Day of the Dead- a little late

Sorry that this post is late, but I have to acknowledge The Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls Day.  Jewelry and the dead go waaaay back- in just about any way that you can imagine.  To truly celebrate the dead you need some gorgeous momento mori jewels, because momento mori jewels actually celebrate life. 

Codognato skull necklace made of gold, diamonds, and chalcedony skulls (but one of them looks like amethyst and another like citrine)....death, life, skulls, leaves...gorgeous. www.1stdibs.com

[Can anyone remind me who recently made a necklace that is reminiscent of this one- it was part of someone's Spring 2012 collection (I think) and had multiple strands of neon colored, primitive skulls?  I thought it was Dannijo, but now I can't find it anywhere.  If anyone knows the one for which I am looking, zap me a note.] 

This bracelet is perfect for The Day of the Dead, All Souls Day, or any time that you need reminding to party like a rock star today because this life is all too short.  Also on www.1stdibs.com.

Silver, turquoise, and Bakelite cuff- amazing.  Pay no attention to the photographer reflected in the skull's forehead.

Update on the Liz Taylor Exhibit/Auction, 13 December 2011

YAY!!!!  I bought my ticket to see the Christie's exhibit of Dame Elizabeth's jewels!  I'll go see them on 10 December!  I cannot wait!  I can't take photos to share with you, but I'll tell you all about it.  I am so excited!   Tickets went on sale on the 1st, and you have to reserve them by time.  I have no idea how quickly they will sell out, so if you plan on going to the exhibition, which runs from 2-12 December, you'd better purchase now! Tickets can only be purchased on line.

http://www.christies.com/elizabethtaylor/exhibitions_schedule.aspx

Taj Mahal Diamond, owned by the king who built the Taj Mahal, purchased for Taylor by Burton.

Some Day...

I've been longing for a Georgian amethyst necklace.  I'll long for a long, long time.  Be that as it may, here is a lovely Victorian one that is close enough (but for those pearls) for me to sigh happily when I see it.

From 1stdibbs.com.

But this is my dream.  Foiled, enclosed, full set of Siberian amethysts.  Sold by Three Graces.  To whoever bought it: God bless you and may you wear it happily for years and years and years.  Hopefully I will find another similar set.  Some day. 



Color In the Desert

Helen Serras-Herman is a sculptor, gemologist, and 2003 Lapidary Hall of Fame inductee.  She makes big, bold, unique jewelry that uses precious and semi-precious stones of the finest quality and colors.  All have a tactile heft that makes your skin feel loved.  She'll have a homage to Arizona in Tucson this upcoming show, using stones native to the state, so you can imagine what will be there.  So if you are at the Tucson Gem Show in 2012, stop by and admire her lovely items.

"Ocean Fire"  14 kt gold with 129 carat ocean jasper, two fire opals, and 14 grossular garnets.  The necklace is carnelian and ocean jasper.

"Venus"  18 kt gold with 256 carat rutilated quartz

Ms. Serras-Herman knows from where her stones come, traveling and gathering what she can herself, so most come with stories too!

Her website is www.gemartcenter.com.

Mad About The Mouse

No denying it- Disney World is amazing- it is beautiful, fun, clean, clever, and offers a bewildering plenty of options for every age and interest.  I cry every time I leave.  My only two complaints are that you cannot get a decent cup of coffee anywhere in the park except in The Polynesian Hotel and that Disney lacks fine jewelry reflecting the ingenuity and cleverness found in every other Disney tchotchke for sale in the park.  (I speak only of Disney World and DisneyLand- Hong Kong Disney HAD really cool Disney-themed jewelry, plus fun high jewelry that was not character specific but felt like it belonged there.)

A few years ago, Disney heard the complaints of its big girl fans.  Enter Disney Couture, a label that hires top designers to design limited release jewelry referencing Disney films and themes.

Perhaps you have seen Mawi's Mickey ring making its rounds through the blogosphere this fall? 

 I like her Minnie necklace for holiday dress up.

Or Tom Binn's Cheshire Cat earrings?  Many of his Alice items are delightfully disturbing- just like Alice.

But high end costume remains high end costume.  Fortunately, the Mouse never leaves a market untapped.  Chopard came to the rescue with its Happy Mickey collection, released on 9 October.  These lovelies are only sold in Chopard stores, so you'll have to get your new watch or necklace before you hit the park- call ahead because what will you wear if they are out? 

Loving those hidden Mickeys in the background...

I'm thinking that while I'm in NYC seeing Dame Elizabeth Taylor's jewels, I could pop over and pick up a few.  Only in my dreams...but that's what Disney World is all about!  "A dream is a wish your heart makes..."

Educational Update

Just passed my final in Diamonds and Diamond Grading!  Hooray!  It feels great to be done with that class!  Gem ID, here I come!  

Champagne Bubbles earrings by Diamonds In The Rough...6.90 carats rough diamonds with 0.30 carats micro pave diamonds in 18 karat gold

Changing My Mind

Going with the flow, changing my mind, waffling- I prefer the phrase, "Reevaluating my options."  Aesthetics don't require loyalty; what looks good, looks good.  You like what you like, and that's all that needs to be considered in the world of art, jewelry, and fashion. 

Malodora is making me reevaluate my strong position about jewelry from precious items.  Malodora's jewels, made of polymer clay, have a lot of thought and careful construction behind each piece.  It takes a lot to move jewelry made from this medium into art but these make the transition.  

The shop on Etsy is http://www.etsy.com/shop/Malodora?ref=pr_shop.  There are many styles of items too (skulls, puppies, abstract beads, alien flower earrings) that are worth a look. 

Micromosaic brooch- I love micromosaics, and there are not many modern jewelers making them.

Another, more conventional, micromosaic.

Braaaaaaaaaains and human hair, for when you get your zombie on.

Crab ring- Malodora can has a cute!  (I could not help myself.)