I have a very chic French friend, who is very into her vintage style... look at the lovely preseant she received... A 1950's necklace and earrings set, in Turquoise and gold plated silver. Oh so lovely x
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
The Beauty of Nature at CoutureLab
Nature's beauty is captured by one of nature's other beauties, gem stones, in a breath taking exhibition at CoutureLab. Highly desirable and exquisite pieces by Lotus Arts de Vivre and Lydia Courteille have been delightfully put on display for us all to see. The pieces are so skillfully crafted depicting a true love of jewellery, gem stones and the art of jewellery design and craftsmanship.
The Daily Mail have written a piece on the exhibition, I especially love their honouring of Tsavorite. I agree with everything that is said about this precious garnet and it's mystical colour. How wonderful that a gem that is so vibrant with green is used to create these pieces inspired by nature. To me all gem stones are precious, none of them semi-precious. However, I do feel a tinge of jealousy when certain ones are marketed to the mass audience, I want to keep them and their beauty to myself, almost like a beautiful and secret holiday spot that has yet to be ruined and over priced by the mass market.
In all honesty, I had not heard of either designer before reading this article, however, I am now enthralled by them and want to learn more.
Here are some of the stunning pieces on show:
The Daily Mail have written a piece on the exhibition, I especially love their honouring of Tsavorite. I agree with everything that is said about this precious garnet and it's mystical colour. How wonderful that a gem that is so vibrant with green is used to create these pieces inspired by nature. To me all gem stones are precious, none of them semi-precious. However, I do feel a tinge of jealousy when certain ones are marketed to the mass audience, I want to keep them and their beauty to myself, almost like a beautiful and secret holiday spot that has yet to be ruined and over priced by the mass market.
In all honesty, I had not heard of either designer before reading this article, however, I am now enthralled by them and want to learn more.
Here are some of the stunning pieces on show:
I know, simply spectacular. I love the travel and passion that seems to be behind each piece.
Here is the link to CoutureLab and the exhibition itself, http://www.couturelab.com/?gclid=CNnqydyR_7oCFfLHtAodRxoA5Q. I'm not in London, so can't visit but you must, if you are there!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
London's Enchanting Cheapside Hoard
So much has been written about the dazzling hoard of jewels and jewellery found in London's Cheapside, which was discovered during building work in 1912. The jewellery, from the 16th and 17th centuries were hidden in a wooden box, waiting to be rescued one day. The designs, level of craftsmanship and quality of the gemstones have amazed and enchanted so many.
Part of the enchantment, is the mystery surrounding the hoard, who buried it and why? It is thought that perhaps it was a goldsmith who supplied jewellery to wealthy merchants, Royals and Aristocrats. But no one knows why it was hidden? Was it the Civil war, the Plague or the Great Fire of London, what situation was the person who buried it going through?
The gems found are from all over the world from Columbia to Afghanistan and Burma... It is so exciting and gives such an insight into design and the history of London at the time. The designers themselves were also international and the fashion of the time demanded those, wealthy enough, to be draped in gem stones and jewellery - how wonderful!
Part of the enchantment, is the mystery surrounding the hoard, who buried it and why? It is thought that perhaps it was a goldsmith who supplied jewellery to wealthy merchants, Royals and Aristocrats. But no one knows why it was hidden? Was it the Civil war, the Plague or the Great Fire of London, what situation was the person who buried it going through?
The gems found are from all over the world from Columbia to Afghanistan and Burma... It is so exciting and gives such an insight into design and the history of London at the time. The designers themselves were also international and the fashion of the time demanded those, wealthy enough, to be draped in gem stones and jewellery - how wonderful!
Colour and design seem to be so important to the people of London in the 16th and 17th Centuries. You can see evidence of the silk route and the travels people were taking internationally. Londoners must have been so intrigued by these exotic and mysterious designs, stones, creatures and colours.
Just look at this Emerald, you could get lost in its depth and colour. Could this have come all teh way from the new world (Columbia or Brazil?)
This pendant is exquisite, so delicate and beautiful!
I love this piece, it is so pretty and delicate. The colour of the gems is just so mystical and full of depth. Who wore this, where did the gem come from and what journey did it make... I get butterflies thinking about it.
The timeless crucifix, perhaps worn by someone high up in the church?
This Scent bottle is so delicate and encapsulates so many jewellery crafts. I just simply adore its design.
This little parrot is my favourite piece, I'm not sure why, I think it is the colour and the exoticism of it. So cute and yet stunningly beautiful. Parrot's would not be known to many during those days. Again, I wonder where this precious little gem came from, what is its story and who loved it as much as me all those 100's of years ago?
Read and see more at http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/2013/06/cheapside-hoard-jewellery-to-go-on-display-at-the-museum-of-london/ and http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03d6b1j
You can visit the Cheapside hoard at the museum of London too http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/cheapside-hoard-londons-lost-jewels/
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Fantasy
I always say, that to me, Victoria Secrets is one of the happiest places on earth, it is fun and frilly, sexy and silky, colourful, girly, pretty, just so much fun! And now, the ultimate fantasy... The Victoria Secrets Fantasy Bra and matching belt, worth a cool $10 million, a meeting of gorgeous, goddess underwear that can make any woman look alluring and seductive, with a stunning array of gemstones.
This fabulous and exotic ensemble was aptly named 'The Royal' and was designed by Mouawad, a Swiss based company. The Daily Mail have given the below details:
"adorned with over 4,200 precious gems from around the world including rubies, diamonds, and yellow sapphires."
A real fantasy!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The Orange
Wow, oh wow! These precious little rocks are so precious, some are valued more than others and reach sky high prices at auction. They are created by the earth and fascinate so many people all over the world and have done for centuries.
This precious little rock is named "The Orange", it is GIA graded and is the largest Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond ever sold at auction. So rare and precious, it managed to sell for $35.5+ million at Christie's, see the link below.
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/jewelry/the-orange-the-largest-fancy-vivid-orange-5738877-details.aspx
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Very Lovely Lively in Ruby Red Beads
With such a beautiful dress and girl, it is an absolute credit to gem stones and jewellery that this remarkable necklace stands out and steals the show. I feel it is the piece de resistance of the entire outfit, don't you?!
The necklace looks to me to be rubies or spinel but of course it could be any number of red gem stones. Such a pretty colour. I also think it looks like it may be an Indian design, especially the pendant, I'm not sure but I adore it.
Of course Blake Lively is famous for being uber stylish and her boho luxe style, so it is little wonder that she pulls off this look so seamlessly. I love it and hope it brings back the long beaded necklace, may we all be beautifully draped in them soon.
The necklace looks to me to be rubies or spinel but of course it could be any number of red gem stones. Such a pretty colour. I also think it looks like it may be an Indian design, especially the pendant, I'm not sure but I adore it.
Of course Blake Lively is famous for being uber stylish and her boho luxe style, so it is little wonder that she pulls off this look so seamlessly. I love it and hope it brings back the long beaded necklace, may we all be beautifully draped in them soon.
Exotic, Sensual, Feminine and Fabulous - F.R. Hueb
Brazil, a land of sensual attractiveness, where everyone is sexy and fun no matter your age, ethnicity or gender. It is alive with colour and beauty. It is also the home to Minas Gerais, an area of Brazil rich in gem stones known for their colour and beauty, much like the people and landscape they reside in.
A fabulous and glamorous part of this wonderful culture has, fortunately, descended on the UAE, in the form of F.R. Hueb. A beautiful jewellery company with simply beautifully designed, intricate jewellery composed of diamonds and gem stones. The gems are set so perfectly in their settings and the colours of each stone compliments the next exquisitely... you must visit them, you will feel transported as soon as you walk into their boutiques and will be mesmerised by the gems and jewellery on offer.
A fabulous and glamorous part of this wonderful culture has, fortunately, descended on the UAE, in the form of F.R. Hueb. A beautiful jewellery company with simply beautifully designed, intricate jewellery composed of diamonds and gem stones. The gems are set so perfectly in their settings and the colours of each stone compliments the next exquisitely... you must visit them, you will feel transported as soon as you walk into their boutiques and will be mesmerised by the gems and jewellery on offer.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Frida Kahlo
I've just watched the film, again. I love the film, in part for the terrible but triumphant story of her life and in part because I love the cinematography, the colours, the style, the art, the flowers and the inspiration. When I think of Frida Kahlo, from a visual point of view, I think of roses and her eyebrows but this time I also really noticed all her jewellery. Multiple rings, in silver, sometimes with turquoise. Gorgeous, dangling earrings, heavy but pretty necklaces, bangles adorning her arms. This lady knew how to wear jewellery!
Like my beloved Indian jewellery, Mexican jewellery is so intricate and beautiful, it is exotic, colorful, strong and feminine. For me Mexican jewellery seems to represent Frida Kahlo and all the Mexican women I have met. So intricately put together, strong and beautiful, inspirational, sexy, pretty, varied and very Mexican.
Like my beloved Indian jewellery, Mexican jewellery is so intricate and beautiful, it is exotic, colorful, strong and feminine. For me Mexican jewellery seems to represent Frida Kahlo and all the Mexican women I have met. So intricately put together, strong and beautiful, inspirational, sexy, pretty, varied and very Mexican.
I love this photograph of her, look at all those rings!
Below is a picture of Frida, alongside one of Salma Hayek, who played her so beautifully in the film.
What an amazing picture this is, I love her armful of bangles!
Look at those stunning earrings and that strong but beautiful necklace.
A woman who portrays strength, femininity and beauty.
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