tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post591495355458357190..comments2024-03-28T03:40:29.423-04:00Comments on Passage des Perles: Jewelry: ExceptionsDuchessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-85346455130841598472012-07-05T18:33:03.436-04:002012-07-05T18:33:03.436-04:00rb; Wonderful piece, would love to see it. There a...rb; Wonderful piece, would love to see it. There are still some costume treasures to be found.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-88504337857299775652012-07-03T11:00:10.880-04:002012-07-03T11:00:10.880-04:00I have a costume bracelet I wear all the time. Lik...I have a costume bracelet I wear all the time. Like your "jade" earrings it is from Paris (in this case, a flea mart) and was a gift from a friend who visited there. It is made of little tiles of illustrated dogs, all different breeds, each tile set on some sort of dark silver metal rectangle with a few dark rhinestones. The tiles are strung together with elastic. The illustrations look like they're from the 1940s. It basically looks like those mah jong tile bracelets you can get from street vendors (or at least, you can here in SF) but vintage-y.<br /><br />They may be all over Paris but I've never seen another here. Mainly, I love it because my friend gave it to me. I wear it all the time and it gets many, many more comments than my very real wedding rings and pearls.rbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02994781041852886102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-7777068110809860682012-07-02T12:26:11.768-04:002012-07-02T12:26:11.768-04:00Hetty: I don't think I'm a jewelry snob; I...Hetty: I don't think I'm a jewelry snob; I simply find plastic does not have organic presence, and I look for that quality even in a simple wood bangle or shell pendant. I really like the design of these bracelets but the plastic is too shiny for me to want to order one, much as I'd admire them on someone else.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-20056838837610512152012-07-02T10:11:04.763-04:002012-07-02T10:11:04.763-04:00I used to be a jewelry snob but am lightening up i...I used to be a jewelry snob but am lightening up in recent years, in more ways than one. Love bangles but don't like the weight on my arms. Adore Angela Caputi's resin chain link bracelets, from Serena Italian Imports. Wonderfully chunky look but so light you can double or triple up. They never fail to wow. In many colors. Find them here: http://serenaimports.com/Angela-Caputi-Chain-Link-Bracelet.htmlHettynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-82769638001980554342012-07-01T16:50:45.041-04:002012-07-01T16:50:45.041-04:00Gretchen: Not sure if you read this old post of mi...Gretchen: Not sure if you read this old post of mine, which might express echo of your preferences (but not those of other commenters, who admire the "creative" look:<br />http://passagedesperles.blogspot.ca/2011/03/50-style-eccentric-elegant-and-space-in.html<br /><br />or this one on updating jewelry:<br />http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2872918251244874644#editor/target=post;postID=1489638862644596062Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-22334049728649840872012-07-01T14:45:36.599-04:002012-07-01T14:45:36.599-04:00Duchesse, I wholly agree with you on both points. ...Duchesse, I wholly agree with you on both points. I guess my issue with people (jewelry, clothing, hair/makeup) and style is one of either a lack of imagination, or far too much, um, experimentation,for want of some politesse. I believe finding that "sweet spot" as we age is a challenge so we neither look like cartoonish caricatures nor haughty (or even worse, dull) Let's Wear Our Jewelry Box women is a decent goal. That said, if one feels they look terrific, well, ok, to each her own...Gretchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01924951632694536923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-79204151047435868862012-07-01T00:48:29.381-04:002012-07-01T00:48:29.381-04:00Gretchen: I agree with the last sentence! And if o...Gretchen: I agree with the last sentence! And if one's fine jewelry looks stodgy, it is a result of the buyer's taste or the limitations of what is available. <br /><br />Hemmerle, for example, is an example of a house that achieves extraordinary workmanship that never tries too hard.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-4395649434414695692012-06-30T23:20:12.962-04:002012-06-30T23:20:12.962-04:00As one with obscenely sensitive skin, I cannot wea...As one with obscenely sensitive skin, I cannot wear silver for more than a few hours without my ears hurting, or my fingers blistering, and it's even worse with base metal...or gold alloyed with nickel. So the earrings I wear most every day are a pair of 8.5mm pearl studs on white gold posts, my Cartier watch paired with a gold link bracelet and an antique gold watch chain. On the other arm? All bets are off. Sometimes, it's an antique jade bracelet, or my gold bangles engraved with my children's birth info, or multiples of glass bead bracelets or lucite bangles or vintage rhinestones. I agree that too much Fine Jewelry tends to look stodgy. But wearing Of The Moment pieces can look like one is trying too hard. Jewelry should be fun, personal, and well, plentiful!Gretchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01924951632694536923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-7119901123023657132012-06-30T16:17:22.226-04:002012-06-30T16:17:22.226-04:00chicatanyage: Markets have some terrific costume a...chicatanyage: Markets have some terrific costume and semiprecious pieces- especially garnered from women who travel and buy too many souvenirs, then let some of it go. Would love to see your new necklace!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-28974726485611486852012-06-30T16:14:47.468-04:002012-06-30T16:14:47.468-04:00mardel: Value is only third on the list for me, th...mardel: Value is only third on the list for me, though I do walk by counters (or even shops) crammed with cheap metals and regret the environmental impact of so much that will sooner or later be junked. As I respond to your comment, am wearing two silver and pearl chains made by a local designer, now a friend- and friends are priceless. Also a huge silver and red coral ring, far cheaper than the cost of the plastic costume stuff sold by sites like netaporter (which I admire, but a lot of it is overpriced.)Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-30838405962009066202012-06-30T14:51:23.019-04:002012-06-30T14:51:23.019-04:00I sometimes buy some fun fakes in St. Tropez marke...I sometimes buy some fun fakes in St. Tropez market. They often don't last very long but are some fun in the sun for a season. Probably would not wear in London. Just bought a great silver necklace may photographAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08902418849121978821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-21974752053704311542012-06-30T11:40:13.726-04:002012-06-30T11:40:13.726-04:00I'm on the Wear Real side as well. Now I have ...I'm on the Wear Real side as well. Now I have some pieces that are "real" but not valuable, sterling silver and river rock for example. <br /><br />When I was young I didn't wear jewelry mostly because I couldn't afford what I liked and didn't feel "grown up" enough for it anyway. I indulged in costume jewelry for a while to make up the difference but most of that has served its purpose and gone on its way.<br /><br />There are still a few pieces I have and treasure including a 1950's Trifari "gold" bracelet that I occasionally wear, given to me by husband a few years ago and a few plastic or lucite pieces, which I think I will post on my blog.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-18350442080620707912012-06-29T07:53:18.466-04:002012-06-29T07:53:18.466-04:00Susan: My appraisers tell me so often people are d...Susan: My appraisers tell me so often people are disappointed and even angry to hear that what they thought was a gem is glass. They are more interested in value than sentiment. <br /><br />Glass eventually becomes evident via scratches that inevitably dull and abrade the surfaces. If that should happen, you might consider replacing the stone with an aqua, it's not expensive.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-14745668227259975962012-06-28T21:55:37.991-04:002012-06-28T21:55:37.991-04:00My great aunt Jane's "Aquamarine" ri...My great aunt Jane's "Aquamarine" ring. Beautiful languid stone set in white gold. She gave it to my mother in her youth because she had beautiful hands. When it came to me, I had it appraised because of the size of the aqua ... which turned out to be glass. And, I love it more for that reason. I never knew Aunt Jane, but love that what was one of a farm wife's favorite possessions has come through my mother to me. Thank you for your post ... and the memories it brought. SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-77817132900790673802012-06-28T19:32:54.275-04:002012-06-28T19:32:54.275-04:00kathy peck: As I wrote,
'When I say 'real&...kathy peck: As I wrote,<br />'When I say 'real', I include not only precious metals and gems, but also an array of organic elements, e.g., shells, wood, rock crystal, raffia, leather, an old bronze key on a silk cord."<br /><br />So we are on the same page.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-61966257384793632402012-06-28T19:25:39.049-04:002012-06-28T19:25:39.049-04:00kathy peck: Sure, makes sense.
And let's be ...kathy peck: Sure, makes sense. <br /><br />And let's be clear here (pun intended). Lucite (aka plexiglass) is a *synthetic* organic compound. Bittar and others make beautiful objects of it, but it is still synthetic. When buying lucite, there is no inherent value in the material; it is worth small change. <br /><br />Though I would buy jewelry of lucite/resin, I would not expect them to perform like organics. They may in fact be more durable than some organic materials, but they are not the same, and anyone spending hundreds or more on lucite jewelry should be aware of that.<br /><br />Horn is from the head of hoofed mammals. Again, the piece can be very attractive, and since my taste veers more often toward organic materials, I like it very much.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-80560933320081554432012-06-28T19:14:48.988-04:002012-06-28T19:14:48.988-04:00I also consider wood, leather, even plastic to be ...I also consider wood, leather, even plastic to be "real", as long as they're not pretending to be something else. <br />Did not want to come off as a snob, so again, wanted to be clear.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-44998459560763966402012-06-28T19:07:08.713-04:002012-06-28T19:07:08.713-04:00I came back to check something and just wanted to ...I came back to check something and just wanted to chime in that I don't consider Alexis Bittar or Ashley Pittman (for examples) to make "costume" jewelry. They're not making "fake" things. Lucite, or in the case of Ashley, African horn, are "real" materials. Obviously with less value than gold, but not imitation. So, since you brought up purses, I wouldn't consider a straw bag to not be a "real" bag, just different than a leather bag, but still real straw. Am I making any sense?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-15207755280834524492012-06-28T16:56:40.933-04:002012-06-28T16:56:40.933-04:00pseu: Cannot wait till you post about that!
C.: W...pseu: Cannot wait till you post about that!<br /><br />C.: What a sweet story. Of course that was a treasured charm, and what a lovely memory of your mother.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-29654147635233223292012-06-28T16:49:10.266-04:002012-06-28T16:49:10.266-04:00Sentiment, oh yes. My mother has a beautiful gold ...Sentiment, oh yes. My mother has a beautiful gold bracelet heavy with charms. I remember the Christmas when my little sister ran into my room saying, "Guess what! They have gold charms at Woolworth's and they only cost 59 cents!" The little gold-painted plastic heart she chose was added to the bracelet, and when an appraiser examining the charms 30 years later raised a quizzical eyebrow, my mother said, "That's the most valuable one of all."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-50079812518048323072012-06-28T16:40:52.032-04:002012-06-28T16:40:52.032-04:00Duchesse - I have on my list to contact her someti...Duchesse - I have on my list to contact her sometimes this summer to visit her studio. Now moved to the top of the list.Susan Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16005855250089328310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-91917246311537572712012-06-28T16:16:42.854-04:002012-06-28T16:16:42.854-04:00LPC: Bittsr is one of my favourite costume designe...LPC: Bittsr is one of my favourite costume designers.<br /><br />kathy: We agree- but as you can see others do find all kinds of costume pleasing and in some cases (as shown) I've been completely captivated by a piece.<br /><br />spacegeek33: The Sanchez Flyer is a wonderful design; those curious can see a lapis pair here:<br />http://www.polyvore.com/gabrielle_sanchez_flyer_earrings/thing?id=30739616<br />I'm certain you would wear those earrings all all all the time.<br /><br />hostess: I like genuine materials best, or funky costume. Imitations trying to pass as genuine are like counterfeit bags: embarrassments.<br /><br />Jill Ann: Almost 100% of emeralds receive some treatment, and this is acceptable when disclosed. Usually they are oiled to enhance the colour- a treatment done for hundreds of years. (Some people have them re-oiled after some decades.) Lesser quality stones may be filled, or a layer of emerald is applied over a cheaper stone (doublets) but they can also be very pretty.<br /><br />Poppy: No excuse for real looking aging or grande dame. I'd restyle it or buy something hipper: Hemmerle, de Taillac,Lucifer Vir Honestus and many more make stunning pieces. See this post:<br />http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2872918251244874644#editor/target=post;postID=1489638862644596062<br /><br />Costume can be fun, but has no soul, and I have seen plenty of ugly costume, some of it very costly.<br /><br />Susan: I'd do that too, and am glad I didn't buy certain precious pieces 'then', as my life is more casual 'now'.<br /><br />Pseu: I would *love* to see you in one of Zara Scoville's Priceless Imperfection pearl necklaces and if I were in LA I would drag you there:) One of us would definitely be acquiring something....<br /><br />C.: Real need not be precious; one of my favourite pieces is a square sterling ring set with a tiny square cut ruby, practically a chip, from my sons, given on my birthday. Sentiment trumps preciousness any day!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-87382506527370973882012-06-28T15:04:32.766-04:002012-06-28T15:04:32.766-04:00The emerald IS exquisite, but so, in its own way, ...The emerald IS exquisite, but so, in its own way, is that wide plastic cuff--so modern and fresh. I wonder whether it, or that carved bakelite brooch, or Bittar's pieces really even qualify as "faux" these days? I suspect their designers consider them real plastic.<br /><br />I have no precious jewels, but try to avoid plated metals. As you point out, patina is lovely, wearing-through-to-base-metal is dismal. But I broke my own rule for a chunky gold-plated Monet bracelet with a perfume-vial charm dangling from it. Simply couldn't resist carrying a few drops of Mitsouko around my wrist that way!<br /><br />C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-82718933219415330422012-06-28T13:37:54.301-04:002012-06-28T13:37:54.301-04:00And that emerald ring...just breathtaking!!!And that emerald ring...just breathtaking!!!Susan Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16005855250089328310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-3250123729264864592012-06-28T13:37:02.093-04:002012-06-28T13:37:02.093-04:00I have very little "fine" jewelry but do...I have very little "fine" jewelry but do have some "real" silver, semi-precious, leather, and bead pieces. Now that I'm wearing more silver, finding "real" at a lower price is easier. But I'll admit that I do love some fun, look-at-me-I'm-FAUX pieces sometimes, like that gumball pearl necklace from Gerard Darel, or the silly stretch bracelet with bright blue beads I'm wearing today. Not ready to give those up yet.Susan Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16005855250089328310noreply@blogger.com