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.
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.
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.
Comments
A lovely and diverse selection, Duchesse - I like the pearl hoops, but sadly large hoops do not suit me. Those resin bangles, though, are wonderful and would withstand sun screen cream and even sea water come the summer!
By the way, have you seen the jewellery in the online shop of the Royal Academy of Arts? There's a rubber, stone and pearl ring on there that really caught my eye!
Jane in London
Laura J: I love it when readers tell one another about finds, it's my biggest reward aside from meeting some of you IRL.