Think Big!

  Check out this giant ceramic pearl sculpture from British artist and jewelry designer Nicola Malkin – http://www.nicolamalkin.com/

In the 1980’s, there was a store on West Broadway, in Soho called Think Big!  I was so fascinated by this place and it’s giant ketchup bottles, six foot tall pencils and four foot wide tennis rackets. They sold larger than life versions of everyday items, long before Mc Donalds started super sizing. I bugged my parents for something and eventually they bought me a two foot high book of matches. In their defense, I think that was the least expensive thing in the store.

 Giant jewelry as urban street art from Dutch artist Liesbet Bussche – http://www.liesbetbussche.com/urban.html

One thing they didn’t have was giant sized jewelry. Someone I use to work with told me that the older you get, the larger your jewelry gets. Now, I’m starting to understand what she was talking about. When I first started really wearing and buying jewelry for myself, two of my first purchases we’re a miniature diamond cross and a very delicate diamond line bracelet. I’m probably the same size I was then (about 16 years ago) or tinier, but the cross and the bracelet both look microscopic now! I rarely wear either piece now, and if I do I layer them with other things, like about five other bracelets!

 Another piece from Nicola Malkin http://www.nicolamalkin.com/

There are tons of things I love now, they I never would have worn back then. Why is it that the older you get your perception of size changes. Whether or not I understand the reason why, it can only mean one thing for me, in another ten years I’ll be wearing tennis ball size earrings and rings the size of crystal ashtrays!

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Next time you’re in Williamsburg Brooklyn, stop by Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) to check out their exclusive collection of my jewelry!!!

 

Feeling Blue

Jessica Biel in a Tiffany archives-inspired brooch in platinum, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection brooch of round and cushion-cut diamonds inspired by a design from the French Crown Jewels

The name Tiffany and Co. (www.tiffany.com) conjures up images of Audrey Hepburn in a chic black Givenchy, clutching a pastry and cup of coffee peering in the window, little blue boxes, and for me (because I worked at a jewelry store on fifth avenue a few blocks away from Tiffany) crowds of tourists gathering outside on a Saturday morning long before they open.

  Gwyneth Paltrow in a Tiffany butterfly brooch with black opals, Montana sapphires and diamonds in platinum, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection.

“Founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City in 1837 as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium,” the store initially sold a wide variety of stationery items, and operated as Tiffany, Young and Ellis in Lower Manhattan. The name was shortened to Tiffany & Co. in 1853 when Charles Tiffany took control, and the firm’s emphasis on jewelry was established.” [1]

“Tiffany’s celebrated Blue Book, the jeweler’s annual publication that showcases the latest and most spectacular jewels in all their glamour and brilliance, has been arriving in customers’ mail boxes since 1845. It is the first mail order catalogue to be distributed in the U.S. The Blue Book archive forms a detailed chronology of Tiffany’s role in the evolution of American design. Early Blue Books showcase lavish diamonds, including French and Spanish crown jewels reset in exquisite Tiffany settings, which marked the first appearance of major gemstones in the U.S., and an astonishing array of jewels that won gold medals at the great world’s fairs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These are followed by Blue Books that feature the platinum age of diamonds in the 1920’s, Cocktail-Style jewelry in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and dazzling creations in every era since.” [2]

  Sarah Jessica Parker in a Tiffany necklace with a round tanzanite and diamonds in platinum, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection.

This past Friday night, Tiffany & Co. launched their 2013 Blue Book Collection and celebrated at their Blue Book Ball. Held at Rockefeller Center in New York City, it was a celebrity packed event where stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carey Mulligan, Kate Hudson, Jessica Biel, Michelle Williams and Carolyn Murphy among others looked their best in what else, but Tiffany & Co. jewels!

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Next time you’re in Williamsburg Brooklyn, stop by Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) to check out their exclusive collection of my jewelry!!!

[1] “Tiffany & Co.” n.d., <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_%26_Co.&gt; (accessed April 21, 2013).

[2] “Tiffany & Co. For The Press n.d., < http://press.tiffany.com/ViewBackgrounder.aspx?backgrounderId=30 >(accessed April 21,2013)

 

Real Men Wear jewelry?

http://www.badassjewelry.com/stainless-steel-mechanical-skull-ring-dbssr005.html

For years men’s jewelry was relegated to one or maybe two display cases in the furthest corner of most jewelry stores. In general you would see the same stuff wherever you went, gold chains, an ID bracelet, crosses, and a few rings, an onyx one and the mall favorite “DAD”.

Then of course there was my stint as manager of the men’s department at the store I worked at on Fifth Avenue. For a month straight I tried to organize what seemed like a million pairs of cufflinks and silver key rings, exciting stuff.

 http://www.skullnroses.net/servlet/the-17/biker-silver-bracelet-prison/Detail

Men’s jewelry has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years, and guys seem to be wearing a lot more than just a watch and a wedding band. Collections have gotten a lot more fashion forward and edgier. Sterling and stainless steel have made pieces a lot more casual and wearable. With companies like Skull n Roses, King Baby, Versani and Bad Ass Jewelry all doing some cool stuff.

 https://kingbabystudio.com/search.asp?action=browse&cat=pendants

Recently, I’ve had a few guys asking if I do a men’s collection, so I’m working on some things and I’ll keep everyone posted on when they’re finished!

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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#jeweltweets

 

Game of Jewels

      Striped agate 19th century pendant http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectVictAgate.htm

Every time I tune into Game of Thrones, I’m struck by a few things, the sheer brutal, barbaric nature of it, the brilliant conniving manipulative characters and…the jewelry!

The show takes place in a fantasy world with no direct correlation to any one particular time in history. Instead it is more of an amalgam of elements from different periods. George R.R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire, on which Game of Thrones is based, has admitted to reading everything he can find about medieval history. However, along with Medeival influences, there are also Victorian and Gothic touches in the costumes and jewelry.

   Multicolor 19th century agate bracelet http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectVictAgate.htm

One particular style of Victorian jewelry that seems very Game of Thrones to me is, Scottish Agate jewelry.  “Gothic and Celtic Revivals were already well under way when Queen Victoria ascended the throne. Her own romantic attachment to ancient and medieval history was certainly influential in furthering the public’s preoccupation of the past.

     Scottish agate 19th brooch http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectVictAgate.htm

In 1848, after Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral , a castle in Scotland, everyone became enamored of Scottish motifs. Circular Scottish plaid pins, heraldic crests, dirks and claymores (knives and swords), thistles and St. Andrew’s crosses (Scottish national emblems), were all made into jewelry.” (1)  These jewels  we’re most often set with opaque stones in earth tone colors, such as red and orange jasper, bloodstone, striped agate, malachite, as well as citrine and amethyst.

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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(1) Christie Romero, Warman’s Jewelry, Identification and Price Guide (Iola: Krause, 2002), 47

 

Hi, My Name Is

 Sarah Jessica Parker wearing the iconic Patricia Field “Carrie” necklace on Sex and The City

For your very own custom Patricia Field nameplate necklace click here http://www.patriciafield.com/customcarrienameplatenecklaces.aspx

As I was going through some old photos, simultaneously amazed and horrified at all of my 80’s fabulousness I was inspired for a flashback Friday blog about nameplates necklaces. Yeh, I know it’s Saturday, so I’m a little late.

If you grew up in New York in the 1980’s you know exactly what I’m talking about and you might still have one hidden in the back of your jewelry box. Long before Sex and The City was even a column in the NY Observer and Patricia Field designed the iconic “Carrie” nameplate for Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, we we’re rockin’ these in Brooklyn. But, we we’re so a head of the trend, we we’re just plain tacky.

  If you must wear a nameplate necklace this site has a huge selection – http://www.etsy.com/listing/111823166/3d-nameplate-necklace-name-jewelry?ref=market

Some of them had diamonds, a swirl underneath, diamond cutting or maybe even a tricolor flower or two if you we’re really lucky. Back in the day, (the day being mid 80’s in Canarsie, Brooklyn) owning a nameplate was almost a rite of passage, it was taken seriously. We didn’t buy them at street fairs like Carrie Bradshaw did, they we’re “good” jewelry, and no well dressed girl was complete without one. Well, a nameplate necklace, frosty pink lipstick, big hair, slouch socks and a scrunchy. Ahh, the 80’s

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Stop by Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) in Williamsburg, to see their exclusive collection of my Good n’ Evil Protection Pendants

 

Georgian Treasures

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m a slightly obsessed jewelry fanatic and collector. I have a huge collection of jewelry, and although the majority of it is not made up of rare, antique, one of a kind, super valuable, signed or difficult to find pieces, they are all treasures to me.

The most interesting jewels I have are the estate pieces I’ve collected. One in particular actually is a treasure. A pair of Late Georgian period Spanish Emerald earrings. The Georgian period stretched from 1714 to approximately 1837, during the reigns of George I, II, III and IV, in Great Britain.

My earrings date from the late 18th century, around 1780. The earrings are set with square, table cut emeralds, in a yellow gold (probably 15 kt), ornate, scroll pattern openwork setting.  The back of the setting is closed, and the stones are probably foil backed. Foil backing was a popular jewelry setting technique of the period, where a sheet of a colored foil lined the setting to enhance the color of gemstones.

The earrings are a pendeloque style, which was a popular look during the Georgian period. They are basically a pear shape drop suspended from a bow shaped center with a cluster top at the ear.

“The Pendeloque grew out of the 18th century trend of the girandole, in which three drops suspended from a bow, while a Pendeloque is just one drop. The Spanish and Portuguese colonization of South America in the 16th century lead to an explosion of gold and fine gems on the European market, with emeralds from the famous Muzo mines in Columbia, topaz and other precious gems from Brazil.” (1)

I had the original ear hook removed and replaced with a post, for easier wear. However, it’s generally never a good idea to alter antique jewelry, because it is more valuable in it’s original form.

Well, after this discussion about my earrings I can’t wait to wear them out, it’s been awhile! Sometimes, half the fun is just knowing you have something in your jewelry box, not necessarily wearing it. Spoken like a true jewelry hoarding collector freakshow!!!

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Stop by Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) in Williamsburg, to see their exclusive collection of my Good n’ Evil Protection Pendants

(1) Metier Paris <http://www.rubylane.com/item/403702-JY_ear_spem1/Spanish-Pendeloque-Emerald-Earrings-C&gt; (accessed April 10, 2013)

 

Doggies in Diamonds and Puppies in Pearls

  Carlos wearing a fringe necklace of teardrop freshwater pearls and diamonds!!

A few of my friends have suggested that I should expand my collection to include a line of jewelry for dogs, for a number of reasons –

A- Because I’m a huge animal person, I have two Chihuahuas, Julio and Carlos and Phoebe the cat

B- Because lots of other people are super into their dogs too

C- Crazy dog people spend big bucks on Fido

D- Dog stores have popped up everywhere you look packed with tons of fun designer gear for your pooch

I don’t know, that just isn’t my thing. I don’t dress up my dogs (maybe because they’re both male), with the exception of possibly a sweater when it’s really cold and that’s only if I can get it on without being bitten!  I have a feeling that if they we’re female I would have long since fallen prey to the siren song of pink puppy tutus, but luckily for them that isn’t the case.

  If you’re looking for some real doggy jewels check out the Miami Dog Necklace from Doggie Vogue!

http://www.doggievogue.com/category/dog-necklaces-anklets/miami-dog-necklace

Tons of people dress their dogs up every day, just take a look around on Instagram! The hats! The dresses! The booties! And…the jewelry!

When I worked at Fred Leighton (www.fredleighton.com) there were actually a few clients who purchased jewelry for their dogs. Nothing says I have money to burn, quite like buying a diamond tennis bracelet as a collar for your teacup pup, on your afternoon stroll on Madison Avenue!

Well, I was inspired by all of this puppy jewelry chit chat and snapped a few pic of my Dog Carlos wearing some jewels from my personal collection.

Take a look at new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Don’t forget to stop by Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) in Williamsburg to check out my collection!

 

Fleas, the good kind

 My Romanesque and Statuary necklaces on display at the flea! (www.fromtheashesvintagejewels.com)

So I woke up bright and early yesterday morning, something I don’t usually do on the weekends. Well, actually I try to never do it, weekend or not! Anyway, I spent the day at Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn hawking my wares.

The market is great, it’s right between Bedford Street which is one of the main shopping and restaurant areas and the Williamsburg Flea at East River State park (http://www.brooklynflea.com/markets/). It’s a busy street with lots of action and tons of shoppers.

The only thing was, it had been a really long time since I’ve sold at a flea market and I forgot how it always makes me feel like a zoo animal. You know, you’re on display, lots of people walk over, smile, point. It’s all very odd, really brings those social anxiety issues right to the surface!

Anyway, the market has a great mix of interesting pieces, check it out at (www.artistsandfleas.com). Most of the offerings are one of a kind designer items and a lot of that is jewelry!

Some of my favorites we’re the brass knuckle pendants and kick ass t’s from Father Panik (http://www.fatherpanik.com/).

 Me in my favorite Father Panik Brass Knuckle Brooklyn Tee and a couple of my necklaces!

Vintage typewriter key cufflinks from Churoncalla (http://churoncalla.com/), cool message pendants and key rings from Metal Taboo (http://www.etsy.com/shop/metaltaboo) and the edgy double finger rings from Snash Jewelry  (http://www.snashjewelry.com/)

 The Cadaver Double Tooth ring from Snash Jewelry

So, next weekend make sure you stop by Artists and Fleas, they’re open Saturdays and Sundays and while you’re in Williamsburg check out Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) to see my collection!

And take a look at new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Birthstone Jackpot

 Jennifer Anniston wearing Fred Leighton diamonds at the 2013 Oscars (www.fredleighton.com)

Happy diamond month to all of you lucky April babies! You’ve hit the birthstone jackpot! No semi precious tourmaline (October) or Peridot (August) for you, you’ve got the best of the best! And just in case you don’t already know everything there is to know about your super sparkly birthstone, lucky for you I feel like nerding out a bit today.

The history and lore of diamonds date back to ancient times. In fact, the word diamond comes from the ancient Greek word adamas, meaning indestructible and unbreakable. Few things in the world inspire as much lust in women as diamonds do. Some women even want to get married just for the ring, save yourself the trouble and buy your own diamond! Trust me, it’s easier…

There have been many famous diamonds throughout history that have inspired stories and rumors. Undoubedtly one of the most famous is the Hope Diamond.

  The famous Hope Diamond http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/hope.htm

” According to the legend, a curse befell the large, blue diamond when it was plucked (i.e. stolen) from an idol in India – a curse that foretold bad luck and death not only for the owner of the diamond but for all who touched it.

Whether or not you believe in the curse, the Hope diamond has intrigued people for centuries. It’s perfect quality, its large size, and its rare color make it strikingly unique and beautiful. Add to this a varied history which includes being owned by King Louis XIV, stolen during the French Revolution, sold to earn money for gambling, worn to raise money for charity, and then finally donated to the Smithsonian Institution. The Hope diamond is truly unique.” (1)

So, of course we all know the basics, the four c’s – color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The fact that diamond is the hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rated a 10. This means that diamonds can scratch any of the gemstones below it including ruby, sapphire and emerald. This is important to remember when storing your jewelry, to prevent pieces from being damaged.  And the nitty gritty, that diamonds are formed when carbon is exposed to extremely high temperature and high pressure, over millions of years, deep inside the earth, they aren’t actually made from coal!

Check out new pieces just added to the website!!  WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

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Stop by to say hi this Sunday April 7th, I’ll be at Artists and Fleas (www.artistsandfleas.com) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with the whole collection!!!

And while you’re there check out Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) also in Williamsburg, to see their exclusive collection of my Good n’ Evil Protection Pendants

(1)Jennifer Rosenberg, “The Curse of the Hope Diamond”, n.d., <http://history1900s.about.com/od/1950s/a/hopediamond.htm&gt; (accessed April 5, 2013)

 

Porcelain Complexion

Devotional Earrings – www.fromtheashesvintagejewels.com

As a kid I was a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie. Now, of course I loved Laura Ingalls and the idea of roughing it on the Prairie and all that, but come on who didn’t secretly want to be Nelly Olsen?

When I saw these floral painted beads they reminded me of the porcelain hurricane lamps that the Olsen’s had! I coupled the painted porcelain looking beads with carved wooden skulls and iridescent pink glass beads in an oxidized setting, for a vintage look.

Beautiful hand painted porcelain was popular in decorative arts as well as jewelry in the mid 19th to early 20th century. Everything from porcelain door knobs and pitchers for the home to personal adornments such as brooches are still sought after by collectors.

Vintage painted porcelain pendant

“Way back in the late 1800s through about 1915, porcelain painting was a great fad for ladies throughout the nation. Thousands of American women purchased inexpensive materials and turned them into unique works of art, including jewelry and buttons. One reason jewelry of this nature is still plentiful may be the plain oval and round shapes and rather generic floral painting that oftentimes covers them.

They don’t have a really distinctive Victorian look, with the exception of pieces sporting ornate gold work along the outer edges or an occasional portrait piece featuring an Art Nouveau styled beauty. Those portrait pieces are generally priced higher than the floral pieces when in good condition.”(1)

Check out new pieces just added to the website!! WWW.FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS.COM

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter –

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FROMTHEASHESVINTAGEJEWELS

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Stop by to say hi this Sunday April 7th, I’ll be at Artists and Fleas (www.artistsandfleas.com) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with the whole collection!!!

And while you’re there check out Eight of Swords Tattoo (www.eightofswords.com) also in Williamsburg, to see their exclusive collection of my Good n’ Evil Protection Pendants

(1)Pamela Wiggins, “Painted Porcelain Jewelry and Buttons, A Book on a Fad Dating Back To the Late 1800’s” n.d. , <http://antiques.about.com/od/victorianandedwardian/fr/Painted-Jewelry-And-Buttons.htm&gt; (accessed April 3,2013).