How To Wear Estate Jewelry - Revving Up The Retro

Oh, what a week. 
Obviously I've been grumbling on a daily basis about all of the busy work that goes into getting my taxes completed...so I decided to take a break from the all the wasteful spending by the government things that annoy me about the modern world and concentrate on the loveliness of past at the LA Antiques Show.

It seemed to be a much smaller show this year than the shows that I've gone to in the past...a sign of the times non?There were some very attractive antiques, books and Mid-Century abstract paintings that struck my eye.  But I'm afraid that I wasn't exactly overwhelmed with the estate jewelry. 

This week what I am loving are these pieces from the Retro Period. 

Vintage Van Cleef Retro Bird Brooch with Rubies, Diamonds and Sapphires in Patriotic Style in 18K

During WW2 both fine and fashion (costume) jewelers showed their support for the war effort by designing patriotic jewelry.  They created brooches with specific war related motifs such as army jeeps, American flags, military insignias and medals.  Many of their designs also stayed within the patriotic genre by using red, white and blue gemstones like the rubies, diamonds and sapphires in this VCA brooch.

My photos don't do justice to how beautiful the stones are in this piece...but here's what the VCA brooch looks like being worn

Isn't it charming?

Another great vintage estate jewelry piece from the late Retro Period that I have been wearing this week is this Cartier sapphire brooch which comes with matching earrings.

Vintage Retro Cartier Sapphire Brooch and Earrings in 18K

These pre sputnik style designs were highly popular in the late Retro to the early Mid-Century period.

Here is the Cartier set being worn. 

Yes I know that jewelry buyers today are looking for contemporary pieces such as VCA Alhambra necklaces and Cartier love bangles. While they are certainly chic, they just don't evoke any curiosity.

For me there's something wonderful about wearing jewelry that has a history.  It always makes me wonder who owned this piece?  How was it acquired?  Was it a special gift? What outfit was it worn with?  Did the wearer have a father, husband, lover or son fighting overseas?

So many questions and so few answers.  Provenance is rarely available.

Such is the nature of antiques and estate jewelry.

OK, so back to my grumbling.

I highly recommend that you read this article from Bloomberg

The Fed Rescue Program Too Bizarre to Be True: Michael Lewis

It's always good to know what your hard earned tax dollars fund!

Vintage Vogues of Christmases Past

In a time long ago, in a place far far away, fashion magazines weren't all about celebrities and the latest actress du jour.  As David posted about today, Vogue back in the day, had beautifully illustrated cover art.

Regard

How fabulous is this illustration?

I can't read the date but I'm guessing the early 1920's

And here's another cover one with the Brancusi like beauty.

1920's also I suppose.

In addition to to illustration Vintage Vogue had clever constructions

such as this cover art from 1940.

I love how the title was formed with pieces of Retro Jewelry.

And note the classic Retro ruby and diamond bracelet, it reminds me of this beautiful bracelet.

Retro Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K circa 1940

Ah, crunch time is on for another few days and then the Christmas break.

I can't wait.

Also, I've been enjoying all the blogs with gorgeous Xmas decoration

Here's one that I recommend mynottinghill.

Jewelry Biz - We Get Quoted...Sometimes

Just to let you know that occasionally someone does take our opinion seriously...

as this is the second article in Rapaport where we've been quoted.

Sorry, but we can't let you know what we actually said...because you have to have an account

with the top secret 'to the trade only' Diamonds.net.

We just want to know when the Wall Street Journal is going to call us for a quote....

We are patiently waiting.....