rose-cut diamonds

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Dreamy Things

Believe it or not, there IS a downside to being surrounded by beautiful jewelry every day.  I have become spoiled.  Really spoiled.  I don’t even bat an eye at a piece that is less than extraordinary.

This Art Nouveau necklace had me doing a double-take…  and that’s a rarity.  It is absolutely fantastic – from the tiny handmade links of the chain to the finely carved bow that crowns the center section.  Every little detail is delightful.

It is an exceptional example of a festoon necklace – by definition, a curved necklace comprised of flowers, ribbons, or leaves used as decorative elements with swags or draped chain as part of the design.  This type of necklace was first made popular during the Georgian period.  Each era since has had its own version of the style.

Three pieces of cobalt blue glass provide the perfect background for each of the details described above; tiny flowers crafted from sterling silver set with rose cut diamonds, buttery gold leaves hand carved from 18 karat yellow gold, and that charming little bow (my favorite part!) tipped with a pair of natural pearls.

This necklace is “the little black dress” of antique jewelry.  It would be perfect for a bride on her wedding day…  something old AND blue but it could just as easily be worn with jeans and boots.  It’s practically perfect in every way.

“You can go to a museum and look, or you can come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin