Monday, April 14, 2014

Gemstone Crush - Spinel!

I am currently lusting after spinels - any color, shape or size will do! Spinel has a high refractive index (similar to diamond) that gives it exceptional brightness and is found in a wide range of colors from red to purple to blue and black. Colorless spinel is a diamond simulant and red spinel has a long history of being mistaken for ruby (the 170 carat red stone known as the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the Imperial State Crown of England is in fact a spinel!). My favorite characteristic of spinel is its unique metallic quality. I think I need to get this book for my coffee table until I get my hands on the stones themselves....



TOP ROW:
Red spinel, gold and ceramic ring by Taffin. Available through Simon Teakle http://simonteakle.com/spinel-gold-and-ceramic-ring/; Platinum, orange spinel and diamond earrings. Sold at auction by Sotheby's on April 14, 2011 http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/magnificent-jewels-n08732/lot.94.html; Spinel, sapphire, white gold and copper ring by Hemmerle (2009) http://www.hemmerle.com/creations/rings/ 
BOTTOM ROW: 
Multi-colored spinel and diamond ear clips by JAR. Sold through FD Gallery http://www.fd-inspired.com/21st_century_masters_a_pair_of_multi-colored_spinel_and_single-cut_diamond_ear_clips_by_jar.html;18k gold, violet spinel and diamond earrings by Hamilton Jewelers http://www.hamiltonjewelers.com/products/18k-Gold-Violet-Spinel-and-Diamond-Earrings.html; "Herkimer" earclips in black spinel, diamond and gold by Verdura http://www.verdura.com/store/earclips/gemstone-1/products/herkimer-earclips-blackspinel

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Victoire de Castellane - Precious Jewels and Sculpture Collide

Reading The New Yorker this weekend had me wishing I was in New York to visit Victoire de Castellane's exhibit entitled "Precious Objects" at the Gagosian Gallery (on view until April 26th). A unique base accompanies each pieces and turns the unworn jewels into sculptures befitting an art gallery. Check out the below links for the article, more pictures and information. 
Lunae Lumen Holly Colorum, 2013 by Victoire de Castellane
Yellow gold, opal, diamonds, and colored lacquer bracelet on base (top picture)
© Victoire de Castellane Photo courtesy Gagosian Gallery by Vito Flamminio

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2014/03/31/140331ta_talk_thurman

http://www.gagosian.com/artists/victoire-de-castellane

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Store visit - Zaver & Mor in Berkely, CA

When the rare streak of bad weather hits the Bay Area there is no where better to go than into a cozy, jewel-filled room. And yesterday, that is just what I did! Zaver & Mor is a jewelry store in a charming Berkeley neighborhood. A short distance from San Francisco, this store is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
 
Gallery owner Rada Sahney's curatorial skills reflect her passion for interesting, impeccably made jewelry. Many of the jewelery designers carried at the store are local San Francisco or California talent. Whether you are looking for luscious metals, colorful gemstones, vintage or contemporary, you can find it at Zaver & Mor.



Here are some of my favorites!
 
14K rose gold medallion with cognac diamonds by Julez Bryant;
Gold and silver ring with sapphires by Mother of Gideon;
Green diamond pave stud earrings by Sethi Couture;
14K yellow gold and blue diamond "Nira" ring, collaboration by T Morgan Made and Zaver & Mor