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.

The Clover is Over for Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum’s jewelry line is being halted due to lawsuits against the clover motif.  World renown jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels is claiming all rights to the clover.  Not trying to take sides here because I am a huge fan of both parties, but putting claim on a shape?! Really?  Heidi Klum has stated that her inspiration, from day one, has been through travels and observing church architecture in Milan, Italy.

I can see her point and totally realize that she was not trying to copy what Van Cleef & Arpels has been doing for years (longer than Klum’s jewelry line which has been out for only 5 years).  I, too, was inspired by European churches’ architecture–the picture below is from my trip to England in 2006.  It was taken at a church in England, you can see the clover motif here as well.  This picture is a favorite of mine.

Jewelry Time Periods: Retro Era

Bold gold, Hollywood starlets, huge gemstones and cocktail rings, all characterize the Retro time period of jewelry. Spanning from 1940-1945, this coincides almost exactly with World War II. With that said, platinum use in jewelry was no longer available. Gold made a comeback, this time in rose and even green gold. Everything in regards to retro jewelry was oversized. Rubies were the most prominent gemstone, followed by large, rectangular cut citrines, aquamarines and amethysts.

Hollywood glamour, as depicted in movies, was popular and let Americans escape from their thoughts about the war. As a result, people tried to mimic the bold jewelry seen in Hollywood spotlights. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were looked upon for their large collection of bold retro jewels, often decked out in Van Cleef & Arpels or Cartier.

After this period ended, jewelry during this time period was often used as scrap gold, being melted down, while destroying its rich history. As a result, Retro jewelry is highly collectible and will continue to be sought.

Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period:

• bows, florals, scrolls, fans, ribbons, ruffles
• Hollywood glamour; oversized jewels, cocktail rings
• huge, rectangular cuts of aquamarines, citrines, amethysts, with ruby or sapphire or diamond accents
• Patriotic themes; flags, eagles, military
• post earrings, no dangle; flower earrings
• birds, baskets, sprays of diamonds, shells, hearts
• Retro mesh buckle bracelets
• Cartier’s animal jewelry
• Yellow, rose and green gold

Important People of the Time:

• The Duke & Duchess of Windsor
• French jeweler, Mauboussin

Beladora: Glitz from the Past

Don’t have the time to strut your stuff on Rodeo Drive?  Luckily Beladora is online and you can shop whenever without leaving the comforts of your home.  Browse through hundreds of vintage and estate jewels, even designer pieces like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, David Webb and many more.  Check back frequently for more additions, and check out their “mini-me” version called Beladora 2, with a more affordable, less ornate selection.

These earrings are destined for the red carpet! 18k yellow and blackened gold, with turquoise and diamonds. Total diamond weight: 2.11 carats! And, hey everyone needs a good pair of chandelier earrings. Price: $1850

Bangles are always chic, but add some bright coral and you’ve got yourself a knock out piece! Circa 1965, this bracelet has 18k yellow and white gold with diamonds and coral intertwined. Price: $4250

Elegant emerald necklace–so delicate and truly a statement of its time. From 1965, it is done in none other than platinum. Beladora describes it as having a ‘negligee’ style. Price: $14500

Sometimes pearl necklaces all look the same to me! However, this pearl necklace is unlike any I’ve seen. The clasp is gorgeous, featuring a diamond and six sapphires. Now, if your necklace is on backwards, it will look better! Price: $535.50

Van Cleef & Arpels

If you are wanting a website that not only showcases jewelry but will transport you to another world, Van Cleef & Arpels website will do just that!  Make sure you have your volume turned on, because the soothing music will have you in a relaxed trance.  The Jewellery Collection tab has a drop-down list of clickable collections, each are fun to explore.  Their jewelry has been worn by celebrities, featured in movies, and has walked down red carpets.  I like the trinket boxes that are bejeweled in diamonds and sapphires.  Luxury overload!