells, she is great!

As far as antiquing, I’ve narrowed down the top places to find the best antique jewelry in the Nashville area.  Yes, they are ranked in order, #1 being the best.   If you have any suggestions of other places around here, let me know!

1. Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry, 410 Main St., Franklin, TN 

2. Steve’s Pawn Shop  113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

3. Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry featured at the Nashville flea market at the TN State Fairgrounds

4. Arbor Antique & Estate Jewelry, 202 S. Margin St., Franklin, TN

5. Lysbeth Antiques at the Factory in Franklin TN

6. Gas Lamp Antiques, 100 Powell Place, Nashville, TN

A Trip to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market

Summer is all about antiquing and checking out flea markets–but I was in over my head with the added summer heat. I checked out the flea market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, in Nashville.  After enduring 95 degree haziness, lots of walking, lots of sweating, I spotted a beautiful antique brooch. The vendor was from Florida and had an amazing assortment of antique and vintage fine jewelry. Luckily his tables were extremely crowded, because when it was finally my turn to ask about the pin, he knocked $100 off of the pricetag!

My knowledge about jewelry led me to believe I got a really good deal, but to make sure I brought it to be thoroughly cleaned and checked out by a local antique jewelry shop. Turns out the brooch is circa 1890 and used to have a watch attached. It also has a folding bail that folds outward so a chain could be strung through, turning it into a necklace. Antique jewelry was often very versatile and came as 3-in-1, or 2-in-1.

A concern of mine before purchasing the brooch was the evident oxidizing of the gold. It almost looked dirty or tarnished. At first I was questioning the hallmark of 14k because I thought real gold never tarnishes. However, the antique jeweler informed me that because of its age, it had oxidized and most of it was removed after the brooch received a deep cleaning. If the brooch were 10k rather than 14k, the entire piece would have been blackened from oxidization.

Some interesting knowledge to pass on to my readers!

Family Heirlooms: Contributed by Bernadette Morra

The following excerpt is contributed by Bernadette Morra, Editor-in-Chief of Firstwater News, a premiere website covering news about fine jewelry.  

Every time I look at my right hand, I think of my mother, and will even more so now that she has passed away.

Of the trio of rings I wear on my ring finger, the centrepiece is a gold band that I used to admire on her.

The other is a Cartier rolling ring – the first piece of jewelry my husband ever gave me. The third is a simple gold band I bought for myself in high school.

But the star of the grouping is the ring that my mother hasn’t been able to get over her arthritic knuckles for years.

It’s actually a man’s ring from Birks – a ridged wedding band with diamond chips stuck between the multileveled striations. I am sure there is more technical terminology to describe the design. It reminds me of the Grand Canyon.

I hate to think of the type of man that might wear such a thing. But on the hand of a stylish woman like my mother was before her first massive stroke more than 20 years ago, it looked right. Better than right, in fact. And oddly, though my taste in jewelry is more minimalist than hers was, the ring suited us both.

I don’t know how much my mother paid for the ring, purchased back in the ‘70s. But I do know that she got more than her money’s worth. And that is just one of the things that is so marvelous about buying fine jewelry.

Jewelry endures – both in terms of lifespan, if it is properly cared for, and in terms of appeal. This one ring has been enjoyed on a daily basis for more than 30 years.

And it doesn’t look any the worse for wear. It’s not an important ring, in terms of the quality of the design or stones, but it’s become a family heirloom and what could be more important than that?

And when the day comes that I can no longer get the ring over my knuckles, I’ll go back to admiring it on someone else’s hand.

by: Bernadette Morra

Significant Jewelry: Family Heirlooms

NEW PAGE ADDED: READERS–IT IS YOUR CHANCE TO CONTRIBUTE!!!

Family Heirlooms

There are some jewels and gems that are just, well, jewelry…then there are those special pieces that have meaning, that are incredibly significant, and represent an entire soul. We call these family heirlooms—jewelry meant to be passed down from one generation to the next. Treasures like these are what I love about antique jewelry, and what captivates me most. So many pieces of antique jewelry have a secret story behind them, often left untold. That is, not unless we share our stories behind our passed down treasures.

This is where you, as readers, come into play. I’d love for you to share your story behind any significant piece of jewelry that you own which has been passed down to you. Add pictures for others to see, to capture your story, and make it come to life. Let the sharing begin!

Email your stories behind your gems at: charitybracelet@gmail.com

June Birthstone: Pretty Pearls

Pewter Oyster Keepsake Box: Price $82 from Michele Varian

Pearls are classic, elegant and a staple to any girl’s wardrobe. Go ahead and see for yourself how vast and popular this gem is by counting how many women you see wearing pearls. Whether it’s pearl stud earrings or a strand of pearls, June has a wonderful birthstone. And there are so many varieties: keshi pearls, blister pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearls…with so many colors: grey, black, white, peach, pink…

Below are my top choices for pearl jewelry!

Pearls make many gemstones pop when used together in one piece of jewelry. Here you see this done with emeralds. The bypass design is always a favorite since it creates the illusion of stacking without actually having to wear two rings. This one is from the Ross-Simons Estate Collection and features two cultured pearls set in 20k yellow gold. From the 1970s and priced at $1270.

Tassels are a vintage collectors dream, with these earrings showcasing the style beautifully. These are done in platinum with ten strands of pearls on each earring. From Meriwether Estate Jewelry and priced at $7800.

 

 

This bracelet twists pearls with gold, making it no competition compared to a pearl strand bracelet. From 1965, this vintage piece is done in 18k yellow gold. It can be purchased at Beladora for $1750.

 

If you already have a strand of pearls and are looking for an alternative pearl necklace, I highly suggest this one! Not only does it give you a different feel by featuring a snake as the bail, but it can be personalized with your own choices.  Each version is slightly different due to the uniqueness of the pearls and the hand work. You can choose golden,white, silver, or black Tahitian pearl, and the price range is $2800-3800 (depending on quality, color, and size of pearl). Or you can choose 9-10mm silver, black, or white freshwater pearl, and the price is $2200. The snake’s eyes come in any color stone or even diamonds (add $300). Each pendant is a one-of-a-kind and bears Carolyn Tyler’s signature. Orders take 3-5 weeks.  Click here to order!

Jewelry Lookbook: Coral Ring, Pearl Bracelet & Woven Gold Bracelets

Starred shorts, denim button-up, black socks with open-toe heels: it sounds so wrong, but it look so right. And the jewelry combination is just as interesting. An angel skin coral ring, woven gold bracelets, and a three-strand pearl bracelet--check out this look below! All look-alike pieces are vintage and were found at Beladora 2.

This three-strand pearl bracelet has 14k white gold bars to keep the pearls tame, and I love the white gold filigree clasp. It is 7.5 inches long and is circa 2005, so only a few years old! Price: $695 from Beladora2.

This coral ring is classic and simple. Known as “angel skin” coral when portraying this light peach color, rather than the other, darker versions coral can be found as. This ring, circa 1965, is done in 18k yellow gold and is a size 6. Price: $316 from Beladora2.

Although difficult to tell exactly what the stack of bracelets look like worn on the left wrist, I believe some are woven gold. I love this example from Beladora2. It is from the 1970s and is done in 14k yellow gold. The thickness of the piece makes it beautiful. Price: $1450

A circular link bracelet is also stacked on the left wrist, this one is also from the seventies and done in 14k yellow gold. The clasp is actually disguised as a link, which shows great craftsmanship. From Beladora2 and priced at $1125.

Jewelry Lookbook: Ashley Olsen

Something that always interests me is jewelry combinations and how each individual puts together their jewelry for the day.  Ashley Olsen never ceases to amaze and always comes up with some great mixtures.  From what can be seen, she is wearing her Cartier watch, a large black stone ring, and possibly a crowned diamond heart ring.  Not sure what the other rings are! Take a look at some similar choices if you are wanting to achieve this same jeweled look.

A crowned heart is a known symbol of love and loyalty. This one is priced at $5500 from Fay Cullen. It is a 1 carat heart shaped diamond set in platinum. A definite necessity in anyone’s ring collection.

Although Ashley’s black stone ring is larger and pear-shaped, this one still gives a similar effect. Designed by Pippa Small, the black stone is actually a Labradorite. I think Ashley’s ring is an onyx. The Labradorite is set in 22k yellow gold, found on TWIST for $1685.

This is the exact watch Ashley has and was featured in her book Influence. Found the match at AuthenticWatches.com, not sure how reputable this company is, although they have high ratings under Bizrate. It is called the Cartier Pasha Seatimer Men’s Steel Watch and sells for $4975 on their website.

Tutti Frutti, oh Jewelry

Summer is surely on the way, nothing like some tutti frutti jewelry to cool things down! Trying to decide if these colorful pieces of jewelry are for summer only, or if anyone would rock these during the winter? I’m not even sure! What do you think?

This bold, multi-stone ring screams Tutti Frutti just like Little Richard would. It is set in 14k yellow gold and all of the stones are actually sapphires. The ring can be found on Israel Rose and listed for $3250. Size 7.5

I love the chunkiness of this bracelet, and the gems used couldn’t be more perfect. You’ve got some rose quartz, some malachite, amethyst, and other topaz, all cabochon cut. From the Ross-Simons Estate Collection.

Like a treasure washed up on the beach, this necklace reminds me of some bright sea glass strung together. Apatite, amethyst, citrine, fire opal, garnet, tanzanite, emerald, peridot and pure, 24K gold beads make up this necklace. Designed by Yossi Harari and featured at TWIST, price: $1810.