...and what a glorious weekend it was! I am an avid Jane Austen fan and even these longer adaptations sometimes aren't long enough for me. I think a rereading of all the novels will soon be in order. (Top to Bottom: Emma 2009 BBC miniseries, Persuasion 2007 BBC TV movie, Sense and Sensibility 2008 BBC miniseries, Pride and Prejudice 1995 A&E miniseries.)
Completed my first diamond ring! (.21 carat oval rose cut champagne diamond, 14K gold bezel, oxidized silver band.) I think I am officially obsessed with working with diamonds. Nothing compares to their sparkle! This ring turned out beautifully. It is so dainty that I could easily wear it every day and it will coordinate well with a stack of different bands when I want a little more impact. I tackled a lot of firsts with this one... first Villette diamond ring, first time I worked with 14K gold, and the first time I combined gold and oxidized silver in a ring. I think it will pair nicely with my gold and oxidized silver necklace! So, so in love!
Stumbled across this site about famous diamonds. A lot of these jewels have some crazy history behind them. Absolutely fascinating! (Hope Diamond featured above. I know this is probably one of the most generically well-known diamonds but I just love that steel blue color!!!)
So in love with this ring from St. Kilda. I particularly love their snake designs. The details of this arcadia ring are beautiful, from the bubble setting to the gold dipped prongs... and that green amethyst is to die for!
I am heading off tomorrow for a week long vacation to California so there won't be any new posts during this time. I am so excited to relax, spend some quality time with my family, and read a hell of a lot of books. (I plan to read this, this, this, and this.) And I am especially excited about a shopping trip planned for the jewelry district in LA. See you in a week! (image courtesy of flickr)
Terrain is an amazing store for home goods and gardening needs. But, surprisingly, this store also offers a collection of stunning nature-inspired jewelry. Although their selection is limited, every piece is equally amazing... beautifully constructed, minimalistic yet wonderfully detailed. I am partial to the rose gold earrings and the succulent leaflet necklace myself!
In the mood to make some very large hoop earrings on earwires. I'd love to add a bit of sparkle and color with a variety of faceted gemstones. And I want them to be quite the statement piece, where you wouldn't want to, or have to, wear any other piece of jewelry. The length of this pair on etsy is pretty perfect.
Call me a broken record, but I love this gold and diamond ring by Jennifer Dawes! The random colors and sizes of each stone and the imperfect but harmonious flow of each setting is breathtaking. This is the height of beautiful organic handmade jewelry!
Oh, Erie Basin...how I love thee! This site never disappoints. If I were in the market for an antique engagement ring, this would be the first place I would look. (But I happen to love and adore my 1940s box set engagement ring from Sylvia's Antiques.)
It was great to spend two days at Zuzu Gallery! Allison, Zuzu's owner, and I even started brainstorming about doing an event at Zuzu during Collingwood's annual May Fair this year. Stay tuned for more details!