Jewelry…own it, love it, wear it!
While I’m very familiar with Judith Leiber bags, it wasn’t until today that I became acquainted with her vintage belts. (This is so surprising, as I’ve been in countless closets with massive accessory collections.) I was pre-shopping for one of my clients yesterday, when I noticed some sophisticated bling coming from a low-slung belt on a gal at Bloomingdales in San Francisco.
Originally I started out this article as one of my “Jewelry Judge” posts, but it has become a bit bigger than that, as I learned more about the necklace I saw. Last Sunday I took myself out for a well-deserved brunch at my local fave, Alana’s, for a Mediterranean scramble and some home-style potatoes. Packed as usual, I took the last seat at the counter next to a lovely, petite woman who was clearly also a local. It didn’t take long before we were engaged in a meal-long conversation. Of course, I had to ask her about her unique necklace.
I wasn’t quite sure if it was vintage or not, as the main bar and pendant looked antique, but the chains looked much more modern. Apparently my deductions were correct, as this necklace by Kelley Hollis is crafted from both vintage and modern parts. This Berkeley designer has been at it for about three and a half years. She takes vintage jewelry from the 1920’s-1960’s, restores and then upcycles them into these unique, one-of-a-kind creations. She also uses fabric pieces from restored fabric appliqués from India, circa the 1940s.
Colleen, my surprise brunch companion, purchased her necklace at the de Young Museum in San Francisco during their prestigious 30th annual Bouquets to Art exhibit. They invited a select group of artisan jewelers to show each of the 6 days at the exhibit. What an honor!
If your personal style veers toward the Romantic, vintage-inspired side, then Kelley Hollis’ line is right up your alley!
I try not to discriminate in the world of gemstones, but I must admit that emeralds have never been one of my favorite stones. (I guess it’s lucky I wasn’t born in May.) So I thought I’d give myself a challenge this St. Patrick’s Day and delve into the world of green stones, from emeralds to green diamonds to tourmalines and beyond. I decided to send myself on a virtual shopping spree, with no budget constraints and see what gorgeous green gems I could come up with. Folks, I was definitely NOT disappointed, and I now have a completely new appreciation for lovely baubles in all shades of green. So here goes, my top 20 picks.
Earrings
First up is this amaze-balls pair of earrings by Sutra.
Next I started drooling over these oval cravellit earrings by Armenta.
With the bar necklace trend still fresh in my mind, I expanded further by adoring these bar earrings by Jennifer Meyer. Though they are made of opals, they definitely read “green,” don’t you think?
For a classic tear-drop with a twist, take a look at these chrysoprase earrings by Irene Neuwirth.
And taking a more yellow-green approach, I think Anne Sportun has a lovely design in green garnets and diamonds!
Necklaces
Moving down the body, I started looking for green ways to adorn my neck. And oh, what lovelies did I find! First, I fell in lust with this tourmaline and diamond necklace by LFrank.
For a truly dramatic look, Irene Neuwirth nailed it with this emerald necklace.
I also explored the world of vintage jewelry, and I fell in love with this antique “Mogul” emerald and diamond pendant. The emerald was carved 1695 — so pretty!
Back to a simpler design, I think this green diamond paisley by Sethi Couture is beautiful.
And finally, this pendant necklace by Emily Amey would be great in creative layers.
Bracelets
Taking us to the wrist, I was loving the array of choices in which you can adorn yourself in green gemstones. This ombre look in chrysoprase and green quartz by Mary Esses is phenomenal.
Since I am a fan of stacking bracelets, I thought this bangle by Nak Armstrong would be a fab addition to my jewelry box. I love how the emeralds are such an unusual hue — veering more toward the aqua-green side.
I am often seen wearing my Hermes click-clack bracelet, and perhaps one in green would be just the right way to add a punch of color to my oft-neutral ensembles.
This delicate cuff by Jemma Wynne made of Zambian emeralds, gold and diamonds is perfection.
And given that this exercise gave me an unlimited budget, why not go for this tourmaline and diamond bracelet via Sotheby’s?
Rings
Lest we forget our fingers, I kept on the search. The first ring to catch my eye was this emerald slice and diamond stunner by Monique Pean. The stone has such a smoky quality to it — love it!
For a much more organic, boho look, I’d opt for something like this adventurine and sterling silver ring from Circle & Square.
Given my penchant for stacking rings, I know that I could incorporate some of these skinnies by Suzy Landa into my collection.
I think this opaque green diamond ring by Sethi Couture would look amazing with my skin tone.
And to end with another vintage piece, I think this emerald and diamond ring from the late 1800’s/early 1900’s via Bonhams is exquisite. I’m actually shocked that it sold for under $3K.
So what do you think of my virtual shopping spree? Do you see some pieces that you’d like as well? Wishing you a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day!
So how many of you just love watching those reality shows were you get to tour people’s homes and get an inside peek into their closets?! Or even a spread in Architectural Digest or In Style magazine that shows you how the stars live? Well I just love them, but I always wish they’d spend a little more time in the closet, and more specifically show me what’s in their jewelry box. I don’t care if it’s Oprah or someone I’ve never heard of, it’s just my curiosity about wanting to see what pieces are important to them. That’s how I came up with this new series, “Into the Jewelry Box.” Throughout the year, I’ll be visiting people’s homes and getting an in-depth look at their collection. I can’t wait see what I find and share it with you!
My first visit was to see Merna, a stylish 61 year-young woman with a background full of fashion. With a cropped blond pixie and twinkling eyes, she seemed very excited to show me her treasures. In fact when she opened the door, she was wearing her first diamond, which she received at 7 months old from her grandmother (who was also her godmother) for her baptism. Jewelry has clearly been part of her life from the start, and she joked, “I teethed on Vogue!”
Still in possession of her first jewelry box from 5th grade, she has been a collector and receiver of many gifts throughout her life. In fact, her collection has pieces dating back over 100 years.
I asked her to show me her favorite piece, and she couldn’t limit it to one. The first was this sunburst pendant/pin from Taxco, which was made by one of Spratling’s students. Just beautiful workmanship!
Another favorite is a large sterling cuff of her mothers from 1949. She used to own its mate, but sadly it disappeared at a photo shoot. (I hope whoever walked off it with is at least enjoying it!)
Finally, this sea shell, which she found during a photo shoot at Stinson Beach, is a sentimental favorite. Ironically a couple years after she started wearing it, she was flipping through the pages of W magazine and saw that Yojii Yamamoto did the exact same thing in sterling silver! (for $4500!)
Merna’s collection is housed in a large rolling tower of drawers, and we spent a good amount of time opening little boxes and peering inside silk pouches. (It felt like a treasure hunt for me!) My jaw dropped when I came across this exquisitely detailed pre-WWII Chinese dragon bracelet. She also has the matching ring and earrings which she received during college, as she was born in the Year of the Dragon.
These silver filagree bracelets from the early 1900’s also demonstrate amazing detail.
When I asked how her personal style has changed over the years, she talked about how she has shifted more from the small, delicate pieces (unless worn in stacks or layers) to bolder pieces. She likes the juxtaposition of the the bold pieces with her tall, small frame. Case in point are these wide Armani bangles, purchased from the Armani store in SF back in the 90’s.
I will say, though, that I was drawn to her vintage pieces. It was like being in a jewelry museum, but you could actually try things on. Take a look at this silver and amethyst Art Nouveau set from around 1900.
And being a Downton Abbey-o-holic, I could just picture Merna’s mother wearing this 1920’s pearl necklace out on the town in her flapper-esque dress…
If you like vintage watches, then you’ll definitely like this Longines timepiece from the 1930’s, which is completely original inside and with a new strap.
She says that she rarely edits her jewelry, as she has been given so many lovely gifts and she only buys what she loves. With so much diversity in her jewelry box, I asked her what was on her jewelry lust list. Here’s her top items:
1. There are always some Hermes pieces that she has her eye on
2. A gold pearl necklace and matching stud earrings (which would complement her hair perfectly!)
3. A single stone aquamarine pendant
4. Brown diamond stacking rings
I’m sure, like me, she’ll add things to her list. And sometimes you don’t even know when your heart will be pulled by something sparkly as you walk by the window of a random shop. Though whatever she does end up acquiring, either for herself or as a gift, I know it will have a story. There was not one item we found that didn’t have a story to go along with it, and in my eyes, that makes her collection all the more special.
Thanks for opening up your jewelry box for me, Merna! xo
I’m working in NYC this week, and it’s truly shopping heaven for me. Hopping from Bergdorf’s (Kardashian sighting) to the Meatpacking (Paris Hilton sighting) to Soho is just so fun. And people watching is right up there with cool things to do in the city, in my book. I ran across 5th Ave. and practically knocked this gal over.
I only had about 30 seconds to talk to her and snap her photo, but I really thought her two vintage necklaces were quite eye-catching. Granted, her sweater is pilling and her shoes were in need of repair, but all I could focus on was her jewelry. She was really showing her personality and sense of creativity. What do you think? And be honest, I want to know your opinion!
Do you remember how a while back I told you that my interest had been piqued about vintage jewelry? Well ever since then, I seem to be noticing it more and more! (I guess it’s sort of like when you’re in the market for a new car, and suddenly you’re surrounded by the make and model you have your heart set on.)
At any rate, I found myself at a swanky cocktail party in San Francisco, and I was taking in the scene unfolding around me. Before I knew it, my eyes made a bee-line for this cross around a very glamorous woman’s neck.
In chatting with her, I learned that she bought this at the Vintage Fashion Expo back in the 1980’s. Looks like this show will be back in the Bay Area in September, so I just may have to check it out! (They have three shows in the Los Angeles area this winter/spring as well) I think it’s great that this piece has stood the test of time, and that she makes it her own by mixing it with current fashion.
Circle & Square is a very chic jewelry and accessories store tucked away on Presidio near Sacramento St. in San Francisco. I always love to stop in and see their latest, one-of-a-kind discoveries. The owner, Bunny Fayne, really has an eye for selecting unique items that you won’t see anywhere else!
I stopped in the other day to take advantage of a promotion they had going on (I mean really…how could I possibly resist a discount on jewelry?!?), and I was completely taken with the line by Susana Speidel. It turns out that this locally-based designer (Mill Valley to be exact) is a veteran antiques dealer and collector. She and her husband travel the globe collecting vintage jewelry, from broaches to bracelets. She then uses them to create beautiful, new pieces that pay respect to the past while still looking incredibly current.
I think my friend Jen would love this necklace. It’s made from a 1940’s Trifari blue bow brooch with pearls, stones, rock crystal, and pearls. So unique!
Personally, I fell in love with this stunner. It’s a 37″ long French metal chain with agate and brown rhinestones. I’m not exactly sure of any dates for this necklace, but I’m sure it’s seen its fair share of decades!
And look at the back view!
I must admit that I don’t have a wide range of knowledge on vintage jewelry (yet), but I know what I like and what I don’t, regardless of it’s monetary value. Susana’s work has inspired me to dig a little deeper into this exciting avenue in jewelry. I can’t wait to learn more!