Spring Flowers

 Late 19th c. pansy from Ameican jeweler Krementz, once based in Newark, NJ

Happy spring! I woke up this morning expecting to step outside into a Disney woodland fantasy of flowers and bluebirds flying around with ribbons in their beaks. Not quite.

It’s finally here, and even though it’s still cold and windy, today is the first day of spring and I couldn’t be happier! So, since there are no flowers outside yet (at least in New York) I figured I’d write about some!

Flowers have been a popular motif in design and jewelry in particular for centuries. Different flowers symbolize different things, but to me they all mean beautiful weather and new beginnings. And that’s what spring is all about, no? In addition to relegating your winter coat to the back of your closet and getting to wear your strappy heels again! Woo hoo!

Late 19th c. example with enamel and seed pearls

Pansies have been a favorite in jewelry since the late 19th century, predominately in the form of brooches. During the Art Nouveau period, which dates from approximately 1890-1910, artists we’re inspired by nature, leaves, flowers and flowing organic lines. A lot of the pansy brooches created during this period we’re enamel over yellow gold, sometimes accented with seed pearls or diamonds. You also find gem set pansy brooches from the early 20th century. A notable creator of these flowers was American jeweler Oscar Heyman. They still produce these pieces today and they feature invisibly set sapphires, amethyst and yellow diamonds, all evoking the trademark purple and yellow of the pansy.

 

Two gorgeous examples from American jeweler Oscar Heyman

So, what are you waiting for? Throw on a new outfit, go out and grab spring by the pansies! Enjoy the day and happy spring!

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Countdown to Spring

New York is on the verge of yet another snowstorm! So of course I’m dreaming of spring, which is a mere two weeks away! If it sounds like I’ve been ticking off the days ’til it’s here on my bedroom wall like Bugs Bunny in a cartoon jail cell, you would be right! I can’t wait for the warm weather, spring clothes (no more 20 pound coat!) and all the new spring jewelry trends!

One looking that has showed up on spring 2013 Runways is bright, eye popping coral jewelry. Coral ranges in color from the highly prized, pale “Angel Skin” which is a pale peachy pink to the darker more commonly seen Mediterranean Red Coral.

The juicy color warms and flatters any skin tone and the color is so wearable it can be used as a neutral. Coral is a perennial spring and summer favorite. The stone looks especially gorgeous paired back to yellow gold.

Check out the website – http://www.fromtheashesvintagejewels.com

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*****Eight of Swords(www.eightofswords.com) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is now carrying my line, stop in and try it on!!!*****