How To Wear Estate Jewelry - Revving Up The Retro

Oh, what a week. 
Obviously I've been grumbling on a daily basis about all of the busy work that goes into getting my taxes completed...so I decided to take a break from the all the wasteful spending by the government things that annoy me about the modern world and concentrate on the loveliness of past at the LA Antiques Show.

It seemed to be a much smaller show this year than the shows that I've gone to in the past...a sign of the times non?There were some very attractive antiques, books and Mid-Century abstract paintings that struck my eye.  But I'm afraid that I wasn't exactly overwhelmed with the estate jewelry. 

This week what I am loving are these pieces from the Retro Period. 

Vintage Van Cleef Retro Bird Brooch with Rubies, Diamonds and Sapphires in Patriotic Style in 18K

During WW2 both fine and fashion (costume) jewelers showed their support for the war effort by designing patriotic jewelry.  They created brooches with specific war related motifs such as army jeeps, American flags, military insignias and medals.  Many of their designs also stayed within the patriotic genre by using red, white and blue gemstones like the rubies, diamonds and sapphires in this VCA brooch.

My photos don't do justice to how beautiful the stones are in this piece...but here's what the VCA brooch looks like being worn

Isn't it charming?

Another great vintage estate jewelry piece from the late Retro Period that I have been wearing this week is this Cartier sapphire brooch which comes with matching earrings.

Vintage Retro Cartier Sapphire Brooch and Earrings in 18K

These pre sputnik style designs were highly popular in the late Retro to the early Mid-Century period.

Here is the Cartier set being worn. 

Yes I know that jewelry buyers today are looking for contemporary pieces such as VCA Alhambra necklaces and Cartier love bangles. While they are certainly chic, they just don't evoke any curiosity.

For me there's something wonderful about wearing jewelry that has a history.  It always makes me wonder who owned this piece?  How was it acquired?  Was it a special gift? What outfit was it worn with?  Did the wearer have a father, husband, lover or son fighting overseas?

So many questions and so few answers.  Provenance is rarely available.

Such is the nature of antiques and estate jewelry.

OK, so back to my grumbling.

I highly recommend that you read this article from Bloomberg

The Fed Rescue Program Too Bizarre to Be True: Michael Lewis

It's always good to know what your hard earned tax dollars fund!

Monday Miscellany and Confident Consumers

If you just happen to pick up the December issue of ELLE magazine and you happen to see the Beladora ad, let me know what you think about it.

Oh...and what else did I want to mention.
National Jeweler has posted an article stating that consumer confidence is increasing.
I'd have to agree with that statement given the prices on what I see being sold at auction.

Take these earrings, for example.

Van Cleef and Arpels Lion Doorknocker Earrings

This pair is being sold on Beladora.com for $8750.

A pair of the same VCA Lion Doorknocker earrings

except with diamond eyes instead of emerald eyes

sold two weeks ago Christies New York sale for $18,750.

Obviously, there must be a lot of consumer confidence out there if estate jewelry buyers are willing to pay $10,000 (114%) more at Christie's auction for basically the same earrings.

( you know what I'm thinking don't you....ARBITRAGE!)

Also, at the same Christie's auction a gold and diamond evening bag, unsigned, sold for $20,000 while the Boucheron gold and diamond evening bag on Beladora was priced at $19,750.  Did I mention that the Beladora bag was Boucheron....and yes, it sold (with a discount) right after the auction.

At any rate, I don't know who was bidding at Christie's but it wouldn't surprise me if some very wealthy Chinese were doing the buying.  After some 80 years of pent up demand, everyone is expecting the Chinese to dominate high end luxury goods purchases, like the Russians did a few years ago, and the Middle Eastern Royals before that.

There are new fancy-schmancy stores being built now on Rodeo Drive, (Tom Ford, Stephen Webster, Badgley Mischka, etc...) that will open for the holidays, so high end businesses are investing in new stores.  Obviously these Luxe businesses are confident.

BTW, Gold Sets A Record Price ...again
Investors looking for safer places to stow their assets pushed gold to a record price above $1,400 an ounce Monday as they become more worried about the global economy.


A combination of issues have created fresh worry among investors: Ireland's debt difficulties and two key global summits where leaders of major industrial and developing nations are discussing currencies, free trade and ways to help the world economy.



Also in the back of investors' minds is the prospect of inflation stemming the Federal Reserve's multi-billion bond-buying program.
I'm wondering, do you think that consumer confidence is increasing?

Vintage Value Venture - The Best On Beladora

I'm kind of on a blogging roll today...because I just have lots to say.
This Van Cleef and Arpels diamond brooch was $7550 on Beladora.com
Another online estate jewelry dealer,on 1st Dibs is selling the same item for $12,500.
The VCA retail price was $20,000.

Seriously, who shows you the love?