Thursday, September 27, 2012

Nouvelle Époque



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It never fails to be true: What’s Old is New Again!
Designed to mix old pieces with new silhouettes, please welcome NOUVELLE ÉPOQUE.

Inspiration struck when I decided to revamp antique jewelry into bold modern pieces to suit today’s fashion penchant toward chunkier, bolder jewelry lines. Above is my original ring; made from my own grandmother’s engagement ring plus panels from her antique watch! The goal was to breathe new life into my estate jewelry pieces which were so beautifully crafted but too delicate for my contemporary tastes.





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My favourite angle on these pieces is that they remain in line with my goal to create unique jewelry for my clients. Though the modern silhouettes I use to make these rings, bracelets and pendants can be repeated  or modified (more photos of them coming in future posts!) each antique insert is one-of-a-kind. I love nothing more than to call on my estate jewelry vendors to see their latest stock and to create something special for a client using a Victorian era watch or a pair of Edwardian earrings.

The result is literally a “nouvelle époque” or “new era” for these special period jewels.

Friday, September 21, 2012

A Picasso in a Plastic Frame



An engagement setting is more than just a vessel for your diamond. It is the perfect tie on a suit. The perfect wine with dinner. And likewise, your setting should be the perfect complement to your stone.
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But what to spend? Obviously, The Rock is the main event. And let’s face it…after choking up the big bucks on the diamond itself it’s hard to conceive of spending more on accouterments.

Alas, diamonds don’t just magically float on fingers so onward and upward to choosing a setting.

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As a general rule, I say: Spend 80% of your budget on your diamond and make sure you’ve left 20% for a setting. It’s all about balance. Would you take your priceless Picasso down to the corner store for a $15 plastic frame? Methinks, not. Think of your diamond in the same way and you’ll end up with a setting that befits the stone.

From Bold & Full of Bling to Delicate & Demure your engagement setting should be an exquisite accessory; reflecting the bride’s style and acting as the flawless backdrop for the precious diamond it is holding.