U is for Unlucky (Art Nouveau – #AtoZChallenge)

by Lillian Csernica on April 25, 2017

The number thirteen produces strong reactions in people. Many believe the number is unlucky. Much to my surprise, I’ve discovered why many other people insist on believing thirteenth brings good luck. For excellent examples of both sides, click here.

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“Lucky” 13  heart charm. Silver and enamel. Germany circa 1900.

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18k gold decorated with papyrus leaves and platinum set with tiny rose-cut diamonds. France, circa 1900.

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Rose wreath charm with “lucky” 13 inside. Sterling silver, from France.

http://www.rubylane.com

Sterling silver crescent moon “lucky” 13 charm. Victorian.

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18k gold with diamond, ruby, and aquamarine. Late 19th Century.

 

 

I is for Insect (Art Nouveau – #AtoZChallenge)

by Lillian Csernica on April 11, 2017

lisak.net.pl

A butterfly with a cushion-cut aquamarine and cabochon opal body, extending blue and green plique-a-jour enamel wings, enhanced by cabochon rubies and calibre-cut emeralds, accented by a collet-set diamond and gold wirework detail, mounted in gold. Boucheron, 1900.

Bentley & Skinner

A Victorian moonstone and diamond beetle brooch, the body of the beetle brooch set with cabochon-cut moonstones, the head and central streak of the body set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 0.6 carats, with cabochon-cut ruby eyes, all set to a yellow gold back and sword with pearl set to the handle. Circa 1890.

jewelry-sale

An Art Nouuveau gold, enamel, and opal scarf clip. Georges Fouquet, 1900s. Centering on an opal cicada set between open work enamel ivy leaves.

sothebys.com

Sprigs of mistletoe set with circular and rose-cut diamonds, highlighted with pearls, to a central knife edge work web with a spider, its head a circular-cut diamond and its abdomen a similarly cut diamond of brown tint.

If you like spider jewelry (shudder!), you might enjoy this.

1stdibs.com

Brooch with stylized bees. Natural pearls, green enamel, and 18k gold.

V and A Collections

Gold and enamel brooch in the shape of a flower and a hornet, made by Georges Fouquet and designed by Charles Desrosiers. Paris, France, 1901.

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