What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?

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#1,366
etoupebirkin said:
BigAkoya,
I new you'd love this ring! But it's not watermelon tourmaline at all, no green. The bi-color is gold that matches the 22K of the setting and a dusty pink, kind of like Hermes Bois de Rose. And the bi-color moves as the light hits the stone. I've never seen anything like it. The result is a very neutral colored ring that's both under the radar and over the top. My jeweler friend says the setting is extremely difficult to make and only a master jeweler can achieve it.

BTW, I own the book. It was a gift from my MIL.

Here's another project I am working on with my jeweler. He is a master — and was hired by the Smithsonian to remove the Hope Diamond from its setting when the stone was examined the stone extensively.

I found a 6-carat Columbian Emerald for a very good price on TRR. It was set in WG as a pendant. It has very nice proportions with few inclusions. The WG made the stone seem much lighter. I am making a ring with it, based on some of the Irene Neuwirth Gemmy Gem rings. Since this stone is so large, the jeweler recommended a flat bottom. Here are the CAD drawings. It's going to be cast in 18K YG. Once the stone was removed from the setting, the color is MUCH better. The ring should be ready in time for Mother's Day. I have matching earrings too. The pic is not great of the earrings, but you get the idea.

View attachment 5383351View attachment 5383369
Click to expand...
I love your Belperron, your emeralds (what a fabulous Mother’s Day present :biggrin:) , and your impeccable taste! congrats! I bought the Belperron book — it’s actually my favorite jewelry book. I loved it so much, I bought one for my mom too. but not at the current book prices which are really high. I’m off to google Material Good :smile:

@Happyish, what a gorgeous Bulgari piece! It reminds me of delicious mendiant chocolate discs from Maison du chocolate (in the best way possible) I’m also excited to hear if you had your VCA appointment yet and whether you are waiting for the flower lace.

I was also interested to hear about Mahie doing the etruscan cuff for VCA. One small issue I have is that when I go to VCA, I see a lot of different design directions that don’t always cohere for me the way I would like. (Even with the allowances made for heritage pieces through the decades) But that’s perhaps bc I’m not really a VCA person even as I still search for the right piece for me.

@BigAkoya, the Tiffany exhibit sounds magnificent; are you going to London this summer? Would love to hear your thoughts
I read somewhere that prior to schlumberger accepting Tiffany’s offer to be their in house jeweler, Tiffany offered the spot to Belperron. she felt she could not leave Paris so declined. But, I like to imagine the different design paths that might have been taken otherwise
i am also making a mental note to visit the V&A when I next go back :smile:
also, you will not be surprised to hear that, everyone I’ve consulted (including my DH, VCA SA, and Briony R agree with you that the Bulgari serpenti tubogas would be a better choice for me than Buton d’or).
 
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#1,367
880 said:
I love your Belperron, your emeralds (what a fabulous Mother’s Day present :biggrin:) , and your impeccable taste! congrats! I bought the Belperron book — it’s actually my favorite jewelry book. I loved it so much, I bought one for my mom too. but not at the current book prices which are really high. I’m off to google Material Good :smile:

@Happyish, what a gorgeous Bulgari piece! It reminds me of delicious mendiant chocolate discs from Maison du chocolate (in the best way possible) I’m also excited to hear if you had your VCA appointment yet and whether you are waiting for the flower lace.

I was also interested to hear about Mahie doing the etruscan cuff for VCA. One small issue I have is that when I go to VCA, I see a lot of different design directions that don’t always cohere for me the way I would like. (Even with the allowances made for heritage pieces through the decades) But that’s perhaps bc I’m not really a VCA person even as I still search for the right piece for me.

@BigAkoya, the Tiffany exhibit sounds magnificent; are you going to London this summer? Would love to hear your thoughts
I read somewhere that prior to schlumberger accepting Tiffany’s offer to be their in house jeweler, Tiffany offered the spot to Belperron. she felt she could not leave Paris so declined. But, I like to imagine the different design paths that might have been taken otherwise
i am also making a mental note to visit the V&A when I next go back :smile:
also, you will not be surprised to hear that, everyone I’ve consulted (including my DH, VCA SA, and Briony R agree with you that the Bulgari serpenti tubogas would be a better choice for me than Buton d’or).
Click to expand...
Yes... dive in and get the Bulgari! It's very you, a statement piece, and I think you look fabulous with your statement pieces.

On the Tiffany exhibition, I heard rumor after London, it is coming to NYC! I asked Tiffany, and there are "plans", but there is no confirmed date. We all know what happens with "plans" that fall apart, so I am not banking on NYC until I see something firm. This is one exhibit I am not going to miss! I plan to watch and see if Tiffany announces this exhibition in NYC. If they do not announce dates for NYC one month before the end of the London exhibition, then yes, I will go back to London this summer to see the exhibit. To me, of all the major luxury brands, Tiffany has the most stunning use of large colored gemstones.

I actually think if Belperron had agreed to sign with Tiffany, she would have been immortalized and far more well-known as Schlumberger is today. Ironically, I feel her designs are more contemporary and aligned with today's Tiffany's style. Schlumberger, while iconic (due to being associated with Tiffany) is more old-world glamour that may not resonate with everyone in the 21st century. That said, LVMH said they will focus on Schlumberger and do big campaigns to revive the brand. We'll see how it goes.

On to your necklace...
Since you love the wine & dine thing from luxury brands, I have an idea for you when you go back to London.
You may want to consider buying your necklace in London. Here's the game plan... :biggrin::heart:

1 - Call Bulgari London and let them know you are flying in to buy the necklace. Ask them how far in advance of your arrival you need to let them know because you want to be sure the necklace is there for you to purchase during your visit. Do not commit yet that you will buy from that boutique (I'll explain why later). During this conversation, tell them you love Bulgari, you have several pieces, and you are thinking of staying at the Bulgari London hotel. Innocently inquire if the boutique and hotel are affiliated. You might get some perks (e.g. room upgrade, meals, tours... the wine & dine you and hubby love).

2 - If no perks are mentioned at the Bulgari boutique you called, repeat step 1, but call the Bulgari boutique in Harrods. The Bulgari hotel is in Knightsbridge, right across from Harrods, less than a 5 minute walk. If any Bulgari boutique has perks with the hotel, it would be Harrods. The downside to Bulgari Harrods is the boutique is small, so you won't be able to browse and see a ton of other pieces.

3 - Even if no perks with the boutique, consider staying at the Bulgari hotel. It's literally minutes from Harrods, and you can hang out at the Harrods Jewelry Hall, which is a jewelry feast for the eyes. All the major brands are there and carry high jewelry pieces. The Bulgari hotel is also minutes from the V&A. It's a short walk (or you can always black cab/Uber).

Since you are such a fan of Bulgari, I think you would really enjoy staying there and ODing on everything Bulgari. What a great memory to tie it with your Serpenti purchase!

A cute story to share...
I once stayed at the Bulgari Paris hotel while traveling on business with a colleague. Both of us were younger and did crazy things. My colleague told me his wife loves the shampoo/conditioners/soaps from the luxury hotels, so every night, he takes the full set of toiletries and hides them in a drawer. The next day, housekeeping restocks the toiletries. Repeat... he takes this new set of toiletries and hides them again. Without fail, housekeeping stocks it up again.

Full confession... I got inspired and did that at the Bulgari Paris hotel! :nuts::heart: I brought home 5 days worth of Bulgari toiletries.
My husband cracked up when he saw my stash and said... "what you are going to do with all this... you little pilfer-er?" :biggrin::sad::heart:

I know, I was greedy, and I hoarded (I pray for forgiveness!), but it was fun when I did it! :biggrin::heart:

I am sure you will have fun in London! You may even be going for the Jubilee which is awesome!
 
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#1,368
BigAkoya said:
Yes... dive in and get the Bulgari! It's very you, a statement piece, and I think you look fabulous with your statement pieces.

On the Tiffany exhibition, I heard rumor after London, it is coming to NYC! I asked Tiffany, and there are "plans", but there is no confirmed date. We all know what happens with "plans" that fall apart, so I am not banking on NYC until I see something firm. This is one exhibit I am not going to miss! I plan to watch and see if Tiffany announces this exhibition in NYC. If they do not announce dates for NYC one month before the end of the London exhibition, then yes, I will go back to London this summer to see the exhibit. To me, of all the major luxury brands, Tiffany has the most stunning use of large colored gemstones.

I actually think if Belperron had agreed to sign with Tiffany, she would have been immortalized and far more well-known as Schlumberger is today. Ironically, I feel her designs are more contemporary and aligned with today's Tiffany's style. Schlumberger, while iconic (due to being associated with Tiffany) is more old-world glamour that may not resonate with everyone in the 21st century. That said, LVMH said they will focus on Schlumberger and do big campaigns to revive the brand. We'll see how it goes.

On to your necklace...
Since you love the wine & dine thing from luxury brands, I have an idea for you when you go back to London.
You may want to consider buying your necklace in London. Here's the game plan... :biggrin::heart:

1 - Call Bulgari London and let them know you are flying in to buy the necklace. Ask them how far in advance of your arrival you need to let them know because you want to be sure the necklace is there for you to purchase during your visit. Do not commit yet that you will buy from that boutique (I'll explain why later). During this conversation, tell them you love Bulgari, you have several pieces, and you are thinking of staying at the Bulgari London hotel. Innocently inquire if the boutique and hotel are affiliated. You might get some perks (e.g. room upgrade, meals, tours... the wine & dine you and hubby love).

2 - If no perks are mentioned at the Bulgari boutique you called, repeat step 1, but call the Bulgari boutique in Harrods. The Bulgari hotel is in Knightsbridge, right across from Harrods, less than a 5 minute walk. If any Bulgari boutique has perks with the hotel, it would be Harrods. The downside to Bulgari Harrods is the boutique is small, so you won't be able to browse and see a ton of other pieces.

3 - Even if no perks with the boutique, consider staying at the Bulgari hotel. It's literally minutes from Harrods, and you can hang out at the Harrods Jewelry Hall, which is a jewelry feast for the eyes. All the major brands are there and carry high jewelry pieces. The Bulgari hotel is also minutes from the V&A. It's a short walk (or you can always black cab/Uber).

Since you are such a fan of Bulgari, I think you would really enjoy staying there and ODing on everything Bulgari. What a great memory to tie it with your Serpenti purchase!

A cute story to share...
I once stayed at the Bulgari Paris hotel while traveling on business with a colleague. Both of us were younger and did crazy things. My colleague told me his wife loves the shampoo/conditioners/soaps from the luxury hotels, so every night, he takes the full set of toiletries and hides them in a drawer. The next day, housekeeping restocks the toiletries. Repeat... he takes this new set of toiletries and hides them again. Without fail, housekeeping stocks it up again.

Full confession... I got inspired and did that at the Bulgari Paris hotel! :nuts::heart: I brought home 5 days worth of Bulgari toiletries.
My husband cracked up when he saw my stash and said... "what you are going to do with all this... you little pilfer-er?" :biggrin::sad::heart:

I know, I was greedy, and I hoarded (I pray for forgiveness!), but it was fun when I did it! :biggrin::heart:

I am sure you will have fun in London! You may even be going for the Jubilee which is awesome!
Click to expand...

I may or may not have done the same thing at Adare Manor.....:angel:
 
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#1,369
BigAkoya said:
Yes... dive in and get the Bulgari! It's very you, a statement piece, and I think you look fabulous with your statement pieces.

On the Tiffany exhibition, I heard rumor after London, it is coming to NYC! I asked Tiffany, and there are "plans", but there is no confirmed date. We all know what happens with "plans" that fall apart, so I am not banking on NYC until I see something firm. This is one exhibit I am not going to miss! I plan to watch and see if Tiffany announces this exhibition in NYC. If they do not announce dates for NYC one month before the end of the London exhibition, then yes, I will go back to London this summer to see the exhibit. To me, of all the major luxury brands, Tiffany has the most stunning use of large colored gemstones.

I actually think if Belperron had agreed to sign with Tiffany, she would have been immortalized and far more well-known as Schlumberger is today. Ironically, I feel her designs are more contemporary and aligned with today's Tiffany's style. Schlumberger, while iconic (due to being associated with Tiffany) is more old-world glamour that may not resonate with everyone in the 21st century. That said, LVMH said they will focus on Schlumberger and do big campaigns to revive the brand. We'll see how it goes.

On to your necklace...
Since you love the wine & dine thing from luxury brands, I have an idea for you when you go back to London.
You may want to consider buying your necklace in London. Here's the game plan... :biggrin::heart:

1 - Call Bulgari London and let them know you are flying in to buy the necklace. Ask them how far in advance of your arrival you need to let them know because you want to be sure the necklace is there for you to purchase during your visit. Do not commit yet that you will buy from that boutique (I'll explain why later). During this conversation, tell them you love Bulgari, you have several pieces, and you are thinking of staying at the Bulgari London hotel. Innocently inquire if the boutique and hotel are affiliated. You might get some perks (e.g. room upgrade, meals, tours... the wine & dine you and hubby love).

2 - If no perks are mentioned at the Bulgari boutique you called, repeat step 1, but call the Bulgari boutique in Harrods. The Bulgari hotel is in Knightsbridge, right across from Harrods, less than a 5 minute walk. If any Bulgari boutique has perks with the hotel, it would be Harrods. The downside to Bulgari Harrods is the boutique is small, so you won't be able to browse and see a ton of other pieces.

3 - Even if no perks with the boutique, consider staying at the Bulgari hotel. It's literally minutes from Harrods, and you can hang out at the Harrods Jewelry Hall, which is a jewelry feast for the eyes. All the major brands are there and carry high jewelry pieces. The Bulgari hotel is also minutes from the V&A. It's a short walk (or you can always black cab/Uber).

Since you are such a fan of Bulgari, I think you would really enjoy staying there and ODing on everything Bulgari. What a great memory to tie it with your Serpenti purchase!

A cute story to share...
I once stayed at the Bulgari Paris hotel while traveling on business with a colleague. Both of us were younger and did crazy things. My colleague told me his wife loves the shampoo/conditioners/soaps from the luxury hotels, so every night, he takes the full set of toiletries and hides them in a drawer. The next day, housekeeping restocks the toiletries. Repeat... he takes this new set of toiletries and hides them again. Without fail, housekeeping stocks it up again.

Full confession... I got inspired and did that at the Bulgari Paris hotel! :nuts::heart: I brought home 5 days worth of Bulgari toiletries.
My husband cracked up when he saw my stash and said... "what you are going to do with all this... you little pilfer-er?" :biggrin::sad::heart:

I know, I was greedy, and I hoarded (I pray for forgiveness!), but it was fun when I did it! :biggrin::heart:

I am sure you will have fun in London! You may even be going for the Jubilee which is awesome!
Click to expand...
Lol, my Bulgari SA already took care of us at the bulgari hotel in Paris. I didnt know there was a Bulgari hotel London, but we love the Connaught. Our travel agent already gets us upgrades; late check out; free breakfast; and hotel credit (She is affiliated with virtuoso, but not a virtuoso agent) I actually think the extravagant wine and dine at the store detracts. I don’t want to eat or drink when I’m shopping :smile: lol re Bulgari bath product:hugs::hugs:
hugs
 
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#1,370
etoupebirkin said:
I bought the earrings precisely because they reminded me of Procop’s Jolie collection, but without the six-figure price. They were still *quite* an investment. They are certified, but Zambian in origin, with very little treatment. They are the best Zambian stones I’ve ever seen

The finished emerald ring came in yesterday. It is absolutely perfect. I am firmly convinced that if it was in a jewelry case at Irene Neuwirth or at Material Good in NYC, the ring would cost $30-$40K. And it would sell in a flash. It’s a really strikingly beautiful and special ring that just is electric green. There are not that many nice stones with life, few inclusions, at this size and proportions.

In the pic, the cuff is by Jean Mahie, Pink Sapphire by Bayco, and the diamond by Graff.

I’ll take more pics when I have a moment

View attachment 5393060
Click to expand...
What a fabulous ring!!! You have an amazing jewelry collection! I'd love to see more!
 
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#1,371
[QUOTE="880, post: 35137342, member: 148115"

I was also interested to hear about Mahie doing the etruscan cuff for VCA. One small issue I have is that when I go to VCA, I see a lot of different design directions that don’t always cohere for me the way I would like. (Even with the allowances made for heritage pieces through the decades) But that’s perhaps bc I’m not really a VCA person even as I still search for the right piece for me.

You're right--it is all over the place. A lot of designs from the '70's are consistent with those designed by Georges Lenfant, who also designed for Hermes and Cartier. None of those designs bear much, if any similarity to what the house now offers. Nonetheless, there is something about a Van Cleef creation, that is generally recognizable. I guess it's from pouring through all those books.
 
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