Transitions

This is the time of year when my garden rapidly changes; everyday brings a new pallet of color. I have added plants over the years that provide all season interest.

Hydrangea quercifolia or native oak leaf hydrangea pictured in early summer.

It's late October and the leaves are a range of burgundy shades and the flower petals are like dried paper.

Sterling and 18k Hydrangea Earrings

This old squirrel ornament sits in the garden. I have seen real squirrels take a closer look and then run off up a tree.

Squirrel Pendant is carved and cast in sterling silver with 18k eyes

This is zelkova serrata growing in a container on my deck. Soon it will have lost all of it's leaves. But first I'll slip a few between some pages in my sketchbook.

Luxury

Here is Joachim Murat, brother in law of Napolean aka 'the dandy king'. As I stood before this huge painting at The Louvre in Paris, I was struck by the fashionable look of this fellow. Sporting a real tiger hide as blanket, jeweled saber, fancy bridle and pointy boots. Wow, so fashionable and so French!

That portrait made me think of Hermes which began as a bridle and saddle maker.  Today it is one of the world's great luxury brands. 

Shop window at night all dressed for fall. That is an alligator coat!

The fox isn't real but the dirt on the floor is. This picture does not capture the richness of the scene. These windows were unbelievably full of luxury goods. A visual feast.

Photo's are from my recent trip to France. 

Amethyst and Spinel Brooch

My AGTA Spectrum 2011 Entry. Elongated pear shape cabachon is natural untreated Amethyst from Bolivia. Faceted spinel outline the center stone.  I made an 18karat enhancer to wear as a pendant. Completely hand fabricated in 18 karat gold and platinum.

Reverse view shows the platinum settings and the heavy solid 18karat wire that encircles the settings. The amethyst weighs 25 carats. 

I purchased the amethyst at the 2010 GJX in Tuscon from an independent cutter.  The spinel have such a beautiful range of blue and lavender color. Together the combination makes a dramatic color statement.

red and green: Autumn color palette

One of my favorite color combinations, red and green, is found in Autumn when the color palette of the landscape is transformed. Summer flowers become beautiful colorful seed pods. The contrast is so striking and beautiful.

Paeonia obovata

Euonymous americanus

Quatrefoil pendant set with tourmaline and Mali garnet is 18k gold and oxidized silver. Handmade 18k gold chain.
 Inquire or purchase this piece.

Fashion: Vintage Couture Necklaces

 Collarettes by Lanvin, embroidery and cut crystals, France ca. 1930, 1928.  
Images: Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture by Florence Muller. 

I noticed these vintage costume necklaces while perusing the pages of Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture by Florence Muller, Edited by Patrick Sigal. This book surveys jewelry pieces made mostly in France specifically for couture collections. Sadly, most of the costume jewelry industry in France is no longer in business. Each generation 'discovers' new looks. These striking examples remind me of necklaces currently found in stores like Anthropologie or J. Crew. Fashion is indeed fickle.

Necklace by Maison Gripoix, for Chanel. Glass, enamel, metal. France, ca. 1930.
Image: Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture

Classic Chanel combination of chain, charms and color.

Christian Dior, stamped metal cones and rosettes. France c. 1950

Made for Schiaparelli. Silk, feathers, metal, chain. France ca. 1953

All images are from  Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture by Florence Muller. 

Jewelry Collection

I spent a few days at the Tayloe Piggott Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming this past week. The gallery represents contemporary American fine artists and selected jewelry designers. 

This case holds a collection of my jewelry designs. 

Aquamarine

Natural unheated aquamarine with sapphires in 18k gold. One of a kind.