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 Newest Addition to my Collection

eBay is always a fun site to browse during spare time, and even more so a vintage jewelry enthusiast’s dreamland. My list of items I am watching is usually three pages long. I only bid if it is really a piece that is unique and different from what I’ve seen. I also like items that do not have a reserve price and start out very low. It is good to have a price in mind that will serve as what you feel the item is worth, averaged with how much you are willing to pay. I was able to get this great Art Deco ring at a price of $79. It is 14k yellow gold with green jade and lapis stones. The ring came from a great seller [bre-chlo] and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my eBay purchase!

So Jaded…

These beautiful pieces of jewelry featuring jade will never leave you feeling jaded. The combination of white gold or platinum with jade, whether it is a cabochon or carved, is just so pretty to me. Owning a piece of jade jewelry is necessary for any jewelry enthusiast. Check out the lovely vintage picks below!

American made, vintage from the 1920s–these beautiful carved jade earrings are set in platinum and diamonds. Bring the roaring twenties back when wearing these, fitted with original screwbacks that were popular then. From Lawrence Jeffrey Estate Jewelers and priced at $3800.

From the Edwardian Period come these platinum, diamond and jade earrings. I love the bow motif that was always seen during this time period, and having it paired with the jade is even more interesting. Priced at $9000 from Meriwether.

These vintage jade earrings have the carved jade style that I love. I like the subtle etching with the tiny holes, gives it a great, almost delicate look. I’ve never seen jewelry done in platinum over 18k yellow gold, but here is the first example! Priced at $2450 from Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry.

Chain Gang; The Right Pendant for a Long Chain

Do you have a long, gold chain just laying in your jewelry box? Not too sure what to do with it? Well I’ve got the perfect pendant solutions to a long chain. First off, hopefully you’ve got a good, long chain to work with, preferably 20″ or more. A box link chain will do fine, or you could change it up with a different type (maybe like the ones in the picture above). If you don’t have one, and need to purchase a long chain, don’t be afraid to pay anywhere from $300+ because a heavy gold chain will last a lifetime, is very versatile, and is actually an investment in terms of gold prices.

Next, you need the perfect pendant. The size is important because it needs to be large either vertically or horizontally. I’ve noticed that this could get expensive, so certain gemstones like jade or mother-of-pearl are great choices because they are affordable and look great as a large pendant. Check out my choices below!

Smokey Quartz is a great gemstone and very affordable. This pendant is almost 12 carats, however the price is still a very affordable $50. The elongated style is a great one to wear on a long chain. This pendant is from Jewelry Television–I’d recommend sticking to browsing the website and not watching it on tv.

Hearts are always classic, and this pendant is not your typical diamond\plain\boring. The white part of it is called mother-of-pearl, and has a 14k gold filigree etched heart. It would be very pretty hanging from a long snake chain. It is from Ross-Simons and is $165.

I love this pendant! I never usually like this many gemstones in one piece of jewelry, but I can make an exception! There are peridots, garnets, citrines, amethyst, and diopsides. The emerald cut gems mixed in with the round makes it so unique. It can be purchased for $265 at Ross-Simons.

Did you know jade can be carved into beautiful designs like this? This is brown jade and the design is an intricate knot, called an endless knot. Jade has continuously been known for being a luck charm. Maybe this pendant will bring luck to its wearer. At only $100 from Ross-Simons, this would pull off the long chain look superbly!

Designer Spotlight: Karen Karch

When I came across jewelry designer Karen Karch and her website, it was like Christmas morning for me. Every time I clicked “next page” I got more and more thrilled by her jewelry designs. Talk about one-of-a-kind! Brides-to-be love her organic and simply stunning engagement rings. They are different, and will continue to be beautiful throughout your lifetime. Brides can choose from a wide range of wedding bands, many featuring vines and tiara shapes. White and Cognac diamonds are used in engagement style rings.
Karch also has some breath-taking everyday jewelry. Her collection features lapis, jade, coral, turquoise and tiger’s eye. Any jewelry lover who is not familiar with Karch’s designs should check out her site–you will love it!

The bright blue of the lapis against the yellow gold really makes this ring stand out. The band is made out of golden vines, which give the ring an organic look. The lapis is rose cut, making it even more unique. The prongs look like claws–so neat! Price is $4200, and the ring is called Spellbound.

Karch has many lucky horn pendants in her collection. You can purchase them in turquoise, jade, coral, onyx, tiger’s eye, even a diamond encrusted horn. Some have different caps, having more or less diamonds…it depends on your style (and budget!) This one is the most simple, and is green jade. Price: $1900

This is called the Supreme ring–the name says it all. The black diamonds really contrast against the 18k rose gold. Tiny white diamonds border around the center stone. The total carat weight of diamonds in this ring is 2.17, price $6800.