2023 Spending Report: Stars and Dogs

Welcome to you, and welcome, 2024! We usually fling open the Passage with a pearl post, but I have something en train, and the package arrives tomorrow, so we return with another classic, the annual clothes/accessories spending review.

Judging from the stats, women are interested in my buying habits, especially mistakes. Laugh at my expense, honeybunches! Buying, as they say, is crying.

Let's get it over with: Dogs

Naadam, dammit

Shown, a similar Naadam style; mine has thinner stripes:

During a sale, I bought a slouchy Naadam black-and-natural striped cashmere sweater. I thought it would be a pleasing change from solids, but the palette is not mine, though I like it on others. In a fit of indecision, I missed the return window.  Naadam, known for their sustainable sourcing, is a company to support, but I learned my colour lesson... again.

Pearl and coral necklace

I ordered a baroque CFW pearl and coral-bead necklace from a Canadian jeweller's site. However, the fabrication on this piece was not as refined as I wished. In Ottawa last fall, I was able to see some of Soma Mo's earrings at L.M. Pai Gallery, both wearable and graceful. This particular necklace was not ideally finished, and I decided to return it.

I would order from the site again if something caught my eye; her return policy allows a full refund when the return is initiated within seven days of delivery.

Stars

A Star delivers versatility, superior quality and aesthetic purr.  It's not about the price—socks that fit perfectly and hold up can be a Star. 

Elevated earrings

You've seen the renovated Tahitians; this year's project was similar: new 18k handmade tops for a gift of thirty years ago, ruby earrings made by Susan Cockburn (Nicolaou), then a Toronto jeweller. 

I had not worn them for at least a decade, because the thin white gold wires bent easily; I didn't want to lose one. (I lost two earrings last winter, due to pulling off hats and scarves. I now add an extra back to all posts and hooks, but that is an awkward fix on these French wires.) 

Original earrings

Also, they drooped, because the wires offered no support. However, I was not willing to divest the glowing Thai rubies chosen by the gem-loving Le Duc. 

The new post construction offers that support, and each earring curves slightly toward the face for a subtle detail. They were made by Pilar Agueci, and I was again thrilled with both her design and smithing skills. I've worn these more since the reno than in the preceding twenty years. (Pilar has a sale on now till January 4.)

Renovated earrings

Sexy sapphires

Gwen of perfumeniche and I share abiding admiration for the Toronto jewellers Pam Chandler and Don Collins of Artworks Gallery, so dropped in together.

When I tried on their tiny (about 14mm) sapphire-studded snake, I knew it would zhuzh my generic earrings such as tube hoops, but mostly, I was snake-charmed by its insouciance.

I'm having fun wearing these sparkly sapphires—an example of how cut shines forth even in 2mm stones.

Spotty topper

Those two purchases dented my kitty, but then my girlfriend Marina and I dropped into The Clothes Secret, a bustling consignment boutique in Ottawa. I found a lightweight wool-blend topper (by American Vintage, a French brand). Transitional coats have a short run in our northern city, so when I can find secondhand in perfect shape, it comes home.

It's a change from wintry solids, and washable!  

Overall grade: B

Gah! That sweater sunk my longed-for A, but so did the pearl necklace.  

I'm more confident about buying jewellery than anything else, but it is difficult to assess fabrication when one orders online. I wish I had asked for photos from various angles.

The lesson of 2023 was to 'shop my jewellery box', and I urge you to do the same.  The price of gold has increased by over 71% in the past decade. The price of silver has climbed about 22% in the past ten years—silver is a more volatile market—but it may still be worth renovating silver pieces versus replacement. 

And, renos are usually gentler on the environment, because you are recycling existing material. I like to work with jewellers who apply strict standards for their suppliers, as those mentioned here do, but most of all, I like wearing a new version of a romantic gift.