Seven baubles for spring and one special offer

Soon enough, off come the tuques and hats—blooming is not just for gardens!

Like a gardener who pores over nursery catalogs, I've been scouting for what's going to look good once the snow melts and green appears. No huge luxuries in the windows, just smart and sassy treats under $150 for your lightening-up days, each with a different attitude.    

With pearls, please... with a generous discount

Better than makeup and way easier to apply: a pair of pearl earrings are "nature's Photoshop". Gwen, proprietor-goddess of perfumeniche sends a smooch wearing the Curve freshwater earrings (price, $CDN 110) shown in a previous post. 

As a spring treat, the designer, JohnnyB of JohnnyBJewelry (Etsy), offers Passage readers 20% off these or other JohnnyB pieces (like the hoops shown bottom right) from now through March 31, 2022 with code PERLES20. Thank you, Mr. Johnny! And, free shipping in North America. 

Gwen received hers as birthday gift from her son and said, "I love them so much I ordered them as a gift for a friend."

Try something different!

Spring is time to add an unusual piece that is visible now that those layers gradually lift. If you're a traditional woman, try a spirited modern style; if plain hoops are your comfort object, pick a more ornate piece.

Left: Modern: four marbled resin bangles from the V&A Museum Shop. Bangles are fun as a set, but buying four in a precious metal is an investment. Here's an interesting stack for just £12, with a 10% discount for V&A members.

Top right: Ethnic jewellery adds intrigue to simple clothes. Mother of pearl "Terai" earrings with hand-carved Tahitian traditional motifs from the sellers of spectacular, sustainable Tahitians, Kamoka Pearl. Available in various designs, with choice of gold or silver wires; price, $US 148. Tahitian oysters yield a rich, flashing mother of pearl.

Bottom right: I usually nudge women in the Passage away from twee, girlish hearts, but these Corda Reef Knot stud earrings, elevated by their classical references, are grownup and graceful. I learned the history of the Reef or Hercules knot on Montreal jeweller Marilie Jacob's Etsy site. They measure 1.2cm (about 1/2 in) long and 1 cm (.40 in.) wide. Price, $CDN 65. 

Flora from Canada

Whether figural or abstract, flower motifs are especially delightful in spring.

Perfectly-modeled phalaenopsis Equestris orchid blooms in sterling silver with pearls (choice of white or pink), by Quebec jeweller Bénédite Séguin of L'Amulette; price, $CDN 140. The site is brimming with other beautiful pieces made from natural shapes.

Stylized flowers of colour and glitter, these joyful dangles are just over 2 in. (50mm) long. Made by Nova Scotian jeweller Meris Mosher (on the site of the contemporary jewellery gallery L.A. Pai) of silver, copper, resin and glitter; price, $CDN 140. This link shows her other capricious pieces; the flower earrings are made in various styles and colours.