tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74857230187992329722024-03-15T18:09:30.077-07:00Inspired AntiquityTelling not only the inspired new stories, but also the best from antiquity, through stunning fine jewelry!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-17598362564101744272024-01-22T07:12:00.000-07:002024-01-22T07:12:30.050-07:00Empress Theodora - Byzantine Pioneer of Women's Rights<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">When Elle over at <i><a href="https://thecurio.nyc" target="_blank">The Curio</a></i> asked if their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_curio_/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram followers</a> would be interested in participating in a personally curated collection based on her interpretation of your unique style and likes based upon your own Instagram profile; I JUMPED at the chance! Although the pieces Elle selected for me based upon my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/inspiredantiquity/?hl=en" target="_blank">Insta</a> profile hit the nail on the head; there was one selection which captivated me right from the start....An e</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">xceptional stylized Victorian Art Nouveau earrings of Queen Theodora.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdma6VEqodj4I-xvMpvdowTVNs7gbVVBbo3oM5LkijWA4md_e_sizGqRAuR6img_t9WE_8umX-t1172dbwWxUgxCNWVgApMbUsXZzkSiWfiF-ZMlJ86eFMGzEgjr1hTztMlcLGMfCqqS8_XylRr1H3U03RRUYUvIyqEnnpRVtjh-VwlGdFPFe6pr6_aAx/s1702/1335763A-EB7E-48F9-841F-C2234CECB363_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1702" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdma6VEqodj4I-xvMpvdowTVNs7gbVVBbo3oM5LkijWA4md_e_sizGqRAuR6img_t9WE_8umX-t1172dbwWxUgxCNWVgApMbUsXZzkSiWfiF-ZMlJ86eFMGzEgjr1hTztMlcLGMfCqqS8_XylRr1H3U03RRUYUvIyqEnnpRVtjh-VwlGdFPFe6pr6_aAx/w360-h640/1335763A-EB7E-48F9-841F-C2234CECB363_1_201_a.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>English, circa 1880, Victorian Empress Theodora Earrings in 15k Yellow Gold.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Throughout the Victorian, </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Art Nouveau and early Art Deco periods, there was a resurgence in the appreciation and love for antiquity. Truly, a style statement after my own heart. And these earrings were exactly that - A Statement! Just reading the description of these beauties from The Curio was enough to captivate me:</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>"Victorian jewelry is as complex in its symbolism, sentiment, and design as the fashion, architecture, and decor of the time. Worn as an ornament, a love token, or a remembrance, jewelry not only completed the well-dressed lady’s costume but also denoted her position in society, her marital status, and her sense of self... And these Victorian earrings, depicting, who I believe to be Theodora, Justinian the I's Empress. The Victorian period held many revivals, one of the most quiet was the Byzantine revival-- few examples of the period are well documented, but these earrings hold a special intersection of Victorian, Nouveau, and Byzantine sentiment. The figure I thus identified by her peculiar crown, which, upon detailed inspection, looks exactly like the examples of Byzantine crowns that might have been on exhibit at the Victoria + Albert museum (at the time, the South Kensington Museum) the 1870's. English made, this pair of earrings are a revivalist collector's dream."</i></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i> Materials and Features: 15k gold</i></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i> Age/Origin: English, c 1880</i></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i> Measurements: 2”, 7 grams</i></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i> Condition: Excellent condition. Minor associated age wear. </i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">What these earrings really inspired in me was the desire to know more about the woman they depicted, Empress Theodora. And, what I learned, was enough to inspire, fascinate and draw me even further into the rich history these earrings already had.</div></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">What I learned was that <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Theodora was a strong willed, opinionated woman who believed that women should have rights. A modern viewpoint in what was primarily a patriarchal society. She was</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">(reigned 527 - 565 CE)</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">. She is remembered for being one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She used her power and influence to promote religious and social policies and was one of the first rulers to recognize the rights of women. To many,</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> Theodora was a heroine. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXNwB7RTQkkhlD7UkLrdht1_oo9GTVjOydXNBKJKIgD69eZ8IF2jRLicEov1QQ1uOmy0eQr1cvrf3vZ_77wOrXA0zkDJz9eUIMy8tKn02O-z3MsBkdHwbMsXcqD747W7s7WySBSoakECRhWBBmXFaY_pUZpTShS6CVe76O23FLtgBLErRpcFMQFFrewPH/s2322/21A7A304-6900-4FE9-A02A-BCA03E97B845_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="1742" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXNwB7RTQkkhlD7UkLrdht1_oo9GTVjOydXNBKJKIgD69eZ8IF2jRLicEov1QQ1uOmy0eQr1cvrf3vZ_77wOrXA0zkDJz9eUIMy8tKn02O-z3MsBkdHwbMsXcqD747W7s7WySBSoakECRhWBBmXFaY_pUZpTShS6CVe76O23FLtgBLErRpcFMQFFrewPH/w480-h640/21A7A304-6900-4FE9-A02A-BCA03E97B845_1_201_a.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the crown she wears & compare to the mosaic representations of Empress Theodora.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">However, before she was the empress, she led a life that would have been considered scandalous amongst modern day polite society. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">After her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation and life on the streets. Determined to survive, she makes a living any way she can—first as a prostitute and then as an actress on the stage in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Procopius, a high official, historian and contemporary of Theodora, greatly disapproved of Theodora's personality and background. Theodora was apparently as ruthless as she was smart and it was these early years in her life where she worked as a prostitute and actress that many would use to describe her as “less than saintly.” Procopius' notorious account of Theodora in his '<i>Secret History</i>' shows an extreme dislike for her character. Like some of today; he, and Byzantine society in general, evaluated her former occupations as very near the bottom of the “hierarchy of the arts.” </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Justinian sought to marry Theodora, though he was prevented from doing so by a Roman law from Constantine's time that barred anyone of senatorial rank from marrying actresses. The empress Euphemia, consort of the emperor Justin, also strongly opposed the marriage. And, </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Justinian </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">was the most desired bachelor in the whole of the Roman Empire. It is said that Justinian fell madly in love with Theodora and he convinced his uncle, emperor Justin, to change the law so he could marry her.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2HBaw92qUw7yt655aCXq69uKBgbqIiBxzORl_hv7pMxcJhyLs9Ji7poLtM5ofOp0jShaLfDGhy16Sk_2kgabtiAnYqMqV3CSQOROzRdcVmBfNtsoO8Vuj39RTiVZZyr18jzByIbua4EPKMT2pVSCWLbzNzqLwGmV3FdN7tOqQN19LuzFPWvMry4-ZXsb/s323/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2HBaw92qUw7yt655aCXq69uKBgbqIiBxzORl_hv7pMxcJhyLs9Ji7poLtM5ofOp0jShaLfDGhy16Sk_2kgabtiAnYqMqV3CSQOROzRdcVmBfNtsoO8Vuj39RTiVZZyr18jzByIbua4EPKMT2pVSCWLbzNzqLwGmV3FdN7tOqQN19LuzFPWvMry4-ZXsb/w640-h310/images-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A mosaic of Emperor Justinian & Empress Theodora.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Empress Theodora was an active </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">participant in Justinian's rule; particularly when it came to legal and spiritual reforms. Her involvement resulted in substantial increases to the rights of women. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Theodora encouraged her husband to make new laws that were fairer to women</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> that prohibited forced prostitution and closed brothels. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Theodora assisted her husband in choosing government leaders. She believed jobs should be given based on ability and not social class.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;">As a result of these groundbreaking accomplishments, the historian Treadgold referred to her as a protectress of women. She used her influence to help them gain rights and was also seen as a protector and defender of the poor and weak. Because she was a close collaborator, some have even speculated she served as a co-ruler, with her husband, it is extremely likely that she was able to influence policy and even laws that helped to achieve these ends. Does this make her a heroine? The answer depends on how you define heroine and who you ask.</div><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAZ4Z7jvQyDcBF8SPZ7bllJ2iNJtAvFo4Sc5yesOrf0tHb-7rmP6g3ENkDPN8SasCYJURkLvSp0SmTPvMXjRqR7o-tnXb_UU-yGRCqO_eJahtMBDcLvM7pgFxBB5vxVHquoJG5d7JFdPlQd-KkW_df_7QF-DbY2UC5lZl8BYU78YouWvFu6US6HdabRen/s1596/33313786-59A8-4B0B-BA6E-12A568DF866B_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAZ4Z7jvQyDcBF8SPZ7bllJ2iNJtAvFo4Sc5yesOrf0tHb-7rmP6g3ENkDPN8SasCYJURkLvSp0SmTPvMXjRqR7o-tnXb_UU-yGRCqO_eJahtMBDcLvM7pgFxBB5vxVHquoJG5d7JFdPlQd-KkW_df_7QF-DbY2UC5lZl8BYU78YouWvFu6US6HdabRen/w384-h640/33313786-59A8-4B0B-BA6E-12A568DF866B_1_201_a.jpeg" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>These earrings elevate even a mess bun & my "librarian" glasses!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;">Theodora became a character in popular Greek legend who possessed many of the qualities of a hero. Campbell said that heroes are partly defined as protectors and defenders, attributes shown in Theodora's character. She was also considered wise and beautiful, qualities often attributed to classical heroes. Theodora was a very commanding personality with great influence as seen in her persuading Justinian to change laws and her reaction to disloyalty when she was left effectively in control while Justinian suffered from the plague. Theodora effectively changed the course of history both when she dissuaded her husband from taking flight during the Nika riots and when she influenced changes in laws and rights. Because of this, she is sometimes referred to as a heroine, even though Procopius and some other historians focus on the deaths that the dissuasion cost. </div><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; margin: 0px;">Theodora also possessed three Christian values which are attributed to a Christian heroine: The value of faith as she was faithful to her husband; charitable to those who were less fortunate, as she had once been; and she is said to have been penitent which was parallel to Mary Magdalene. These values support the idea that Theodora was a heroine from a religious and Christian viewpoint. Theodora had also converted to an early form of Christianity where these attributes would have been greatly prized.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">On June 28, 548 AD, Empress Theodora died in Constantinople. Today, Theodora is considered a saint by the Greek Orthodox Church. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmEPJcxPaAl6C1Q52TFSAgj0Kagi8o_PJJgA4uUMPglX7iNLpaqBupQj5l6azW_6WIHe_moKQqHVFE1EQjXqUO9EBX4JrwYCqUuSMFGdYuJLSneusoZgWkkMrPiOS5vR1P_9V8YJNQ-U1TIQjBdUtbWBoopydckVkT8zhKd2tHiLpbUBauilGts82obeo/s225/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmEPJcxPaAl6C1Q52TFSAgj0Kagi8o_PJJgA4uUMPglX7iNLpaqBupQj5l6azW_6WIHe_moKQqHVFE1EQjXqUO9EBX4JrwYCqUuSMFGdYuJLSneusoZgWkkMrPiOS5vR1P_9V8YJNQ-U1TIQjBdUtbWBoopydckVkT8zhKd2tHiLpbUBauilGts82obeo/w640-h640/images.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A mosaic of Saint Theodora.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a><span style="text-align: center;"> .</span> </p>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-20989611394039104102023-09-28T15:29:00.014-07:002023-09-28T16:20:40.479-07:00Jeweled History: A Creative Writing Series - The Golden Bowl, Challenge Accepted (Chapter 5)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/s600/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/w640-h316/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-small;">Gold & Lapis Bowl looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.<br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u>Chapter 5: Challenge Accepted</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What the HELL, Red,” Adam exclaimed, looking at her as he
angled the SUV into the valet parking area of the hotel and snatching the crumpled
yellow paper from her hand with a quick glance before passing it along. “Rice, follow-up. Now.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“On it,” she replied, phone already in hand. “Corey, there’s been a breach. I need you to get with the Museum Security
Director and pull all the security footage from outside the Director’s office
going backwards from the time we left by four hours. Cross reference anyone seen entering his
office after Ms. Anne against the guest list and museum staff. I need that list ASAP with accompanying photos
and dossiers. I also want their
movements tracked for the duration of the event for anyone who entered/existed
the Director’s office during that timeframe.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam nodded at Rice as he took EJ’s room card from her hand,
exchanging it for the yellow paper he’d handed over earlier. Rice strode towards the elevator leaving Adam
and EJ alone in the main lobby. Adam
took EJ’s elbow and led her to a secluded area of the lobby providing him with
unobstructed views of all entry and exit points as well as the still running
SUV in the circle driveway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Explain, now.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What the fuck, Adam?” EJ demanded. In all honesty, she knew exactly where his
mind had gone and what had him upset.
She was just irritated and felt like he was running rough-shod over her. She wasn’t that gangly teenager anymore and
her reporter brain was working overtime thinking of where to start because this
story had definitely taken a turn and piqued her curiosity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You can’t stay here any longer,” he said. “If they had access to your bag then they
also had access to your room card meaning that they could have cloned it. So while Rice clears out your room, start
explaining this ‘Golden Bowl’ shit.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ knew that at this point, there was no arguing with Adam
and she had just been downgraded from main player in her own story to
stand-in. Adam was <b><i>not</i></b> going to let her out
of his or his Team’s sight until he was sure she was fully ensconced someplace
safe and he could focus on ‘hunting’ whomever he felt was a potential threat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Fine,” she sighed before launching into the full story
behind the ‘Golden Bowl’ reference. How Sarek had approached her at the
presentation about attempting to locate the stolen artifact at the National
Museum’s expense and the potential, if unknown, historical significance of the
artifact itself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I really wasn’t planning on trying to locate it and I told
Sarek as much,” EJ continued, “but obviously someone doesn’t want me looking
for it which…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Obviously makes you want to accept the challenge,” Adam
finished the sentence for her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Exactly.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> “That cliff you said
your gut felt like you were standing on,” Adam started, “maybe this is it. Are you sure you want to go down it?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You think I’m being impulsive,” EJ stated. No malice, no question – just a factual
statement. She knew she could be. EJ had always been an
‘if-someone-says-you-can’t-then-do-it-twice-and-take-pictures’ type. One of her many character flaws. Not to mention that she liked a good
challenge and whomever had left her the crumpled warning had certainly issued a
challenge. At least as far as she was
concerned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What I think doesn’t matter,” Adam smiled. “You’re going to do what you want to do
regardless of my personal feelings. For
now, let’s get you settled somewhere safe and then we’ll discuss next steps.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Just as Adam finished, the elevator open and Rice stepped
off with EJ’s bag. She deposited the
room card on the front desk and headed straight towards the bulletproof SUV
still idling in the hotel drive. Once
everyone was loaded in the car again, Rice turned to Adam.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Sir, I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of
calling your doorman and your building security has been augmented for the
short term. Corey will meet us there for
handoff. I have the Team working on
intel gathering and will report back as soon as I have more information. Is there anything else you’d like me to do in
the meantime?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Excellent work.
Thank you, Rice,” Adam replied. “That’ll
be all. Just let me know when you have
something else to go on and place make sure Corey is completely up to speed on
the latest developments as well.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Copy that, Sir.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“No. Wait, Adam. You
can’t possibly expect me to stay at your place.
I am just not comfortable imposing like that. I’m perfectly happy staying at a different
hotel. I’ll even let Corey and Rice
follow me around like those little lost siblings I always thought I wanted,” EJ
tried to negotiate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“My place has plenty of room and is the safest place in the
area. Not to mention that if required,
Rice and Corey can also work from my private SOC if needed,” Adam responded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Who has a Security Operations Center in their home,” EJ
said in awe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Only the owner of the premier security and investigative agency in the world,” Rice chuckled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ sat in stunned silence as their little group made their
way through the city, staring out the front window. Adam’s eyes darting between the mirrors and
the road; Rice typing away on her phone or making short, whispered calls from
the backseat. It wasn’t long before, or
maybe it was, the car stopped and EJ’s door swung open and a big, meaty hand with
long fingers shot into the space between her and the dash.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m Corey Roberts.
Let’s get you inside and settled, then we can chat,” said the voice
attached to the thickly veined forearm that led to a set of broad shoulders impeccably
outfitted in a fitted black polo with a black holster that stretched behind a wide chest from one arm to the other.
EJ looked up to see a huge smile, sparkling hazel eyes and a shock of
bright blonde hair that was buzz cut on the sides but surprisingly long on
top. EJ’s face must have given away the thoughts swirling in her head because she heard Adam chuckling.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Come on, Red,” he teased.
“He has that effect on women.”
Corey smiled at EJ, a slight pink tint on his cheeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ’s face flushed to match the color of her hair as she
grabbed her messenger bag and quickly climbed out of the car and jogged up to Adam
elbowing him in the side.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Geez, Red,” Adam exclaimed, “No need to get violent!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I swear you delight in embarrassing me,” EJ snapped. “I was <b><i>not</i></b> drooling!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Sure. Sure.” Adam agreed absently as the building’s doorman
and security officer rushed from behind the building’s front desk to open the
doors for them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Gentlemen, I believe Rice called you to bring you both up
to speed on the situation. She or Corey –
the handsome young man out there with the guns…,” Adam said as he winked at EJ,
“will be your points of contact until this situation is resolved. I’d like you both to meet EJ.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ma’am,” both men said in unison with a nod. The doorman following up with, “Of course,
Mr. Richter. We’ll make sure everything
is taken care of to your Team’s specifications.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The front doors audibly locked closed behind them. Rice conferred with the security officer as
Adam lead EJ to the elevator at the far end of the lobby using a key fob in
this pocket to call it. As EJ and Adam
rode the elevator to penthouse floor in silence, EJ couldn’t stop her mind from
wandering back to the topic of the Golden Bowl.
She made a list of questions and potential starting points for her
investigation in her head. Aligning
possible sources or informants with each question. Determining possible avenues for further investigation
where she may have to develop new contacts.
In what felt like no time, she felt like she had a pretty decent plan of
attack. Who knew where the story would
lead or even if she would be successful finding the bowl for Sarek and the National Museum but it would definitely
be an adventure and if there was anything that got EJ excited; it was a kicking
off an adventure with a good mystery!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The elevators doors opened and Adam led her into his
apartment, “Let me give you the nickel tour.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“My personal wing is down that hallway,” Adam said as he
pointed to his right. “The common areas –
kitchen, dining, living room, half bath and game area are straight back along
the window side of the apartment. The
guest areas including several guestrooms, a bunk room for staff when we’re
managing an incident remotely, and a small kitchenette are to your left. Each guestroom has an en suite bathroom so
you’ll have some privacy from everyone else coming and going.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ looked around in the space in awe. The entire back portion of the apartment
featured floor-to-ceiling windows with thick drapery strategically placed at
varying intervals. The view over the
city was incredible. Hardly any road
noise could be heard because of the thick paned glass. “Probably bulletproof,”
EJ thought to herself. The sealed
concrete floor gave the area and industrial feel and the wall opposite the
windows appeared to be paneled with white marble slabs with gray veining. The remaining walls throughout the space were
painted a slightly off-white color.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Several seating areas were scattered throughout the large
open space with well-worn, brown leather couches and matching club chairs on
thick Persian rugs grouped around a hodge-podge of brightly colored tables. Various forms of lighting dotted the space
along with artwork, sculpture and antiques.
At the far end of the space was a floor-to-ceiling black lacquered bookcase
that ran from the windows on one side to the wall on the other. Filled to capacity with books on nearly every
topic imaginable, it was obvious the collection even contained a few first
editions behind the sliding glass doors.
The finishing touch was a brightly polished brass rolling ladder. Right before reaching the wall of books, a
dark mahogany pool table with green felt sat racked and ready for a game. Additional cues hung on a wall rack across
from the windows along with an antique wooden abacus for scorekeeping.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Opposite the library wall, was a well-appointed open galley-style
gourmet kitchen. The upper and lower
cabinets formed a “U” shape along three walls and were painted a high gloss
spring green with a matching white marble countertop. The center island cabinetry was a matching
black to the library wall with a thick butcher block top and several counter-height
barstools along the side opposite the sink.
A row of modern brass pendant lights hung above the island. Just in front of the island was a long,
narrow antique harvest table with matching benches along both sides and a mixed
metal industrial light fixture above. The
icing on top of the gloriously eclectic décor was an enormous pitcher of fresh
cut flowers right in the center.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What, no throw pillows,” EJ chided Adam. Adam chuckled. “In all seriousness, Adam, if I’d have known
your place was this amazing I would have insisted on staying here earlier! It’s beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Not what you were expecting, huh?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Honestly, I expected something a little more sterile and
ultra-modern but this is incredible!
Your artwork and antiques are mind-blowing! Never mind the wall of books,” EJ said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well,” he said, “I do like to keep the ladies guessing. If you want to see modern and sterile, follow
me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam led them towards the kitchen. Along the wall just before you got to the
harvest table, on the left was what looked like a large burgundy-red handprint
painted askew. Adam walked up and placed
his hand directly in the middle of the handprint. After a few seconds, the marble panel next to
the handprint slide behind the one next to it and lights immediately flicked on inside. The large rectangular room
featured an oval conference table in the center with multiple laptops, a phone
and integrated outlets. A wall of
monitors were mounted along the far side of the room perpendicular to a security
station with two side-by-side computer stations, some sort of control panel and
additional wall-mounted monitors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“This is the auxiliary heart of Richter Security, Inc.,”
Adam said proudly. “This is my secondary
security operations center. If something
happens at our main SOC located off-site, we could run every op and ensure
every clients’ protection from this room alone if we had to. Or if I just don’t feel like driving into the
office.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Wow, this is really something,” EJ marveled. “And you keep
it close to the kitchen for midnight munchies!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Of course. Can’t
have the peeps go hungry,” he laughed. “Now
let’s get you settled.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam took them out a door at the back of the room which
opened immediately into the guest wing hallway.
EJ noticed a matching cornflower blue handprint painted on the wall. Just as the door closed
behind them, the elevator doors opened.
Rice and Corey stepped out with EJ’s bag, a black duffle a manila
envelope.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Perfect timing.” Adam reached for EJ’s bag, “Go ahead and
get settled. I was just showing EJ to
her room and then we’ll convene in the SOC.”
Corey and Rice nodded before heading in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After several feet, the hallway made a left turn. Several doors lined both sides. Adam went to the first door on the left and
opened it for EJ. The room was
wonderfully appointed with a large king sized bed and a small seating area. A TV was mounted above an antique mahogany highboy
dresser. Next to the dresser on the
right was a small closet and on the left was another door which led to the
bathroom. The guestroom and accompanying
bathroom was outfitted similarly to the rest of the house. Sealed gray concrete floors were covered with
plush Persian rugs. The cream walls
displayed artwork and any furniture that wasn’t an antique was lacquered a rich
black. The bathroom felt more like a wet
room with the free-standing soaker tub and shower behind thick glass along one
side and an antique table turned into a vanity with a porcelain vessel sink.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“On second thought, maybe I’ll make this my home base,” EJ
mused.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Stay as long as you want, Red. I just don’t want to compete with Corey for
your attention,” Adam teased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ grabbed a pillow from the bed and chucked it at
Adam. He caught it easily before turning
towards the door, “the staff bunks are on the other side of the hallway. They normally pair up two to a room when the
whole team is here but since it’s just Rice and Corey, they’ll probably each
take a room….just so you know.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ glared at Adam at a complete loss for words. Not that the ideas weren’t swirling in her
head but she had a golden bowl to find and an adventure to get on with.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll let you get yourself settled and then I’ll meet you in
the SOC,” he said. “Just press your palm
to the handprint. It will beep and alert
us you’re outside. We’ll buzz you in and
get your print scanned and into the system so you can come and go while you’re
here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before EJ could say anything else, Adam tossed the
pillow back and was out the door.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">It didn’t take her long to unpack the few things she
had. She quickly found an outlet to plug
her laptop into and fired off a quick email to her producer letting her know
how the presentation of the seals had gone and that a related story was already
spooling up to be something big that may require her to stay in Dubai a few more
days. EJ noted the time difference in
her email and assured her producer she’d check in later tonight via phone
to bring her up to speed. Closing the
lid, she headed down the hallway to the SOC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© COPYRIGHT</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-34388688973889604762023-08-31T12:42:00.002-07:002023-08-31T12:57:23.029-07:00Jeweled History: A Creative Writing Series - The Golden Bowl, The Presentation (Chapter 4)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/s600/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/w640-h316/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-small;">Gold & Lapis Bowl looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u>Chapter 4: The Presentation</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We’re here Sleeping Beauty,” Adam announced. “Wipe that drool off your chin and let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Even though the drive to the Saruq Al Hadid Archeology
Museum only took a few minutes from the café; EJ couldn’t help but wish it had
been both longer and shorter at the same time.
Shorter to get this all over with sooner and longer to buy her more time
to try and figure a way out of it.
Either way, time did not appear to be her ally.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Hrumphf,” EJ snorted as Adam pulled his car into one of the
reserved spaces near the museum entrance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Come on, Red,” Adam snickered. “You might as well plaster one of those fake
television smiles on your face and get this over with.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Have you watched any of my broadcasts,” EJ asked rhetorically. “I never smile. Kind of hard when bombs and bullets are
flying in your direction.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam laughed and bit the smart retort down before turning in
his seat to look at EJ, “You’re going to <i>be</i>
fine. You’re going to <i>do </i>fine<i>.</i> No one – and I mean no one
– is going to get within ten feet of you if you don’t want them to. Give your speech. Take a bow and then hand the seals over. You’ll be headed home before you know it. Where, I might add, I will have a team
deployed on your six until this threat is over,” he emphasized.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t need a team of babysitters, Adam,” EJ snapped
forcefully.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know you don’t <i>need</i>
them but you’re going to have them until we are both satisfied that the
potential for someone to do you harm because of this story becomes a non-issue. Now tell me what’s really got you twisted.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ knew he was right.
It <i>wasn’t </i>just the threat on
her life or the feelings of being followed.
It was something else entirely and she just couldn’t put her finger on
it. It was like her mind would not
cooperate with her. And never mind the
intuition or gut feeling that was currently threatening to make her breakfast
come up. She just could not seem to
shake the foreboding sense that was looming large all around her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Adam,” she started, “it’s more than that. I can’t pinpoint it but <i>something</i> just feels…<i>Off</i>. My gut is screaming at me. It feels like I’m standing at the edge of
some mystical cliff waiting for either the next shoe to drop or for my brain to
tell me the next step. I feel like I am
stuck and falling all at once. Very
little scares me but for some reason I feel terrified.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was all EJ could do not to start sobbing. She was sure that Adam would think she had
lost her mind. She could barely meet his
eyes. All her life, she’d been the
fearless one. The brave one who pushed
forward – sometimes to her own detriment.
But now…it was different. It <i>felt</i> different and she didn’t know
why. And <i>that</i> scared her even more than knowing there was a price on her
head.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You’ve always reported the story, Red. You’ve never been a part of it before. It’s a new role for you,” Adam said
softly. “And this story is
different. It’s not a one and done. Being embedded in a war zone is a very
different kind of danger than knowing that someone or some group has
essentially put a hit out on you. That
kind of knowledge and stress is bound to make you feel a little unbalanced.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know. But I feel
like there is more to it,” EJ whispered.
“It’s not the threat of harm that has me feeling off. It’s this feeling of a change on the wind
that I just can’t place.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam reached for EJ’s hand across the console. His hand dwarfed hers and using the pad of
his thumb, he began making small, deep circles on her palm. Within minutes, her breathing had evened and
she looked a little more like her normal, and slightly ferocious, self.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Besides,” he said softly, “you never know where this story
may continue to take you. It could be
exactly what you’ve been searching for, Red.
You’ve spent the better part of the lifetime I’ve known you in a
near-constant state of upheaval - whether you want to admit and acknowledge it
or not. Whatever it is you’ve been
searching for in your life might be down this path that you seem so resistant
explore. Who knows, it could be the man
of your dreams at the end.” Adam winked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For the first time in what felt like years, EJ laughed so
hard her ribs ached by the time she was able to compose herself. She looked at Adam with a proud grin on his
face and nearly doubled over in a fit of laughter again. Several deep breathes later, she could
finally look at him without becoming hysterical.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“That must be it. I
have been looking for my dream guy to come and whisk me away from the career I
love and turn me into his trophy wife,” she chuckled. “No, I’m certain that is <i>not it</i>.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam waggled his bushy brows at her, “Don’t knock it. Some young buck may just knock your socks off
and have you rushing to leave all this behind!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Highly unlikely,” she smiled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Come on, you feeling ready to go inside now,” he raised
those same bushy brows in question.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yea, but no more talk of mysterious men sweeping me off my
feet or I may run away from you just to avoid the conversation,” EJ retorted as
she climbed out of the car. She did have
to admit, he had set her mind a little more at ease than it had been only
moments ago. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s get this show on the road,” she said with a renewed
sense of optimism and confidence. Adam
guided her to the front door, pulling it open when she stopped mid-step to face
him, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I got you, Red,” he grinned down at her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The smile on Adam’s face brought a flood of memories back as
they walked into the museum lobby. She tried
not to think about how that one wrong decision to sneak out into the Afghani
night decades ago was and how very different her life could have turned out had
it not been for Adam’s kindness – even if it was, perhaps, motived by a bit of
guilt. He could have had her prosecuted or
at the very least shipped back to the United States with her mother. Instead, he had convinced the MP to let him
take her, kicking and screaming, all the way back to his dorm where he had sat
her down and let her spend the next several minutes calling him all sorts of
names and berating him for leading her mother on. When she had finally been out of words, he
had taken a deep breath and sighed before telling her she was right. Young EJ had no retort for his admission –
especially since she wasn’t expecting him to admit wrong-doing in any fashion
to a teenager. But he did. Adam agreed that he shouldn’t have given her
mother false hope. He should have been
more honest and upfront. He should have explained
his situation for the word “Go” with Sarah.
Then he had apologized and told her the real truth. The truth about his brother’s wife and “their”
baby on the way. How Elliott had been
killed. His wife and baby left with no
way to make ends meet and no medical care.
By the time he was done with his apologies and explanations, EJ was
ready to go back to her mother and defend him.
She had tried to persuade him to let her convince her mother to give him
another chance. Adam had told her it was
too late and that it was better (and easier) for her mother to hate him. He had said that he could never be what her
mother wanted so long as his brother’s wife and child still needed him. He couldn’t divorce her and leave her and the
baby with no insurance and support. “One
day, maybe,” he had said to her. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ had continued to sneak out each night to visit Adam. He had put her on his “Authorized Visitors”
list. Eventually she was able to visit
him during the day. Her mother had continued
to wallow in the room they rented; trying to find a way back to the
States. She was determined not to let
EJ’s grandmother know the trip had ended poorly and she didn’t have money to
pay for the airfare home. EJ’s mother
never did like admitting when she had made a mistake and would certainly never
ask her grandmother for help. The
‘I-told-you-so’ would have been too much too for her to bear…again. So until her mother caved and asked for help
or found another solution, EJ was free to roam and learn what she could on this
‘grand adventure.’ <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam taught her how to shoot. Gave her pointers on what to look out for when
she was wandering on her own. He had
said her red curls and pale complexion were a dead giveaway that she wasn’t a
local. They made her a target for
thieves, bullies and any number of people with “less than gentlemanly
intentions,” he had said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ chuckled in her mind and gently shook her head at the
memory as they entered the museum lobby, “He would have known.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once inside, there was a group of mainly men standing in a
group, talking amongst themselves.
Several wore the familiar olive green uniform of the Dubai Police
Force. A small handful were in suits,
studying something on tablets and occasionally looking up to give direction or
instruction to those gathered. Then,
there were the other men in the group, all of above average height and built
like a brick house. All were dressed
similarly in dark, sand colored tactical pants and matching shirts, black
shoulder holsters and black boots. A
single woman caught EJ’s attention. She
was dressed similarly to the men in the sand pants. Something about her seemed to command respect
and authority. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Those must be your ‘friends,’” EJ chided Adam. “They don’t stand out at all.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Those are just the ones you see,” he smirked. “They’re meant to be seen. Call them a psychological deterrent. The others are the ones who will blend in unless
shit hits the fan.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Good to know,” EJ shook her head. “And here I thought you were going to pull
together something subtle.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Subtle isn’t really my thing,” Adam smirked as they
approached the group. EJ smiled and
shook her head. Nope, nothing about Adam
was subtle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As they got closer to the group, one of men in suits looked
up and spotted EJ. His smile was large
and welcoming; it immediately put EJ at ease and she breathed a sigh of
relief. This must be the Archeology
Museum’s Director. He clicked his tablet
off and walked through the group to meet them, an air of excitement following
him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ms. Anne, I am so pleased to finally meet you in person,”
he exclaimed. “I’ve heard so much about
you that I feel, a bit, as if I’m finally getting to meet a celebrity! Sarek speaks so highly of you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say, Mr……” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Oh! I’m so sorry. I got so excited that my manners seem to
have completely left me,” the man replied.
“William Devontine, Director of the Saruq Al Hadid Archeology Museum. Sarek and I studied together at Cambridge
many moons ago.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ turned to Adam to explain, “Sarek is the Director of the
National Museum of Iraq, Sarek Abdel. He
was one of the individuals who got me thinking and inspired me to keep digging
into antiquities black market.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ah, I understand,” Adam said before continuing, “Mr.
Devontine, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
I’m Adam Richter and I see you’ve already met most of my team.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, yes. They are
quite impressive,” William said. “But
you don’t have to be so formal. Please,
you may all call me William. Shall I
show you around?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Absolutely, I would love a quick tour.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Red, if don’t mind, let me introduce you to my team
first. Then while William is giving you
a tour, I can ensure the appropriate coordination is happening between the
security staff and law enforcement before the presentation begins” Adam
prompted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yes, of course, I forgot. Thanks Adam.
William, if you wouldn’t mind giving me just a few more moments before
we kick off the tour?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Of course, I’ll be out in the gardens making sure the
set-up is going as planned. Just have
one of the security officers radio me and I’ll come right back to show you
around our museum,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you, so much,” EJ nodded. “Adam, which intimidating young man would you
like to introduce me to first?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam laughed before gently taking EJ’s elbow and guiding her
towards the very obvious group of armed men.
Adam bent down and quietly whispered in her ear as they made their way
towards the group, “You never know, Red…A few of them are single….”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Just as they got within earshot of the group, the lone woman
stepped forward and the group turned towards them. She was slightly taller than EJ. Standing maybe 5-foot-nine, she had a seriously
imposing aura about her. Her dark brown,
almost black hair and dark eyes created a striking contrast against her
abnormally pale skin. In fact, EJ
thought she would make an exceptional Morticia Adams for Halloween.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Stephanie Rice,” the woman said as she stuck her hand out,
“you must be EJ.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">"Rice here is going to be with you every step of the
way,” Adam said. "Don’t let her
fool you though. She knows her shit and
is the best I’ve got. I’d put money on
her against any man here."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Adam talks about you constantly,” Rice said. “I don’t think I’ve heard him brag about
anyone more.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It’s nice to meet you, Stephanie. I’m looking forward to having you here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“My pleasure and call me Rice. Everyone else does, I wouldn’t know who you
were talking to if you said, ‘Hey Stephanie!’” Rice laughed. “Let me introduce you to the rest of the Team
and then we’ll go over some basics. I
heard the Museum Director is going to give you a tour so we’ll be quick about
it and then I’ll be next to you every step of the way.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rice led Adam and EJ deeper into the circle of men all
chatting, huddled over their tablets.
They each looked up and nodded a greeting as Rice made the individual
introductions. Next, she introduced EJ
and Adam to the on-site Commander for the Dubai National Police Force and the
Museum’s Security Director. Both men
shook Adam and EJ’s hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Mr. Richter, I’ve heard a lot about you from our Chief,”
the Commander said. “It’s an honor to
get to work with you and your Team today.
Quite impressive.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“The pleasure is mine,” Adam replied. “We’re happy to assist. Let me bring you both up to speed on some of
our latest intel and you can run me through your security plans and emergency
response protocols.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam nodded to Rice who radioed William, the Museum
Director. “Let’s get ready for that
tour, shall we?” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“While Mr. Devontine heads in, let me give you a couple of
ground rules for today. Adam did warn me
you’re not to fond of rules but I promise that I’m not here direct or interfere
in your choices – just keep others from doing it,” Rice smiled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ found it hard not to like the woman – even if she was
both reassured and annoyed by her presence; or rather, the presence of an
entire team of people. Rice seemed like
not only did she know her job well but she also seemed to have an uncanny grasp
of people and their personality types. So,
EJ smiled back and encouraged her to continue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“First, you go <b><i>nowhere</i></b> without me. Bathroom, bar, grip-and-grin, nowhere. Second, I always enter a room first –
especially if you’re alone. Third, try and
have some fun today. Just think of me as
your shadow or an annoying little sister, if it makes you feel better,” Rice laughed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well, I am an only child and I did always want a sibling,”
EJ quipped. “I guess you’ll do.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rice laughed before replying, “We’re going to get along just
fine. No worries today. I’ve got your back and Mr. Richter brought in
all his top players for this. No one is
going to get to you. I promise.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ smiled at Rice and nodded her thanks as William strode up
to the pair.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ladies, shall we,” he motioned towards a set of doors at
the far end of the main lobby.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Lead the way, William,” EJ responded as Rice fell in beside
and just a half step ahead of her on the diagonal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Museum Director led them through room after room,
explaining the history of key artifacts.
Somewhere along the way, EJ had actually begun to tune the man out until
it became obvious he had asked her a question.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry,” she blushed.
“I missed that?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I was just saying how excited the Museum was to participate
in the repatriation of the seals to Iraqi National Museum and how generous
Sarek and his team have been by letting us display them here before sending
them on to Pakistan and Turkey before their return to their permanent home at
the National Museum. It’s really quite
exciting for us given the history of the seals and their association with the
Golden Bowl,” he repeated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“The Golden Bowl,” EJ questioned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ah yes, the Golden Bowl,” came a familiar voice from the
far end of the room. Sarek Abdel strode
towards them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Sarek!” EJ
exclaimed. “I didn’t know you were going
to make it today.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“When Carl called me and we negotiated the repatriation of
the seals, I just couldn’t stay away. I
hope it’s a good surprise?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Always!” EJ hugged
the older man and noticed Rice relax – but just a hair. “I’m just glad we could find <i>something</i> out of all those photos of the
looted antiquities that you had shown us to actually return. I wish we had found more.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Nonsense,” Sarek shrugged.
“Your efforts led to the return of dozens high-value originals to
several museums which have been targeted over the decades. Any history we can get back for our people is
better than none.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">William nodded his agreement and shook his old friend’s
hand. “Shall we run through the program
of events,” he asked as he led the way back towards the main lobby.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Indeed,” Sarek replied.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">William recited the event schedule and after a quick glance
at his watch, noted that CPAA Agent Carl Rickman should have arrived and that
they should all start assuming their positions for the presentation and
event. The group made their way to the
gardens where the presentation and mingling was slated to occur. Once outside, EJ saw Carl standing on the
podium with Adam and several others.
Carl caught her eye and smiled at her before smirking and tapping his
watch. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, let’s get the seals in place before more of the
dignitaries arrive for the hand off,” William noted as the group headed towards
the podium. “EJ, Agent Rickman will make
a speech after I welcome everyone and thank them for their attendance. He will then reach into the podium to pull
out the box in which the seals will be located before presenting it to Sarek. Sarek, you will then accept them and pause
for a photos before saying a few words thanking the Americans for their
repatriation of the seals and explaining their viewing tour before I will close
out the formal portion of our event and inviting everyone to partake in the
afternoon’s festivities. Questions?” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Crystal clear,” Sarek responded as they made their way up
the steps. EJ nodded, reached into her
messenger bag and handed the three carefully wrapped seals to William. Sarek lifted the mahogany box from the podium
and held the lid open. William carefully
unwrapped and placed each seal in its specially designed cushioned slot before
taking the box and putting it back into the podium. He then nodded at the two security officers
flanking each side of the stage who then assumed new positions by the podium.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I see you and the seals made it safely. I guess this is where <i>I </i>get to say ‘I told you so,’” Carl chuckled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“The day isn’t over yet,” EJ smirked. “There’s still time. William, now that the seals are safely tucked
away, is there someplace where I might put my bag?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yes, we can put that in my office until after the
event. I keep it locked,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Carl, catch up in just a moment?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carl nodded as William led the way to his office for EJ to
stow her bag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To say that the Museum Director’s office had a stereotypical
appearance would have been to minimize the work an Indiana Jones set
decorator. ‘Cluttered’ was a word that
was not even remotely adequate in describing the amount of <i>stuff</i> being housed within those four walls. Paperwork strewn about and taped over every
surface. Pens littering the carpet. A pillow and blanket covered the overstuffed
leather sofa along one wall with books piled precariously on one arm and
stacked haphazardly on the floor. EJ
looked at Rice. Her face said it all. She was wondering if the room had been
ransacked. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Director must have caught the look between the two women
because he blushed before explaining, “A messy office is a sign of an organized
mind.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Both women smiled. “Mine isn’t much better,” EJ encouraged.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, well, you can put your bag in here and then I’ll lock
the door before we head back to the gardens,” he said as he pulled open a full
length cabinet door peppered with hooks and shelves inside. One hook was occupied by a light jacket,
another had several ties strewn from them.
The upper shelf had a briefcase on one side leaving plenty of room for
EJ’s bag at the other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Perfect, thank you so much,” EJ hoisting her bag onto the
shelf and turning back towards the door.
As promised, on their way out, William locked the door and pocketed his
keys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Whenever you’re ready to leave, just let me or one of the
security officers know and they can let you in to get your bag,” he said as
they returned to the gardens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Several hours later, the seals where safely tucked into a
display case in the main hall of the museum and the VIPs were mulling about
enjoying hors d'oeuvres and champagne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“EJ,” Sarek began, “do you have a minute? There’s something I’d like to discuss with
you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Certainly,” she replied as Sarek guided them towards one of
the bar top tables scattered throughout the gardens with Rice close behind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sarek began to recite the history of a gold and lapis bowl
that had been looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert
Storm – the same time the seals had been stolen. The bowl was made from solid gold and
decorated with a pair of rich, deep blue lapis lazuli stones. From Ur, not much was known about the
bowl. Sarek suspected that it had been
used as some sort of ceremonial vessel in antiquity. He had been studying it when the war broke
out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“There was always something that fascinated me about it,” he
said. “When I discovered it was one of
the items which had been stolen, I was devastated.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I can understand that,” EJ sympathized.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I only hope it wasn’t melted down and was sold to a
collector so that one day we might get it back,” Sarek smiled. “This is where I was hoping you might be
willing to help.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“The CPAA and Iraqi Intelligence Services have yet to find
the bowl – like so many of our artifacts,” he continued. “I thought that perhaps you might have better
luck?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Sarek, I’m sorry but to my knowledge, it was not one of the
items recovered in the New York warehouse raid,” EJ replied.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know, but I was hoping you might be willing to see if you
can track its location? You seem to have
the tenacity, resources and connections that just might find it,” he pleaded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I can’t, I have a full time position that takes me all over
the world,” she explained. “I just can’t
go on a treasure hunt right now.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“The Museum is willing to cover your expenses and with your
travels, you have the opportunity to make connections in locations that I
simply cannot,” he argued.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> “I’ll think about
it,” EJ acquiesced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“That’s all I ask,” Sarek smiled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ nodded to Rice and the pair headed towards Carl, Adam and
William. “Gentlemen, I hope you don’t
think me rude, but I’m afraid I still haven’t adequately recovered from the jet
lag. I think I’m going to head back to
the hotel. Perhaps we could meet for
brunch in the morning before I head to the airport?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Brunch would be marvelous,” William stated. “I don’t believe I have anything on my
calendar.” Carl and Adam agreed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Let me walk you back to my office for your bag.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Red, I’ll meet you and Rice in the main lobby and get you
back to your hotel,” Adam added. “Rice,
I assume you have a hand-off in mind for overnight?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“That’s not necessary, Adam,” EJ interrupted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Of course, Mr. Richter,” Rice responded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ glared at Adam. “I
know,” he said, “we’re going to discuss this in the car.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">William took the hint and began walking EJ back to his
office. He opened the door opening it
for EJ and Rice. Rice went it first, as
she had instructed EJ earlier. Right
behind, EJ stormed to the cabinet to fetch her bag, “I appreciate everything
but neither you nor one of your coworkers needs to stand outside my door all
night.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rice simply nodded and walked towards the open door. William locked the office behind them once
more, asked if they could find their way to the main lobby and excused himself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know, this isn’t ideal for you,” Rice started. “But Mr. Richter obviously cares about you
and it would bring him a great bit of relief if you just went along with
it. It’s only one night and a brunch.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I supposed you’re right.
I’m just not keen on having people follow me around feeling like I’m
under guard,” EJ attempted to explain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I get it, but you <i>are</i>
under guard and we do try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Maybe just do it for Mr. Richter? It’s obvious you two have a long
history. Just go along to get along for
his sake, maybe?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You’ve been great and have hardly felt like an annoying
little sister,” EJ smiled at Rice. “I
supposed I could do Adam a favor and not complain too loudly at least.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rice smiled at EJ as they walked into the main lobby where
Adam was already waiting. EJ smirked and
shot Rice a glance before turning to Adam, “I see why you assigned her to
me. She can be quite convincing and
already knows how to play the mother-like guilt card well.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam laughed and Rice winked. “Did I ever tell you that I am actually
pretty good at my job,” he responded as they all headed towards the entry door
where a similar SUV was already running and waiting with one of Adam’s men
behind the wheel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">He quickly got out and tossed the keys to Adam, “All yours
boss.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam, Rice and EJ climbed in. With Rice in the rear, EJ in the passenger
seat, Adam pulled out of the museum’s drive and angled the car in the direction
of the highway. Once they were moving,
EJ began fishing through her bag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What are you looking for, Red” Adam asked. “Forget something? Do I need to turn around?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“No, I’m just looking for my room key,” EJ muttered. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before long, she had everything strewn about the dash. “Found
it!” She shouted triumphantly. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rice chuckled from the backseat, “And I thought the Director’s
office was disorganized.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Hush now or I’ll take back everything nice I said about
you,” EJ chided her as she starting her wallet, Chapstick, extra glasses and
sunglasses, a book and loose papers back in the bag. She stopped on one particular loose paper. A bright yellow, crumpled and partially torn
in the corner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“FoRgEt aBOUt thE GolDen BoWL. GO HOMe NOW!” scrawled in
crayon across the full page.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ stopped in her tracks and stared at the paper before
picking up her phone and dialing Sarek.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ok Sarek,” she said as soon as he answered, “I’ll do it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© COPYRIGHT</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-36645892374406832742023-08-15T06:43:00.000-07:002023-08-15T06:43:07.055-07:00Jewelry Bucket List Obsessions<p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Every jewelry collector has those "Bucket List" pieces that they are always on the search for. D</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">esigners such as: Cartier, Harry Winston, vintage Tiffany & Co., Shreve Crump & Low and Garrard - among others - often </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">seem to be on every jewelry addict's list</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">However, my list of 10 </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Jewelry Bucket List Obsessions</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> goes even further. </span>These little pieces of perfect, wearable artwork that are the best possible example(s) of their genre, period, type or even a particular designer. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Read on to see the 10 antique, vintage and modern pieces that I am currently coveting (in no particular order).</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Gold Victoria Acrostic "Regard," "Adore" or "Dearest" Ring</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1493906422/antique-18ct-gold-victorian-dearest?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=victoria+acrostic+adore+ring&ref=sr_gallery-1-24&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="737" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTfAJKxIMkVvJEm6Gj2xYOPTI6uMGM46Vi9ARVYO7xvRBe39V-yuPl3EkRy6ojP7lF3YHYVQhUbI_pHNTzwWxpywNuD0BxyhdbnPRn07nwdsDDJkmce0a2ROOzVqA59TdfeXS2a95HrmeW7HZzrVEmwhQibMVGuUI68BvJh6en9hpzxyGIHUw89hzNFWs/w640-h620/DEAREST%20Ring.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This adorable "Dearest" Acrostic ring is available from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1493906422/antique-18ct-gold-victorian-dearest?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=victoria+acrostic+adore+ring&ref=sr_gallery-1-24&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">MungosMine</a>. Acrostic jewelry An acrostic ring was particularly popular during the Victorian period in the 19th century. Using the first letter of each gemstone in the piece to spell out a word such as "dearest," "adore" or "regards."</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Ballerina Rings in Platinum</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/products/6-00ctw-antique-ceylon-sapphire-by-topnotch-faceting?_pos=1&_sid=ea65b665c&_ss=r" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="549" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ72QGfTwNSTH0XFZc9M8pdBwNevOtqkLAZZ_jlNtKzdRV3R6srsXUcitIAnO_rJg1XhYLfG-dhyWtb6HBZeXD1xJY1yswDzWjH3vlrCM7i1hdvv9Z_0TZlqMtjlZtZbeuiNO7qs_rsOkpYMpLtqRh8LdoCghQr9NGdxvl2y6kAXcZ3R3Vc-RzVTQVvIe/w638-h640/Jewels%20by%20Grace%20Ballerina%20Ring.JPG" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I have a passion for ballerina rings & have wanted one in every color of the rainbow for my personal collection. This sapphire number available from <a href="https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/products/6-00ctw-antique-ceylon-sapphire-by-topnotch-faceting?_pos=1&_sid=ea65b665c&_ss=r" target="_blank">Jewels by Grace</a> is the epitome of class in my opinion!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Antique & Vintage Platinum Target Rings</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9VOVXIhq3baaNE6iSvMYE-3Jxyqn219H3B0fofE7UTp6Z_JKOcAGn2_7URpQMzpp5RV4lDcwZIDLLGVpKm0hZ72ciewiEiS6yV0miNO48aI4bgCPuQsqWrrqPGUOJo1bpPiDMPclUx1K2JeBrYdwqkisYiJjhp930PoPCnzT5oNQoo6ubVUQlok_Aikb/s2048/Target%20Rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9VOVXIhq3baaNE6iSvMYE-3Jxyqn219H3B0fofE7UTp6Z_JKOcAGn2_7URpQMzpp5RV4lDcwZIDLLGVpKm0hZ72ciewiEiS6yV0miNO48aI4bgCPuQsqWrrqPGUOJo1bpPiDMPclUx1K2JeBrYdwqkisYiJjhp930PoPCnzT5oNQoo6ubVUQlok_Aikb/w640-h640/Target%20Rings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A sample example of vintage & antique Art Deco target rings in my personal collection that I purchased from (upper left, clockwise) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063648186286" target="_blank">Cocopah Jewelry & Bead Company</a>, <a href="https://www.edmarshalljewelers.com/" target="_blank">E.D. Marshall Jewelers</a> & <a href="https://www.setterbergs.com/" target="_blank">Setterberg Jewelers</a>.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Everything & Anything by <a href="https://www.margeryhirschey.com/" target="_blank">Margery Hirschey</a></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.margeryhirschey.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1070" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-Abb41Qe3MS60BldXTPDc2L6feYK759_Db2djunHtYX1HF4Fu6eTNbe6nUnDwKwqCATk1M1O4Iq42NrFUCSBaknmeG6gGtlUT6JN1NwUUbQt5ZkeNflPgs5dejA320IyjGAFNJDJzMiumRSkAY0_L-Nrqf61WQwHC254eas_nntN6Nl1BA2gL-M5y_oL/w640-h440/Margery%20Hirschey%20Earrings.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I love everything Margery Hirschey creates & these earrings are only one example so be sure to visit her website to see ALL the amazing jewels!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sugarloaf Gemstone Ring</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKJkXqUeVzFtbut06v8n-9M372vRnRw43eTfLVpOVIM0DcBhYMz3ZE30d42obKg1wm6K93rTf5nzfMfFDaDZIq9Xi-9SIQOrTpO-W8SVMFV2OJOdnx0w1A1PmQl3RxYafYdyTne4IzGDcensFkoqRKgCZvtx_WgqJsNjGAH5kHlmwdIQYSS-sjMNRUeky/s635/Sugarloaf%20Emerald%20Ring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="635" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKJkXqUeVzFtbut06v8n-9M372vRnRw43eTfLVpOVIM0DcBhYMz3ZE30d42obKg1wm6K93rTf5nzfMfFDaDZIq9Xi-9SIQOrTpO-W8SVMFV2OJOdnx0w1A1PmQl3RxYafYdyTne4IzGDcensFkoqRKgCZvtx_WgqJsNjGAH5kHlmwdIQYSS-sjMNRUeky/w640-h638/Sugarloaf%20Emerald%20Ring.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Adore this amazing French antique Art Deco Sugarloaf Emerald Ring from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1375474104/antique-art-deco-ring-sugarloaf-emerald?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sugarloaf+platinum+ring&ref=sr_gallery-2-11&frs=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Best Old Jewelry</a> is just a dream.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Cabochon or Flat Cut Almandine Garnet Set (Ring, Earrings & Necklace)</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxpOhYiD8AK_0B5BE50XfXEiiXWyLbSuDu0irfioeoHku8V8aAzdtgO6uCj1_g_Emd348hJ4cc1WpBzvS8yV09I4-WukJMLgQRDlvhHwYysOt8RGuCM6AfYHdo2yF3yYjphCPO2yChKx0M5oT7Jk4l9vMH8qN1r09FavbNwwFUdIrW2uSorTYB-y_Qx-/s635/Almandine%20Garnet%20Flat%20Cut%20Necklace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxpOhYiD8AK_0B5BE50XfXEiiXWyLbSuDu0irfioeoHku8V8aAzdtgO6uCj1_g_Emd348hJ4cc1WpBzvS8yV09I4-WukJMLgQRDlvhHwYysOt8RGuCM6AfYHdo2yF3yYjphCPO2yChKx0M5oT7Jk4l9vMH8qN1r09FavbNwwFUdIrW2uSorTYB-y_Qx-/w552-h640/Almandine%20Garnet%20Flat%20Cut%20Necklace.JPG" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This Georgian Almandine Flat Cut Garnet in 12 kt gold Necklace from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1150291225/georgian-almandine-garnet-flat-cut-12-kt?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=flat+almandine+garnet&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Hawk Antiques</a> is incredible & definitely a Jewelry Bucket List piece for me.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Antique Georgian 15ct Gold & Silver, Rose Diamond & Blue Glass Urn Ring</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rQfgalf59e4dN9XRWTBJhX1i1SnBoDQ7xzQMklh_WGfqtOKD7TANjpf1GrrUw9ebp7t0MFm8QrAmWgbmtbJbqvKuVF1R2c0e5XAh6LmWWGdWPlx7gGC5WlA3gQz0b368VddRKbrbJtUaue2K98DQ403_qTvkaHBbglrVKPHW9qCTJR8_N5oKixwWb_0z/s548/Urn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="542" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rQfgalf59e4dN9XRWTBJhX1i1SnBoDQ7xzQMklh_WGfqtOKD7TANjpf1GrrUw9ebp7t0MFm8QrAmWgbmtbJbqvKuVF1R2c0e5XAh6LmWWGdWPlx7gGC5WlA3gQz0b368VddRKbrbJtUaue2K98DQ403_qTvkaHBbglrVKPHW9qCTJR8_N5oKixwWb_0z/w632-h640/Urn.JPG" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This Diamond Urn Memorial Ring offered by <a href="https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/products/2-04ctw-georgian-urn-motif-diamond-and-enamel-ring?_pos=1&_sid=6cf1b3287&_ss=r" target="_blank">Jewels by Grace</a> has been on my Jewelry Bucket List for ages; I adore it so!!!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Vintage Georg Jensen 18k <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/125964290024" target="_blank">Zephyr Pendant</a>/Necklace</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/125964290024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1g67owb2J9WVTowlP55dVBEEjz1ApBceDZgy4V6nRwkXchRZtbW8dHw7PzfacvZ2AJUj0U3zoYbO_OiX9aUn26BD5CE2FXoopWQ4UyZNTKhZcNoiMWj7uezFvB1wCZSFDZAXnVOOcRH7Z_oXMFyRherjsyKsdcXPcva96M1FIaKczG7a9ehPMF6hs2qm/w636-h640/Zephyr.JPG" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Georg Jensen (1866-1935) was a prominent Danish silversmith & jeweler who garnered international attention for his commercial application of modern metal design. He created his first piece of jewelry in 1899 - the "Adam and Eve" belt buckle.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Hilary Fink <a href="https://hilaryfinck.com/collections/captured" target="_blank">Captured Collection</a> </h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hilaryfinck.com/collections/captured" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="604" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGKt4R6c0C_6ebEMAyyTkN2qGBcF1AXunWRcs4SwPb4Mosk5KueE6xIoqxzSLTD51O_h9AgCbV3IETAPTGuix7oNceoetFAuZAubVDq-C0dQL5V63R013ZMi3HnzaANSPnd3JfLA-sGJPl6KRtXuoC-qO6GY5jbJrF395MNOgDwgXRLEZYdBi64K9HnXH/w640-h638/Hilary%20FInk%20Capture%20Earrings.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I adore Hilary's "Captured" collection! These earrings are just one of the amazing examples from the collection!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marlaaaron.com/products/the-pulley?variant=32216706744403" target="_blank"><b style="font-weight: bold;">The Pull</b><b>ey</b></a><b> </b>by Marla Aaron</h3></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marlaaaron.com/products/the-pulley?variant=32216706744403" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="721" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCGUCLX2tiRpl5j3lZPGnoMwbgAX3OTX61Q63iE-lnIJXfNv2J5t9N_8L3hrheD3hZwAqybOMe1RTRqzkmsoynH29jyXoXnAl4299_kMl9xOetYlZPBBr46GZ0HxcLVGjJ6DwU9gv8WQK-xgBuu79Ypy1mLgfBOFSzxHyUG3wF6-Y8Nu4n9_fbO7nidoC/w640-h546/Marla%20Aaron%20-%20The%20Pulley.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I know that I am but one of many but I still adore Marla & her poetic take on industrial jewelry design. The Pulley in particular reminds me of the decades I was an urban Search & Rescue / Recovery (SAR) canine handler & is therefore very special to me.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-71217630900175949082023-07-27T07:51:00.002-07:002023-08-02T09:05:06.613-07:00Jeweled History: A Creative Writing Series - The Golden Bowl, Flashback (Chapter 3)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/s600/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/w640-h316/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-small;">Gold & Lapis Bowl looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u>Chapter 3: Flashback</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ gathered up her bag and looked at Adam as he tossed some
money on the table. She could tell by
the seriousness on his face that he was in “business mode” as she used to call
it when she was a teen. His mind was whirring
at a rate well beyond that of the average mortal. His eyes darted around the café cataloging
the faces of every person there making mental notes and committing any
identifiable features to memory. Adam
reached for her elbow and gently guided her to his car.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m having one of my guys bring an armored vehicle from the
motorpool to the Museum. We’ll switch
out after your presentation for the duration of your stay,” he said as he hurried
them along. If there was one thing Adam
knew well it was security. Ever since he
had been deployed to the Middle East in Operation Desert Storm a lifetime ago,
he’d fallen in love with the area. So
much so that when his time in the Army expired he returned, making Dubai his
home base and the headquarters for his executive protection agency. Adam had jobs and teams stationed all over
the world. He didn’t advertise or
promote himself or his experience. All
of his clients were word of mouth referrals and thoroughly screened before they
even got a sit-down with him or his executive team. If Adam knew the value of anything else, it
was exclusivity and <i>Richter, Inc.</i> had
it in spades.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam looked around the passenger door handle and under her
seat area of the car before opening the door. EJ climbed
in the SUV, messenger bag on her lap and leaned her head back against the head
rest; eyes closing. Adam walked around
the car, examining it closely before assuming his position in the driver’s
seat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Just making sure no one got to the car while we were
eating,” he said. “You should have told
me as soon as you heard from DHS, Red. I
could have helped and I definitely would have been better prepared when you got
here. You know that preparation is key.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Mmm. Uh-huh,” EJ
muttered. “I know, Adam. You hammered it into me as a kid. I’m already doing everything you taught me
to. I just didn’t want you to worry.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam huffed in response as he put the car in drive and
pulled away from the café heading for the freeway. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Worrying is what you do when you haven’t adequately
prepared,” he mumbled. “And I am not <i>ever </i>adequately prepared.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eyes closed, EJ frowned to herself noting the bit of irritation
in the subtext of Adam’s voice as he quickly maneuvered the SUV out of the
parking area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*******<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Luke, you ready?” EJ whispered to the well-built blonde
cameraman next to her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke positioned his camera on his shoulder and looked at EJ,
steeling his voice before responding, “Always.
If this warehouse turns out to be what you think it is; then you’re
finally going to get the happy ending to a story that you’ve always wanted.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s hope. It’d be
nice to finally see something good come from all the bad without having to
report on a complete puff piece.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke chuckled in agreement and took a deep breath. Slowly, he rose to a standing to position behind
EJ and readied himself for the next move.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ and Luke moved together in a decades old partnership born
and solidified in joint trauma and experience.
Wherever EJ was deployed, as her cameraman, so was Luke. EJ used to joke that Luke was more of a husband
/ boyfriend / partner than any of the men who had romantically entered her
life over the years. EJ had learned long ago that most
men want a ‘strong, independent’ woman until they actually have one. Then they suddenly want a woman who knows how
to cook, clean, be a mother and let them stick to being the breadwinner and "head of household." Such fragile egos. Not that EJ didn’t know how to do any of
those things. She just didn’t <i>want</i> to.
A definite distinction. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke, however, was the rare sort of man who was confident
enough in himself and so completely unbothered by EJ’s past; her complicated
family relationships and the very, very specific ways that she liked things to
be done that their work partnership seemed to be the only constant and reliable
relationship in her life. At least for
now. That’s not to say that in their
time together, they hadn’t used each other to ‘scratch an occasional itch’ now and
again. Luke <i>was</i> exceptionally good-looking.
Built like someone who had years of competitive swimming under his belt,
with a head full of tousled blonde hair that never seemed to have any
particular style and deep green eyes; Luke never had any trouble getting a
date. Neither had EJ, for that matter,
but their nomadic lifestyle made relationships near impossible. Her mother loved Luke and would often try to
pry into their status. EJ would never
confirm or deny anything. Luke was Luke
– her constant North and nothing more.
And both of them were completely satisfied with the arrangement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As they crossed the wide rundown lot stretched out in front
of the warehouse, EJ tried to scan the area for any nearby lookouts or vagrants
that might be able to identify her to the warehouse owner(s). She’d done some digging and preliminary
recognizance before dragging Luke out on this little adventure. The warehouse was owned by an offshore
conglomerate with no Board of Directors or CEO listed. The only name on any of the ownership,
permitting or licensing documents that she had found were all an attorney at a
local firm. If this adventure panned out
the way she hoped, his office would be her next stop. Hopefully she’d be able to get an on-camera
interview or comment out of the guy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">During one of her multiple drive-byes, she hadn’t
spotted any obvious camera or fancy security systems that would have stood out on
the rundown look. In fact, she never did
ever see any cars in the now-defunct parking area. At one point in her
surveillance, she’d even begun to question if there really was anyone working
in the building…at least until she saw a beat up white cargo van pull up down
an obscured alleyway nearby. She had
then watched as several individuals slip into the fenced off property
through a loosely secured chain link construction gate before filing into one
of the rusted red metal doors near the loading dock area of the building. The same door she and Luke were now making
their way towards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If there was one errant skill that EJ had picked up during
her rather unorthodox childhood that had turned out to be a valuable asset on
multiple occasions it was that of lock picking.
Mind you, EJ was no master thief.
But she could get into (or out of) a locked room in a respectable amount
of time. As she and Luke closed in on
the door, EJ reached into the side pocket of her tactical pants and pulled out
a basic lock set. By the time they
reached the door with no one the wiser, EJ already had her tools in hand and
was focused on the lock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know,” Luke said before EJ could give him 'The Look,' “don’t get you breaking and entering on camera.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I have no idea <i>what</i>
you are talking about. Someone must have
left this door unlocked. See. Come on my intrepid explorer, let’s go on an
adventure and have a bit of a look-see.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Situating the camera on his shoulder even more securely and
pulling one side of his headphones over his ear, Luke hit the record button and
the red light above the lens pulsed to life.
EJ tapped her wireless mic and whispered a quick mic-check. Luke gave her a thumbs-up as she silently
pulled the door open a crack and paused.
Satisfied there was no immediate danger, no one in the immediate
vicinity and not hearing any alarm in the background; she and Luke made their
way inside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once inside, EJ began to whisper her narration as she
scanned the interior loading dock area and fished a flashlight out of one of
her other pockets. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Here at Channel 5, we are nothing if not thorough in our
investigations. Following up on information
provided and discovered over the course of my interview with a renowned
antiquities forger about the deliberate and purposeful flooding of the black market in order to fund the continued looting of cultural
antiquities from war-torn areas in the Middle East; I’m here in New York at an
undisclosed location where I’m hoping to uncover one of the studios responsible
for nearly 80-percent of the fakes on the market today. Let’s see what we can find out.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As EJ and Luke made their way through the loading dock, they
discovered already packed wooden shipping crates. Each marked in red lettering with the word “FRAGILE”
along with some sort of serial number painted on the outside. All the crates, regardless of size and shape
had a piece of paper loosely taped to them with the same serial number and a black
and white photo of the contents.
Honestly, the level of organization was impressive. Unfortunately, no names or addresses where to
be seen anywhere on the crates. Luke got
a wide angle shot of the space littered with shipping crates before zooming in
on one of the papers. Then, they moved
deeper into the building, EJ still narrating.
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It’s obvious from the number of shipping crates that this
is a large and very organized operation,” she stated. “Perhaps we’ll learn more about who’s behind
this as we explore more of the facility.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once in the heart of the building, they discovered a vast
open area with a large kiln at one end; multiple wash basins in a line
bisecting the room with what appeared to be workstations of varying sizes and styles on
either side. Some of the workstations
were set up like drafting areas with angled tables and stools. Others were larger open spaces with tools
lined up meticulously on rolling carts surrounding large, partially carved
sandstone or onyx blocks. Towards the
back part of the warehouse, further away from the loading dock entry and near
what appeared to be a chain locked emergency exit, additional work tables were littered
with smaller bits of sandstone, onyx and sand.
Carving tools of various shapes and sizes – some even looking like they may have been custom made
– scattered across the desks. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Here we see what appears to be the heart of the operation,”
EJ narrated. “As you can see, there are multiple work areas designed
specifically for the antiquity be forged with all the appropriate tools of the
trade.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke panned the wide open space, zooming in on the various
work stations before centering on EJ as she picked up one of the carving tools
from the smaller tabletop and examined the sharp tip of the instrument. Luke paused the recording and looked at EJ,
“We’d better get a few more shots and then let’s get out of here before the
people start rolling in for their shifts – or whatever you call the workday of a master forger.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It’s fine. No one
starts arriving until closer to 0500,” EJ remarked. “We have plenty of time to explore. Let’s see if we can find some sort of
paperwork or office that might give us a few more clues. I want to have as much information as
possible before I take all this to Rickman.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ nodded to the stairs at the end of the room opposite the
kiln, “Maybe it’s up there.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke hoisted the camera back on to his shoulder, panned the
room once more and then they headed towards the stairs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sure enough, there was an office about midway up. Nothing fancy, a typical warehouse style
office. A metal desk, beat-up Army-green
metal filing cabinet, 1980s style copier and one of those medical looking gray
1950s era rolling chairs were the only inhabitants. Luke got a quick shot of the space before he
focused the lens on following EJ to the filing cabinet. He zoomed in on her hands as she rifled
through the assorted file folders in the cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Let me guess, that wasn’t locked either?” he chuckled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Would you believe it if I said, No?” she laughed. “I guess they didn’t think anyone was the
wiser to what was going on in here so there was no reason anyone would come snooping.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke shook his head, “Amateurs.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">About that moment, EJ’s hands stopped. Luke zoomed in to catch the handwritten title
on the folder, “DELIVERIES” before she pulled it out and began flipping
through. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“This folder appears to have a list of addresses throughout
the States but no names. Just addresses
with a string of numbers next to it,” she held one of the papers up and allowed
Luke to zoom in before continuing, “I suspect these numbers will coincide with
the numbers we saw printed on some of the crates earlier,” she continued her
narration before taking it over to the ancient copier. Luke made sure to follow her movements
creating a ‘chain of custody’ style video.
EJ bent over the machine and quickly turned it on. As she waited for it to warm up, she stacked
the papers in the auto feeder, just as the machine beeped its alertness; EJ
hit the copy button. Once completed, she
carefully placed the originals back into the folder and returned them to the
filing cabinet; and Luke captured every move before she pulled out another file
and repeated the process.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After the copier was done with the contents of the second
folder, EJ put everything back in the filing cabinet as she found it before
moving to the desk. She pulled open each
drawer looking for something interesting which may provide additional
clues. All she found were scraps of
paper, news articles about various artifacts, a pack of Vigor cigarettes and
take-out menus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“There’s nothing else here,” EJ said showing Luke the
cigarette pack. He zoomed in to capture
the brand name and then flipped the camera off.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What’s so special about cigarettes?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“These are a brand that I’ve only seen in Iraq, Moldova and
Cameroon,” EJ replied. “I’ve never seen
them here in the U.S. – not even at a specialty market. Whoever smokes these either brought the pack
with them or is buying them off the main stream marketplace.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Seriously, a cigarette black market,” Luke shook his head
incredulously. “What is the world coming
to?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ laughed, “Sanctions in the 1990s set the stage for forward-thinking
businessmen to get richer smuggling or knocking off whatever the people
wanted. Think of what prohibition in the 1920s
did for the creation of moonshine and alcohol smuggling. Entrepreneurship at its finest. Maybe the second oldest profession in the
world.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke laughed as EJ put the cigarettes back and gathered the
papers from the copier. Folding them in
half, she slipped them into her waistband before the pair headed back down the
stairs and towards the loading dock.
They only made it halfway through the studio work area before the
laughter reached them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Shit, is it already 5am?” Luke asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“No, it’s barely 3,” EJ exclaimed. “No one should be coming in!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well it sounds like a whole damn tribe is here!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Both frantically looked for an exit before settling on the
one they saw earlier at the far end of the workstations. Luckily the pallets leaning up against the
wall nearby made for the perfect cover. As
they passed one of the smaller work stations, EJ stopped to see three small,
round cylinders with deep cuneiform looking carvings on them.
She grabbed her phone and quickly flipped on the video feature before
taking a quick, panning video of the whole desk which included the cylinders as
well as three identical – yet uncarved – versions. Then she quickly pocketed her phone and the
cylinders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What are you doing,” Luke demanded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I think these are originals. I remember seeing them in one of the photos
the museum director showed us,” she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“And you won’t think that they'll notice they’re missing?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well…” EJ grabbed
her lock set out of her pocket as they headed for the door, changing the subject
before Luke could say something else that made sense. “I hope it’s not alarmed or rusted shut,” she
whispered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“If it’s alarmed, just run for cover once we get outside and
don’t move. If it is rusted shut, I hope
you brought snacks and that whoever is supposed to be carving those called in
sick today,” he nodded towards her pockets.
EJ shrugged.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Behind the pallets, Luke set up his camera and started recording
as EJ picked the lock on the locked chain around the emergency exit door and the inset lock in the door itself. The sweet click of the bolt unlocking told
her it wasn’t rusted shut. Venturing a
quick look at the cabling running to the door told her the alarm wires had been
clipped well-before now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We’re in luck,” she told Luke pointing to the frayed
wires. Luke nodded and pointed to the
crowd of artists gathering in the studio area.
“You’re getting this, right,” she asked.
He gave her a thumbs up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A darker skinned gentleman who appeared to be in his late 50s
dressed in dark brown tweed trousers with a matching vest and cream dress shirt
rolled up to his elbows walked out of the crowd of artisans and up the first
few stairs towards the office before turning towards the small crowd. They quickly quieted down and focused their
attention on him. He was obviously the
man in charge here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you all so much for coming in early today, we have a
lot of work to get done if we’re going to meet our quota for this month. Shipments are scheduled to be delivered by
the end of the month so all work will need to be completed within the next few
days. As a reminder, whenever you
complete a piece, please let me know so I can perform the final inspection
before it gets packed and shipped. Lunch
will be early today at 11 so please bring me your orders prior to 10,” he said
before turning and heading up the stairs to the office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Luke flipped off the camera and they readied themselves to
make a run for it. EJ didn’t want to
wait for the crowd of artisans to be headed their way or get settled, “Let’s
go.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ quietly pulled the chain through and pushed open the door a small amount to determine what
level of noise it would create.
Everything was working in their favor for now and the door remained
silent. Luke slide through first with
his camera and EJ followed close behind, carefully closing the door behind
them. They made a mad dash for cover
behind one of the concrete road barriers in the rundown parking area and
waited. After a few minutes, it didn’t
appear anyone was behind them and their exit has gone unnoticed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ spots the white cargo van next to the warehouse, “See if
you can get a shot of the van and license plate. I was never able to capture it
before.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Sure thing, then let’s get out of here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Agreed. Breakfast,”
EJ asks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“If it’s on you, yes. Besides, I think it’s the least you can do,”
Luke says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finally relaxed and settled in their booth at the all-night
diner not far from their hotel, EJ discussed next steps with Luke.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I think we need to get the footage edited as soon as
possible,” she says. “We can take it to
Rickman and negotiate the terms for how to give him all the raw footage from
tonight but only if he lets us tag along on and film the sting.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Agreed but are you going to include the footage from the
interview with the forger?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Of course not, that would be revealing my source and I
can’t do that. When we air the story,
I’ll see if we can get Production to agree to run it in two or three
parts. That way we’ll run the interview
before the warehouse and CPAA sting.
What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I like it but we’ll need to get Production on board before
we can approach Rickman. We need to know
what kind of timeline they want so we know what our negotiation parameters
are. He’s going to be pissed though, you
know that right?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, but I’m hoping all will be forgiven once he sees what
we got.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The next afternoon once she and Luke are back in D.C., EJ
pitches her idea to the Station Manager and Producer. After a bit of back and forth, they agree to
the series concept and settle on three parts: the forger interview, EJ and
Luke’s recon efforts and the CPAA sting.
Knowing where the station stands and what her negotiation parameters are
from the Station Manager, EJ reaches out to Rickman.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Hey Carl! So glad
you could make lunch,” she says as Rickman sits down at the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I was excited to hear from you,” he says. “It’s been a while. Catch me up, how have you been?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m good, just following up on things and staying
busy. You?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Good, kids are getting ready for school. Work is crazy, as
I’m sure you remember,” Rickman smiled.
“So now that we’ve done the dance, why don’t you tell me what this
sudden call and lunch is really all about.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ laughed, “You always did like to get straight to
it.” Rickman smirked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I found where all those forgeries are being created that
you and I were chasing back in the desert.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You what?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I found them.
Remember when we discussed the idea of a black market antiquities seller
purposefully flooding the market with fakes in order to eat up the time of
investigative and authentication resources,” EJ asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yea, if I recall, I dismissed the idea – it just didn’t
make sense under the circumstances,” Rickman said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well, after our investigation and the interviews, I just
couldn’t get the idea out of my head so I started doing my own research. I landed an interview with a forger who
confirmed my hypothesis and even, unintentionally, disclosed the location where
the fakes were being created. Luke and I
did some recon and it’s bigger than we thought so…here I am.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“And you want to help out of the goodness of your heart,”
Rickman chuckled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I do,” EJ responded.
“The interview with the forger will air tonight and the recon Luke and I
did will air in a few days.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before he could protest the timing and any potential fallout
to his ongoing investigations, EJ presented him with a set of copies of the
paper files she and Luke had retrieved from the warehouse as well as a thumb
drive containing the edited footage of their warehouse adventure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“And the pièce de résistance,” EJ said with flourish as she
reached into her bag and pulled out the three cylinders and slid them across the
table to Rickman.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Are you fucking kidding me,” he said as he flipped through
the copies before picking up the cylinders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“All I want is to tag along when you, DHS and the CPAA raid
the location,” EJ said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You know I can’t make that decision right now without
authenticating these.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know, but I need an answer in the next 24 hours. The second piece which is of the recognizance
of the location that Luke and I’s did airs in three days and my Station Manager
will only hold it if we have an answer – in writing – from the CPAA or DHS that Luke
and I will be granted exclusive rights to be imbedded during the sting. We’ll then air the recon footage after the
sting so there won’t be any worry of tipping the parties involved off or giving them time to relocate their set-up.
We can coordinate the final footage in the series to coincide with whatever
incredible press conference you all want to host.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What makes you think there will be a press conference,”
Rickman asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“When you look at that footage, I think you’ll have your
answer.” It was EJ’s turn to smirk now. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The check came and Rickman left with the cylinders, thumb
drive and copies. An hour later as EJ
walked towards her apartment, her phone rang.
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You have a deal,” Rickman said. “The waivers, NDAs and participation
parameters are being couriered over to your office. Get the signatures and get them back to me
first thing in the morning. We’re going
to move quick on this. Once you and your cameraman have signed everything we’ll meet to discuss your intel and you can give me the
location. We’ll develop our operational
plan and advise you of the details when they’ve been finalized. And EJ, do me a favor, don’t say ‘I told you
so.’” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before EJ could even respond with anything other than a
laugh, Rickman hung up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Less than a week later before the sun was anywhere near to rising, Luke and EJ were back at the
warehouse, this time wearing bullet proof vests. The warehouse raid went off spectacularly! In the <i>very </i>early morning hours, DHS/CPAA and
FBI agents gathered for a quick review of the operational plan – all caught on
camera by Luke, of course. Once everyone
was in their assigned locations, the wait began. Right on time, the white cargo van pulled up
and the forgers headed for that same rusty red door. Once they were safely ensconced and working;
Rickman’s team moved in. Dozens of
artists were placed under arrest; agents carried out boxes of documentation,
shipping crates and evidence was photographed and cataloged. EJ finally did get a happy ending to the
story that began so long in a desert thousands of mile away. Her only regret was that in the stream of
handcuffed individuals being led out of the warehouse nowhere did she see that
dark skinned man in the tweed trousers and vest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The stories aired and it wasn’t long after that when EJ began to
feel like someone was following her. She
found threatening notes in her mailbox or packages delivered to the
Station. She started taking all the
necessary precautions. It wasn’t the first
time she’d been threatened as an investigative journalist after all. But this time, something felt different. It didn’t feel like an angry viewer or
mentally unstable stalker. It felt
deliberate and orchestrated so in some ways, she wasn’t really surprised when
DHS reached out to her about the human intelligence they had
gathered. What did surprise her was that
the Taliban had put a price on her head.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I doubt anything will come of it,” Rickman tried to
reassure her. “I’ve had a price on my head
for years and here I still am!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sure you’re right,” EJ replied.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As the months wore on, the uneasiness never went away. The threats only slightly lessened – or at
least it seemed that way. Maybe she was
just getting used to them so the shock value wasn’t there any longer. Either way, she was still please with her
part in the whole event and that her hypothesis had, in fact, been correct. Rickman was just pleased that she never had
said, ‘I told you so.’ So he was more
than happy to negotiate the return of the artifacts to the museum with a little
public plug for the CPAA’s efforts with EJ front and center.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I finalized all the repatriation details for the dozens of
artifacts,” Rickman said not looking up from the paperwork on his desk. “All the larger ones have already been
shipped directly to the museum. However, for the
press announcement, the Director wanted you to have something to hand over to
him for the photo op. Since they are so small
and easily concealed, I’ve agreed to bring the cylinders with us. I’ll be there with you, but, I’ve got a scheduling
conflict and can’t arrive in country until an hour or so before the event. In case there is a layover or I get hung up;
I’m going to send the seals with you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What, why can’t you just ship them and have the Director bring them
to the photo-op? We can stage the hand-off.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Come on, EJ. It’ll
be fine. There’s security and law
enforcement there. I’ll be on stage with
you. It’s just a better-safe-than-sorry
request in case my plane gets delayed.
Please, just do this for me and sign the chain of custody form,” Rickman
pleaded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Fine,” EJ huffed as she mumbled under her breath an bent to sign the form.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*******<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© COPYRIGHT</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-87274691561996470922023-07-11T06:36:00.003-07:002023-07-11T06:36:29.840-07:00Tempus Fugit - The Symbolism of the Hourglass<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The hourglass is a powerful tool of symbolism, representing the passing of time, mortality and the inevitability of change. It is a reminder that time is a precious resource and it should not be wasted. That time is fleeting ... <i>Tempus Fugit.</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQuIIhpgWoHGsykPqFsaGwumAxPiBPfOnquTQco7YLr07D5sYRGd8rcRGFHDss6lfjfxzXm2dKlAP9l4gqk_wFdmPX8YBTKldAszyT0WarqR_JzFTSo0fTcu5r-DpgVm7AZvRbLe5WUt4andRj7N2jtnG_hTL1HBd5MSotdQm5yRL_ZzbSncZZpocpLrr/s913/Arden%20Jewelers%20Hoursglass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="913" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQuIIhpgWoHGsykPqFsaGwumAxPiBPfOnquTQco7YLr07D5sYRGd8rcRGFHDss6lfjfxzXm2dKlAP9l4gqk_wFdmPX8YBTKldAszyT0WarqR_JzFTSo0fTcu5r-DpgVm7AZvRbLe5WUt4andRj7N2jtnG_hTL1HBd5MSotdQm5yRL_ZzbSncZZpocpLrr/w640-h590/Arden%20Jewelers%20Hoursglass.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This little vintage, free-floating emerald hourglass is adorable with its twisted columns & is available from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1408941029/free-floating-emerald-hourglass-pendant?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sr_gallery-1-44&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Arden Jewelers</a>.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The hourglass also symbolizes the cycle of life, with its sands representing the beginning and end of life. Additionally, the hourglass can symbolize the finite nature of life, with its upper chamber representing potential and the lower chamber representing inevitability. In essence, the hourglass is an emblem of our mortality. In jewelry, it can often be seen with wings as a symbol (and reminder) that human existence is fleeting, and that the "sands of time" will run out for every human life. Time flies and death comes too soon for many.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The hourglass, or sandglass, has long been a device used to measure time with evidence dating back to the 8th century and in heraldry it is symbolic of the flight of time and mortality. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ukVPQheKn-1qHMiHh4UsJYgSUrbU7WiW3htWYECh9mTS7vwSPGCxfYkWQqV7Xa7RfCUHzC2d42asen_oxGxcZ4Q2AcOBzkxk6Br9iFkZhwSjKumBNkHzI5AwFoexbcAxJY2pBMshFb0zg9gXCSoCYuDW91piUmkq0VfPVhE8T6GLzEg3peQVjR8g27A/s851/Plum%20&%20Posey%20Hour%20Glass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="851" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ukVPQheKn-1qHMiHh4UsJYgSUrbU7WiW3htWYECh9mTS7vwSPGCxfYkWQqV7Xa7RfCUHzC2d42asen_oxGxcZ4Q2AcOBzkxk6Br9iFkZhwSjKumBNkHzI5AwFoexbcAxJY2pBMshFb0zg9gXCSoCYuDW91piUmkq0VfPVhE8T6GLzEg3peQVjR8g27A/w640-h568/Plum%20&%20Posey%20Hour%20Glass.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>From <a href="https://www.plumandposey.com/" target="_blank">Plum and Posey</a>, this wax seal imprint pendant is available in sterling, gold & gold vermeil on their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1046952634/gold-time-wax-seal-necklace-redeem-the?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sr_gallery-2-28&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Etsy </a>shop & is the perfect reminder that time is the most valuable resource.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Here are five hourglass symbolisms and their meanings:</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Time</b> - The hourglass is a symbol of time, whether it be the passing of time, the amount of time we have left in life, or the importance of making the most of the time we have. The sand in the hourglass is a reminder to us that time is fleeting, and it should not be taken for granted.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Mortality</b> - The hourglass is a reminder of our mortality. The sand in the hourglass is a reminder that life is finite, and that we must make the most of it before it runs out. This can lead us to live more meaningful lives and make better use of our limited time here on earth.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA-rmdsKj4Mem4xd8XADd-vodV9bvaJ3k6Rbgci3PB_zRDJXfyuXI65gCvKVXTeMvyy-ec172YGlNc0nNonDy6mPoXvahrl7T7Hd0Gg7mB3nYFhoC-zM6Myn1P0Q8JxknOrtU0aTKHAa-8cMuNSWrtLz-TdjKu3fKNPDvn2NNtWlzOGbk6VEY4iQiOiO5/s842/Luminous%20Luxury%20Hourglass%20Tarot%20Card.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="842" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA-rmdsKj4Mem4xd8XADd-vodV9bvaJ3k6Rbgci3PB_zRDJXfyuXI65gCvKVXTeMvyy-ec172YGlNc0nNonDy6mPoXvahrl7T7Hd0Gg7mB3nYFhoC-zM6Myn1P0Q8JxknOrtU0aTKHAa-8cMuNSWrtLz-TdjKu3fKNPDvn2NNtWlzOGbk6VEY4iQiOiO5/w640-h614/Luminous%20Luxury%20Hourglass%20Tarot%20Card.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A perfect example of the hourglass being used to represent mortality; this tarot card<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1489297697/14k-gold-memento-mori-tarot-necklace?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sc_gallery-1-8&pro=1&frs=1&plkey=6ecf2c15fdb2a52c80d8d9e390d825853694a7fd%3A1489297697&variation0=3621918785" target="_blank"> Memento Mori Tarot Necklace </a>from Luminous Luxury is a must-have.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Change</b> - The hourglass is a symbol of change, both in terms of time and life. As the sand passes through the hourglass, it is a reminder that life is constantly changing and evolving. We should embrace change and use it to our advantage to create a better future.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Balance</b> - The hourglass can be seen as a symbol of balance. The two sides of the hourglass represent the balance of life, with the upper chamber representing potential and the lower chamber representing inevitability. This reminds us to strive for balance and harmony in our lives.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Cycle of Life</b> - The hourglass is a symbol of the cycle of life. The sand passing through the hourglass is a reminder that life is a cycle, and that it is always evolving and changing. This can be a reminder to us to live in the moment and appreciate the journey of life.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHYbMxyoCJ6yzcgJ1c9Ocd8oiTY7AaMKjGQStpbpM_oHqlOJfiJ-A6S6Sje5XbDCyBn7EsvY-gFha8kqG5sri5Jl45fJf8YOWHz7SLZbbQV62gFiICk-ELiMGasZ6_vk2-f7Y1RCgOGatQQ4R91niN98yBNz_DM_O1w3pkAF4Z_X3qoBzAZbtblwK1dKg/s845/Berry's%20Gems%20Gold%20Nugget%20Hoursglass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="845" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHYbMxyoCJ6yzcgJ1c9Ocd8oiTY7AaMKjGQStpbpM_oHqlOJfiJ-A6S6Sje5XbDCyBn7EsvY-gFha8kqG5sri5Jl45fJf8YOWHz7SLZbbQV62gFiICk-ELiMGasZ6_vk2-f7Y1RCgOGatQQ4R91niN98yBNz_DM_O1w3pkAF4Z_X3qoBzAZbtblwK1dKg/w640-h618/Berry's%20Gems%20Gold%20Nugget%20Hoursglass.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This unusual vintage example of an hourglass charm hold gold nugget dust & flips on the center access. <br />The perfect addition to your layered neckmess from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1491788787/hourglass-charm-pendant-14k-yellow-gold?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&frs=1&cns=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Berry's Gems.</a></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;">Some may ask if the hourglass is a symbol of luck? Many cultures view hourglasses as symbols of life and mortality, as the sand slowly slips away from the top to the bottom. This can be seen as a reminder to make the most of the time we have and to appreciate the moments that pass by. In this way, an hourglass can be seen as a positive symbol that encourages us to make the most of our lives. The hourglass symbolizes the spiritual journey of life. It is a reminder that time is precious and that every moment should be used to reflect and find meaning. The sand within the hourglass is representative of the passage of time, and the shape of the hourglass itself represents the cycle of life and death.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">This is a reminder to appreciate the moments we have and to use our finite time wisely.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUR4luH6fiCWOT2THGEPlQRLLBnS-MR4ZSowB31QsIePwGxMl1U5zKp4Y_uK4us0asq85FLC5beVvK0tK9iFzS_oM4B9a5yE378CTiB5qzV_fV1V_7LDH0iCOiCfBnDuEMPP7pislQZCVst7DL0CtW0Ks8VtEZlgEgqYuqJwMQlczx9A3yVxoMw8lATEP/s885/Vick%20&%20Henry%20Vintage%20Hourglass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="885" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUR4luH6fiCWOT2THGEPlQRLLBnS-MR4ZSowB31QsIePwGxMl1U5zKp4Y_uK4us0asq85FLC5beVvK0tK9iFzS_oM4B9a5yE378CTiB5qzV_fV1V_7LDH0iCOiCfBnDuEMPP7pislQZCVst7DL0CtW0Ks8VtEZlgEgqYuqJwMQlczx9A3yVxoMw8lATEP/w640-h566/Vick%20&%20Henry%20Vintage%20Hourglass.JPG" width="640" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A classic vintage hourglass design, this adorable 14kt version is offered by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1218267371/antique-hour-glass-charm-14kt-gold?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&pro=1&frs=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Vick & Henry Vintage.</a></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;">On the other hand, some might see an hourglass as a symbol of bad luck, as the sand slowly runs out of the top and can never be returned to the same spot. This could be seen as a reminder of the finite nature of our lives, and the difficulty of reclaiming lost opportunities. An hourglass could also be seen as a reminder of the inevitability of death and other unfortunate events.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Ultimately, whether an hourglass brings good luck or bad luck depends on the individual’s interpretation. For some, it is a reminder to make the most of the time they have and appreciate the moments that pass by. For others, it might serve as a warning of the finite nature of life, and the difficulty of reclaiming lost opportunities.</div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc8MqhY4XndcDZrEzXPUhiUVOv0c_7xKaduMLW7Z5eE-hMKoY2TzEFQ4XJMxaZxETPWT9ig4SnJhbA7O31svrbCJ54g453pFtPMCIiOZOtvi2c5zLcKOZEK7mZ504rqnXaXidvJVS7M127XCWRgP7jhCULgQCqyj9wkzr7yfH5_VEIsefLqLJVGSjnQuN/s880/Revival%20Gold%20&%20Vintage%20Pink%20Sand%20Hoursglass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="880" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc8MqhY4XndcDZrEzXPUhiUVOv0c_7xKaduMLW7Z5eE-hMKoY2TzEFQ4XJMxaZxETPWT9ig4SnJhbA7O31svrbCJ54g453pFtPMCIiOZOtvi2c5zLcKOZEK7mZ504rqnXaXidvJVS7M127XCWRgP7jhCULgQCqyj9wkzr7yfH5_VEIsefLqLJVGSjnQuN/w640-h554/Revival%20Gold%20&%20Vintage%20Pink%20Sand%20Hoursglass.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>For you pink lovers, this vintage 9kt yellow gold hourglass pendant from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444925839/vintage-9ct-yellow-gold-sand-hourglass?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=14k+hourglass&ref=sr_gallery-1-38&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Revival Gold & Vintage</a> features a sweet little floral detail at both ends.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a><span style="text-align: center;"> .</span> </div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-71275135828354668532023-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:002023-06-23T09:44:46.192-07:00Jeweled History: A Creative Writing Series - The Golden Bowl, The Artifacts (Chapter 2)<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/s600/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/w640-h316/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-small;">Gold & Lapis Bowl looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Chapter 2: The Artifacts</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Leave it to Adam to actually be on time. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Damn military precision,” EJ groaned as her phone vibrated
on the nightstand. “What do you want?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Get your sorry ass out of bed, Red. I’m downstairs waiting on you and I’m
starving,” Adam responded. “Can’t you be
on time for once?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m always on time except when you and jet lag are
involved,” EJ quipped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Whatever. How long
do you need?"<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Give me 30 minutes to shower and throw some clothes on,”
EJ responded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You know you’re gonna be on television, right? Maybe put a little effort into it,” he laughed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Thirty minutes IS effort,” EJ snapped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ok, ok. I’ll grab a
coffee from the lobby bar and see you in thirty."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ rolled out of bed still half asleep. Adam’s cheeriness doing nothing to prevent
the dread from pooling in her stomach.
You would think that a reporter would be accustomed to standing in front
of the camera. It wasn’t the camera – or
even the speaking to an auditorium full of people – that made EJ nervous. It was the worry that some member of the
Taliban or some other mercenary could be in the crowd waiting to secret her off to some remote location to collect the price on her head. It was the worry that she would be the next
reporter killed for having been in country and speaking out against the
atrocities she saw.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’m in Dubai,” EJ reminded herself aloud. “That’s the only way that I would have agreed
to come do a public repatriation of the seals.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It had really been a chance encounter just over sixteen
months ago that had gotten EJ this far.
As a journalist with an art history minor, EJ had always been interested
in <i>how</i> art, jewelry, artifacts and
the like moved across borders. And,
after years of near-misses in the field being embedded with the U.S. Military,
she was looking for something different to report on that still had that thrill
of the chase she so enjoyed. And it had just so happened that on her last embedded assignment, she had the opportunity
to interview and shadow an investigator with the Cultural Property, Art and
Antiquities division of the United States Homeland Security Investigations
Department, Carl Rickman. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It had really started off as a rather banal assignment from
EJ’s perspective. Visit the National
Museum of Iraq with Rickman; interview the Museum Director about some of the
pieces which were still missing from the April 10, 2003 looting that took place
during Operation Desert Storm when U.S. Forces were advancing on Baghdad. In 2003, the museum had been looted for
approximately 36 hours straight after museum staff had vacated the premises 24-hours
earlier. During that time, it has been estimated
that more 15,000 antiquities were stolen – only a fraction of which have been
returned. EJ learned from the Museum Director
and Rickman that there was (and still is) a massive black market for stolen antiquities
throughout the globe. Rickman had told EJ he suspected that there were some collectors with a ‘shopping list’ of
sorts who had paid for specific items prior to the looting. Items that included the Mask of Warka, also known as the Sumerian Mona Lisa, which had been recovered
in September of 2003 at a farm near Baghdad before it could be moved out of the
Country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">During the interview, the Rickman had made the
statement that the smaller, easier to conceal items were proving the most
difficult to locate in the antiquities market place. The Museum Director confirmed, adding that he
and other museum staff had also seen a rise in antiquity forgeries in recent
years which took time away from hunting for the looted treasures. When EJ had asked for further clarification,
he had explained that well-known artifacts are often, and ironically, the most
forged pieces in the world. </p><p class="MsoNormal">“Think of just a museum gift shop. How many reproductions of arts of work do you
see there?” He had said and then went on to explain that when a
well-done forgery makes it onto the black market and is “recovered” by
authorities; it is brought to an expert for identification and
authentication. This process takes time
if the forgery is of exceptional quality thereby taking staff time away from searching for
the authentic artifact. At the time, it
had really been an eye-opening revelation for EJ. Later, after the interview was over, she had spoken with Rickman about a hypothesis that had been developing in her head throughout
the interview.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Do you suppose the antiquities sellers realize this and
have purposefully been flooding the market with knock-offs in an attempt to buy
more time for them to move the authentic pieces,” she had asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">"I’ve always found antiquities sellers to be more of an
opportunistic, money-driven sort. But, I
suppose it they were ‘shopping’ for a specific client or group of items then planning
ahead in that way could prove useful however it may also decrease the price your
item demands,” Rickman had said at the time.
“It’s an interesting idea though.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Together, she and Rickman had chased down lead after lead to
no avail. EJ was becoming more and more frustrated. She had been hoping to close out her story
with a happy ending of sorts but nothing seemed to be going their way. Rickman kept telling her that the likelihood
of them successfully finding one of the stolen artifacts in the time they had
together was slim. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It’s a years and years long process,” he would say. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Still, as EJ followed Rickman on his investigation into the
still missing artifacts over the next several weeks both in Iraq and Washington
D.C., she couldn’t seem to get the notion of purposefully flooding the market
with fakes out of her mind. If these
black market antiquities dealers were really shopping for a specific client;
wouldn’t they have asked for payment or, at the very least, a deposit up front thereby ensuring the
contract price regardless of the fakes in the market? What if there was a way to track the fakes to
the original seller and find the originals?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ couldn’t reminisce any more. The beating on her hotel room door just would
not subside. She stormed to the door and
threw it open. Before she could mutter a
single snarky remark, Adam thrust a cup of spiced hot cider in her hand.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Drink it before you rip my head off,” he smiled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Never a coffee drinker, EJ’s early morning drink of choice
was spice hot cider with an extra sugar cube or a fully caffeinated soda. And Adam had remembered. After she drained half of the cup, EJ looked
up to see Adam smiling at her with a latte of his own. Dressed in a suit one shade darker and
slightly less wrinkled than the one he’d worn the day before.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ok, fine. Has it
really been more than thirty minutes,” she asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Only by another fifteen,” he chuckled. “Come on, let’s get you fed. But maybe put some clothes on first though.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ stood up and realized she hadn’t even made it out of the
robe she’d put on when she got out of the shower this morning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well, at least I got my make-up and hair done,” she replied
as she walked back into the bedroom to search her single suitcase for something
appropriate to wear.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Less than ten minutes later, she was walking out of the
bedroom dressed in a pair of sharply creased tan pants, a black linen shirt
with the sleeves rolled up over a white tank, black belt and loafers and
carrying a matching, patterned scarf. A
long gold necklace and antique Victorian drop earrings completed the look. She grabbed her messenger bag and looped the
scarf around the strap before checking the safety of its contents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I take it all back, Red,” Adam whistled. “You could give those supermodels a run for
their money.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Come on,” EJ chuckled.
“Let’s get this over with. But
you’re still obligated to feed me first.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Naturally,” Adam responded as he opened the door with a
flourish. “Let’s get you fed before the
hangry red monster appears.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Less than forty minutes later, they were seated at a little
local café with a plate full of baith tamat, khameer bread, date syrup and an
assortment of cheese. EJ couldn’t help
but smile as she took in the delicious smell of the baith tamat. Its combination of scrambled eggs with
tomatoes, herbs and saffron causing her stomach to rumble loudly enough that
Adam smirked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Guess I was hungrier than I thought I was,” EJ quipped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Knowing you, you probably skipped dinner last night and
then got yourself worked up about this whole shindig to the point where you
didn’t really feel like eating,” Adam mused.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I can neither confirm nor deny,” EJ responded as she
shoveled a fork full of the eggs into her mouth and dripped the date syrup on
the khameer. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It’d be hard either way with a mouth full of food,” Adam
teased. “Can we address the elephant in
the room now that you have some food in you?
You’re not normally so averse to being on time. So, you might as well go
ahead and spill what it is about the repatriation of these artifacts that has you
so worked up and why you refused to do it at the Iraqi Museum.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ sighed. It was
obvious by the look on Adam’s face that he was not going to let this go. She hadn’t told anyone about the death
threats or the feelings of being followed. Or even the price on her head.
She taken her own safety countermeasures – varied routes to work;
putting garbage out the morning of trash day instead of the night before; asked
the station security guard to walk her to her car after dark; changed out of
her on-air clothes before leaving; increased her visits to the
shooting range; even rented a different type of car to drive on occasion and
stayed in a hotel for a few days here and there when she was feeling particularly nervous. Anything and everything to vary her routine
and draw less attention to herself. She’d
even thought about cutting and dying her hair but the Station Manager had
quickly put the kibosh on that, “Your look is what distinguishes you from the
hundreds of other TV personalities out there.
If you dyed your red curls brown then how will people know they’re
watching EJ Anne on Channel 5,” she’d said.
Of course, EJ hadn’t explained the real reason why to her either. If she had, the station would have hired
protection and instituted the advanced safety protocols they had in place. And, even more to the point,
EJ didn’t want to seem like she couldn’t take care of herself. Her hyper-independence just would not allow her to ask for help.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“So,” Adam prodded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Fine,” EJ replied as she put her fork down, “But you have to
promise not to say <i>anything</i> until the
end.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Very well, I promise” Adam said. “Out with it then.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You know all about the piece I did with Special Agent Carl
Rickman from the CPAA – the Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities division of
the United Stated Homeland Security Investigations Department,” EJ
clarified. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam said nothing but shook his head in the affirmative.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well, during that investigative piece I may have stepped on
a few toes – unintentionally, of course,” EJ added quickly. “When we were attempting to track down some
of the 4,000 pieces still missing from the National Museum of Iraq; I couldn’t get
the idea of a black market antiquities seller purposefully flooding the market
with fakes in order to eat up the time of investigative and authentication
resources thereby allowing the stealers, dealers and sellers more time to move
the real artifacts across borders and into the hands of their buyers. If these black market antiquities dealers
were shopping for a specific client; price would have been negotiated and
agreed upon prior to handing the piece over and maybe even prior to the looting
itself. At least those were my
thoughts. So, I started wondering about
the fakes that were seemingly flooding the market according to Rickman and the
Museum Director. What if the fakes were purposefully
commissioned and there was a way to track them back to the original dealer and
find the authentic missing artifacts?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam sat in silence, eyes wide. He could tell as EJ recounted her thought
process that not only was she was on to something but that she was carefully
trying to prep him for the bomb she was about to drop.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I mean some of these fakes,” she continued excitedly, “were incredible! The experts were eating up a lot of time
trying to determine their authenticity or not.
That kind of artistic expertise combined with the ability – and access
to – materials and tools that could cause these authenticators and
investigators to need multiple tests, resources and time to determine if the
item was truly authentic or not was impressive in and of itself.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ took a deep breath and looked at Adam. He was listening intently, but silently as
she’d asked. However, looking in his
eyes, she could tell that he had already made the logical jump to where she was
going in his head. His face said it
all. She knew she better wrap it up
quick because he was bursting with questions.
More like concern and he needed to get them out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Then the authenticators and museum experts began to see a
pattern,” she hurriedly continued. “Certain
fakes seemed to come across their desks with more frequency and under further investigation;
more ‘tells’ seemed to pop out. When you’re
only looking at one or two fakes of the same item months or even years apart;
you miss those minute details that just don’t seem to fit. Your brain only sees them as an anomaly – not
as a trademark so to speak. But, when
you’re seeing that same anomaly time and time again within the same context
then the pattern emerges. What they
learned was that certain fakes were consistently made by the same artisan. Artisan A consistently produced reproduction cuneiform
tablets; Artisan B was responsible for the vast majority of high quality papyrus
fakes and so forth. We still didn’t know
the names of the artisans but they were able to identify more than a dozen
different artisans who had specific specialties within the antiquities black
market AND that there were some similarities between the materials that they
used to create their reproductions.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam took a deep breath before looking at EJ dead in the eye
and stating, “I promised not to ask questions until you were done so you’d
better get to it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What all this new information did tell us was that my
hypothesis was right. There did appear
to be an organized effort to flood the market with high quality fakes of the looted artifacts. What we didn’t
know was the who, where or why. So I
began snooping as I do,” EJ flashed a smile, noting that Adam did not return
her amused look before continuing. “I
began reaching out to the sources that I had cultivated in-country to see if I
could get pointed in the right direction.
I made it sound like I was looking to do a clandestine interview with
some amazing art forger. I played to their
ego. One of my contacts was able to put
me in contact with a forger who was new to the game. But, he had incredible talent. Honestly, he really could have been a
well-respected artist in his own right had he not gone over to the Dark Side. And, as it turned out, he was located in New
York. I was able to arrange a meeting
with him, in public, to get the logistics of the interview squared away. I promised to blur his face and voice for air
and he got paid for his time. Long story
short, as the interview went on and he got more comfortable; he started
bragging about one of his ‘big jobs’ to create hundreds of identical
reproductions of four cylinder seals from the Iraq Museum. I knew I’d found the maker of the dozens of
seals which had already come across Rickman and the museum experts’ desks. So I leaned into his story and his ego. By the time we wrapped the interview, he’d
confirmed that there was a workshop of artisans who were responsible for nearly
80-percent of the forgeries on the black market at that time. He’d even disclosed a general location for
this underground workshop without even realizing it. And I’d got it all on tape!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ’s excitement was palatable. Even Adam couldn’t deny that what she was
telling him was an impressive bit of investigative journalism. It was hard not to be proud of her. And worried.
To him, she was still that gangly teenager who didn’t think about the
consequences before she leapt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“But, Hell, it was an impressive investigation. Period,” he thought to himself. “And dangerous.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Naturally, my cameraman, Luke, and I had to confirm the suspected
location before presenting the information to Rickman. My goal was to ensure that he had all the
information he needed to move on the workshop.
Once we’d done that then I could make sure and negotiate a position for
Luke and I to be embedded when he did.
It really was a way to close the loop on the original story,” EJ
justified. “So Luke and I waited until
we were sure the shop was empty before we snuck in. Once inside, we were able to get some great footage
of the workshop interior; pieces that were in-progress; even a few pieces that
I suspect were authentic but being used for reference until a sufficient number of fakes had been created and they were moved to their final destination. That’s when I saw the seals.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Protectively, EJ’s hand went to her bag. She patted the bag and looked at Adam.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“So you grabbed them and left,” Adam finished the story for
her. EJ nodded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I wanted to have something tangible for the investigators
and authenticators to look at,” she sighed. "So it's more than just a single artifact that I'm returning to its people. It's four."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nNQMG0P_Tr0G35MCTHnMxregconPk8nMKaceE5KBR7qRQkNem_h6lBaGC1fiuDS0_tigQOJE4LkiPjWTaS33_RgBbeiZZniPdfUkaNFFhcN2G2x3OjkWTkz6oFdRd7SAnT49zlWEiiol770YlaaVidKKC6kqiOKascgNnFUbavtplFjthju7o6_9QA/s873/Returned%20Cyclinder%20Seal%20Looted%20from%20the%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq%20during%20Operation%20Desert%20Storm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="873" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nNQMG0P_Tr0G35MCTHnMxregconPk8nMKaceE5KBR7qRQkNem_h6lBaGC1fiuDS0_tigQOJE4LkiPjWTaS33_RgBbeiZZniPdfUkaNFFhcN2G2x3OjkWTkz6oFdRd7SAnT49zlWEiiol770YlaaVidKKC6kqiOKascgNnFUbavtplFjthju7o6_9QA/w640-h412/Returned%20Cyclinder%20Seal%20Looted%20from%20the%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq%20during%20Operation%20Desert%20Storm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Four Cylinder Seals that were looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.</b></span><br style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 700;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Alright, but I’m waiting for the part where you tell me why you didn’t
want to have this little shindig at the National Museum,” Adam prodded.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“After the seals were authenticated, Rickman agreed to let
Luke and I come with and film the seizure and arrests. What we didn’t realize until afterwards when Carl was following up on some of the other leads that the warehouse produced was
that the Taliban had participated and, in some instances, encouraged the
looting and sale of these priceless artifacts to fund their regime. To make matters worse, these artisans had
been hired – unbeknownst to them – by Taliban representatives to create these
forgeries and flood the market to make the authentic pieces harder to locate,” EJ
looked at Adam, not wanting to go on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“And you all just shut down their entire money-making
operation,” he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes. Not only were
they making money from the sale of the authentic artifacts but also from the
sale of the forgeries - it was bankrolling a huge chunk of their operations. They had set the
workshop up in New York thinking it would have been easier and less risky
to get the fakes into buyers’ hands if they were produced there rather than trying
to smuggle the forgeries into the States,” EJ responded. “The story aired with footage from the
investigation; the interviews with the National Museum Director and Rickman as
well as the arrests in New York. Regular
update stories were provided by the CPAA and its artifact repatriation efforts as
more and more arrests throughout the country happened. It was really a domino effect. And, in D.C., I was able to be right in the
heart of it. Rickman would call me
anytime a new artifact was returned and I got to be front row in the press box
at the event. Then it wasn’t long before
someone at DHS reached out to me to let me know that they had credible HUMINT
that the Taliban had put a price on my head as payback for the damage done to
one of their more lucrative money-making ventures.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Did DHS say where this human intelligence had been gathered
from,” Adam asked. “Did they tell you
why they believed it to be credible?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ shook her head in the negative and Adam sighed, “Why didn’t
you call me before all this? I could
have arranged for security or even done some of my own digging.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I didn’t want to worry you.
DHS and Rickman have assured me that they have been working closely with
the State Department to mitigate any potential threats to my safety,” EJ
said. “But, that’s why I didn’t want to
hand the seals off at the National Museum and why the Rickman and I are presenting
them to the Museum Director here in Dubai on neutral ground at the Saruq Al
Hadid Archeology Museum. I would have
preferred the American Consulate but the State Department, Iraqi government and
the Dubai Police Force have assured me that nothing will happen. The presentation is supposed to take place in
the auditorium in order to control access and make me feel more comfortable. So…that’s the story.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Shoulders slumped and head down, EJ felt like a huge weight
had been lifted from her shoulders. She
was still nervous about the presentation and what could go wrong but finally
breaking down and telling Adam had left her feeling slightly more at ease.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Well that doesn’t give me much time, but I can make it work,”
Adam replied as he pulled out his phone and starting shooting off one text
after another at a furious pace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Make what work,” EJ asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Protection,” he said simply. “Arrange additional protection and security. I have a few contacts at the Dubai Police
Force who can ensure that my folks get added to the guest list. Then I’ll feel more comfortable knowing that
there are some people there we can both count on in the event that someone
tries something stupid. Then, I’ll get
something set up for you in D.C. until I can determine the validity of this
HUMINT that DHS mentioned.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">She couldn’t help but smile.
Even after all these years, Adam was still protecting her. He’d taught her how to look after herself and
to be situationally aware. He’d even
been the one to teach her how to use a gun, and how to use it well, but it was in
his nature to protect those he cared about.
She’d seen that first hand so many years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">A few minutes later, Adam put his cell phone down and paid
the tab. “Let’s go,” he said, “and get
you over to the Archeology Museum so I can see the set-up and coordinate with
my guys and the Dubai Police.”<o:p></o:p></p><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© COPYRIGHT</span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-41172690839092296182023-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:002023-06-19T08:29:16.116-07:00The Waxing / Waning Moon<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Throughout time, the human timeline has been measured by the heavens. Across the globe from the beginning of time, man (and woman) has used the celestial heavens to track time as well as navigation. The celestial symbology seen throughout the shared human existence dates back eons. In today's post, I'd like to discuss one particular member of that mythology - the moon - more specifically the waxing / waning moon, better known as the crescent moon.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="margin: 0px;">The crescent moon has been associated with goddesses in many ancient traditions as a symbol of fertility. For example, in Ancient Egypt, Isis represented both the female creator god as well as motherhood. Similarly, Hathor was associated with maternal love and nurturing. The importance of these two deities then influenced Greek mythology. That influence can been seen in the goddess Artemis otherwise known as “the lady of wild things.” Artemis was one form of the moon goddess Selene. Her name was likely derived from "selas" the Greek word for “light.” It was said that she drove a chariot of white horses across the sky at night thereby providing the evening light. Women wishing to conceive would pray to the moon goddess for assistance in bringing new life into the world. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg5aw7PttFLYUSYN2DRFXhkoEQeK-yA0QDeFLz7AqcLbCGdbV9mBlQrlWN5fF5S3sSBhdLKvG9LKzfZwVkPH_nZPtTna61vOZFKSEKCwTyptW0zDhY39qlgKZmosAQyAsbDrlh4bI-N12mZp27UVRkmchbjLnilTegdTFzHxGdz04P3VN2U9FHqTxNg/s2749/LoSmeraldo%20Crescent%20Brooch.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2749" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg5aw7PttFLYUSYN2DRFXhkoEQeK-yA0QDeFLz7AqcLbCGdbV9mBlQrlWN5fF5S3sSBhdLKvG9LKzfZwVkPH_nZPtTna61vOZFKSEKCwTyptW0zDhY39qlgKZmosAQyAsbDrlh4bI-N12mZp27UVRkmchbjLnilTegdTFzHxGdz04P3VN2U9FHqTxNg/w370-h640/LoSmeraldo%20Crescent%20Brooch.webp" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I adore this chunky rose cut diamond crescent moon brooch available through <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1408190790/rose-cut-diamond-crescent-moon?ref=cart" target="_blank">LoSmeraldo</a>, circa 1830s.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">In Roman mythology the crescent shape symbolized the bow used by Diana, goddess of the hunt. In Chinese philosophy the moon is the yin to the sun’s yang thereby demonstrating how the female moon and male sun can perfectly balance as opposites. In Celtic tradition, the moon goddess Brigid was said to cure diseases using herbs, cementing her right a deity of protection, healing, poetry and wisdom. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">As a result of these mythological associations, the crescent moon has long been considered a symbol of protection, transition and new beginnings. While the stars were symbols of direction and guidance for the spirit; the crescent moon was used to represent change as demonstrated by its multiple lunar phases. Its waxing and waning cycle, which represents both the time before something new begins (waxing) and after it ends (waning), can also be seen as representing one's life journey from darkness into light - the birth to death process. It offers guidance and also reminds us there’s always hope, that the sun will come out tomorrow on a new day. A new chance at life.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT0gzHn4ANXhtJtKXvE4LUE4g24uDJZvmxSXGt37NTwUfILsV5VRQxhQR0oKmj7HX-z9iUL0iN9zUWRELFMHCV3uKeFe4qSnc_NGsMzDmMItwNh3iQ-Xm_10UckLzX-vHFcqFvMtJhwZfdCJsk0eyd4WVd1j7NIJwVa4G2f0chPllU5CuIEzqMLRd_Q/s1588/SpringerBoutique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1588" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT0gzHn4ANXhtJtKXvE4LUE4g24uDJZvmxSXGt37NTwUfILsV5VRQxhQR0oKmj7HX-z9iUL0iN9zUWRELFMHCV3uKeFe4qSnc_NGsMzDmMItwNh3iQ-Xm_10UckLzX-vHFcqFvMtJhwZfdCJsk0eyd4WVd1j7NIJwVa4G2f0chPllU5CuIEzqMLRd_Q/w640-h392/SpringerBoutique.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This 15kt Victorian shamrock crescent brooch from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1165606605/antique-victorian-15ct-diamond-crescent?ref=cart" target="_blank">Springer Boutique</a> is a perfect example of the luck & motivation <br />to achieve your dreams during the waxing moon.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">The symbol of the crescent moon in jewelry design also represents both the waning moon and waxing moon phases. The waxing phase is when the amount of the lit surface is increasing, going toward a full moon. As the moon grows in illumination, the belief is that it brings with it a new lease of energy and positivity thereby providing us with the motivation to achieve our dreams. The waning moon phase (when the moon is moving towards a new moon) encourages us to focus on removing the negative energy from our lives as the moon appears to get smaller.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">The crescent moon was incredibly popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Antique jewelry from these periods were saturated with secret messages, symbolism and sentiment. The crescent moon appears on talismans and jewelry from some of the oldest of archaeological finds. In vintage jewelry, we see it most often in Victorian and Art Nouveau era pieces. The Victorians perfected the art form of symbolism in jewelry. The Victorians famously used motifs such as flowers and gems as a way of discretely communicating elaborate messages. Victorian brides often associated crescent moons cradling flowers as romantic, and this image was often depicted on their “honeymoon brooches." Crescent moons paired with stars were often thought of in terms of as a romantic soulmate reference. Crescent moons in Victorian jewelry often represented spirituality and the glorification of the feminine moon goddess. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"> </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aEpbzEm6Ci96-JRF0jS3d2j2MwL0PWAiJGahxUW1hm1uOY43Blslg-0sFH-tonwl-_1xajfNl7eXbHa0h7Db64Pjr9CIaBjOaF8lL2rqh59uMLZ7IEmDfYgkRTcdvmj3_lxoMW8Pd4H07RI087UDNyJj6-ZmGLafskc1GzBdCKOXJsw_xytK_ZxMkg/s1623/JeremySilverthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aEpbzEm6Ci96-JRF0jS3d2j2MwL0PWAiJGahxUW1hm1uOY43Blslg-0sFH-tonwl-_1xajfNl7eXbHa0h7Db64Pjr9CIaBjOaF8lL2rqh59uMLZ7IEmDfYgkRTcdvmj3_lxoMW8Pd4H07RI087UDNyJj6-ZmGLafskc1GzBdCKOXJsw_xytK_ZxMkg/w626-h640/JeremySilverthorne.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>One of my dream pieces available from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/726859867/victorian-15ct-gold-ruby-sapphire?ref=cart" target="_blank">Jeremy Silverthorne</a>, is this 15kt Victorian gold ruby, sapphire & diamond crescent brooch, circa 1890s.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">During the Art Nouveau period, the designs of the 1910’s were heavily influenced by mythology. The Roman goddess Diana was a favorite subject. Like her Greek counterpart, Artemis, Diana was the goddess of the hunt. Diana is often represented with a crescent moon crown on her head. Jewelers and artisans sometimes crafted crescent moon brooches that were longer and slimmer than the standard, as though they were ready to be strung and used by the goddess herself on a hunt!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">The moon in any form is considered to be feminine, an empowering symbol that represents female influence, intuition and kindness as well as the power women wield throughout the world. The moon influences us in many ways, from the tides it creates to the emotions we feel. A full moon is thought to boost creativity, energy levels and positivity.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ynzc7JA9h5JMqDdiT39u9MPUEBr1HpkReMolQsmUoWwvvc9ZORR9yzetI2chWM8yzNIZfcr5UjNucrSTF_uDLmiUANN4CptK3s-KidB0Tc5paIyJIYMNNd1i2gYy-efrNWFtul3IgBrMEXVPwh0mc5upKSidEI8VoK5wH3thpcBGRekkxzZ1dZRTyg/s1588/ACSilverAntiques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1588" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ynzc7JA9h5JMqDdiT39u9MPUEBr1HpkReMolQsmUoWwvvc9ZORR9yzetI2chWM8yzNIZfcr5UjNucrSTF_uDLmiUANN4CptK3s-KidB0Tc5paIyJIYMNNd1i2gYy-efrNWFtul3IgBrMEXVPwh0mc5upKSidEI8VoK5wH3thpcBGRekkxzZ1dZRTyg/w640-h480/ACSilverAntiques.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wouldn't you just love to wear this 3.41ct diamond crescent brooch from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1055976910/341ct-diamond-and-9ct-yellow-gold?ref=cart" target="_blank">AC Silver Antiques</a> on a chain as well?!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Crescent moons have been worn by lovers for centuries as a symbol of love and fertility. Unmarried women in some cultures wear them believing it will bring them their soulmate where as married couples use them to represent a lasting relationship. Crescent moons are also worn to bring luck and wealth as well as provide protection against negativity. </div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-84043513707564883562023-05-18T15:23:00.006-07:002023-05-18T15:55:08.673-07:00Jeweled History: A Creative Writing Series - The Golden Bowl, The Frontlines (Chapter 1)<p><i>There are thousands of bloggers and authors out there writing about jewelry - era, history, fashion, "dos" and "don'ts," designer interviews, award show recaps and the like. Although I will continue to write about those topics in my own way as well; I wanted to bring back a series that brought me an inordinate amount of creative joy. So, if you've followed me through the years now, you have (hopefully) come across my <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2018/01/a-jeweled-history-creative-writing.html" target="_blank">Creative Writing</a></span> series from 2018 in which I took a single piece of antique or vintage jewelry that had come across my desk and fabricated a fictional - and yet historically accurate - story around it. I'm bringing the series back for 2023 and taking it to the "next level" in the form of a longer, serialized novel version. Follow along to keep up on the main character's adventures! And, I hope you fall in love with her (and the jewelry) as much as I have!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/s600/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRR7THz5QTODpOfIqS_joUvwH0HVOro_QVbzQapvxQodh1IIajNEDUoShaBg4aMlxg313R-zVO7JL-OmVd2BBbXCmJTvuKQrbbKlbfTTjMldf4s1Le8GdapWaD-O0OdHUiisWNI43X8pbgHgAATxVQfX2dyImpA178dYLhAdyrLvLmUIjQxm_eBQS-Q/w640-h316/Gold%20&%20Lapis%20Bowl%20Looted%20from%20National%20Museum%20of%20Iraq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Gold & Lapis Bowl looted from the National Museum of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />Chapter 1: The Frontlines</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The average person would think that as a newsperson
reporting from the frontlines; the reporter themselves either 1) enjoys being
the center of attention, 2) is an adrenaline junkie or 3) has a death
wish. In EJ’s case, none were true. Call it luck; right place / right time or
even fate. Looking back on her 40+ year
life history now; she’d have said it was just another in a series flukes that
had led her to this very moment in life.
EJ ended up on the frontlines in Afghanistan as a teenager shortly after
the cease fire went into effect after Operation Desert Storm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To some, EJ’s mother would have seemed like a flake. Or eccentric at the least. But one thing she could never be called was
boring or predictable. Sarah Jules Anne
was, in fact, anything but. Harvard
educated, with multiple business degrees and the fortune to have been born with
a charismatic personality, she was the type of person who could convince anyone
of anything – and often did. Her
charisma and classically stunning good looks helped Sarah get in front of the
right investors early in her entrepreneurial career. After selling several of her start-ups, she
was still looking for “the next big thing;” never satisfied. It was that constant sense of searching that
more times than not spilled into her personal life as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">She would often throw caution to the wind only to uproot EJ
from school thereby causing her grandmother an inordinate amount of stress and
anxiety to fly off to some far-flung locale in search of……<i>something</i>. She would tell EJ
with a bright smile and cheeks turned rosy from excitement, “You can never
learn as much in school as you can through an honest-to-God adventure.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thinking back, EJ smiled as she grabbed her dirty, brown
canvas messenger bag and slipped it over her head. Desert sand boots laced and ready to go, she
grabbed her roller bag and headed downstairs to the waiting town car outside
her small, studio apartment to take her to Washington Reagan National Airport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If the cricks in her neck were any indication of just how
long the flight was, EJ would have thought the distance was more than the 7,000
flight miles. Looking out the window as
the plane began its descent into Dubai, a flood of memories came rushing back. EJ closed her eyes as the plane made its
final approach. As she steadied her
breathing waiting for the near-constant ear popping to cease, EJ remembered her
first visit to Dubai. The sense of
dread; the feeling of running away but with no apparent end goal in mind; even
the fear hit at full force. She took a
deep breath and let her emotions settle.
It was those memories after all that had helped get her here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">On a mission to find another lover that was cleverly (or not
so cleverly) disguised as a “learning opportunity” for EJ, her mother had
packed them up for a 4,500 mile road trip / adventure from Kabul to Dubai
telling her there was “no better teacher than the sights, sounds and smells of
a city.” The truth of the matter was Sarah
was chasing down a man – again. Her mom’s
latest obsession was an Army Staff Sergeant she’d met through a deployed
service member pen pal program during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. EJ chuckled to herself thinking back to those
early days. Driving aimlessly through
the various cities and outposts trying to find Staff Sergeant Adam
Richter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We just had an instant connection, you know?” her mom would
say with a far-off look in her eyes and a smile as the car bounced along some
desert road. At the time, EJ thought it
was <i>so romantic,</i> as any teenage girl
would. But as the days turned into
months and her mother’s frustration at not being able to find the man who was
her latest “soulmate” mounted; EJ would find herself wandering the streets in
whatever town they were currently stopped in before hitting the road again to whatever
the next location her mom felt might be Richter’s latest assignment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It wasn’t all bad,” EJ mused to herself as the plane
touched down in Dubai. “Mom was right
about adventure being the best teacher.”
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As a teenager in Kabul, EJ had taken to wandering through
some of the historical landmarks like the Babur Garden, the National Museum or
the City Center. But her favorite place
then had always been the Chihilsitoon Garden.
It was located only a few miles from Babur Garden in the foothills of
the Sher Darwaza Mountain. The history
of the area had fascinated EJ when she was there. Its orchard had served as a Mughal outpost
below a hillside settlement along the Kabul River in the 16<sup>th</sup> Century
and until the 1980s, the Chihilsitoon Palace had remained a hub for government
activity or as a state guesthouse for visiting dignitaries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As she grabbed her bag to disembark, EJ muttered, “Damn
Palace.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Holding a tablet with her name brightly displayed was a
gentleman in a crisp linen suit over a white button down. Brown loafers and a straw-colored fedora that
allowed just a hint of his dark, black-peppered hair to peek through completed
his look. Making her way over, EJ smiled
brightly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I didn’t expect you to come pick me up!” She exclaimed as she pulled him in for a deep
hug. “I would have grabbed a cab to the
hotel. There’s no reason to pull you
away from what I am sure has been a very exciting day for you.” EJ winked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The man laughed, “I wouldn’t have missed this for the
world.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam Richter was one of the many men who had come into EJ’s
life over the years. Each brought their
own unique perspectives and life experiences with them. Honestly, none stuck around for any true
measure of time worth noting. Some so
fleeting in their presence that EJ didn’t even remember their names. But Adam was different. He may have broken her mother’s heart but
he’d saved EJ’s life….and introduced her to a career that would become the
stepping stone to something she never could have even imagined as that scared
little teen girl who’d snuck onto an Army base to give him a what-for.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“That all you got?” Adam asked as he grabbed her roller bag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You know me,” she smiled, “I like to pack light in case I
need a quick get-away.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Why? Are you planning on going someplace you don’t belong
that would require immediate exfil by an Ops Team?” The look Adam gave EJ out of his peripheral
vision and the one raised eyebrow said it all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">With a heavy sigh, EJ replied, “I’m not <i>planning</i> anything. I’m just
here to hand over the artifacts; do the grip-and-grin thing; take a few photos
and get back to D.C. as quickly as possible.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“You know, Red, one of these days it might do you some good <b><i>to</i></b>
plan something,” Adam offered. “You
can’t ignore a whole country just because of one incident. The director at the Aga Khan Trust has been
asking me when you’re going to be in country.
He says they’d like to do a little something for you after that business
all those years ago.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I know Adam. He
keeps leaving me voicemails. What I can’t
figure out is how he got my number?”
EJ’s sour look says it all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I gave it to him,” Adam states. No malice, no concern, no hurt – just a
fact. “Try returning them. Your safety will be guaranteed. No one is going to arrest you. Or kill you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Very funny. I’m not
taking any chances. I can find plenty of
work outside of Afghanistan,” EJ snaps.
“Let it go.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“For now,” Adam concedes.
“But don’t think this discussion is over.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“With you? How could
I,” EJ says as Adam loads her roller bag into the backseat of his Hummer. He chuckles as he climbs in the driver’s seat
and buckles his seatbelt. EJ snaps hers
and settles into the sun warmed leather seats as the car comes to life. Lulled by the road noise, she’s asleep before
she even realizes it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam glances at the sleeping girl in the seat beside him and
shakes his head. She’s a woman now,
capable of making her own decisions and choices. It’s been twenty years since he first met
that little girl with the thick auburn curls made even more red in the desert
light. She’d come into his life kicking
and screaming with a mouth and attitude as loud and bright as the hair on her
very head. He still remembered the first
time he saw her in the car with her mother as they were tearing away from the
base - backwards. The anger in her eyes
could have melted steel. He’d had no
idea that several hours later she’d be standing in front of him kicking and
screaming calling him all sorts of names for the hurt she thought he’d caused
her mother. The MP attempting to detain
her for sneaking onto the base had his hands full. He had her by the scruff in one hand his
other arm wrapped around her midsection attempting to keep her from kicking
either of them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Should have known then what a handful she’d be,” Adam laughed to himself. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam hadn’t lied to her mother. He’d just neglected to share the full
story. He <i>was</i> married – to his brother’s widow, Stephanie. While he had joined up and gotten deployed
overseas, his twin brother, Elliott, had married his high school
sweetheart. They were expecting their
first child together – a boy. His
brother worked at the local lumber mill.
One night on his way home, Elliott was hit head-on by a drunk driver. He died before the paramedics arrived. After the funeral, Adam had learned that
Stephanie would no longer have health insurance through the mill and with a
baby due in just over a month…It made sense.
He married her so she and the baby would have health insurance through
the Army. Adam had always looked at it
like he was taking care of his family.
Obviously, it was only a marriage on paper but Sarah never gave him the
chance to explain. And EJ, well, she was
her mother’s daughter. It wasn’t until years
later when she was in a jam and he was her only option that she even gave him
the opportunity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Her hair, and her mouth, have toned down over the years but
her attitude is just as fiery as it always was.
Most people thought he called her “Red” because of her hair. Nope, it was all because of the fire in
her. Most the time, she was calm and
reserved. If you didn’t know her, you might
even say she was quiet. But Adam knew
the storm that roiled just below the surface.
Ready to explode any time EJ’s will, patience or sense of right and
wrong were tested past their limits. She
was a spitfire, that one. Just like her
mom - in more ways than she’d cared to admit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We’re here, Sleeping Beauty,” Adam chuckled. “Let’s get you checked in so you can get a
proper night’s sleep before you become the media darling that you are.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ groaned before rolling in the seat, head propped against
the window. “Just leave me here. Tell them I missed my flight but to carry on
without me. It wouldn’t be the first
time I’ve slept in a car.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Not a chance,” Adam replied as he climbed out and fetched
her roller bag before walking to the passenger side and opening the door. EJ all but fell out of the car had it not
been for the seatbelt keeping her strapped to the seat. Adam reached over her and clicked the buckle
before offering his hand and helping her climb out of the Hummer. EJ’s messenger bag was still slung across her
shoulder as she padded along next to Adam into the lobby of the Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Hotel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Swanky,” Adam whistled as he nudge EJ with his elbow. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I can’t believe anyone actually says ‘swanky’ still,” she
laughed. Adam may have only been her
senior by 20 or so years but sometimes he seemed to have come from a generation
three decades earlier.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before the ribbing could continue, the hotel manager came
forward signaling to one of the bellhops to take EJ’s luggage. Adam turned over her roller bag but EJ held
firm to the messenger bag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Welcome to the Burj Al Arab, Ms. Anne” the manager
said. “We’ve been expecting you. I am Malik Noor Al Zeera, the hotel
manager. Your room is ready for
you. I understand it’s been a long
flight and I’m sure you would like to get some rest before tomorrow’s
festivities. Amir will show you to room.
Should you need anything during your stay, please do not hesitate to
contact me directly or your floor valet.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ took the man’s card and thanked him for the hospitality
before turning to Adam. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll be here to pick you up in the morning at 0800 for
breakfast before we head over to the Saruq Al Hadid Archeology Museum,” Adam
said before pulling her in for another hug.
“Don’t be late. And get some
rest. You look like Hell.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ smiled, “Yes Sir!
I’ll do my best to look like one of those exotic Arabian supermodels you
seem to enjoy so much.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam chuckles as he walks off, hand waving behind him, “With
that hair and those eyes, not a chance Red.
Not a chance.” He’s gone before
EJ can offer a retort of her own.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Lead the way, Amir,” EJ turns to look at the young bellhop. He jumps to, turning on his heals towards the
elevator. He uses a key card to call the
elevator and holds the doors open for EJ.
Once in, she leans against the back wall and sighs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Are you alright, Miss?” Amir asks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, just tired,” EJ responds. The elevator doors open and Amir leads the
way down the hallway to a large set of double doors. He swipes the key card again before opening
the doors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once inside, Amir hands her the card and says, “Ma’am, if
you’d like?” as he gestures towards the suite.
He brings her bag inside and gives her a brief tour of the suite,
depositing her bag at the foot of the bed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Room service is open until 2am should you like a bite to
eat, the menu is available in the kitchen.
The maids will be in around 10am tomorrow morning and your floor valet’s
contact information can be found next to the phones in the bedroom and living
areas,” Amir says. “Is there anything
else you require?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“No Amir, thank you,” EJ replies as she hands him a 20 dirham
note. The smile that spreads across his
face says it all as he quickly leaves before EJ can think better of the tip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ walks to the windows and sighs. Taking the messenger bag off her shoulders,
she deposits it in the nearest chair.
It’s evening in the desert.
Staring into the dark horizon, peppered by the occasional lights of a passing
ship; EJ couldn’t help but smile when she thought of something her Grandmother
used to always say, “Nothing good happens after dark.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Not recently, Grandma. Not recently,” EJ chuckled and
headed towards the bedroom for what she hoped would be a scalding shower and a
well-earned sleep.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once in the shower, EJ let the hot water rinse the travel
grit off her skin and help her ease back into herself. The steady thrum of the water hitting the tile
and the way the steam wrapped around allowed her mind to wander. It drifted to the time when her mother was on
the hunt for Adam through what felt like most of the Middle East. The day-long drives from the streets of Kabul
through Islamabad in Pakistan then through the vast, sandy Iranian desert
before taking a ferry across the Gulf of Oman to Dubai. Of course, with EJ’s mother, it was never as
simple as a straight shot. No, it was a series
of circles; zig-zagging across three countries and stopping to quiz any
American Service Member they happened to spot trying to find the elusive Adam
Richter. EJ remembered how what had felt
like a grand, romantic adventure in her teenage mind quickly became a
months-long attempt at managing her mother’s emotional stability. Each military base they stopped at, Sarah
would become increasingly convinced that this was “The One” she would find him
at. He’d be told she was at the gate and
coming running to her; their love sealed.
Each time, she’d be crushed. No
service member by that name is assigned here, “You really should take your
daughter and go home” seemed to play on repeat.
Sarah would become more erratic and depressed as time and frustration
took its toll.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">At her heart, EJ’s mother was a hopeless romantic. Too many Disney daydreams. Then the scene played out differently at a
random stop at one lone military outpost on the Afghani side of the border
between Iran and Pakistan. They pulled
up to the gate arm in their dust covered beater when a rather imposing U.S.
Army Private approached the driver’s side.
For what felt like the thousandth time, EJ listened as her mother
recounted the story of her soulmate and how she had traveled here from New York
to find him. With the utmost patience,
the Private listened and then asked for his name. Sarah gave it, her eyes seemed filled with
hope. EJ listened, head down in the
passenger seating waiting for that fateful phrase that never came.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Oh Wow! You must be
Mrs. Richter! Sarge talks about you and
the baby <i>all</i> the time,” the Private
responded, “Let me call him on the radio and have him come meet you!” EJ looked at her mother, watching as the
tears welled in her eyes and all her hopes were crushed as the Private walked
away, radio in hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The water continued to cascade down EJ’s shoulders and back,
a deep sigh escaping her. The movie of
her first Middle Eastern adventure still playing in her head. The memory of a handsome Staff Sergeant
jogging toward their car, a huge smile on his face that was quickly replaced by
one of shock and confusion as his eyes darted from the Private to the car then to
EJ with her bright red curls. Sarah
sitting frozen behind the steering wheel sobbing. As he approached the car, EJ’s mother put it
in reverse and squealed (as much as one could in the desert, anyway) backwards
down the dirt road narrowly missing the line of cars waiting their turn for
entry. Not more than a few kilometers
away, they stopped in a small village and paid for a room for the night. The words still ringing in her ears even
after all these years, “Use the man up before he uses you up!” Sarah had
proclaimed as she cried herself to sleep that night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fury and a sense of protection ignited in EJ listening to
her mother’s sobs. Once the sobs were over
and her breathing even, EJ snuck a peek to see that her mother had finally
fallen asleep. And, as every rash
teenager in her position would do (or so she thought at the time), she snuck
out of the room determined to give that Adam Richter fellow a piece of her mind
for how he’d lied and broken her mother’s heart.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ silently shook her head before turning off the shower and
reaching for one of the towels on the warmer.
“I really was a hothead,” she thought to herself. “It’s a wonder I survived those years.” She’d long ago forgiven her mother for
dragging her all over the world with no rhyme or reason. She’d even forgiven her the endless and
rotating series of “father-figures” that had been introduced into her
life. After all, several of them had
become her only lifelong friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">EJ pulled an oversized shirt out of her bag and slipped it
on. Climbing into bed, she let a deep,
dreamless sleep finally take her. <o:p></o:p></p><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">© COPYRIGHT</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-34879961930460946302023-05-11T05:49:00.000-07:002023-05-11T05:49:38.028-07:00A Golden Design<p> <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">If you haven't heard the story already, The Mr. has been fascinated by lapidary work for several years now. He's talked with multiple cutters from all over the world; sat in on webinar after webinar; followed along on many a Facebook live event ; joined the Faceters Guild and even take a few classes. Turns out, he's got a knack for it. And, even better, he enjoys it. He enjoys it enough that he even bought himself an Ultra Tech Faceting Machine and some rough to work on at home. Honestly, I'm proud and excited of and for him!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMKOjVVYQaCGHy6YstLKIucD4oRFL-RP4uLJDVvAvsB4Y4Bg6KRJ2qJzLuoEOKNC9UlUAOMBtW2ARk00HKav8vW34vrWx9ToNVunclHA_TygWfSjoYWdoezuZ8J7cHJ8Dq8KTcRBLTcBUMC7oK72RUux1zTnvdyogNdnYRGWPdtRZ8_iWASdA18Tc_Q/s4032/GL11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMKOjVVYQaCGHy6YstLKIucD4oRFL-RP4uLJDVvAvsB4Y4Bg6KRJ2qJzLuoEOKNC9UlUAOMBtW2ARk00HKav8vW34vrWx9ToNVunclHA_TygWfSjoYWdoezuZ8J7cHJ8Dq8KTcRBLTcBUMC7oK72RUux1zTnvdyogNdnYRGWPdtRZ8_iWASdA18Tc_Q/w640-h480/GL11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So when he came home with the very first stone he had ever cut from rough to polished, I knew I had to do something special with it. I wanted to stone to take center stage knowing that it would always be special to me and become (hopefully) a family heirloom. All of that meant that I needed to find the perfect designer to commemorate his first stone.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZcOH8u0pptlPOzHXexFXkud7XH0ni64P9sNUo3AWUo6vrW4Atr2pnSAHTfyu7Go1TcXoNaz5Y4YGMhkhrMDt6SB6eOlw7eFU2W8NhZO-C_SoAzpJ7Ssa7wGeOx-mHqUy7cdaADjKvDIsnIRxCMumEKTsBbOC0_KZeuXPCa0ebwwUsBgO9O0N2W3nTg/s4032/GL9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZcOH8u0pptlPOzHXexFXkud7XH0ni64P9sNUo3AWUo6vrW4Atr2pnSAHTfyu7Go1TcXoNaz5Y4YGMhkhrMDt6SB6eOlw7eFU2W8NhZO-C_SoAzpJ7Ssa7wGeOx-mHqUy7cdaADjKvDIsnIRxCMumEKTsBbOC0_KZeuXPCa0ebwwUsBgO9O0N2W3nTg/w640-h480/GL9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Enter <a href="https://naomitracz.com/" target="_blank">Naomi Tracz Jewellery</a>. I have followed Naomi on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naomitraczjewellery/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for quite some time and have loved her simple, clean, modern aesthetic. I knew Naomi's design style would be the perfect compliment to the hexagon shaped Golden Labradorite that The Mr. had cut. I reached out to her via Instagram, sending her photos of the stone and asking if she'd take on the challenge of setting such a sentimental stone for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Naomi graciously accepted the challenge and after receiving the stone, set to creating the design. Naomi was so attuned to the sentimentality of the stone itself to me that she updated me every step of the way through photos and videos both in her Instagram stories and direct message.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlYZJRxTkNshPCTKONk1K7CjSSNmkzBaPnuupGN3l61-90oGIfdpTC-LDsXUrAIfywFvXsQqIhm4rAPDs2FQjT9OyFss5zyNCgj-pzEVs1yR_6xN4SEezjo9WHoHNIqKN9J-Qd1ybU8Jjb3VdLsATyOjJnTj2rUaWEOT3tUNgrsuK_i9HRy-Cq0TWZA/s939/GL5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="939" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlYZJRxTkNshPCTKONk1K7CjSSNmkzBaPnuupGN3l61-90oGIfdpTC-LDsXUrAIfywFvXsQqIhm4rAPDs2FQjT9OyFss5zyNCgj-pzEVs1yR_6xN4SEezjo9WHoHNIqKN9J-Qd1ybU8Jjb3VdLsATyOjJnTj2rUaWEOT3tUNgrsuK_i9HRy-Cq0TWZA/w640-h634/GL5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">When the ring finally arrived, it was even better than I expected. The mounting really allowed the stone to take center stage with its texture and deep yellow gold. Naomi couldn't have created a better setting for The Mr.'s newly created heirloom stone.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpevTmo7_7TIhc9h9z2tn-yK-anERqwt1-k0R7N37YZSehI-nV3ySYkbi1Twnh-ZZwzok7TlsTYWONUbahjrGc5-NFTMrjyLUbyb3TC-otgLrG8artg9NeT_n5xA-HzLSe6ehTYmlKlrs_n2RXuoBUDn3X28JUJ5xtyH5EGOTiU4HPBjSlOYKqFRe8Hw/s4032/GL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpevTmo7_7TIhc9h9z2tn-yK-anERqwt1-k0R7N37YZSehI-nV3ySYkbi1Twnh-ZZwzok7TlsTYWONUbahjrGc5-NFTMrjyLUbyb3TC-otgLrG8artg9NeT_n5xA-HzLSe6ehTYmlKlrs_n2RXuoBUDn3X28JUJ5xtyH5EGOTiU4HPBjSlOYKqFRe8Hw/w480-h640/GL4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Thank you Naomi for creating the newest future heirloom in my collection!</span></p><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtdoRgUsMQa5ucCjVWX3yo9PECMO_O8lUgeicX6RyppR1ic5tqmm6EvGlnWTbicEmBxFq20kW7ZaJUmbF1vffas8YsSPSzyF1gKo5FRoNdZRvzCLcPE8V-JWhCPjAMs7TZF8X3jGhsLL7E4LHFrCaxDYcDO6JIkl1BTxS3vim0W73ebFu6hvISoSrZg/s4032/GL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtdoRgUsMQa5ucCjVWX3yo9PECMO_O8lUgeicX6RyppR1ic5tqmm6EvGlnWTbicEmBxFq20kW7ZaJUmbF1vffas8YsSPSzyF1gKo5FRoNdZRvzCLcPE8V-JWhCPjAMs7TZF8X3jGhsLL7E4LHFrCaxDYcDO6JIkl1BTxS3vim0W73ebFu6hvISoSrZg/w480-h640/GL2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UqlhRm12-lZUDElMl3TH5CG44MdqJLb7iCvez9GAQ82k_hqhNu_QkWIafKIxL1zMsq4KkcLXMOADUfsXlZ4Kpys6nUjT_-UovBVuyda45is8hMtjbR_6_i2FeXaEvmsBfOWx5GhWOz0G0bsBSTMigR9tT31YVJB8d9qxiqsjNF333ICiMeANSXgTcA/s4032/GL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UqlhRm12-lZUDElMl3TH5CG44MdqJLb7iCvez9GAQ82k_hqhNu_QkWIafKIxL1zMsq4KkcLXMOADUfsXlZ4Kpys6nUjT_-UovBVuyda45is8hMtjbR_6_i2FeXaEvmsBfOWx5GhWOz0G0bsBSTMigR9tT31YVJB8d9qxiqsjNF333ICiMeANSXgTcA/w480-h640/GL3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ58c3mGhE_FXTR_Dno-PYDfCeiAtNL34WS8DUd2w1cm4Q-z9OyiwBQ5wSs3R-_ZwHCG1eUJxNtaOrWzw_QC5cnXkv-j8Xg1je_R7_Ypg5sGsOGSck9hdeIuNGwIDTxn3xVoT3WOVjnxQEgvnijYqFEARqAQfn_09DRT4tC1O2JJ1pkuFC7z3L8CoPQ/s4032/GL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ58c3mGhE_FXTR_Dno-PYDfCeiAtNL34WS8DUd2w1cm4Q-z9OyiwBQ5wSs3R-_ZwHCG1eUJxNtaOrWzw_QC5cnXkv-j8Xg1je_R7_Ypg5sGsOGSck9hdeIuNGwIDTxn3xVoT3WOVjnxQEgvnijYqFEARqAQfn_09DRT4tC1O2JJ1pkuFC7z3L8CoPQ/w480-h640/GL1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-83573855186081062272023-05-02T07:31:00.001-07:002023-05-02T07:31:58.959-07:00Oh Harry...<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you grow up truly middle class, you understand that there are somethings in life that may not make the smartest "financial" sense or are not the most "responsible" choices. Now, don't misunderstand, I had a great childhood and this is in no way a complaint! My parents worked hard; we lived in your normal suburban neighborhood; my sisters and I went to good schools and got good grades. We all went to college and did all the 'right things' you're taught to do growing up so that you can be decent, contributing, responsible members of society.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">BUT....that doesn't mean you don't sometimes want to be reckless or impulsive or make irresponsible choices. And, some of those "choices" are things that I firmly believe everyone should do once in their life - if they ever have the opportunity and are able. Things like buy a brand new car right off the lot even though it will immediately depreciate in value. Or have a home built from the ground up. Buy a piece of artwork direct from your favorite, living artist. Have a sentimental piece of jewelry custom-made....just for you.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF1112BO0iZa2sRLXihHXK8JfrweP5CU49_ovLZY8z9DUBEXUM489vPLQ-_IK6hS3gHpq5fKlCQBEKs5rOi1SbR1c0kKBzUX20ijEwslu65fvJYJVCRRXZmOVvrD7nnoCd8s2oC3LwYgRNDF5NDQIKFdO2OaWJhQZ1XaxNiGMdtif5Na_4A46pAkAOg/s3780/HW%20in%20Honolulu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF1112BO0iZa2sRLXihHXK8JfrweP5CU49_ovLZY8z9DUBEXUM489vPLQ-_IK6hS3gHpq5fKlCQBEKs5rOi1SbR1c0kKBzUX20ijEwslu65fvJYJVCRRXZmOVvrD7nnoCd8s2oC3LwYgRNDF5NDQIKFdO2OaWJhQZ1XaxNiGMdtif5Na_4A46pAkAOg/w512-h640/HW%20in%20Honolulu.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en/products/classic-winston/classic-winston-cushion-cut-sapphire-ring-rgspcu090tb" target="_blank">Classic Winston Cushion-Cut Sapphire Ring</a> in Platinum as seen in the Honolulu Harry Winston Salon. Perfection, of course.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The list could go on but the one consistent thing about all of them is this (in my opinion, of course)...Each are a splurge. Growing up, I was taught to make responsible choices. Not to overstretch or do something that might negatively impact my financial security in the long run. I was close to my grandparents who grew up the children of farmers in rural Missouri during the Great Depression. My parents were educators. Although my Mom was also an artist in her own right; she was never in a position, until later in life, to be able to collect original artwork from gifted artists that she admired. Now, because of her hard work, she is able to surround herself with objects that bring her joy. What her later-in-life collections have now taught me is that it is okay to reward yourself. Be it for milestones at work, home or in life. Sometimes, it is perfectly acceptable to reward yourself for simply making it through the day. A</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">nd, it is even okay to daydream about what reward you would give yourself if "X" ever happened or after you finish that one big project that has been looming over your head.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnTHXaW16Q83SN20GcvTciT-ZaCifmJNyFUz1IxNFpyWaeB6dt-SgZEsLmtresucEsYUTt0-g1u1Le1WqrAQJjcm1fPLFbl7WqgIT3BVgIU8YPeJfZelGudEzXXJYl2rUk1r7ymG89uql7a0mqW0SK-_I58aiZgRMGHP1pcDTxuNS5fRy7R6yD5VfJA/s4032/HW%20Window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnTHXaW16Q83SN20GcvTciT-ZaCifmJNyFUz1IxNFpyWaeB6dt-SgZEsLmtresucEsYUTt0-g1u1Le1WqrAQJjcm1fPLFbl7WqgIT3BVgIU8YPeJfZelGudEzXXJYl2rUk1r7ymG89uql7a0mqW0SK-_I58aiZgRMGHP1pcDTxuNS5fRy7R6yD5VfJA/w480-h640/HW%20Window.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en/products/winston-icons-by-harry-winston/winston-cluster-diamond-necklace-317015" target="_blank">Winston Cluster Diamond Necklace</a> & <a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en/products/classic-winston/classic-winston-cushion-cut-yellow-diamond-ring-rgyedmcu200tb" target="_blank">Classic Winston Cushion-Cut Yellow Diamond</a> because <br />a girl can dream, can't she?</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So where am I going with this? What's the "big" reward I daydream about?</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">It's Harry. No, not HRH, the Duke of Sussex. The other Harry, Harry Winston. If you've watched my Instagram then I'm sure you've seen the handful of posts of Harry and I in Las Vegas or in Honolulu. Anytime I'm nearby, I try to pop in to say "Hello." Not that he misses me. Or that he even knows me. (And, yes, I fully realize that the OG Harry Winston has long since passed.) But, I still stop in and look wistfully at his legacy / collections.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aTaa9VH9c1qx8HmsWnc77w2HWpvLBsnsiZ2K187uKO80tcw38VhmwGKC0D9w5QTNmXE_PYRwoSS89dM7a-XnvcNunYVQqTsM4F5smVMFnIxYdrlsqKX_xm3fcNgEdv2XX9vjO8W1B-7CFfyKY8FnRHoUpCSTk4hzrvufkYDOROVeC2THdSmozbyE-w/s1131/At%20HW%20Bellagio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aTaa9VH9c1qx8HmsWnc77w2HWpvLBsnsiZ2K187uKO80tcw38VhmwGKC0D9w5QTNmXE_PYRwoSS89dM7a-XnvcNunYVQqTsM4F5smVMFnIxYdrlsqKX_xm3fcNgEdv2XX9vjO8W1B-7CFfyKY8FnRHoUpCSTk4hzrvufkYDOROVeC2THdSmozbyE-w/w480-h640/At%20HW%20Bellagio.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A 2019 Pandemic visit to the <a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en" target="_blank">Harry Winston</a> Salon located at the Bellagio Shops in Las Vegas. <br />You know, just in case I had struck it rich at the tables.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">My daydream is that one day, someday, I get to visit a Harry Winston salon and pick out an iconic piece(s) for myself. Alas, I know this may be far-fetched (my full-time day job means I'm a public servant) but dreams are what keeps us moving forward through life. Dreams and caffeine but that's a blog for another day...</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHXaFIKbqxDF70l1J2BhO_VlKBGxATTXBSaAGLbl7Jr9BaHjlMh8uTTcVO4eeXvu0XsHRQbJMuelBQeMIgO5X6EQRCpuvbdBlLSlnuRSu6Ra-BLberwvpWtwHd1vt8DPpO37lLAQcQifPFuzm0OiV9JN4P6qWD-Dqjc1U1kJCzty9AU9BwZkFeZjLEQ/s539/Sealed%20by%20HW.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHXaFIKbqxDF70l1J2BhO_VlKBGxATTXBSaAGLbl7Jr9BaHjlMh8uTTcVO4eeXvu0XsHRQbJMuelBQeMIgO5X6EQRCpuvbdBlLSlnuRSu6Ra-BLberwvpWtwHd1vt8DPpO37lLAQcQifPFuzm0OiV9JN4P6qWD-Dqjc1U1kJCzty9AU9BwZkFeZjLEQ/w618-h640/Sealed%20by%20HW.PNG" width="618" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Sealed by Harry Winston in Platinum - Just waiting to be added to my neck stack. Sigh.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Recently, I have been obsessed with the platinum '<a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en/products/charms-by-harry-winston/sealed-platinum-charm-cmdprdclsld" target="_blank">Sealed by Harry Winston Charm</a>' and the 18K rose gold '<a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en/products/hw-logo-by-harry-winston/hw-logo-rose-gold-single-diamond-ring-wbdrrdbzhwl" target="_blank">HW Logo Single Diamond Ring</a>.' Of course, there are so, so many more incredible pieces that I'd love to add to my collection if money were no object (think of a winning-the-lottery-and-calling-in-rich-to-work type scenario) but alas, I still have to be a semi-responsible adult.</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtGXJMAoWnDYQ-Cn5VkpABXeSwkU9BwMRBJW-FfnmOI63Jr_sWfK1etCzlHhkAOLAN7gKrIktkEXMmWQteTJVVMN_Tatd93qMLG7HkD0p9LzJ2fJUbiDLI0WBsdzklMen24QQDpHKxBkW/s713/HW+Logo+Band.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="713" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtGXJMAoWnDYQ-Cn5VkpABXeSwkU9BwMRBJW-FfnmOI63Jr_sWfK1etCzlHhkAOLAN7gKrIktkEXMmWQteTJVVMN_Tatd93qMLG7HkD0p9LzJ2fJUbiDLI0WBsdzklMen24QQDpHKxBkW/w640-h480/HW+Logo+Band.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">18K Rose Gold HW Logo Band with Single Diamond. I wear a US Size 8.5 if <i>anyone </i>is listening...</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what are your jewelry dreams / obsessions?</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Be sure and follow</span><i style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> Inspired Antiquity</i><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> on Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">, Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">@NpiredAntiquity</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">, Pinterest: </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> & Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">InspiredAntiquity</a> </p>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-29635041567961352023-04-14T07:30:00.000-07:002023-04-14T07:30:18.915-07:00Key Terms & Eras Every Jewelry Aficionado Should Know<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a jewelry collector and aficionado, I am always on the lookout for quick reference guides and 'one-stop-shop' types of resources. When I first started collecting, I was constantly trying to research words or jewelry-related topics and definitions that I didn't readily understand. The upside - There's lots of information out there! The downside - As a newbie, I felt like I was jumping between lots of different website s trying to gain a basic, working knowledge of what I was looking out.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, that having been said, I acknowledge that this basic list is not the end-all, be-all. In fact, I would consider this a 'Step One' for any new vintage or antique jewelry collector. But, hopefully, it's a jumping off point as you explore this amazing, passionate community!</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div></div><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Key Jewelry Terms</span></u></b></p><p><b>Antique </b>– Antique jewelry means jewelry that is older than 100 years.</p><p><b>Estate </b>– Second-hand jewelry (regardless of age); to elaborate: Something antique will always refer to something that is also vintage, but something vintage is not necessarily antique.</p><p><b>Vintage </b>– Jewelry which is older than 20 years.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Jewelry Eras</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">•Georgian Era (1714 – 1837)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•Art Deco Era (1920 – 1945)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•Retro Era (1939 – 1950)</p><p style="text-align: center;">•Modernist Era (1960-1970)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><b>The Georgian Era (1714 – 1837) </b>– The Georgian Era lasted for more than 120 years and spanned four English Kings: George I, George II, George III and George IV. This era is impressive not only because of the number of years it lasted but also because advances in jewelry design and construction advanced much more slowly than in other eras. High-quality Georgian Era jewelry can be very difficult to find. The prime examples from the era which have survived are often times housed in museum collections. Most jewelry pieces from the Georgian Era consisted of yellow gold and silver. Some of the common stones found in Georgian jewelry consist of foil-backed diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, glass, paste, topaz and garnet. Due to the primitive stone cutting and handcrafted techniques that were used; it is often very easy to date Georgian Jewelry. The diamond cuts are point cuts, table cuts, old mine cuts, antique cushion cuts, single cuts and rose cuts.</p><p><b>The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901)</b> – The Victorian Era is a reference to Queen Victoria of England. She reigned during the 1800s and was directly responsible for many of the important changes in jewelry styles. The era itself is split into three periods which each correlating to the different periods of Queen Victoria’s life: Romantic Victorian Era, Grand Victorian Era and Aesthetic Victorian Era. Jewelry from the Victorian Era is far more prevalent than jewelry from the Georgian Era and can be easier to find. Gold and silver remained the most popular metals in Victorian Era Jewelry. Stones popular during this time were garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds. Motifs involving animals, especially snakes were very popular.</p><p><b>Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915)</b> – The Edwardian Era follows the reign of England’s King Edward VII. King Edward VII reigned from 1901-1910 and was the last monarch to serve as a namesake in jewelry history. This very important jewelry period, also known as the Belle Époque Era, is the first time platinum became commonly used in jewelry. Although platinum was first crafted together with gold, it very quickly grew in popularity. Compared to engagement rings from the Victorian Era, Edwardian engagement rings (and other pieces) are ornate, intricate and flowery. Design techniques of the era included the prevalence of openwork filigree and fine milgrain detailing that was introduced during Edwardian times. Diamonds and pearls retained their prestigious status during this period.</p><p><b>Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910) </b>– The Art Nouveau period, derived from the French for “New Art,” was named after the 1895 opening of Siegfried Bing’s Parisian gallery “Maison de l’Art Nouveau.” This era’s aesthetics also include design styles such as: Arts and Crafts, Jugendstil, Liberty Style and Secession – just to name a few. Designs of this era are organic, flowery and draping. While the timeframe of the period overlaps with the Edwardian Era, the styles were entirely different. While Edwardian Era jewelry is full of detail, symmetrical and delicate; Art Nouveau jewelry follows an organic structure with no symmetry. Genuine Art Nouveau jewelry from the early 1900s is very difficult to find. </p><p><b>Art Deco Era (1920 – 1945) </b>– The Art Deco period, emerging after the conclusion of World War I, took its name from the French architect Le Corbusier. He headlined the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925. More simply known as the “1925 Expo: Art Deco.” A far cry from Georgian and Victorian Era jewelry, Art Deco Jewelry is known for being geometrical and angular with a clean look. Platinum was the primary metal of the Art Deco Era with the preferred stones being diamonds, sapphire, rubies, onyx and emeralds. These stones coupled with the bold geometric designs are indicative of the prominent aesthetics of the era.</p><p><b>Retro Era (1939 – 1950) </b>– The Retro Era was heavily inspired by World War II and the victory that followed. The symmetrical elements of the Art Deco Era were not disregarded with the shift into the Retro Era, but rather interpreted into an even bolder, stronger design. Retro Era jewelry was large. Gemstones were large and colorful, set in the popular metals of the period: platinum and yellow gold. White gold began to gather traction due to shortages of platinum as a result of the war effort but still remained the secondary choice. </p><p><b>Modernist / Brutalism Era (1960 – 1970) </b>– An offshoot of the early-20th century Modernist movement, Brutalism originally began as an architectural style in the late 1950s. Brutalist buildings are characterized by their massive, monolithic and almost 'blocky' appearances with a rigid geometric style and were often constructed of poured concrete. For more information specifically about Brutalist jewelry.</p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Definitions</span></u></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10k – A gold alloy that includes 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloy</li><li>14k – A gold alloy that includes 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy</li><li>18k – A gold alloy that includes 75% pure gold and 25% alloy</li><li>24k – A gold or gold alloy that is over 99.95% pure gold</li><li>American Gem Society (AGS) – a professional organization formed in 1934 by several independent jewelers and the founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)</li><li>Aigrette – A hair ornament consisting of a feather plume or spray of glitter, often accentuated by either a jewel or buckle</li><li>Alloy – A combination of metals fused together</li><li>American Gem Trade Association – An organization tasked with maintaining ethical standards within the gemstone industry</li><li>Antiquing – The process of darkening the recessed areas of gold or silver jewelry, in order to enhance the visibility of the engraving, thus giving the piece an aged, or</li><li>Appraisal – A monetary evaluation, usually performed for insurance purposes by a certified gemologist</li><li>Arabesque – Flowing scroll work epitomized by curlicues in low relief</li><li>Articulated – Jewelry constructed with hinges that allow for flexibility, or other moving parts</li><li>Assay – The process of establishing the purity standards for gold, silver, and other alloys</li><li>Bail – The connector at the top of a pendant, which allows the pendant to hang from a chain or jump ring</li><li>Bandeau – A narrow band, worn low, which encircles the forehead as a head ornament</li><li>Baroque – A general term for bold, ornate, heavy looking ornamentation</li><li>Bearding – Small, feather-like cracks along the girdle of a diamond</li><li>Bezel – A setting for a stone that has a collar instead of prongs, in order to secure the stone</li><li>Bijouterie – The art of working in gold and enamel</li><li>Bog Oak – Wood that was preserved over thousands of years in the bogs of Ireland, which was hard enough to be carved and worn as jewelry</li><li>Bolt ring – A finding that is entirely or partially hollow, drawn back on an internal spring, which connects rings</li><li>Book Chain – A Victorian style of chain that is made in solid gold or sterling silver, in which each link is a rectangular folded piece of metal resembling a book</li><li>Box Setting – A stone, enclosed in a box-shaped setting with metal edges that are pressed down to hold the stone in place</li><li>Brilliance – The intensity and amount of light reflecting from inside a diamond or gemstone</li><li>Brilliant cut – Brilliant cut is the standard cut style for diamonds and consists of a total of 58 facets – 1 table, 8 bezel facets, 8 star facets, 16 upper-girdle facets on the crown, 8 pavilion facets, 16 lower-girdle facets and usually a culet on the pavilion or base</li><li>Briolette – A pear-shaped, faceted stone</li><li>Brushed Finish – A texturing technique used on metals, where a series of tiny parallel lines are scratched onto the surface with a wire brush of polishing tool</li><li>Buff Top Cabochon – A style of stone cutting, where the top of the gemstone is a dome (end cabochon) and the pavilion is faceted</li><li>C-Catch – The most common means of securing a brooch before safety catches were invented</li><li>Cabochon – Dome-shaped stone, without facets</li><li>CAD – An acronym for computer aided design</li><li>Caliber Cut – Small stones that are faceted and cut into squares, rectangles, or oblongs, and set close together</li><li>Cameo – A layered stone, frequently made from banded agate or sea shell, that has been carved with either a woman's profile (most common), a man's profile, a natural scene, or themes involving the Greek or Roman Gods and Goddesses</li><li>Cameo Habille – Most often, a depiction of a female who is carved wearing a diamond pendant, earrings, or a crown</li><li>Carat – A unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones</li><li>Cathedral Setting – An elegant setting whose intention is to display the center stone as a focal point</li><li>Champleve – An enameling technique in which areas of metal are cut, etched, or routed, before being filled with enamel or molten glass</li><li>Chatelaine – A decorative belt hook or clasp, which is pinned at a women's waist and has several chains suspended from it</li><li>Clarity – A term used to measure the degree to which a gemstone is free from flaws</li><li>Cloisonné technique of enameling, whereby the enamel colored glass powder is placed into pockets or cells of metal, before being baked and cooled to solidify</li><li>Cloud – A group of tiny white inclusions in a diamond</li><li>Collet – A round band of metal encircling a gemstone to hold it in place</li><li>Collier – A wide necklace, which encircles the neck from throat to chin</li><li>Contemporary – A jewelry design that is relevant, based on the current trends</li><li>Creole Earrings – A hoop earring, broader at the bottom than at the top, popular in the 1850s</li><li>Crest – An identifying emblem, often worn during the Medieval and Renaissance eras</li><li>Cross Facet – Small triangular facets, above and below the girdle of a brilliant cut stone</li><li>Crown – The facets or portions of a gemstone, located above the girdle</li><li>Crystal – A body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture, and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces</li><li>Cubic Zirconium – A man made gemstone that appears very much like diamond, yet does not have the </li><li>Culet – The pointed bottom of the pavilion, which is sometimes polished with a tiny facet and sometimes pointed with no facet</li><li>Custom Cut Gemstone – A gemstone that has been cut by a professional lapidary</li><li>Cut – A term which refers to the geometric proportions that dictate the reflection and refraction of light within a stone</li><li>Demi-Parure – A partial set of jewelry</li><li>Depose – The rights or patent granted for an exclusive jewelry design in France</li><li>Depth – The distance from a gemstone's table to its culet (top to bottom)</li><li>Diadems – A semi-circular band worn around the head, which is usually jeweled and three dimensional</li><li>Double Prong – A jewelry setting in which each prong contains another prong alongside it</li><li>Drop – An earring style that includes a focal point which drops below the earlobe, often attached by a simple or adorned chain</li><li>Duette – A combination of two clips on a pin back</li><li>East-West – A stone that is set with its elongated sides parallel to the band</li><li>Electro-Plating – The process of applying metal (most often gold) to adhere to the surface of another metal, using electrical current</li><li>Elegant – Of a high grade or quality</li><li>Empire Earrings – The distinctive hoop shape of Roman earrings from roughly 1st century BC, with freshwater pearls or amethysts, set in sterling silver or gold</li><li>En Tremblant – A movable, trembling effect, generally achieved through the use of coiled springs of metal, mounted underneath the portion of the brooch that is intended to move</li><li>Enamel – A glass powder or paste that is applied to metal, then fired in an annealing oven to bake the glass onto the metal</li><li>Engraving – The process of decorating metal by etching a design into its surface</li><li>Enhancer – A type of loop that attaches a pendant or charm to a chain, but has hinges that allow it to be opened and closed</li><li>Etching – The removal of part of a metal surface, by acid, for a decorative effect</li><li>Eternity Band – Wedding ring or band design, which includes a precious metal set with a continuous line of identically cut gemstones</li><li>Etui – Small cylindrical case that hangs from a chatelaine</li><li>Euro-Shank – A ring shank with a flat or squares bottom</li><li>Extinction – Dark or black spots in colored stone</li><li>Eye-Clean – A term used to describe gemstones containing flaws that cannot be seen without a 10x loupe</li><li>Facet – A plain, polished surface on a stone</li><li>Faience – Glazed porcelain or earthenware</li><li>Feather – An internal flaw (inclusion) that has a feathery appearance</li><li>Fede Ring – A ring with two hands clasped together, first</li><li>Ferronniere – A narrow band, with a center jewel, which encircles the forehead</li><li>Festoon – A design motif of a garland or string of flowers, leaves and ribbons</li><li>Fibula – An archaeological term for brooch</li><li>Filigree – Thin strands of wire that are intricately interlaced or bent into rosettes, spirals, scrolls, or vines</li><li>Findings – A general term for all types of construction components used in jewelry making, such as clasps, pins, hooks, tabs, etc.</li><li>Fire – Flashes of different spectrum colors seen in diamonds and other gemstones as the result of dispersion</li><li>Flaw – A general term used to refer to internal or external characteristics of a gemstone (i.e. – inclusion, fracture, etc.)</li><li>Flawless – A term used to describe a gemstone that lacks discernible internal or external blemishes when viewed by a gemologist using no less than 10x magnification</li><li>Fleur-De-Lis – A stylized, three-petaled iris flower used as the armorial emblem of the Kings of France and then re-popularized by Napoleon</li><li>Fluorescence – A luminescence that appears when certain diamonds are exposed to ultraviolet light</li><li>Flush Setting – A jewelry setting in which a stone is set within a metal hole and metal is applied above the girdle</li><li>Gemstone Certificate – An official document, which is universally accepted to verify a stone's specifications and value</li><li>GIA – Acronym for the Gemological Institute of America</li><li>Gilding – An object decorated with a thin layer of gold, gold leaf, or gold foil</li><li>Gilt – Gold or something resembling gold and luxury</li><li>Gimmel Ring – A ring formed of two or more linked hoops, which fit together in a manner that make them appear as one ring</li><li>Girandole – A shape that consists of three pear-shaped stones (or pearls) hanging from a large stone or decorative motif, such as a bow</li><li>Girdle – The outer edge or periphery of a fashioned stone, the portion that is usually grasped by the setting or mounting, the dividing line between the crown and pavilion, or the rim or edge of the diamond</li><li>Gold Washed – A term for a piece that has an extremely thin layer of gold, applied by either dipping or burnishing the metal, but are not plated</li><li>Gold-Filled – A term for a piece made up of a base metal, coated in a thick layer of gold (at least 10k and 1/20th of the total weight of the piece) bonded to its surface</li><li>Gold-Plated – A term for a piece made up of a base metal, bonded with a thin layer of gold (less than 1/20th of the total weight of the piece)</li><li>Grading – Evaluation and results assigned by independent gemologists that allow sellers to assign pricing to diamonds and gemstones, achieved from comparison with master stones</li><li>Granulation – The process of decorating a metal surface with tiny grains of metal</li><li>Grisaille – A form of enamel, painted in monochromatic colors</li><li>Guilloche Enamel – A form of enamel work, achieved by working the metal on an engine-turned lathe to form a pattern, before enameling over the pattern</li><li>Gypsy Setting – A setting in which the stone is sunk into the surrounding metal, leaving the top of the stone almost level with the top of the metal surface</li><li>Hallmark – A mark stamped on jewelry throughout much of the world to attest to the purity of the metal after assay</li><li>Halo – A setting that encircles a center gemstone with diamonds or gemstones</li><li>Hand Engraving – A jewelry technique in which designs are artfully etched into a piece using hand-held tools (scraper, spit stick, scorper, graver) rather than a laser, casting machine, or chemicals</li><li>Hardness – The resistance of a substance to being scratched</li><li>Head – The portion of a jewelry item that holds the stone</li><li>Heirloom – A jewelry piece that descends one or more generations to an heir or heirs</li><li>IGI – Acronym for the International Gemological Institute</li><li>Inclusion – A visible internal flaws in a gemstone, including – fractures, crystalline abnormalities, and foreign objects</li><li>Ingot – A bar or brick, formed by pouring a molten precious metal into a mold</li><li>Initials – The first letters of a group of names, often a person's first and last name</li><li>Inlaid – Decorated with a material set into a surface</li><li>Intaglio – A design carved down into a gemstone, often used for seals. Devices which made an impression in wax used to seal a letter or authenticate a document</li><li>Invisible Setting – A style in which rows of square princess cut diamonds or other gemstones rest perfectly flush against one another, within a metal border or frame with no metal separating them</li><li>Irradiation – Treatment performed on gemstones or pearls to enhance color</li><li>Jabot Pin – A jeweled tie pin popular in the 1920s and 1930s</li><li>Jade – An opaque, semiprecious gemstone which is usually found in shades of green, but can also be found in lavender and rose shades</li><li>Jadeite – A hard, translucent variety of jade which is rarer than the other varieties of nephrite</li><li>Jewelers of America – A trade association tasked with maintaining ethical standards within the jewelry industry</li><li>Jump Ring – A small, oval or round wire ring used to link charms or pendants onto a chain</li><li>Karat – A unit of fineness for gold, equal to 1 part of pure gold in an alloy</li><li>Knife Edge – A ring whose shank forms a point at the middle point of the band, instead of being rounded or flat</li><li>Lapidary – A general term which is used for the cutting, shaping, polishing and creation of jewelry from precious and semi-precious stones</li><li>Laser Drilling – A technique used to enhance a stone's clarity by introducing bleaching or other enhancing agents</li><li>Laser Engraving – A technique which uses a high-powered laser beam to etch a design into the surface of a jewelry piece</li><li>Lavaliere – A chain from which an ornament or gemstone hangs in the center</li><li>Leakage – The leaving or escaping of light through the facets of fashioned gemstones</li><li>Lever Back – An earring back that uses a clasp</li><li>Locket – A hinged case, usually in the shape of an oval or heart, which can be opened or closed and usually contains a photograph or memento</li><li>Lost Wax Process or Casting – A casting process where a carved or cast wax original is encased in clay or other investment, before being melted at a high temperature, and replaced with molten metal</li><li>Loupe – A small magnifying glass, often held in the eye socket, used for analyzing gemstones</li><li>Low-Profile – A ring that has a low-set center stone</li><li>Luster – The appearance of a material's surface, as determined by the quantity and quality of light reflected</li><li>Maltese Cross – A shape that has four broad arms of equal length, sometimes having a V-shaped notch cut out of the ends</li><li>Mélange - term for mixed diamond sizes, weighing more than 1 carat</li><li>Melee – A classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than 1 carat</li><li>Memento Mori – A jewel that is a reminder of death</li><li>Memorial Jewel – A jewel that is made in memory of a loved one, often containing hair from that person and frequently decorated with enamel</li><li>Micro Mosaic – A mosaic of very small, colored glass pieces (tesserae) inlaid in glass or hardstone</li><li>Micro-Pavé – A set of tiny gemstones set very close together, traditionally in three or more rows</li><li>Milanese Chain – A chain consisting of interwoven rows of small links, forming a mesh</li><li>Milgrain – Tiny beads of metal used to decorate jewelry, often adding a vintage aesthetic</li><li>Millefiori – A method of creating glass or clay beads with intricate patterns using canes</li><li>Mississippi River Pearls – Irregularly shaped pearls, usually elongated</li><li>Mizpah Ring – A broad, gold ring engraved with the word MIZPAH. Mizpah is a Hebrew word that means 'watchtower' and is loosely interpreted as 'May God watch over you'.</li><li>Mohs Hardness Scale – A qualitative scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material</li><li>Mourning Jewelry – Jewelry worn to commemorate the death of a loved one, usually in the form of a ring, brooch, or necklace</li><li>Nacre – The shiny, iridescent substance secreted by a mollusk as a response to an irritant (like a piece of sand), which over time builds up to become a pearl</li><li>Navette – A ring shaped like a large marquise but set with many smaller stones</li><li>Negligee – A long necklace that usually terminates in irregular length with tassels or drops</li><li>Niello – An inlay technique in which the grooves made in silver or gold are made black in color by the use of a composition of metal sulfides</li><li>Oiling – A temporary treatment used to enhance the color of a gemstone</li><li>Old European Cut – A round antique diamond cut, known for their chunky faceting and small table; sometimes referred to as an “Old Euro Cut”</li><li>Old Mine Cut – An antique diamond cut featuring a cushion or round shape and a chunkier look; sometimes referred to as an “Old Miner”</li><li>Opalescent – A term used to describe a surface with a lustrous, cloudy, rainbow-like array of colors, similar to what one might see in an oil slick or mother of pearl</li><li>Opaque – A term used to describe a stone that will not allow any light to pass through it</li><li>Open Back Setting – A setting in which the back of the stone can be seen</li><li>Oxidation – A chemical process in which metals such as silver are blackened or tarnished as a reaction to sulfur and oxygen</li><li>Oxide – A compound containing one oxygen atom per molecule</li><li>Oxidize – The act of combining with oxygen molecules to make an oxide</li><li>Paillons – Small pieces of metallic foil which are placed underneath enamel work to provide a glow, popular with a number of arts and crafts movement jewelers</li><li>Palladium – A charcoal-gray precious metal; cousin of platinum found in Russia, South Africa, and North America</li><li>Pampilles – A cascade of pendant stones, popular in Georgian jewelry and meant to look like rain drops</li><li>Parure – A suite of matching jewelry, usually four or more pieces and containing a – necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings and belt or brooch</li><li>Paste – A glass-based substance used to simulate gemstones</li><li>Patina – The discoloration that forms on metals such as silver and bronze, but is often planned for in the artist's design and can be introduced artificially through the use of chemicals</li><li>Pavé – A large field of small stones set very close together to create wall-to-wall paved object</li><li>Pavilion – The portion of a gemstone located below the girdle</li><li>Peek-A-Boo Diamond – A secretive, hidden diamond that is only visible from a unique angle</li><li>Pendaloque – A type of pear or tear drop gemstone, faceted as a brilliant cut and suspended from a smaller stone which is usually separated by a bow or other motif</li><li>Pietra Dura – A mosaic of semi-precious stones set into a floral pattern of black marble or onyx, also known as a hardstone mosaic</li><li>Pinchbeck – A gold simulant, invented circa 1720 by Christopher Pinchbeck, which is comprised of a mixture of Copper and Zinc</li><li>Pit – An indentation on the surface of a diamond or gemstone</li><li>Platinum – The most precious of white metals</li><li>Plique-A-Jour – A form of cloisonné in which the enamel in the cells has no backing, producing a translucent effect</li><li>Plot – A diagram of a gemstone's clarity characteristics</li><li>Point – One-one hundredth (0.01) of a carat</li><li>Polished – A smooth, glossy jewelry finish</li><li>Posy Ring – A ring engraved with a verse</li><li>Pot Metal – A general term for alloys which do not have gold, silver, or platinum as a components</li><li>Proportion – A mathematical representation of a gemstone's overall symmetry</li><li>Refraction – The act of changing the direction of a light wave so the light enters the object in one direction and leaves it in another</li><li>Regard – A piece of jewelry with multiple stones types whose first letters can all be concatenated to spell out a word</li><li>Relief – A kind of raised decoration that protrudes above the surface, similar to a cameo</li><li>Repousse – A raised, high relief design on the front of a metal object made by hammering, embossing, or punching the reverse side of the metal to form the design from the back side out</li><li>Restoration – A technique in which an aged piece of jewelry is restored to its former appearance and/or durability</li><li>Rhodium – A metal that is a member of the platinum family of metals, but is liquid in its raw, natural state, not solid like platinum</li><li>Riviere – A choker-style necklace that is a continuous line of gemstones usually of graduated or equal size stones</li><li>Rolled Gold – An early 19th century type of gold plating</li><li>Rose Cut – A style of stone cutting that produces a gemstone with a flat, multifaceted base and semi-dome-shaped top that is covered with a varied number of triangular facets and terminates in a point</li><li>Rose Finish – A jewelry finish that makes the piece look as if it is made of rose gold, but contains no actual gold content</li><li>Rose Gold – An alloy of gold mixed with copper, which gives it red tint</li><li>Rutilated – A type of quartz with inclusions of rutile</li><li>Safety Catch – A method of securing a brooch to a garment with a swiveling that locks the tip of the pin stem into the C catch</li><li>Salt-and-Pepper Diamond – A diamond with many inclusions which create a black-and-white design</li><li>Sand Casting – A casting method in which tempered sand is packed onto wood or metal pattern halves and then removed from the pattern, before metal is poured into the resultant cavities and the mold is broken to remove castings</li><li>Sardonic – A variety of onyx consisting of alternating layers of charred and white chalcedony</li><li>Sautoir – An extremely long neck chain, which falls below the waistline and terminates with a tassel or pendant.</li><li>Scarab – A sacred beetle in ancient Egypt--commonly recognized as a symbol of rebirth and rejuvenation--popular as amulets</li><li>Scatter Pin – A small pin usually featuring flowers, birds, and insects that is intended to be worn in a group with many other scatter pins</li><li>Screw – An earring back type for non-pierced ears, in which the earring is tightened against the earlobe by means of a screw with a flat round end</li><li>Seal – An engraving (intaglio) in stone or metal used to create an impression on a substance such as wax or clay</li><li>Seed Pearl – A very small pearl popular during the Victorian period as accents set into gold jewelry or woven into long fringed necklaces</li><li>Setting – A mechanism by which a stone is held by precious metal into a mounting</li><li>Sevigne – A bodice ornament set with gemstones in a bowknot shape</li><li>Shank – The part of a ring that encircles the finger, minus the setting</li><li>Shared Prong – A prong setting in which each prong is responsible for holding two gemstones--one on either side</li><li>Shoulder – The part of a ring between the shank and the center of the setting</li><li>Signet – A private seal once impressed into wax to authenticate a document, which was often formed into a finger ring with the seal forming the bezel of the ring</li><li>Single-Cut Diamonds – A genuine diamond, commonly used in watch cases that contain only 1 facet</li><li>Slide – A jeweled fastener, which slides onto a chain or fabric ribbon</li><li>Solitaire – A ring containing a single diamond or gemstone</li><li>Sparkle – The act of giving off or reflecting bright, moving points of light</li><li>Split Prong – A prong setting, in which each prong is split, with each side being responsible for holding its own gemstone</li><li>Split Ring – A small base metal finding, resembling a key-ring</li><li>Split Shank – A ring design element which features a band that parts into two as it nears the head</li><li>Spring Ring – A very common kind of clasp used for joining two ends of a necklace</li><li>Square Band – Band whose shank is not rounded at the edges</li><li>Square Cut – A style of gemstone cut, resembling the emerald cut</li><li>Stabilized Turquoise – Turquoise that has been treated by various methods to reduce the porosity, thus making it less changeable over time</li><li>Stackable Rings – A set of rings--sometimes of contrasting styles--which are intended to be worn on top of </li><li>Sterling Silver – A silver alloy made up of at least 92.5% pure silver, which is the standard fineness for silver</li><li>Stomacher – A very large bodice ornament, usually triangular, filling the area between the neckline and the waistline</li><li>Stud – A minimalist earring style that includes a focal point attached to a post, which goes through the earlobe and connects to a removable back that keeps the earring in place</li><li>Symmetry – A term for the uniformity of a gemstone's cut, including the shape and placement of facets</li><li>Table – The large facet that caps the crown of a faceted gemstone</li><li>Table Percentage – The diameter of a gemstone, divided by the size of the table</li><li>Tension Setting – A jewelry setting that holds the gemstone in place by pressure rather than prongs, a bezel, or other mounting</li><li>Terminal – The decorated ends of a necklace or bangle usually containing stylized heads of a ram, lion, dragon, etc.</li><li>Tiara – A head ornament worn in the crown position</li><li>Toggle Clasp – A means of fastening two ends of a chain together, consisting of a ring on one end and a short bar on the other</li><li>Tracer Band – wedding or anniversary band that is contoured in such a way as to fit flush against the engagement ring</li><li>Translucent – Partially transparent</li><li>Trellis – A prong setting in which four prongs are interwoven together to hold the center diamond</li><li>Tremblant – A general term for jewelry with a trembling effect when the wearer moves, which is produced by elements set upon stiff wires that move</li><li>Tubogas – A flexible, tubular chain</li><li>Tutti Frutti – A general term for jewelry set with multi-colored gems carved in shapes of leaves, flowers and berries and often in a basket design</li><li>Two-Tone – A jewelry piece that includes two separate metals, which remain separate and are soldered together to form one piece</li><li>Ultrasonic – A cleaning device for jewelry that removes dirt through the use of ultrasonic waves</li><li>Vermeil – Silver with gold plating</li><li>Zircon – A common mineral occurring in small crystals which is heated, cut, and polished to form a brilliant blue-white gemstone</li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-31295194602943025972023-02-28T09:41:00.006-07:002023-02-28T09:44:35.776-07:00Review: The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams by M.J. Rose<p style="text-align: center;"><b> “My style is my signature.” - Suzanne Belperron</b></p><p>As an antique jewelry collector, there are designers and names throughout history that evoke certain eras; feelings; nostalgia and even, maybe, envy. Suzanne Belperron is one such designer. So when given the opportunity to read and review an amazing work of historical fiction, <i>The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams,</i> by M.J. Rose; I jumped at the chance!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5za4NUvxOfrvuKS6CfdrmSvKvZcoRcq6N0dt60Mtmor9rpXj8tlG-ejF9kqRF0SfEjHzYQGDFEixY9Z5cZC6asPsudc5uqwX1Dl71fxW348IbJ7M7R4MP186yS2AzFztgbngxeg3wztA5vRGrAbXZhcqmwyhd-met0iPu0vwIlBFIJZBCyf0VDh-Vw/s333/The%20Jeweler%20of%20Stolen%20Dreams%20Cover.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="333" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5za4NUvxOfrvuKS6CfdrmSvKvZcoRcq6N0dt60Mtmor9rpXj8tlG-ejF9kqRF0SfEjHzYQGDFEixY9Z5cZC6asPsudc5uqwX1Dl71fxW348IbJ7M7R4MP186yS2AzFztgbngxeg3wztA5vRGrAbXZhcqmwyhd-met0iPu0vwIlBFIJZBCyf0VDh-Vw/w640-h592/The%20Jeweler%20of%20Stolen%20Dreams%20Cover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Central to the story is Paris-based jewelry designer, Suzanne Belperron. Originally born in Saint-Claude, France, she is considered one of the most influential jewelry designers of the 20th-century. Belperron worked for the Boivin and Herz Jewelry Houses before the outbreak of World War II. Subsequently, she took over the Herz company, renaming it Herz-Belperron. Belperron pioneered a new aesthetic in jewelry. And, while perhaps the most important woman jeweler of the time, she is relatively unknown today except to serious collectors. She was asked once why she never signed her work, to which Belperron replied, “My style is my signature.”</p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZED_svAgV7ndan85IGln1mQQhXXFeIJwOFROzhoXmDYGZsGV72DSxaKvfDSkwqT9krdCFyDeJtIBYaDygh8vth9kxVZkgduVNAiaZD5w-6Z9OX_wgjtwZLyNRkvwvQSci7O0_SFJe5MbIn_g3PYmA7-VJyJVZAFpubk8NcYH2XZBF9loDomE_dDVb2Q/s300/Suzanne%20Belperron%20Bracelet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZED_svAgV7ndan85IGln1mQQhXXFeIJwOFROzhoXmDYGZsGV72DSxaKvfDSkwqT9krdCFyDeJtIBYaDygh8vth9kxVZkgduVNAiaZD5w-6Z9OX_wgjtwZLyNRkvwvQSci7O0_SFJe5MbIn_g3PYmA7-VJyJVZAFpubk8NcYH2XZBF9loDomE_dDVb2Q/w640-h358/Suzanne%20Belperron%20Bracelet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet by Suzanne Belperron</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So obviously you can see why I was hugely intrigued when I learned Rose was writing a book of historical fiction that centered around the intersection of WWII, Belperron with a bit of a </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">magical twist through the introduction of psychometry (Also known as token-object reading, psychometry is a form of extrasensory perception characterized by the supposed ability to make relevant associations from an object of unknown history through physical contact with said object.).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Book Summary</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Told through dual timelines, <i>The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams </i>is a tale of two passionate women separated by decades but united through a shared vision. One, famous jeweler Belperron who is fighting to protect her company and rescue the man she loves. The other, a young auctioneer whose exceptional gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;">Paris, 1942. Belperron is known as one of the most innovative jewelers of her time. Elsa Schiaparelli and the Duchess of Windsor are just two of her many illustrious clients. What no one knows is that Suzanne and her dear friend, American socialite Dixie Osgood, have been helping transport hundreds of Jewish families out of France since the war began. However, the war has come to Belperron's front door — the Nazis have arrested her business partner and longtime lover, Bernard Herz.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FKvfQ0Rychk8LHZ2FT6X642C1G7d0Kivwp1AFPHuzShTzeZcA8sfKIakzCfO2e8fjXXbWjVavc9UOBZ7ezDCkrwOItCS9_0CFCuParhCMS1LLVIRPviXjpeg37V4CCv3_svxJhrLglU_7sHzxuhEEn7JXwTurorzrSDyeH30OGK25Tbv0qd5qmlXXg/s247/Suzanne%20Belperron.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FKvfQ0Rychk8LHZ2FT6X642C1G7d0Kivwp1AFPHuzShTzeZcA8sfKIakzCfO2e8fjXXbWjVavc9UOBZ7ezDCkrwOItCS9_0CFCuParhCMS1LLVIRPviXjpeg37V4CCv3_svxJhrLglU_7sHzxuhEEn7JXwTurorzrSDyeH30OGK25Tbv0qd5qmlXXg/w529-h640/Suzanne%20Belperron.jpg" width="529" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Suzanne Pelperron</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;">New York, 1986. Violine Duplessi is an appraiser for a boutique auction house who is summoned to the home of Paul Osgood, a scholarly lawyer and political candidate who aspires to take over the empty Senate seat from his recently deceased father. Paul has inherited everything inside Osgood Manor, from the eighteenth-century furniture to the nineteenth-century Limoges China. However, a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk is what catches Violine's eye with a surprising (but undeniable) hum of energy that can only be one thing: the gift passed down to her by La Lune, the sixteenth-century courtesan.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Since childhood, Violine has been able to read an object’s history and learn the secrets of its owners by merely touching it, but she suppressed her psychometric gift when it destroyed her last relationship. Why is beating at her conscious now?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Only one thing saves you, and that is not losing sight of beauty.”</b></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">While inspecting the trunk, she senses it holds a hidden treasure and finds a hoard of precious jewels that provoke nightmarish visions and raise a multitude of questions. Who owned these pieces? Why were they hidden? Were they stolen? Could their discovery derail Paul’s campaign and their burgeoning attraction to each other?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So begins a search that takes Violine to Paris to work with the Midas Society, a covert international organization whose mission is to return lost and stolen antiques, jewels and artwork to their original owners. There, Violine will discover both her and Paul’s surprising connections to the trunk — and to Belperron, who silently and heroically hid an amazing truth in plain sight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdsword8i_aGDKtoip91V9nADEaVh7l4aSAjeA_q2jtdlgmWqGd3SwYbDO698F4taT53V8IJ5TEuTt5wQJkOSUC0pcYD4sKFtqsQW3cG-WItrbG1rKii0vjP2Lh-n-t9ntWKx_10IzlmM2jOpiQmv8lB5eVLnv98aMrfaFJA94M2Z6jaRmslpilFe6w/s275/MJ%20Rose%20-%20Author.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdsword8i_aGDKtoip91V9nADEaVh7l4aSAjeA_q2jtdlgmWqGd3SwYbDO698F4taT53V8IJ5TEuTt5wQJkOSUC0pcYD4sKFtqsQW3cG-WItrbG1rKii0vjP2Lh-n-t9ntWKx_10IzlmM2jOpiQmv8lB5eVLnv98aMrfaFJA94M2Z6jaRmslpilFe6w/w426-h640/MJ%20Rose%20-%20Author.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Author, M.J. Rose - <i>The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b><p></p><p><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Thoughts</b></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">What immediately grabbed my attention in the book, besides Belperron was the story of Violine. I felt a sort of kinship to her character that was, honestly, unexpected. I was fully prepared to (and expecting) to create a sort of "relationship" with Belperron's character. Her obvious love of jewelry, the visual aesthetics that I expected my mind's eye to conjure and with my obvious love of jewelry, it seemed a perfect fit. However, the mystical side of Violine's character and the use of her internal / external struggles drew me in. Her gift of feeling the "story" of each piece of jewelry connected with me on a very subconscious level.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>"But things keep us company, too. They keep our memories alive when everyone else has forgotten and moved on." - M.J. Rose, <i>The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">I loved the way Rose wove historical fact and fiction together with a magical twist. And, of course, I loved the way the author uses jewelry to tell the historical story. I've often written myself about the history of the jewelry we use to adorn ourselves and the importance that is can hold in one's own timeline. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The dual timelines in the book immediately grabbed my attention, especially since the “modern” timeline was set in the 1980’s, when many of the people who survived World War II would have still been alive. Rose’s writing made both worlds come to life and the 1980’s timeline was as vibrant as the 1940’s one which is something I do sometimes feel is lacking in other dual narrative books that I've read.</span></p><p><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams </i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">was an empowering, captivating story about the lasting impact a person can have and the intertwined histories we all share. It was a story full of love and magic that drew me in from the first page. It hit all the marks for me - magical realism, mystery, drama, jewelry, love and revenge from one of my favorite eras. The intriguing plot line held more than enough surprising twists to keep my attention coupled with the tale of the unsung heroes who worked and fought in the shadows for those who were unable or not in a position to fight for themselves was writing at its best.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” - </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">M.J. Rose, <i>The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams</i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb-xKkaJZWN4zdWx89oNolfABvR1grC9tV8d4QiBJycADEg_HHbvpkEHQEoFH_ZOeANZFgJKGiScA6MSwH8fI8MfLfs-cLvP1wOg1FwYwTfsGgvSgUKmFEJtp-MmLhDYF2RQ8z_ERC5yeBPdi0ONVp2UypBPhRvDe-Olr7L7wJOuG-Cm7xOz3Efs20A/s262/Suzanne%20Belperron%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="193" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb-xKkaJZWN4zdWx89oNolfABvR1grC9tV8d4QiBJycADEg_HHbvpkEHQEoFH_ZOeANZFgJKGiScA6MSwH8fI8MfLfs-cLvP1wOg1FwYwTfsGgvSgUKmFEJtp-MmLhDYF2RQ8z_ERC5yeBPdi0ONVp2UypBPhRvDe-Olr7L7wJOuG-Cm7xOz3Efs20A/w471-h640/Suzanne%20Belperron%202.jpg" width="471" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Suzanne Belperron</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-35490083997068907152023-02-08T08:12:00.001-07:002023-02-17T11:22:47.393-07:00Do You Have the Time?<p>When my Grandpa was alive, and in his younger years, he enjoyed "tinkering" as he'd call it. Basically, he'd be in the garage or his basement workshop taking something apart to figure out how it worked only to put it back together again in better shape than he found it. I can still picture him in his red and black check flannel shirt jacket with a trucker cap hunched over some little object at his workbench. One of the items he was constantly picking up at garage or estate sales to tinker with were pocket watches. He didn't discern between collectible, valuable or mass-produced watches - he was just going to tear them apart anyway. He only wanted to see if he could get them running again. It was like his own little challenge to himself. You'd find fixed pocket watches all over my Grandparents' house. He never sold them. He'd give them away to friends and family over the years or leave them in random drawers throughout the kitchen once he was done. I have several he'd given me over the years. I even have the little wooden box with all the gears, extra watch chain and tools he'd used to try and repair these little bits of history.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObOK4U2gR0DPbEPLCU9sEojt3_2UQiTgyVIKG8nfxUdLMBpcsFYKOvEQZbfUlZIcTPlc50nI-cyyquP5DFsQ7e_Ow6v9YT02ZxXzbb8bzMOYhtoAlfj4gGfFfNfJkE5mK-KzpRcU3oMxtn2GHZUT1ozkuGs2nBoxFrWVBvwCifk8lCoP28Pi4ZNjR2Q/s3956/508DBCE4-7A5C-4A3E-B714-7F9BEFF68FFC_1_201_a.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3956" data-original-width="3017" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObOK4U2gR0DPbEPLCU9sEojt3_2UQiTgyVIKG8nfxUdLMBpcsFYKOvEQZbfUlZIcTPlc50nI-cyyquP5DFsQ7e_Ow6v9YT02ZxXzbb8bzMOYhtoAlfj4gGfFfNfJkE5mK-KzpRcU3oMxtn2GHZUT1ozkuGs2nBoxFrWVBvwCifk8lCoP28Pi4ZNjR2Q/w488-h640/508DBCE4-7A5C-4A3E-B714-7F9BEFF68FFC_1_201_a.heic" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>My Grandpa's watch repair supplies, a Victorian watch hutch & the centerpiece - an antique pocket watch that my Grandpa once gave me <br />now nestled in the hutch. I love how the hutch looks like a little piece of furniture!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Recently, I discovered a little more about antique pocket watches. Unlike my Grandpa, rather than leaving their watches randomly strewn throughout the house, the Victorians (and earlier periods!) used these ingenious little "watch hutches" as a place to keep their watches when at home while having them do a bit of 'double duty' as it were. Naturally, upon learning of the existence of these ingenious little devices, I tumbled through the rabbit hole to learn more.</p><p>During the 19th Century people used pocket watch hutches as a sort of keeper to protect them from loss or damage. These watch holders also converted any pocket watch into small table or mantel clock for a room that didn't have a clock. They also made perfect bedside clocks, before the advent of alarm clocks. <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Some pocket watch holders imitated other clock cases, only in miniature. Each evening the pocket watch owner would place his watch into the hole where the clock face would be. Larger versions may have set atop the fireplace mantel or on a desk in the gentleman's study.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffm9DFbC4y4PrOmeVwub3uJqwQ6lkqAKNb9tIYyRPrz-eXbW9zfyxGhu5Jsw2g0s0yJM1nhO8s9Zpf99jkhZ5h4omBqgf0JCpJrTtWwzKU_OJUEDx2Gt-q0oH-BQ9LkFt-aKKTKDSJwwa3yGcyQWYFvDlKQzexlzrdkKPryE47D9jfUxXomcb4IritQ/s682/Grandfather%20Clock%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="682" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffm9DFbC4y4PrOmeVwub3uJqwQ6lkqAKNb9tIYyRPrz-eXbW9zfyxGhu5Jsw2g0s0yJM1nhO8s9Zpf99jkhZ5h4omBqgf0JCpJrTtWwzKU_OJUEDx2Gt-q0oH-BQ9LkFt-aKKTKDSJwwa3yGcyQWYFvDlKQzexlzrdkKPryE47D9jfUxXomcb4IritQ/w640-h624/Grandfather%20Clock%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This adorable example is available on <a href="https://www.rubylane.com/search?q=pocket+watch+hutch&sb=1" target="_blank">Ruby Lane</a> from <a href="https://www.rubylane.com/item/663526-FR0794/Solid-Maple-Watch-Hutch-Traditional-Tall?search=1&t=a401cdb5" target="_blank">As Good As Old</a>.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p>The French called them "porte montre," meaning “watch stand.” Parisian artisans fashioned ornate watch holders for wealthy travelers visiting Paris on the Grand Tour (to learn more about the Grand Tour, click <a href="http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2022/09/its-grand-tour.html" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a>.). Pocket watches were a necessity during this era and fine shops along the Palais Royal specialized in selling unusual and whimsical accessories to house them.</p><p><b>History</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Pocket watch hutches spanned all decorative styles, from Neoclassical to Regency to the opulence of Napoleon III. After the 1860s, makers explored the styles of the day, such as Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival. At the turn of the century, artisans created beautiful examples in the styles of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts...and by the mid-1920s, Art Deco.</div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS7-53CQ2X1Kf-Cyq3jFqN2ObGDvJIQaSscd5FJ67yUD0q1GoN3Z_Fr_jn2ze4CLxj01AFvUA5ubY4FkmEF_mRLLp8fp_omf26oTuVuh2vCNDBYWeyFuKyxJtKO1flmvmSSTA3_bEMiDGIz8PsnETO4a9onsNAr1DXnFGhWSGgfqRG8b5pc8a2NuSdA/s692/PC%20Handcarved%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="581" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS7-53CQ2X1Kf-Cyq3jFqN2ObGDvJIQaSscd5FJ67yUD0q1GoN3Z_Fr_jn2ze4CLxj01AFvUA5ubY4FkmEF_mRLLp8fp_omf26oTuVuh2vCNDBYWeyFuKyxJtKO1flmvmSSTA3_bEMiDGIz8PsnETO4a9onsNAr1DXnFGhWSGgfqRG8b5pc8a2NuSdA/w538-h640/PC%20Handcarved%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" width="538" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This Argentinian watch hutch, circa 1880-1910s, is a recent purchase for my personal collection. <br />I think it'll be perfect to hold one of the many pocket watches my Grandpa gifted to me over the years.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">By the late 19th Century watch holders could be found in a vast variety of shapes and forms. Champlevé enamel work - an enameling technique in which craftsmen carved, etched, die struck or cast troughs into the surface of a metal object and then filled these troughs with vitreous enamel - was especially popular. They then fired the piece until the enamel fused, and when cooled, polished the surface of the object. The uncarved portions of the original surface remained visible as a frame for the enamel designs. The name, champlevé, comes from the French for "raised field," or background, though the technique in practice lowers the area to be enameled rather than raising the rest of the surface.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Materials</b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">During the second half of the 19th Century, cast iron was the most common material for making pocket watch holders. Artisans covered these unsightly cast pieces with gilded bronze to simulate gold. Artisans sculpted the original designs to represent forms in nature, such as vines, leaves or figural representations of country life. Mounted on a marble base and standing between 7 and 8 inches tall, they were quite heavy. Of course, wood was also a common and relatively inexpensive material for watch hutches as well. It could be ornately carved and finished thereby hitting various price points for all any and every potential purchaser.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Each holder featured either a round frame with a metal pocket or a metal hook for the pocket watch to be displayed on. Fanciful designs often featured Baroque cherubs. A less expensive option, craftsmen used spelter - a heavy zinc and lead alloy - which they then applied a bronze wash or brightly colored paint. They sculpted the originals of animals or single figurines. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEFGog8vQNjrFUbDmUiqbl10y4kjalRD-jMY6OS1zAlNZSXMyWNFB5b-Hg1Dm94oIqawjFDqHMzRoYVgKK1o3FQZN4AXcjfPDVMr1kQA9L9yW2kJXgM_tu_ShE52VPYKNoY6DlMBe6mwmSWxku9uBhOzwHQ_RquqQOjzjChbfvLZ1TLSIpK5-R1o6aA/s993/Folk%20Art%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="993" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEFGog8vQNjrFUbDmUiqbl10y4kjalRD-jMY6OS1zAlNZSXMyWNFB5b-Hg1Dm94oIqawjFDqHMzRoYVgKK1o3FQZN4AXcjfPDVMr1kQA9L9yW2kJXgM_tu_ShE52VPYKNoY6DlMBe6mwmSWxku9uBhOzwHQ_RquqQOjzjChbfvLZ1TLSIpK5-R1o6aA/w640-h486/Folk%20Art%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Personally, although more rustic & probably handmade, I think this vintage folk art watch hutch from <a href="https://www.rubylane.com/item/942088-RL1672/Vintage-Folk-Art-Watch-Hutch?search=1&t=59c77169" target="_blank">Collectors-Row</a> is a wonderful example made for the mantle. It even opens from the top to provide even more storage options. Talk about character!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>Parisian Artisans</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Parisian artisans created some of the most elaborate pocket watch holders. Resembling a larger version of the famed Limoges porcelain box, these became known as a "casque porte montre," or a pocket watch casket. Developed in the late 19th Century, these little gems usually often featured a beveled glass box mounted on sculpted brass legs. The bourgeoisie of Paris in the 1860s, loved all things mythological and Greek inspired and these classic elements appeared in design motifs on small items such as watch holders as well as larger pieces of furniture. Pocket watch hutch makers also produced dramatic designs drawn from nature such as eagle, swan or a festoon of laurel leaves.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh5sFkLh5Kl8ogIRA4ArumLGyet_hp4-Yd7EqlP-mo10N5OU75UlBEE30qaEytjkbkb2a_ic8SaZdQDWlzBPWe0_VJynPCiG3CRTVkMChD_n2tWStg82GXhSAe5N5F2BgNBRVOvhU3a5IEMf-QN5HMWOV-bRB0ljthanCm1_3LVcU7er_lyHhDpBdlg/s501/Ceramic%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="317" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh5sFkLh5Kl8ogIRA4ArumLGyet_hp4-Yd7EqlP-mo10N5OU75UlBEE30qaEytjkbkb2a_ic8SaZdQDWlzBPWe0_VJynPCiG3CRTVkMChD_n2tWStg82GXhSAe5N5F2BgNBRVOvhU3a5IEMf-QN5HMWOV-bRB0ljthanCm1_3LVcU7er_lyHhDpBdlg/w404-h640/Ceramic%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" width="404" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Notice the pocket for the watch in the steeple of this fine porcelain example, circa 1820, from <a href="https://www.rubylane.com/item/586567-RL-0004162/Antique-19th-century-English-Staffordshire-Creamware?search=1&t=a89ea27b" target="_blank">Classic Tradition</a>.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>Not Just for the Men</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>While artists created the majority of pocket watch holders to hold the larger watches carried by men, they also designed a number of them specifically for women. Typically smaller in scale to accommodate the scale of the chatelaine watches favored by women, these hutches would often include other vanity items such as a perfume caddy and pin dish. The may even incorporate a small drawer for pins or boot hooks. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KckRDRTCsYHjpH5tO5WF7tRa6wyyk08W3BpcHt8mNz8SYBjpp2UxV20TPOH9udLFWPYA2-G2B1Rz0ZOSK6fkdveOsTAKICp1Inhq8kmnqhBUEDCiPAdliPyKQUJvL4z1_RNb0n5EQfjOJhm1PVsT7SS9-NjUHqQGEhPoWkrEn19jja7IaobLpyfl3w/s996/Chair%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="996" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KckRDRTCsYHjpH5tO5WF7tRa6wyyk08W3BpcHt8mNz8SYBjpp2UxV20TPOH9udLFWPYA2-G2B1Rz0ZOSK6fkdveOsTAKICp1Inhq8kmnqhBUEDCiPAdliPyKQUJvL4z1_RNb0n5EQfjOJhm1PVsT7SS9-NjUHqQGEhPoWkrEn19jja7IaobLpyfl3w/w640-h528/Chair%20Watch%20Hutch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This circa 1860s ladies' watch holder was created as an upholstered replica of a Jacobean chair features a drawer for pins or button hooks & is available on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=antique+pocket+watch+hutch" target="_blank">Etsy </a>from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1349434366/antique-miniature-jacobean-upholstered?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=victorian+watch+hutch&ref=sr_gallery-2-47&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Quirky Antiques Store</a>. Notice the small hook at the top of the chair to hang the watch from.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Watch Hutches became a staple in the well-appointed home particularly during the Victorian era and are now highly collectible. My personal favorites are the ones which are hand-carved of wood and have a unique <i>feel</i> about them. Perhaps not fit for today's wrist-style <i>iWatches </i>or <i>FitBit-</i>style timepieces; I can't help but think these would be so much more beautiful on my catch-all table than the jumble of charging cords the are currently there!</div></div><div><br /></div></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-68271938915262184962023-01-04T07:34:00.000-07:002023-01-04T07:34:09.839-07:00Eras of Vintage & Antique Jewelry Through the 1970s<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Every passionate jewelry collector seems to have a particular style or era that is the focus their collection. Below, I've outlined some of the most common eras and/or design styles in jewelry leading up to the 1970s. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">There are multiple, separate and distinct eras in jewelry that have spanned from the 1700s to the 1970s. Although some periods overlap, this is a basic breakdown of some of the more widely-known historical jewelry eras.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Georgian Era (1714 – 1837)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Art Deco Era (1920 – 1945)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Retro Era (1939 – 1950)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">•Modernist Era (1960-1970)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b><u>The Georgian Era (1714 – 1837)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Georgian Era lasted for more than 120 years and spanned four English Kings: George I, George II, George III and George IV. This era is impressive not only because of the number of years it lasted but also because advances in jewelry design and construction advanced much more slowly than in other eras. High-quality Georgian Era jewelry can be very difficult to find. The prime examples from the era which have survived are often times housed in museum collections. Most jewelry pieces from the Georgian Era consisted of yellow gold and silver. Some of the common stones found in Georgian jewelry consist of foil-backed diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, glass, paste, topaz and garnet. Due to the primitive stone cutting and handcrafted techniques that were used; it is often very easy to date Georgian Jewelry. The diamond cuts are point cuts, table cuts, old mine cuts, antique cushion cuts, single cuts and rose cuts.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt32jWMfu1gK2WpaTH6TWfisG_9A4iXjoZWJr1b3-0C2ELccixJysBryD44CLBPywHXlKDAQTHztVB6qpKYjjPma5v0wC4mpl9yGyc7iSoH_aTa6ydncyTf4KOz3UFKHbvvXaHNZKaxVbe7sDTXIr2bK6ebmPYIadg_iM40J26ipzVT5l5Qq-Ba8rPA/s1404/Georgian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt32jWMfu1gK2WpaTH6TWfisG_9A4iXjoZWJr1b3-0C2ELccixJysBryD44CLBPywHXlKDAQTHztVB6qpKYjjPma5v0wC4mpl9yGyc7iSoH_aTa6ydncyTf4KOz3UFKHbvvXaHNZKaxVbe7sDTXIr2bK6ebmPYIadg_iM40J26ipzVT5l5Qq-Ba8rPA/w524-h640/Georgian.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>These stunning examples of Georgian heart pendants from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/anciennebijoux" target="_blank">Ancienne Bijoux</a> are simply incredible & definitely something that should be on every collector's Jewelry Bucket List. I know they are certainly on mine!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Victorian Era is a reference to Queen Victoria of England. She reigned during the 1800s and was directly responsible for many of the important changes in jewelry styles. The era itself is split into three periods which each correlating to the different periods of Queen Victoria’s life: Romantic Victorian Era, Grand Victorian Era and Aesthetic Victorian Era. Jewelry from the Victorian Era is far more prevalent than jewelry from the Georgian Era and can be easier to find. Gold and silver remained the most popular metals in Victorian Era Jewelry. Stones popular during this time were garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds. Motifs involving animals, especially snakes were very popular.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNEAEy_E0KFpVNFvrA1kqFOus1L1eJON2vhZxSY_NgyKJrlINh3H37VrARNWuxHZkcMuvW4hKApMHoUPln_J82JV_b6VNtOSdNuLFQeDgdoVpB4kFslJamUylG2gkX_3TgM2NRKolSiRdWQU6an4dv1t20petpyhtuH9-HMuAElflg8ltJQ1URmc_Xw/s576/Victorian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="576" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNEAEy_E0KFpVNFvrA1kqFOus1L1eJON2vhZxSY_NgyKJrlINh3H37VrARNWuxHZkcMuvW4hKApMHoUPln_J82JV_b6VNtOSdNuLFQeDgdoVpB4kFslJamUylG2gkX_3TgM2NRKolSiRdWQU6an4dv1t20petpyhtuH9-HMuAElflg8ltJQ1URmc_Xw/w640-h618/Victorian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The garnet solitaire was made during the late Victorian period, circa 1880, & is available through <a href="http://www.lostowljewelry.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lost Owl Jewelry</a>.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Edwardian Era follows the reign of England’s King Edward VII. King Edward VII reigned from 1901-1910 and was the last monarch to serve as a namesake in jewelry history. This very important jewelry period, also known as the Belle Époque Era, is the first time platinum became commonly used in jewelry. Although platinum was first crafted together with gold, it very quickly grew in popularity. Compared to engagement rings from the Victorian Era, Edwardian engagement rings (and other pieces) are ornate, intricate and flowery. Design techniques of the era included the prevalence of openwork filigree and fine milgrain detailing that was introduced during Edwardian times. Diamonds and pearls retained their prestigious status during this period.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnscNsu3_qw3QuyGlGu9UV_fCWjULwaKrny0qdJXGqW67kkGY71VczXL59gEyMdfQfgXIFI1z6licSgbjhax1iQaQ1jyDALt_4RVRz0JTtzjBOveWfpJx1n8GJuDZIN_aJhpG-wikgHPNpzXOiZKZ7OXExg9mpkzkDDKS1Sse0OoKLOnDpXoI7gvNP8w/s1418/Edwardian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1155" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnscNsu3_qw3QuyGlGu9UV_fCWjULwaKrny0qdJXGqW67kkGY71VczXL59gEyMdfQfgXIFI1z6licSgbjhax1iQaQ1jyDALt_4RVRz0JTtzjBOveWfpJx1n8GJuDZIN_aJhpG-wikgHPNpzXOiZKZ7OXExg9mpkzkDDKS1Sse0OoKLOnDpXoI7gvNP8w/w522-h640/Edwardian.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This Edwardian pendant from <a href="http://www.parlavenueantiques.com" target="_blank">Park Avenue Antiques</a> is a superb example of the openwork commonly seen during the period.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Art Nouveau period, derived from the French for “New Art,” was named after the 1895 opening of Siegfried Bing’s Parisian gallery “Maison de l’Art Nouveau.” This era’s aesthetics also include design styles such as: Arts and Crafts, Jugendstil, Liberty Style and Secession – just to name a few. Designs of this era are organic, flowery and draping. While the timeframe of the period overlaps with the Edwardian Era, the styles were entirely different. While Edwardian Era jewelry is full of detail, symmetrical and delicate; Art Nouveau jewelry follows an organic structure with no symmetry. Genuine Art Nouveau jewelry from the early 1900s is very difficult to find. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP1A7i-lpjGmJuov_Aa__2Hek6Bkr951KS6YzUaNhlj_a3WsWooihW2Q9tXhzxirla4Whf3I83-_-dkjHWoA8tG9mp_i1-BfpMwJMrV1sZgW7XogGD8mEksT260y1gApzd5beqSWUdu92qAigZN0fErty8d1N4uoPnp2V7MLEpMaGhx2PeXAwsZCnsQ/s583/Art%20Nouveau.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="562" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP1A7i-lpjGmJuov_Aa__2Hek6Bkr951KS6YzUaNhlj_a3WsWooihW2Q9tXhzxirla4Whf3I83-_-dkjHWoA8tG9mp_i1-BfpMwJMrV1sZgW7XogGD8mEksT260y1gApzd5beqSWUdu92qAigZN0fErty8d1N4uoPnp2V7MLEpMaGhx2PeXAwsZCnsQ/w616-h640/Art%20Nouveau.jpg" width="616" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A perfect example of Art Nouveau </b></span><b style="font-size: x-small;">organic inspiration from <a href="http://www.lace-jewels.com" target="_blank">Lace Jewels</a>!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>Art Deco Era (1920 – 1945)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Art Deco period, emerging after the conclusion of World War I, took its name from the French architect Le Corbusier. He headlined the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925. More simply known as the “1925 Expo: Art Deco.” A far cry from Georgian and Victorian Era jewelry, Art Deco Jewelry is known for being geometrical and angular with a clean look. Platinum was the primary metal of the Art Deco Era with the preferred stones being diamonds, sapphire, rubies, onyx and emeralds. These stones coupled with the bold geometric designs are indicative of the prominent aesthetics of the era.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo07GLOHmcXbw4CFaqQAjPgzqVl4EXJRXPTMpSyaoUWkNPrkDRT_tiLWLSo9x3OhI646BKXX0QvqLfHYnu3O7MJn9z9F8LUt0ONdTvw3SqOQxOafOCV3BmJC_Y4x6EM4-Z9mmEZvyXgsA5eP4dBBx0xxfUEMVDpG17WbjyeewOtSyaMhVJqeoTQT-KA/s720/Art%20Deco.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="582" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo07GLOHmcXbw4CFaqQAjPgzqVl4EXJRXPTMpSyaoUWkNPrkDRT_tiLWLSo9x3OhI646BKXX0QvqLfHYnu3O7MJn9z9F8LUt0ONdTvw3SqOQxOafOCV3BmJC_Y4x6EM4-Z9mmEZvyXgsA5eP4dBBx0xxfUEMVDpG17WbjyeewOtSyaMhVJqeoTQT-KA/w518-h640/Art%20Deco.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A stunning collection of Art Deco rings from <a href="(@sarahlovesjewelry) • Instagram photos and videos" target="_blank">Sarah Loves Jewelry</a>. The sapphire & emerald combo is to die for!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>Retro Era (1939 – 1950)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The Retro Era was heavily inspired by World War II and the victory that followed. The symmetrical elements of the Art Deco Era were not disregarded with the shift into the Retro Era, but rather interpreted into an even bolder, stronger design. Retro Era jewelry was large. Gemstones were large and colorful, set in the popular metals of the period: platinum and yellow gold. White gold began to gather traction due to shortages of platinum as a result of the war effort but still remained the secondary choice. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnAcd5rsdh-MRB1YcHjHxxgaEhaYJDAUFfW35Lh1Lg7Ahd0R1ieew38b5Z4NLdvlIeRmcYQUW3PzW1VTcvjBjnnOiBzp2z2FJ17MzbbQtCIwxcGvsKYMPArPh4E9te9CkG8OHTgfqr4ZUn_Ecu8Ydflow1ncpIdzhQ2FyewPgj5N9lN-eh2VFnHFZHQ/s521/Modern.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="518" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnAcd5rsdh-MRB1YcHjHxxgaEhaYJDAUFfW35Lh1Lg7Ahd0R1ieew38b5Z4NLdvlIeRmcYQUW3PzW1VTcvjBjnnOiBzp2z2FJ17MzbbQtCIwxcGvsKYMPArPh4E9te9CkG8OHTgfqr4ZUn_Ecu8Ydflow1ncpIdzhQ2FyewPgj5N9lN-eh2VFnHFZHQ/w636-h640/Modern.JPG" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The Retro Era featured brightly colored gemstones such as this Blue Spinel & White Gold Ring from <a href="https://www.rubylane.com/item/1368903-RH-912/Estate-Blue-Spinel-gold-ring-Retro" target="_blank">Midwest Art Objects</a>.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b><u>Modernist / Brutalism Era (1960 – 1970)</u></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">An offshoot of the early-20th century Modernist movement, Brutalism originally began as an architectural style in the late 1950s. Brutalist buildings are characterized by their massive, monolithic and almost 'blocky' appearances with a rigid geometric style and were often constructed of poured concrete. For more information specifically about Brutalist jewelry, click <a href="http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2021/07/its-brutal-out-there-rediscovering.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read an entire blog post on the subject.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc8QbrywUdZPCO7tf6-SEis8-gIxv3fN6WR7vhTwov6iHMu7RP2D55o1kbX9Vubbsi-QojEGqH_d90TXXFpHh-7gpVqzEhStyI-9GTjokZu-FxAjrv-x384-0M9i4TPNgtk6ZjF6gwaY0iBsJ3-xF6Nlh-BOY9x9o_ZmS5UTlj3rmBuCxzsJg6T7Svg/s1136/Brutalist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1136" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc8QbrywUdZPCO7tf6-SEis8-gIxv3fN6WR7vhTwov6iHMu7RP2D55o1kbX9Vubbsi-QojEGqH_d90TXXFpHh-7gpVqzEhStyI-9GTjokZu-FxAjrv-x384-0M9i4TPNgtk6ZjF6gwaY0iBsJ3-xF6Nlh-BOY9x9o_ZmS5UTlj3rmBuCxzsJg6T7Svg/w640-h638/Brutalist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A perfect example of Brutalist design, this 18k gold bracelet from <a href="http://www.rubylane.com/shop/lkramervintage" target="_blank">Lisa Kramer Vintage</a> ticks all the boxes!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Do you find yourself gravitating towards a particular jewelry era? Does a certain style grab your attention every time? Let me know in the comments!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-72007062996783510762022-12-23T07:46:00.003-07:002022-12-30T11:28:22.489-07:00A Tale as Old as Time - Pickpockets<p>So as a jewelry blogger there are some topics that you just assume you will <i>never </i>cover such as politics, religion, greatest food inventions of all time, crime-watch, etc. Well, here I am covering one of those topics. Go figure. At least I can say it's not religion or politics, thank goodness! But it is crime, boo.</p><p>I'm sure you remember by beloved ruby and diamond ballerina ring, Glinda. She's been on many an adventure with me and had many of her travels documented on my <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" target="_blank">Instagram </a>page over the past several years. She was the first ballerina ring in my collection and is the piece which inspired my love of the style and the history behind the original design. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rs58cTZ2_p2KV8nLLuLu1b90jjbD9EPuqmu6GhyQ1MuhK5RQ68GXEkpQJegT6rg4P4R3dRcT0E5NkR9e3Lhe2ynEmTUiWlbyt1TAWRJHannjbbopgNf0MMmITf0mkdqWb9PkKbglQ-mzQI11xTTT6p00QK0-g1FI3f81xCe0o5L41VQQWTVfqXCB_A/s1512/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rs58cTZ2_p2KV8nLLuLu1b90jjbD9EPuqmu6GhyQ1MuhK5RQ68GXEkpQJegT6rg4P4R3dRcT0E5NkR9e3Lhe2ynEmTUiWlbyt1TAWRJHannjbbopgNf0MMmITf0mkdqWb9PkKbglQ-mzQI11xTTT6p00QK0-g1FI3f81xCe0o5L41VQQWTVfqXCB_A/w640-h640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The original Glinda.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>However, about two months ago, I had the unfortunate experience of (we think) having Glinda liberated from my very hand while out Christmas shopping at one of my favorite places in the Phoenix-metroplex. I say "we think" because Glinda was a heavy ring and would have made quite a sound had she simply slipped off my finger and clattered to the concrete floor of the store. Not to mention, she fits snuggly on my middle finger. So let me regale you with the tale of Glinda's untimely departure from my life and the valuable lesson(s) I learned so you can not become the victim that I was.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTzLwMnRmE8wreX-sUs3kaDmEpW3kdcjSuUyVSX0uAyVDp0QzCCqO-K3I8ZrgkGlySd5hT5amadBA1ETkyWqVlRxPBRQDnt_SiaZikQkK60jTNuChn8-dqPIkM2Kv3eGIbs2C-dLYBn8vYrJHLkLdbWS40ifi2EMpCWGvoZQ8Gkur2JbFZEmGn0xhyw/s265/bells.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTzLwMnRmE8wreX-sUs3kaDmEpW3kdcjSuUyVSX0uAyVDp0QzCCqO-K3I8ZrgkGlySd5hT5amadBA1ETkyWqVlRxPBRQDnt_SiaZikQkK60jTNuChn8-dqPIkM2Kv3eGIbs2C-dLYBn8vYrJHLkLdbWS40ifi2EMpCWGvoZQ8Gkur2JbFZEmGn0xhyw/w640-h459/bells.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As you get older, life's simple pleasures such as not peeing when you sneeze or being able to (literally) jump out of bed become harder and harder to accomplish. This year, I turned X (let's just say older than 29) and I had not been kind to my body in my younger and more stubborn years. So I was minding my own business when I either sneezed to hard; rolled out of bed; was playing with the dog or merely sitting quietly by myself when I tore the muscle in my rotator cuff. And, of course, being as how I am only slightly les stubborn now and had things to do; I put off the surgery for as long as I could stand it. After all, I could not allow it to stop me from holiday shopping!</p><p>So off The Mom and I went to our favorite monthly pop-up shop to partake in the annual Christmas décor shopping extravaganza. Feeling the Christmas spirit as I was here in balmy Arizona, I picked out a pair of jeans, and red top to match my prized Glinda because (of course) you must decide on your jewelry first and then pick the clothes to match! </p><p>The store was crowded and as we shopped, I did my best to avoid being touched. For those of you who know me personally, this isn't news. For the rest of you, I apologize in advance; it's not personal. I am not a hugger. In fact, I do not like to be touched. I'm very picky about who I allow into my personal space and I have a pretty big personal space bubble so crowds, strangers, etc. are all a big ol' NOPE for me. It overloads my senses and is very draining and anxiety-inducing. I can handle crowds in small doses and out of necessity. This particular day, I hadn't been out for a bit and was feeling all Christmas spirit-y so I was excited. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rKUlT3AP83wSuSR3RgzAY1ysxFRN1JQkfaJv2KhZwcfXNA4YMAano30dWhS3clLOSYKmji4KDWi4bnZ6K6g0i0BDEbZ-uBns5oJY0J6pfc3jI3Bc7LtP3cMGoNOPwVg6p20mmnKONrxJxF9DdBu2mUh24na17uQVk4-c_jFAG2Hls1Q_9ect-_OXtw/s1512/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rKUlT3AP83wSuSR3RgzAY1ysxFRN1JQkfaJv2KhZwcfXNA4YMAano30dWhS3clLOSYKmji4KDWi4bnZ6K6g0i0BDEbZ-uBns5oJY0J6pfc3jI3Bc7LtP3cMGoNOPwVg6p20mmnKONrxJxF9DdBu2mUh24na17uQVk4-c_jFAG2Hls1Q_9ect-_OXtw/w640-h640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Glinda has been on many an adventure with me over the years.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>However, in the course of looking at some adorable bottlebrush tabletop trees, an individual shoulder checked my injured appendage hard enough to push me into The Mom. I assumed the person was female because it was a female voice which said, "Sorry," but was gone before I recovered from the pain and turned around. Fast forward 30-45 minutes later and I go to pay for my purchases and notice as I reach into my micro-purse that my beloved Glinda is NOT on my finger. Panic ensues. I let the staff know; who are all gracious enough to help The Mom and I scour the store. They notify the owner who even searched the following day when the store was closed. No Glinda.</p><p>When we got home, I called the appropriate police department and made a report. The officers were kind enough to take all my information and even went to the store to see if they had security cameras (they did not). The Mr. has, and does, work in a profession where he tends to be a bit more cynical of a person's motives and immediately suggests that the woman who should checked me was a pickpocket who saw Glinda and targeted me as a mark. The officers I spoke to suggested this as a strong possibility as well. Honestly, for someone who has such an aversion to being touched by strangers; it was (and still is) hard for me to fathom how someone could have slipped Glinda right off my finger! I'm both in awe and furious at the same time.</p><p>Researching the "art" of pickpocketing I have learned:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pickpocketing is one of the oldest and most widespread crimes in the world. The appeal is its relative safety: A skilled pickpocket can make off with just as much money as an armed robber, without much danger of confrontation or risk of being identified in a line-up. By the time the victim realizes what's happened, the pickpocket is long gone. And since no weapons are involved, pickpockets who do get caught face minimal jail time.</li><li>An experienced pickpocket has spent a great deal of time studying how to blend into a crowd, therefore eliminating the possibility of detection before they can get away.</li><li>Pickpockets operate in crowds just as easily as "accidentally" bumping into an unsuspecting victim alone on a sidewalk. In fact, about the only "known" fact about pickpockets is that they generally focus on the public during times when they may be carrying more money than usual, such as during the holidays, at store sales, at fairs or carnivals, at casinos, or near bank entrances, etc.</li><li>Pickpockets will often times work in groups to get their victims. Usually, one will distract the mark, often with a fake survey or petition, or by ‘accidentally’ spilling something on them while the other member(s) will utilize the distraction to remove the person's valuables.</li><li>Getting a wallet out of somebody's pocket or purse is a little more difficult because the pickpocket has to touch the mark or something close to the mark's body. The basic approach is to mask the illegal contact with expected, benign contact. For example, in a crowded subway car it's normal for strangers to press against you, so you don't notice something pressing against your pocket or purse. If the pickpocket is good, you never feel a thing. </li><ul><li>For for information on other techniques that pickpockets use, visit this <i><a href="https://money.howstuffworks.com/pickpocket.htm" target="_blank">link</a>.</i></li></ul></ul><br /><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nftzMoYCdjU" width="320" youtube-src-id="nftzMoYCdjU"></iframe></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">I even learned a few safety tips to help prevent pickpocketing in the future:</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Don't carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a buttoned or zippered pocket where it doesn’t show a bulge.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Use a purse that is difficult to open such as a zipper or snaps.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">If you are carrying a shoulder bag, place the strap(s) diagonally across your body, as opposed to carrying it on one shoulder. This keeps the purse in front of you, instead of at your side or behind you. If you are carrying a hand bag, then make sure to hold it close to the front of your body, instead of holding it on your wrist or loosely in your hand.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Never leave your purse unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.</span></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know, a lot of that information sounds pretty basic and is second nature for most of us. But what I learned is that even the most vigilant can still become targets. It's steps you take <i>before </i>you become a victim that are just as important, if not more so, and can determine the final outcome.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIYc0nExfTnNkxz2czeQ7_zSFWsGM55PFU5PHKv4ai9nXvS8RLGk7M4Zobda65JpRnQHpkj4Vyz1S9IkG9z0h7EayBIHHlCXJdlf-uNJ1wQbviUXz1TWBRbcQDxodOaAGyVhJqBNV-UVJqtDmBXwSHNo5qtAbLyUIlm2-Ki7_FXFswaipAlfZawz5yg/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1280" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIYc0nExfTnNkxz2czeQ7_zSFWsGM55PFU5PHKv4ai9nXvS8RLGk7M4Zobda65JpRnQHpkj4Vyz1S9IkG9z0h7EayBIHHlCXJdlf-uNJ1wQbviUXz1TWBRbcQDxodOaAGyVhJqBNV-UVJqtDmBXwSHNo5qtAbLyUIlm2-Ki7_FXFswaipAlfZawz5yg/w640-h602/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Miss you, Glinda.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">This is why it's important to ensure that your jewelry is adequately insured and premiums paid up. right after filing the police report, my next call was to my insurance company to let them know what had happened. The adjuster was very professional and walked me through the steps needed to process my claim and the reimbursement process. Every insurance carrier is different so it's important that you know your specific policy. For additional, basic information about insurance and how it relates to jewelry, visit this </span><a href="http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2013/11/protecting-sentiments.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">blog post</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> or to learn more about keeping a jewelry inventory, click </span><a href="http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2022/05/keeping-jeweled-history.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once a police report is filed, depending on the specific laws within your state, then pawn shops and gold buyers are alerted with a stolen items report. Here is Arizona, pawn shops and gold buyers are required to take a copy of the seller's identification and hold any incoming items for 30 days prior to selling or melting them down. This is done in an effort to (hopefully) return stolen goods to their rightful owner(s) and minimize the sale of stolen items in the marketplace - plus it (may) help catch the alleged thieves. However, unlike any episode of <i>Law & Order</i> or <i>Blue Bloods</i>, this does not mean that as the victim you will be reunited with your beloved piece of jewelry. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXo0M47H29XCZ09gh---4oUl9dVNTVep9XjSDWdI6bRDmSRJAV2H8vJcTd0k-AMv8XlcTSLvBMZ_pcqcrIOKD9f34lGbqVsnjFnykpje1JC5lxrNQb8YqhJqhXSBDiLCLZaWdjlvgnSFZX4klFQNXviuHdpxd2TjndQzYqV52_xXH3LkyhHynlu_3gw/s500/Law%20&%20Order.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXo0M47H29XCZ09gh---4oUl9dVNTVep9XjSDWdI6bRDmSRJAV2H8vJcTd0k-AMv8XlcTSLvBMZ_pcqcrIOKD9f34lGbqVsnjFnykpje1JC5lxrNQb8YqhJqhXSBDiLCLZaWdjlvgnSFZX4klFQNXviuHdpxd2TjndQzYqV52_xXH3LkyhHynlu_3gw/w640-h360/Law%20&%20Order.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are still a myriad of ways that thieves can sell stolen property such as Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up or the good ol' Craigslist that make it nearly impossible to identify a stolen item. This also goes to illustrate the importance of making sure your get laser inscriptions on your more valuable stones in order to positively identify them as yours <i>if they are recovered.</i> Keep those inscriptions listed in the appraisals and/or your jewelry inventory so that you can provide them to the police and your insurance carrier. And remember, once your insurance company reimburses you for the missing or stolen jewel; should it be recovered - it must be returned to them as they have now become the legal owner unless you choose to pay back the insurance reimbursement. You will need to check with your insurance carrier to know what their specific policy requirements are.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">It's been a couple months now and although Glinda has yet to be recovered (and I doubt she will be), I still find myself looking at everyone's hands to see if she's being worn by another. I like being touched even less now than I did before and I am hunting down a vintage Glinda 2.0 to take up residence in my ballerina ring collection. My biggest takeaway in this whole mess however is that no matter what...Wear the jewels. Just be sure they are insured!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">InspiredAntiquity</a><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a> .</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-8716737197969448272022-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:002022-09-22T07:06:10.324-07:00It's a Grand Tour<p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">If you've ever shopped for antique jewelry, you may have seen pieces labeled as "Grand Tour" or "Grand Tour souvenirs." These little works of wearable art were commonly sold during the Georgian and Victorian eras. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">he Grand Tour was a traditional trip taken by the young men and women of the </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">upper class. The </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">goal was to expose these upper class </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">(traditionally British) </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">aristocrats to the artistic riches primarily of France and Italy. </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The opportunity it gave for studying culture, architecture and art were deemed essential for the</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> completion their education. Basically, i</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">t served as an educational rite of passage. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">These long trips then became a custom of the European social elite beginning in the late seventeenth century and continued to grow in popularity until the middle of the nineteenth century. These tours were so popular that by the second half of the eighteenth century wealthy young men and women from North and South America began to travel abroad as well. Overall, t</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">he custom flourished from approximately 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s with a rather standard itinerary. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">In a 1765 letter to friend and philosopher Jean-Jaques Roussaeu, Scottish writer James Boswell wrote:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i>"You were indeed right to congratulate me when my father gave me permission to travel in Italy. Nine months in this delicious country have done more for me than all the sage lessons which books, or men formed by books, could have taught me. It was my imagination that needed correction, and nothing but travel could have produced this effect."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiFDYW1GqDjOT3E9jpJYcUJ0OSqH04z8AWbvOJP9JmtjUQexDHTrg-T1qsMRC-fweDK-6jAU6isqF7Niq_kIGUI8l-yK_VITMWuZFh2WzuYGTEMVXYe6Cx5uX_Bvqb9TMQ4TJAWZfzdzcOzIHvMKy7XZ3sCjqWmanjBGQ9_Iy4piD8LP_SWahAOx_Mg/s673/European%20Grand%20Tour%20Map%20-%20B&W.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="673" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiFDYW1GqDjOT3E9jpJYcUJ0OSqH04z8AWbvOJP9JmtjUQexDHTrg-T1qsMRC-fweDK-6jAU6isqF7Niq_kIGUI8l-yK_VITMWuZFh2WzuYGTEMVXYe6Cx5uX_Bvqb9TMQ4TJAWZfzdzcOzIHvMKy7XZ3sCjqWmanjBGQ9_Iy4piD8LP_SWahAOx_Mg/w640-h564/European%20Grand%20Tour%20Map%20-%20B&W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Map indicating routes of several Victorian European Grand Tour options.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">London was often the starting point for the Grand Tour with Paris deemed an essential destination. Many traveled to the Netherlands, some to Germany and Switzerland, and very few ventured on to Spain, Greece or Turkey. However, the most important place to visit was Italy. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">As part of this elite tradition, well-heeled travelers would collect artwork, jewelry and other souvenirs as mementos of their travels. The j</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">ewelry created specifically for the Grand Tour tourists trade </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">in the Victorian era was inspired by the study of ancient Pompeii, Egypt, Greece and Rome. These motifs included designs from wall paintings, floor tiles and even excavated jewelry. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The Renaissance and Medieval style jewelry combined well with the heavier Victorian fashions. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Later in the nineteenth century, Oriental motifs provided further inspiration. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA45ZkLB7-IKUpB2ef_c31g0oo2lSlKsKa19p6Hxxb9tFwJojZWQUtXiM0ASIPWJQ6dlYwMiyKhXy937pfEzqelnV9rw5YBTM-37LEKVVObRBtJaxnjdSSZanv5S443Z-8Kdf7JdrrK0Q82sh13HOLMFl8V1z7IbyKKwRRIZNF-0P31Y8TKgEopyVRyA/s505/Antique%20Micromosaic%20Pyramid%20of%20Caius%20Cestius%20in%2022%20karat%20Gold%20from%20Robin%20C%20Larner.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA45ZkLB7-IKUpB2ef_c31g0oo2lSlKsKa19p6Hxxb9tFwJojZWQUtXiM0ASIPWJQ6dlYwMiyKhXy937pfEzqelnV9rw5YBTM-37LEKVVObRBtJaxnjdSSZanv5S443Z-8Kdf7JdrrK0Q82sh13HOLMFl8V1z7IbyKKwRRIZNF-0P31Y8TKgEopyVRyA/w638-h640/Antique%20Micromosaic%20Pyramid%20of%20Caius%20Cestius%20in%2022%20karat%20Gold%20from%20Robin%20C%20Larner.JPG" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This stunning example of a fine, antique Micro Mosaic Brooch from the Grand Tour period features the architecture of the </b><a href="https://www.rubylane.com/item/456929-RL-2604/Brooch-Fine-Antique-Micromosaic-Pyramid-Caius?search=1" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Pyramid of Caius Cestius</a><b> in 22 karat Gold offered by Robin C. Larner via Ruby Lane. Apparently, Caius Cestius was a Roman citizen and his Pyramid is not only one of the best examples of ancient Egyptian cultural influences on the Roman Empire but it is also one of the best-preserved buildings from the Imperial Period. It was built around 2,000 years ago, between 18 and 12 B.C., as a mausoleum for the magistrate & priest Caius Cestius & his family. To make it even more impressive, it was build in 330 days! A "Grand Tour" learning experience at its finest!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Other common themes in Grand Tour jewelry include:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><u>Mother Nature</u> - </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Plant collecting was a prolific Victorian hobby, and those natural motifs were also reflected in jewelry. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Reflecting that love of gardening and nature, floral cameos were popular in the later Victorian era.</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Additionally, amazing novelty jewelry was made of everything from small real birds to beetles and other insects. And jewelers catered to those tastes even in Grand Tour pieces where intricate leaf and landscapes would play into the design or subject matter - as you can see in some of the examples throughout the blog. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Queen Victoria's engagement ring was a serpent with turquoise eyes - one of many Egyptian motifs popularized by the Grand Tour. </span></p><p><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Micro Mosaics</u><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> - Another specialized form of Grand Tour jewelry was micro mosaics. Mosaics as an art form and decoration goes back thousands of years to the ancient world itself. Mosaics can be seen as early as in Mesopotamia. The Greeks and Romans created wonderful mosaics that were used for a wide variety of decoration such as on walls and pavements. These home décor mosaics later became the inspiration behind many jewelry pieces as well and were often some of the most prized Grand Tour souvenirs!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5ZLOYaDyc6zAWfSrs6x4jv_VgKcS-I6cAj4pD52jUWG5zms4S5kWAYVK52AUGIdND8H4TTRzXTAL4p38WXzGaEoEsdrkxdZOVCeXzkl15wnhV_gjttJy9JfKSarfO0cL5fIJiIBTPA_Kg2Dit7dvSpdEtomEZ0tbLM4bdqoBRx_f5k4Kzagjt2M0JQ/s735/Rare%2015ct%20Gold%20Beetle%20Micro%20Mosaic%20Necklaces%20from%20Fetheray.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="734" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5ZLOYaDyc6zAWfSrs6x4jv_VgKcS-I6cAj4pD52jUWG5zms4S5kWAYVK52AUGIdND8H4TTRzXTAL4p38WXzGaEoEsdrkxdZOVCeXzkl15wnhV_gjttJy9JfKSarfO0cL5fIJiIBTPA_Kg2Dit7dvSpdEtomEZ0tbLM4bdqoBRx_f5k4Kzagjt2M0JQ/w640-h640/Rare%2015ct%20Gold%20Beetle%20Micro%20Mosaic%20Necklaces%20from%20Fetheray.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This rare, & stunningly intricate, Micro Mosaic Pendant features a Golden Scarab Beetle. It is modelled in 15ct yellow gold & even features a surprise in the back - a bit of woven hair making it even more special! It's offered by <a href="https://www.fetheray.com/products/antique-victorian-grand-tour-micro-mosaic-pendant" target="_blank">Fetheray Fine Vintage and Antique Jewelry</a>. A purely magical example of Grand Tour jewelry as well as Mourning Jewelry!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></u><p></p><p><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Cameos</u><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> - Although cameos well pre-date the Victorian era, for Victorians who loved travel a cameo was considered both a meaningful and wearable souvenir of a Grand European Tour. It could also be passed down from generation to generation making it a wonderful souvenir. Both men and women of the time wore cameos. Cameos were worn as brooches, necklaces, rings and earrings for women; and as watch fobs, rings and stick pins for men. The Victorian fascination with all things historic in nature is no more clearly demonstrated than in the classical Greek profiles and mythological motifs seen in Grand Tour cameos. Carved in seashell, ivory, jet, lava or stone, cameos could be set in precious or non-precious metals making them available at all price points to appeal to a great audience of Grand Tour tourists. Some cameos were portraits of real people; some of gods and goddesses or other mythological characters. Although thought of as primarily an Italian art form, there were also skilled cameo carvers in a variety of countries. The quality and craftmanship of the carving is the prime factor determining value, but cameos set in precious metal and/or ornamented with diamonds, seed pearls or enameling are the most desirable. When buying a cameo, be sure to check its condition by holding the cameo up to the light to detect possible cracks. There is no way to repair a broken cameo so buy selectively.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVfV-KhFHyKYiQtYlossziz_dwCtGWoJncW46Ab2VTVZn2A1E0wWIG7DcLz472PVNske4VngPVkSVae8Mq7pS2lNjhOTQcHVoZogQ1WvfMIYrt52V5gr0F3-j-FrNWl73mzTCoqXS7FNjP4YxNQ0QroAXb4_JHUHux8cN_GQSO0K_M-gY74VAXv_wNA/s1024/Victorian%20Carved%20Lava%20Cameo%20Drop%20Earrings%20from%20Laelius%20Antiques.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVfV-KhFHyKYiQtYlossziz_dwCtGWoJncW46Ab2VTVZn2A1E0wWIG7DcLz472PVNske4VngPVkSVae8Mq7pS2lNjhOTQcHVoZogQ1WvfMIYrt52V5gr0F3-j-FrNWl73mzTCoqXS7FNjP4YxNQ0QroAXb4_JHUHux8cN_GQSO0K_M-gY74VAXv_wNA/w640-h426/Victorian%20Carved%20Lava%20Cameo%20Drop%20Earrings%20from%20Laelius%20Antiques.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Here is an incredible pair of <a href="https://www.laeliusantiques.com/products/victorian-carved-lava-cameo-earrings" target="_blank">Victorian Carved Lava Cameo Earrings</a>, c. 1870, offered by Laeluis. The top part depicts an exquisitely hand-carved cameo, & an amphora (urn) adorns the bottom part of the earring. Lava cameos became very popular in the mid-Victorian era due to Mt. Vesuvius producing an abundance of lava in various colors. They were sought-after because of the exotic colors & unique texture. Lava cameo jewelry was one of the most popular souvenirs for those who traveled to Italy. This pair of earrings is a fine example of archeological revival jewelry. The earrings are set in 14k yellow gold.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></u><p></p><p><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Intaglios</u><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> - </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Intaglios were originally used as seals - a sort of signature, if you will. Images were carved into stones and used to impress into wax seals. These carvings depict portraiture, renowned architecture and even celebrated scenes from ancient Roman and Greek mythology. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">They were intended to preserve the arts and culture of ancient times which had been lost throughout the centuries. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">In the 19th century, reliefs of these carvings were being reproduced in plaster form and became collectibles. These s</span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">ouvenir versions were designed for display and were sometimes molded out of white plaster, marble dust or wax even. They were collected as souvenirs from their European Grand Tours. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGnohcyfvwPLFwRSRhV4qPR5e1Spkk-F5FuP-q3rLwu_yoj4nIU_cTy_kYb43WJNVIQEop5CcXQDfMTtq5fwrcRf3CvT89x9CP3v2vFWJ6oRIh3PBacHMLnq1E0vMJNmitG-j0b3lBPZv/s1079/Grand+Tour+Georgian+Carved+Intaglio+%2526+Lapis+Lazuli+Ring+from+Antique+Jewellery+Co.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1079" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGnohcyfvwPLFwRSRhV4qPR5e1Spkk-F5FuP-q3rLwu_yoj4nIU_cTy_kYb43WJNVIQEop5CcXQDfMTtq5fwrcRf3CvT89x9CP3v2vFWJ6oRIh3PBacHMLnq1E0vMJNmitG-j0b3lBPZv/w640-h412/Grand+Tour+Georgian+Carved+Intaglio+%2526+Lapis+Lazuli+Ring+from+Antique+Jewellery+Co.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This incredible & unusual Georgian ring with a carved carnelian intaglio of the man’s head in the center flanked by two oval cabochon lapis lazuli stones on either side, circa 1800-1820, from <a href="https://www.antiquejewellerycompany.com/shop/grand-tour-georgian-carved-intaglio-lapis-lazuli-ring/" target="_blank">The Antique Jewellery Company</a> is sold (& I am completely jealous of its new caretaker, by the way!) presents an amazing piece of Grand Tour history!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Even today, Grand Tour jewelry is highly coveted by history buff and jewelry collectors alike. Truly a bit of history; imagine the stories these pieces could tell!</span></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-7838507852150078282022-08-22T06:58:00.005-07:002022-08-22T08:57:54.099-07:00Itsy Bitsy, Teensy Weenies<p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">If you've been following <i>Inspired Antiquity</i>'s Instagram for a while, you may have noticed that I occasionally post photos of my collection of little gemstone phalli. Or, as I prefer to call them, my itsy bitsy, teensy weenies. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXF8lnOtcwrthehbV72-TlNspC3BCG4sBXmnniOmujO_up-1rlgHOPGnLTC5VCbBEULb9UEF3ml8tUIwXN1BQ_MrxM448LfqJofQjz4x4dUqaZi5AUe1C70bUF8K82OhZc6cjD50nGeQzBsBfTSF8V72ehh0m4ToDZOEHYYX9J5i3-dK2oqZOo9N6wg/s3357/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3357" data-original-width="2518" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXF8lnOtcwrthehbV72-TlNspC3BCG4sBXmnniOmujO_up-1rlgHOPGnLTC5VCbBEULb9UEF3ml8tUIwXN1BQ_MrxM448LfqJofQjz4x4dUqaZi5AUe1C70bUF8K82OhZc6cjD50nGeQzBsBfTSF8V72ehh0m4ToDZOEHYYX9J5i3-dK2oqZOo9N6wg/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Dicks in a row...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Regardless of modern-day feelings or bias towards my <i>colorful </i>collection of penises, there is a <i>long </i></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">(pun intended, naturally) </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">and distinguished history behind the collection and display of these phallic symbols. It began in Ancient times before religion and societal norms changed peoples' perception of this bit of male anatomy and created an alternate belief system with regards to the view / covering (or not) of human genitalia.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Now, before I delve any further into this topic, and for the sake of fun, let's all agree to assume that every pun you encounter throughout this post is all in good fun and intended. </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><i>Well-</i>intended. 😉</span></div><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">So (historically) when did penis worship start, you ask? If you're a religious person, then personally I blame Adam. I mean, really, why did he choose to only cover his penis but Eve's got to cover her nipples and vagina? Do nipples really look that different on men versus women? Who decided this? Where are my sociologists and religious studies majors at? Help a gal out here. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">But, if you're one to demand actual historical references then read on 'cause we are about to go on one heck of a <i>ride</i>! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">First stop on our weenie coverage in ancient times is the island of Delos in Greece. Archaeologists and historians discovered a residence with the inscription "ΤΟΥΤΟ ΕΜΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥΤΟ ΣΟΙ" carved beneath two erect, winged penises. Translated, the inscription means 'this for me and this for you' and, No, it isn't an invitation. The phallus-bird in Ancient Greece was a symbol of good fortune carved into homes and business to protect people and ward off evil. This plaque and inscription was designed as a welcome to guests to protect not only the homeowner and his/her family but also those entering and leaving. Thus, the wings. In Ancient Greece, these phallic symbols were most often associated with the god, Dionysus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6sD46KtNIvnMMW1vMXJERyBfc4viq3Wu9tEjYFY1GA1yhx_dtQ0rddJM71D9Bq4iQlSYx5c60clQeLihMOUemvkAsx4UdQl1RmGpJMsuLcsXGzCeq1Df2QbNg__7VXTq-yg3gNAUbm7S46ubPCfFujL6YDMD-u6Y6AbVLVRad79wrTuGRknrTEXj7A/s3024/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6sD46KtNIvnMMW1vMXJERyBfc4viq3Wu9tEjYFY1GA1yhx_dtQ0rddJM71D9Bq4iQlSYx5c60clQeLihMOUemvkAsx4UdQl1RmGpJMsuLcsXGzCeq1Df2QbNg__7VXTq-yg3gNAUbm7S46ubPCfFujL6YDMD-u6Y6AbVLVRad79wrTuGRknrTEXj7A/w640-h640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>My personal favorite are the ones who are hand-carved.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Most frequently thought of as the God of Wine and Ecstasy, Dionysus was actually the God of Fruitfulness and Vegetation. The Ancient Greeks worshiped him to ensure a <i>fruitful </i>grape harvest thereby ensuring successful wine-making. Perhaps more commonly known by his Ancient Roman incarnation as Bacchus; h</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">e was also considered the God of Fertility and women often sought his favor for successful procreation. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> According to Claudia Moser (a Mellon Research Fellow) in her University of Pennsylvania undergraduate humanities Forum 2005-6 research presentation called, <i><a href="https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2006/11/?utm_source=repository.upenn.edu%2Fuhf_2006%2F11&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages" target="_blank">Naked Power: The Phallus as an Apotropaic Symbol in the Images and Texts of Roman Italy</a></i>, “Representations of the phallus abound in both the art and the literature of the first-century A.D. Roman world. On frescoes in both private homes and public buildings, on amulets, statues, etchings, tripods, drinking cups and vases, exaggerated phallic images, these purportedly apotropaic symbols protect the inhabitant, the passerby, the wearer, the user from outside evil. The contemporary Latin literature, Roman satire and elegy in particular (Catullus, Martial, Juvenal, Horace, Tibullus), and the Priapea, a collection of poems about the phallic god Priapus, offer descriptions of the phallus and its functions that both coincide with and differ from the material examples.” Basically, size matters - the <i>bigger the better</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKs6nn3gDYnGOdszDbBIPJXMebmHzZJFUmitlmX4Tw4htqBf2cjEJkXPXI6aznNwExWfjRqhI-PM5MmIMyCXGskE6mkqjKg1lBX_X0W8CBDybhpomG4DBWrv1HK-8isD1gXprHdYefV-O7fDoNBluAxnnxHr_W1a2APEcDHq2qygUYQuQgb7Lgbh7jA/s960/89413274_3013870568679551_4786599931651555328_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKs6nn3gDYnGOdszDbBIPJXMebmHzZJFUmitlmX4Tw4htqBf2cjEJkXPXI6aznNwExWfjRqhI-PM5MmIMyCXGskE6mkqjKg1lBX_X0W8CBDybhpomG4DBWrv1HK-8isD1gXprHdYefV-O7fDoNBluAxnnxHr_W1a2APEcDHq2qygUYQuQgb7Lgbh7jA/w640-h480/89413274_3013870568679551_4786599931651555328_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Example of an ancient winged phallus.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Children wore teensy weenies around their neck; they were on reliefs; decorated lamps; amulets; religious </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">symbols</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">; dishes and were even a common theme for men and women’s jewelry. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Most phallic amulets weren’t on buildings but worn by people and animals. There have been hundreds of phallic pendants from Roman Britain recorded and they have been found all over the island. The rarest are made from gold but the vast majority are copper alloys. I mean, who doesn't want a solid gold dick?!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The phallus was a partial detachment from sexuality. Pompeii, Italy is one of the best places to see the range and number of these carvings. There are many, many phallic carvings throughout the ancient town. More so than anywhere else in the Roman world. This is because the destruction of Pompeii preserved buildings and streets to a great height – it seems that most of these carvings were above human head-height and prominently visible. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNyJREsdEix_YF4_RzpDM1WrsdnyIBqVU7ocSErdO0m8xhHfGgAvm_4ISx5OT1d9gKwj9JPthvVJO9vUDxAmU5fxpJvEv-eXwW1RCH2sViJYt0jMRiyAYzC_AdhLW-d_b4Z3QOLJfxCSZ1iNkBe-qo92q7RF6hQYNA0wWlW4wa5YO0EmcqX2NUi4s4w/s625/Naples-National-Museum-of-Archeology-Erotic-Art5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNyJREsdEix_YF4_RzpDM1WrsdnyIBqVU7ocSErdO0m8xhHfGgAvm_4ISx5OT1d9gKwj9JPthvVJO9vUDxAmU5fxpJvEv-eXwW1RCH2sViJYt0jMRiyAYzC_AdhLW-d_b4Z3QOLJfxCSZ1iNkBe-qo92q7RF6hQYNA0wWlW4wa5YO0EmcqX2NUi4s4w/w640-h428/Naples-National-Museum-of-Archeology-Erotic-Art5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>From the Naples National Museum of Archeology, ancient carved penises mounted in homes to ensure fertility.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">While for us here in modern times, the erect phallus almost always evokes an association of sex, in ancient Rome the range of its meanings was much broader. The phallus was a very important and lucky symbol. Some of them were embellished with a lion’s paw, bird’s head or, as previously discussed - wings. As with many forms of artistic expression, the Roman world inherited the use of phallic symbols from their Hellenistic and Classical forebears, but in the case of phallic imagery they really </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">ran with it</i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> and </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">stroked </i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">their creative side by creating interesting and sometimes bizarre new types, forms and uses for this symbol. Additionally, the Romans and Greeks weren’t the only people who used the phallus to decorate their cities. The phallus was popular amongst the ancient Egyptians, Semitic Arabs and Hebrews. The custom of swearing on their own crotch was commonplace. Most often, the person who made the oath held his own crotch. Have you ever observed any professional athletic event? Count the crotch grabs - I dare you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2bHd0deZ2YjSBkKmiihDr4VlVMbs1lGTS3ZpoCjQF60LWF6CvaV9-vAXsxl-lCmEjg7jTRKDCeQgnOO1uu1jBq4mRk8eIU_4Gzf2YzI_f1l5CuPjWv8C2vDO7Mj181BWobLWYZzhUpDkC9AEi3PZtcCTnYXQ5OgI2ImsBdQ6Z4NMdDHUd0DKnHBHgQ/s4032/9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2bHd0deZ2YjSBkKmiihDr4VlVMbs1lGTS3ZpoCjQF60LWF6CvaV9-vAXsxl-lCmEjg7jTRKDCeQgnOO1uu1jBq4mRk8eIU_4Gzf2YzI_f1l5CuPjWv8C2vDO7Mj181BWobLWYZzhUpDkC9AEi3PZtcCTnYXQ5OgI2ImsBdQ6Z4NMdDHUd0DKnHBHgQ/w480-h640/9.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>What's your favorite gemstone?</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The worship of this symbol was even mentioned by Augustine from the turn of the 4th and 5th Centuries CE, when the Roman Empire was largely Christian. The priest reluctantly described the annual village phallic rites taking place in Italy. According to his account, the image of a <i>member </i>was placed in a cart and transported around the villages and then <i>triumphantly </i>entered the city with him, before being decorated with flowers. Throughout the journey, vulgar vocabulary was used and the celebrators showed <i>immense </i>sexual freedom. It was also customary to bury wooden phalluses in the ground, which was also done by the Christians themselves. Sometimes, in order to live in harmony with the commandments of Christ’s faith, phalluses with the signs of the cross were buried.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh925YTF_cLBc9WEHxkEN5AINzKFrWsGfi5lY9tPB_EGkHN62lKA843rMWlWLajWU71qPWfytEWPznHzTBmxnubrTRKPFMGkLSVMGJl1_SAWPI0tZ4E534_-Y-_Lzb_xo_EZZ7YnuzYplDwfAITdByoKzf0rJ4LC25BUxAJxIBLm3jGOofgn3XJ4edeeg/s700/4786599931651555328_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="700" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh925YTF_cLBc9WEHxkEN5AINzKFrWsGfi5lY9tPB_EGkHN62lKA843rMWlWLajWU71qPWfytEWPznHzTBmxnubrTRKPFMGkLSVMGJl1_SAWPI0tZ4E534_-Y-_Lzb_xo_EZZ7YnuzYplDwfAITdByoKzf0rJ4LC25BUxAJxIBLm3jGOofgn3XJ4edeeg/w640-h444/4786599931651555328_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>An assortment of ancient lucky phalli.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In Roman Britain, at the edge of the Roman Empire, phallic carvings were present. Strongly associated with military structures such as forts and fortresses; they can even be found on Hadrian’s Wall - the very <i>edge </i>of the Roman world, beyond which many dangers lay. Phallic carvings appear on parts of the Wall itself, facing outwards towards barbaricum, as well as on the same sorts of windows and doors as in Pompeii.</p><p>While we might now only associate the four-leaf clover, evil eye, a found penny or rabbit's foot with luck; one of the most ancient lucky symbols was a good ol' <i>tall </i>penis. Worn <i>upright </i>and <i>proudly </i>throughout the ancient world, the phallus was thought to protect its wearer. What could be a more noble use of a little weenie than that?! So get out there and get yourself a collection of <i>rock hard,</i> lucky itsy bitsy teensy weenies! 😄</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gkl2ABx393-sX-OGJW6yxapW0s3AVvWfhuYysVCnJUktjdMh7kbaZ93PeTSH6vJPOBXXZEyCdkREvb8pU3Bme3qn1O3Oh6aK0cuTb9mGs2AsLy1H6MyDeCQLfVdRF_nd8WvbAlg_-QIrg991tj3S7hJ3x2WLq1Kv1UetS6onfMdlXkBpc-XallZREQ/s3303/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3303" data-original-width="2694" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gkl2ABx393-sX-OGJW6yxapW0s3AVvWfhuYysVCnJUktjdMh7kbaZ93PeTSH6vJPOBXXZEyCdkREvb8pU3Bme3qn1O3Oh6aK0cuTb9mGs2AsLy1H6MyDeCQLfVdRF_nd8WvbAlg_-QIrg991tj3S7hJ3x2WLq1Kv1UetS6onfMdlXkBpc-XallZREQ/w522-h640/2.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A rainbow collection of gemstone phallus.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br />Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-82683879545633094932022-08-11T07:46:00.003-07:002022-08-12T14:11:10.729-07:00La Vie en Rose<p>I'm going to be honest here, I am not a fan of the color pink. I have hated it since I was little. Recently however, I have discovered that my hatred is strictly limited to the cotton candy, bubblegum variety of said color. And now, to change almost everything I thought I knew about myself; I find myself gravitating to more rosy and vibrant shades of the color such as those almost neon-colored tourmalines, garnets and rabbit-blood colored natural rubies.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfs_yYlHZIOfmi9wp08taJwy1ZNpKVzsKs6HgOGkRAzitDW6oXoNhs5q7qFNIdVDgTGPYKIxKazW7mMA3-AeGfOMq0qSAcclXLNLJ3zfVhhybE2x-PbuX7pbQAiQNDNx8_oRu8QbROgMkmhXhOSsgfXLIT69JK-Ig2w4H5VyCEJ_HPw8ghqQIHFVe2Q/s885/sirciam%20watermelon%20tourmaline%20and%20rose%20gold%20ringJPG.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="885" height="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfs_yYlHZIOfmi9wp08taJwy1ZNpKVzsKs6HgOGkRAzitDW6oXoNhs5q7qFNIdVDgTGPYKIxKazW7mMA3-AeGfOMq0qSAcclXLNLJ3zfVhhybE2x-PbuX7pbQAiQNDNx8_oRu8QbROgMkmhXhOSsgfXLIT69JK-Ig2w4H5VyCEJ_HPw8ghqQIHFVe2Q/w640-h621/sirciam%20watermelon%20tourmaline%20and%20rose%20gold%20ringJPG.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The <a href="https://sirciam.com/products/copy-of-mana-ring?currency=USD&variant=34491921268872&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwio6XBhCMARIsAC0u9aHBxn82wIYWIjUm6GN4z1_GbSuX4alAK-oOuYh3ickixp7tYUN4QwkaAqepEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Mana Ring</a> with Watermelon Tourmaline by Sirciam is a perfect example of how pink doesn't have to look "childish / girly" & can have a rustic yet refined vibe. This ring checks al the boxes for me!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Because I like to "step it up a bit," I've also been experimenting with rose gold. I've added a few pieces to my personal collection the past couple of years and have just been floored by how good it looks on every skin tone no matter how dark or pale. I mean, I am so pale you can almost see through me on a good day and only a </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">slightly </i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">less offensive shade of transparent in the summer. So imagine my surprise to discover that when I wear rose gold, the peachy tint of the metal brings my skin to life in a way that yellow gold can't. Damn! </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Why </i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">did I not give this underrated metal a chance earlier?!?!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c09vfocExOp5BDVJbdqPUZwjoPsOBpOnci6SHgyEXGPhLMAuQ-AiHWfxp21XWxy04CNMe4u_ScHF7oolTLBXW9D8fU_wXt9mO1M9CTA8FBO9eO7R7X7tZppn8gFGztacaDR1hxM149YqYo8Hryqa4VZ6MkZ6hHN_zIycArTgSpY0ccsuxKRb5LWEkg/s1017/rose%20gold%20&%20pearls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="835" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c09vfocExOp5BDVJbdqPUZwjoPsOBpOnci6SHgyEXGPhLMAuQ-AiHWfxp21XWxy04CNMe4u_ScHF7oolTLBXW9D8fU_wXt9mO1M9CTA8FBO9eO7R7X7tZppn8gFGztacaDR1hxM149YqYo8Hryqa4VZ6MkZ6hHN_zIycArTgSpY0ccsuxKRb5LWEkg/w526-h640/rose%20gold%20&%20pearls.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Even when layered with creamy-white pearls, the rose gold seems to bring my skin back to life & not just because my Irish freckles are blending together! I honestly think if more folks gave this color of gold a chance, they would never go back to yellow gold. I said what I said.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">It's very much giving me Parisian / </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">"La Vie en Rose" vibes! To think, the literal translation of "La Vie en Rose" is 'Life in pink.' The term was made popular by French singer,</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> Édith Piaf in 1947 when she released the song as single. The title of which can be also be loosely translated as: "Life in happy hues," "Life seen through rose-colored glasses," or "Life in rosy hues." (Although the literal meaning is still "Life in Pink.") </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVUL7SDCc7isUGTvu2EW8aK4EY-OaIOjGgQxSrQVzAobSQRHH36e8vEJV7enPolFEeSxJurtWI5uy5mgmHhMaVFQSDlpdEdYkRtsUWbJ-G0T7p_yWlUlsnO5t9MUid_BL-IVdZm2mSeGjooCHqihYT-LCioPoAN0l0z3G_dU2V0U1x-Y8YdabjzZvuw/s1692/1%20rose%20gold%20red%20diamond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVUL7SDCc7isUGTvu2EW8aK4EY-OaIOjGgQxSrQVzAobSQRHH36e8vEJV7enPolFEeSxJurtWI5uy5mgmHhMaVFQSDlpdEdYkRtsUWbJ-G0T7p_yWlUlsnO5t9MUid_BL-IVdZm2mSeGjooCHqihYT-LCioPoAN0l0z3G_dU2V0U1x-Y8YdabjzZvuw/w442-h640/1%20rose%20gold%20red%20diamond.jpg" width="442" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This 0.70ct peachy-red rustic diamond is bezel-set in 14k rose gold on an 18" chain. It's perfect for layering & the rose gold compliments every skin tone. It's just gives off summery-beachy vibes. It's available in the <i>Inspired Antiquity</i> Etsy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1067408805/rustic-reddish-peach-diamond-slide?click_key=50b223718e4eb3749127d9140a6822199641311f%3A1067408805&click_sum=17eddefe&ref=shop_home_feat_3&frs=1" target="_blank">shop </a>now.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So maybe the French were on to something? The song e</span>ssentially means seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Living with an attitude or outlook of positivity, trying to see beauty in the everyday; like you do when you first fall in love. All I can say is, it must be working 'cause rose gold has been changing my mind about the color pink and I've never been happier about it!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhakJcyW-V24QF4U6D5Twi_utyhrw2dX6TPO_UWb92-pDLUhIg2jJ-g2Gkm9CRhWOGx57f2TxOoXGk7qKNMVKstfjN6-sZY_u8xnnrAQBZZo06pDhUpxjXSeo5J8kFqp_RfMXk5UKT8qIUCyN6udCMcelVVucDS97W2ygK7jxDUFCym_FA9zJh1aYdA/s530/Tiffany%20Co%20Double%20Knot%20Bracelet%20Rose%20Gold.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="530" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhakJcyW-V24QF4U6D5Twi_utyhrw2dX6TPO_UWb92-pDLUhIg2jJ-g2Gkm9CRhWOGx57f2TxOoXGk7qKNMVKstfjN6-sZY_u8xnnrAQBZZo06pDhUpxjXSeo5J8kFqp_RfMXk5UKT8qIUCyN6udCMcelVVucDS97W2ygK7jxDUFCym_FA9zJh1aYdA/w640-h606/Tiffany%20Co%20Double%20Knot%20Bracelet%20Rose%20Gold.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">If you have an extra $22,000 USD laying around & you want to take your rose gold jewelry collection to the next level, there's this <a href="https://www.tiffany.com/jewelry/bracelets/tiffany-knot-double-row-hinged-bangle-GRP11993/" target="_blank">Tiffany & Co. Knot Double Row Bangle</a> in 18k rose gold with a total carat weight of 2.05cts.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>To watch a video of <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Édith Piaf singing "La Vie en Rose," click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzeLynj1GYM" target="_blank">here</a> or watch below. The English translation of the song is below my signature line for those interested in further exploring those 'rose colored glasses.'</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rzeLynj1GYM" width="320" youtube-src-id="rzeLynj1GYM"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>English Lyrics: French to English Translation</u></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>Eyes which make me lower mine</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>a laugh that gets lost on his lips</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>this is the image without retouching</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>of the man to whom I belong</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>when he takes me in his arms</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he speaks to me softly</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and I see life through rose-colored glasses</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he tells me love words</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>everyday words</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and that makes me shiver</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he came into my heart</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>a piece of happiness</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>whose cause I know</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he’s mine and I’m his</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>in this life</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he told me it, he swore it for his life</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and since I spotted him</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>I can feel inside me</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>my heart beating</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>nights of love without end</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>a great happiness has settled replacing</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>boredom, sorrow, phases</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>happy immensely happy</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>when he takes me in his arms</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he speaks to me softly</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and I see life through rose-colored glasses</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he tells me love words</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>everyday words</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and that makes me shiver</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he came into my heart</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>a piece of happiness</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>whose cause I know</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he’s mine and I’m his</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>in this life</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>he told me it, he swore it for his life</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>and since I spotted him</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>I can feel inside me</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>my heart beating.</i></span></p></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-78267724504074208202022-08-01T07:24:00.000-07:002022-08-01T07:24:34.499-07:00Contradictions<p> <span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Recently I was asked, “Why old jewelry?” At first, I was a little taken aback. I mean, as a lover of antiques, artwork, books and red meat, some things are just better when they’ve aged so why <i><b>not </b></i>“old jewelry?!” Then I realized that my view of the world is uniquely mine just as yours, Dear Reader, is uniquely yours.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So why old jewelry, indeed. Antique (100+ yrs. old) and vintage (99- yrs. old) jewelry brings a sense of nostalgia and history even to the most modern wardrobe. Classics are a classic for a reason after all. And with the Slow Fashion movement, as well as the desire to cut back on one’s own carbon footprint, there is no better place to start then with “old jewelry.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2aCE3cj7WV1oAP05KTQuQuU1O82d4ZxJDMC-6R1NosQAS7mVC69FNnEAwBvUwGOFw9o_FRSspNw4ymzOrK5oTYv8TwGhPrHt0ZcITOgeiDAwbe_6s4qjiXUeMkRuzZPHZkYQVy00Ajx2N66LYAWy-bbrSRcGOLRb5xR4_63QOUT_A3DSv4gZw9ecuQ/s4032/art%20deco%20diamond%20bracelet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2aCE3cj7WV1oAP05KTQuQuU1O82d4ZxJDMC-6R1NosQAS7mVC69FNnEAwBvUwGOFw9o_FRSspNw4ymzOrK5oTYv8TwGhPrHt0ZcITOgeiDAwbe_6s4qjiXUeMkRuzZPHZkYQVy00Ajx2N66LYAWy-bbrSRcGOLRb5xR4_63QOUT_A3DSv4gZw9ecuQ/w480-h640/art%20deco%20diamond%20bracelet.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The diamond bracelet in the midst of this stack is just barely 100 years old. From the early Art Deco period, circa 1920s, it features a central plaque holding a half carat old mine cut diamond. Single cut diamonds are peppered throughout the central plaque as well as the bracelet's shoulders. In this stack is certainly does not get lost amongst the simple mixture of chains.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Older pieces were often not mass produced like many of today’s big box-type mall jewelers. Surviving pieces were created with a nod to craftsmanship not typically seen in today’s mass-marketplace except by master jewelers and designers who take the time to hand-create each piece pouring their hearts and souls into it much like jewelers of old. Think about it…For a piece to have survived relatively intact for <i>hundreds </i>of years through countless generations; it <i>had </i>to have been well-made! Name something else in today's modern world that could hold up like that. Go ahead, I'll wait.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEjBxBJTk_MKnLtU35tgAEbKizqOz5_05m-vJa7RVg2nF2cEnu5HcfkLHWxxzHd4rc9l9RhZapmRqtLUFNE4tZEN4qqPiYpwozWNuRehfTWZVoOv8HdMU91KiR5heNWA9Zjit-ZN91b071mqjJ1y7o9MOarnHP-_sdCCLT6i-QKdF_YfzbfCHa_ztqw/s3400/pearl%20mixture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEjBxBJTk_MKnLtU35tgAEbKizqOz5_05m-vJa7RVg2nF2cEnu5HcfkLHWxxzHd4rc9l9RhZapmRqtLUFNE4tZEN4qqPiYpwozWNuRehfTWZVoOv8HdMU91KiR5heNWA9Zjit-ZN91b071mqjJ1y7o9MOarnHP-_sdCCLT6i-QKdF_YfzbfCHa_ztqw/w480-h640/pearl%20mixture.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>One of my favorite ring stacks, this pearl (& mother of pearl) mixture features a wide historical span. From left, the seed pearl ring is circa 1970s & brings a lot of visual texture to the party. The center ring is from Argentina, circa 1880s and features flat-cut diamond in an interlocking design around 3 central pearls. It has a sense of subtlety & understated historical wealth all its own. The pinky ring is indicative of late 1930s design. A plaque of mother of pearl is the perfect backdrop with its single cut diamond halo for the central diamond. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">However, life is a contradiction. And, as a living breathing human being, so am I. Not only do I love old jewelry but I also have my ‘go-to’ designers. Many of whom I have purchased multiple pieces from over the years or who I have on my ‘Jewelry Bucket List’ to purchase from in the (hopefully) near future. I tend to gravitate towards contemporary designers who possess a very modern aesthetic. Their inspiration is the world around us and their designs feature clean lines and/or bold colors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IKDTAu6UxOWchRzt45wG-XFkQApPCt81uThffpCjCWcNURpJd2_LHctr9bGTfrnU0HPDV3Rxha2zqgLnZ-a1MVI-x5P23tRLxHPPCZVyEXVfTrstqMAZ-8bunIAaVM4alO4V844gKJBi_CV8pwyXqZDqTAsLaW88RpXmeH9a3JzSGP2VmJbwKMga-A/s2309/do%20you%20have%20the%20time.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="1731" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IKDTAu6UxOWchRzt45wG-XFkQApPCt81uThffpCjCWcNURpJd2_LHctr9bGTfrnU0HPDV3Rxha2zqgLnZ-a1MVI-x5P23tRLxHPPCZVyEXVfTrstqMAZ-8bunIAaVM4alO4V844gKJBi_CV8pwyXqZDqTAsLaW88RpXmeH9a3JzSGP2VmJbwKMga-A/w480-h640/do%20you%20have%20the%20time.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Diamonds & gold always go together! Here, I've mixed a modern bezel-set pear necklace with an Edwardian watch chain & single-cut diamond-encrusted ladies watch. A simple mix united by the sparkling of the diamonds, it's just one example of how you mix "old jewelry" with new pieces as a way to create a bold statement. Don't be afraid to mix old & new. Find a common theme between the grouping such as color (see below) or metal type to create maximum impact.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">It is exactly this contradiction that appeals to me so. I love mixing the intricate, delicate floral filigree and geometric pierced details seen in Art Deco, Art Nouveau or Edwardian designs with the simple, clean, streamlined (and sometimes industrial) designs of designers like </span><a href="http://www.lauriekaiserjewelry.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Laurie Kaiser</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.lorinczibridal.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Stacey Lorinczi</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://marlaaaron.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Marla Aaron</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://gracelee.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Grace Lee</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://suzylandanewyork.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Suzy Landa</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.mervaafsharjewelry.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Merva Afshar</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.judipowersjewelry.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Judi Powers</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://debranavarro.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Debra Navarro</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="http://sonja-wetzel.de/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Sonja Wetzel</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.lucymartin.co.uk/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Lucy Martin</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.originaleve.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Eve Streicker</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.shimellandmadden.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Shimell and Madden</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> or </span><a href="https://www.sophiegardner.net/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Sophie Gardner</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> – just to name a </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">very small </i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">handful of the amazing designers whose pieces I covet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GvrZPIL_YCJPYop9IiOdxW7-53NLEqj13NVhmRIx7HYKmxWyL0FYOsNfuNiSv0OvbCg0G9XTDvpyMyCuyYqhsw5Q0FWE0Bzb3EaxgY22g9xxh0BJDhSqp0noSMmjqWG8BD1boB5Bxbg3iU-xHdTVKOTM-krwxrxkAUa9Di3q3HzbHbkbUevUSQfew/s3474/tanzante%20&%20caledony%20rings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3474" data-original-width="2605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GvrZPIL_YCJPYop9IiOdxW7-53NLEqj13NVhmRIx7HYKmxWyL0FYOsNfuNiSv0OvbCg0G9XTDvpyMyCuyYqhsw5Q0FWE0Bzb3EaxgY22g9xxh0BJDhSqp0noSMmjqWG8BD1boB5Bxbg3iU-xHdTVKOTM-krwxrxkAUa9Di3q3HzbHbkbUevUSQfew/w480-h640/tanzante%20&%20caledony%20rings.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I call this the "blue period" ring stack. It features an antique chalcedony ring that I've paired with a pear-cut cabochon tanzanite ring from one of my favorite designers on Etsy, </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Marajoyce?ref=yr_purchases" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Marajoyce</a><b>. Although very different in hue & design, I love how the curve of the pear's bottom mixed with similar lines on the chalcedony seem to flow together regardless of their more than 100 year age difference.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Jewelry collecting and appreciation isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” kind of passion. It’s a learning process that evolves as your tastes change and your collection grows. My personal philosophy is that limiting yourself to only collecting “old jewelry;” jewels from a certain design era or strictly designer pieces doesn’t allow for that evolution and growth. Mix it up. Experiment. Expand your horizons. Buy what speaks to you; be it that incredible Art Deco ring or that one-of-a-kind necklace from your favorite designer. Then…wear them together. Don’t be afraid. Be bold. Be fearless. Don’t let convention or expectation limit your creativity! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93Rxr2MxLcZVD6TkdHuuxj0L61cuDZ-6cMWIPfYRsR9HfdUXcUJq6KRabLD7MflkcK_Zzd10jlkk5DOhJzsIC2ULaLV5H6jhxZooa5V8JPcOsv47H6ghr1PwWoIo_LGm4i8TNDWt0JZKKC2dLwYbq6R9l8bqha9Q40aIC8InJPrYXw8P6N6GMrwNCtQ/s4032/raging%20bull%20stack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93Rxr2MxLcZVD6TkdHuuxj0L61cuDZ-6cMWIPfYRsR9HfdUXcUJq6KRabLD7MflkcK_Zzd10jlkk5DOhJzsIC2ULaLV5H6jhxZooa5V8JPcOsv47H6ghr1PwWoIo_LGm4i8TNDWt0JZKKC2dLwYbq6R9l8bqha9Q40aIC8InJPrYXw8P6N6GMrwNCtQ/w480-h640/raging%20bull%20stack.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>I call this simple pairing my 'Raging Bull' stack. The top diamond ring was created in both white & yellow gold. When it's viewed from the side, it appears as a the erect horns of a bull. It is a vintage, custom piece from approximately the 1960-70s. Here, I've paired it with a brushed, matte gold band, also from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Marajoyce?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">Marajoyce</a>. Mara's work has a very organic & textural feel that gives it an inherent sense of nostalgia.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-34225771021759655022022-05-31T07:43:00.000-07:002022-05-31T07:43:07.188-07:00Keeping a Jeweled History<p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">I mainly talk about jewelry. Or jewelry designers. Or antique jewelry. Or the sentimentality of jewelry. Sometimes I even talk about caring for and/or storing your jewelry. But I haven't ever talked about the importance of a jewelry inventory <i><b>and </b></i>family history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Well guess what? Today's the day. First off, I think of a jewelry inventory in terms of not only the provenance of the pieces or value but also in terms of family history and sentimentality. Basically, I think of it as a 'jeweled history' of my family's life and legacy.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThE2ZOXDXmrQMJLQbKjaAOyXn8zyA_J3M9mKyZOSYjshwkjzSk1a7MIs9f-xYo5iR1U-dRKTSOgxhP5tB_sDSyYfQ8-WQ-Ulii-x13jZB-PdUnuFkp4CBjrYdmmmT735J6dak_PsVhq3-pglKgKSkr6r5ks-fA8ImZRGovqeWMe_tAQzgqZ6C0KE3Pw/s2100/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThE2ZOXDXmrQMJLQbKjaAOyXn8zyA_J3M9mKyZOSYjshwkjzSk1a7MIs9f-xYo5iR1U-dRKTSOgxhP5tB_sDSyYfQ8-WQ-Ulii-x13jZB-PdUnuFkp4CBjrYdmmmT735J6dak_PsVhq3-pglKgKSkr6r5ks-fA8ImZRGovqeWMe_tAQzgqZ6C0KE3Pw/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Designer biographies are always great to include in your inventory.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Since I have recently embarked on exactly that, I wanted share a few thoughts with you all on the:</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Importance </span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Reasoning </span>/ Why</li><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Options</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">What to Include</span></li></ol><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>Importance - </b>The practical reason I say a jewelry inventory is important is obviously for insurance purposes. According to a discussion thread on <a href="https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-is-the-average-amount-of-jewelry-owned.257672/" target="_blank">PriceScope</a>, the debate suggests that the value of an average woman's jewelry collection is approximately $10,000. An article by <a href="https://www.antique-watch.com/survey-suggests-the-average-woman-owns-6000-of-jewellery/" target="_blank">Pieces of Time</a> suggests that a woman's jewelry collection grows by approximately $2,498 / £2,000 annually. And, in the United States, according to a 2019 survey by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-much-to-spend-on-engagement-ring/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202019%20survey,they%20spent%20less%20than%20%241%2C000." target="_blank">The Knot</a>, the average engagement ring cost is approximately $5,900. However, most homeowners or renters' insurance policies have a payout cap on jewelry of between $2,000-$2,500 unless the homeowner / renter has added a Jewelry Schedule (sometimes called a "rider") to their policy. If you want to learn more about personal insurance and jewelry riders, you can read a previous blog I wrote on the topic <i><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.inspiredantiquity.com/2013/11/protecting-sentiments.html?m=1__;!!GsskhMlYTcXj_Q!90ZsxUXvBw_aqJQFoXRA9Lftc8T6thSXyjyj5QEXItT4BOEgRkQ-_Do1qSiS_KDMO7qqs6T1YyHBConIMvIkVz2tWW8ewrE8PTLYbpRJ$ " target="_blank">here</a></i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDz9GtOxuNEaMBNIATGpVsZkJtcMaBvej9SlWwZuM92zhFQXm9Kam5WmwI1BukWO8alLefUioo185E68u8w30NQorCsBq5kpQIDqoB-ynS1bK4jN4DYgUwnNUUJ-YaZAG-BDwMG-dvcafK4TqNozMF_htLKXI7Yf-uocbZKqJkviaTuGCf46hu3qSMQ/s3622/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3622" data-original-width="2717" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDz9GtOxuNEaMBNIATGpVsZkJtcMaBvej9SlWwZuM92zhFQXm9Kam5WmwI1BukWO8alLefUioo185E68u8w30NQorCsBq5kpQIDqoB-ynS1bK4jN4DYgUwnNUUJ-YaZAG-BDwMG-dvcafK4TqNozMF_htLKXI7Yf-uocbZKqJkviaTuGCf46hu3qSMQ/w480-h640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">How you organize your personal inventory is completely up to you so long as you include critical information such as value & description for insurance purposes.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I know, that's a lot of numbers and discussion points in one paragraph. If you're looking for a single, key takeaway then it would be this: Chances are you probably have more than $2,500 on your finger(s) total right now. So get yourself some insurance with a Jewelry Schedule regardless of whether you rent or own.</span></p><p>Acknowledging that some pieces are sentimental or one-of-a-kind and could never be truly replaced if lost or stolen; trust me when I speak from personal experience here, you'll feel a little less angry (but no less sad) with the full replacement value in your pocket as you search for a competent jeweler to try and recreate the piece.</p><p><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Reasoning </b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">/ Why</b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> - </b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">So we've talked about the importance of a jewelry inventory for insurance purposes. Now I want to talk about the reasoning or the "why" you need a jeweled history as part of a basic inventory - irregardless of whether you have only a single piece or a high-value collection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Now when I say a "jeweled history," I'm talking about the literal history and provenance of each piece. The provenance is </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">the place of origin or earliest known history of that piece. For antique, collector item pieces, this can help increase the value. For a family history, it means something entirely different.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">And, although your insurance agent isn't going to care about these stories, your family will. They will want to know that the one simple looking ring in your jewelry box is the most sentimental piece you own because your Grandpa proposed to your Grandma with it on their family farm in Southern Missouri when he got back from World War II. Or that the sterling silver micro mosaic cross was the only jewelry keepsake you bought yourself on a trip to Assisi, Italy just a few blocks up the hill from the monastery of </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">St. Francis</span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">. Or that the old cut diamond solitaire which may not sparkle in the same way as the other round brilliants in your collection was actually a 10th Anniversary gift from your husband. Or that the gold-plated Sputnik ring you've held onto for years was actually a gift from that one jewelry-obsessed Aunt of yours. But....I will promise you this, they will adore reading the stories of each and every piece in your collection and it's those stories that will make each piece irreplaceable in their hearts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcpkbZT32Ehhk3pSatISJ7mP638vSEYkQx9Ga7GcW5KTgz6KtrGeRhM-n2gsRsMO-M9b4ALBgHhxaudbjzoKP5BOXmhg608kqHmbICuVLnLJ9sFFRg62u1xX3MWsWztK6Q-yeGmONnet-wY5zV921PsxslkRnfjMpaogJqGzaBAucPZM9kdInf9WN2g/s1396/sputnik.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="1047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcpkbZT32Ehhk3pSatISJ7mP638vSEYkQx9Ga7GcW5KTgz6KtrGeRhM-n2gsRsMO-M9b4ALBgHhxaudbjzoKP5BOXmhg608kqHmbICuVLnLJ9sFFRg62u1xX3MWsWztK6Q-yeGmONnet-wY5zV921PsxslkRnfjMpaogJqGzaBAucPZM9kdInf9WN2g/w480-h640/sputnik.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's me. I'm the jewelry-obsessed Aunt.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b><p></p><p><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Options - </b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Now there a lot of options for how to create your own Jeweled History from basic to full-on, book-style inventories or even purely digital options. You'll have to decide for yourself what type you prefer or best suits your needs. Whatever route you decide to take, I would still recommend keeping at least one printed hard copy somewhere like a personal safe or safe deposit box or with your estate paperwork (such as with your trust or will). Technology is always changing and evolving and you don't want the tech to outgrow your inventory (think of floppy disks...how do you get the information off one of those now; let alone in another 20+ years?!).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">One option is the basic word document or spreadsheet with photos. This can be easily updated and re-printed as needed. You can print it and keep copies of any appraisal information, receipts, etc. with the corresponding item page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAKuhajoVbTsaJp59LXBoyOMv0uf4d69hrV-4RW3ga7H0N-x1DjGBHTutJk2RdigMnJLkhlpS56FyTh3emILUcxmh7v6eGyP06qy9R0daL3sionFM8mkiS6IfuTk7A8fFiMEaHyxWGqqgAY0xeMSqIb2Ae-l8QR-koODB5jasDZvDYLQezHfSCGCj3Q/s2100/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAKuhajoVbTsaJp59LXBoyOMv0uf4d69hrV-4RW3ga7H0N-x1DjGBHTutJk2RdigMnJLkhlpS56FyTh3emILUcxmh7v6eGyP06qy9R0daL3sionFM8mkiS6IfuTk7A8fFiMEaHyxWGqqgAY0xeMSqIb2Ae-l8QR-koODB5jasDZvDYLQezHfSCGCj3Q/w480-h640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Including photos, along with other descriptors & purchase information will be helpful to anyone involved in any of your of Estate Planning. Plus, as your collection grows, it will help you remember key information or sentiments surrounding each piece.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Another option is of course the all digital version. If you choose to go this route, I still highly recommend printing at one copy and keeping it in a secure location. I've seen digital versions of a Jeweled History done as a private social media page filled with storyteller-like videos as well as a single, long documentary-style video where the individual shows each piece and then discusses its corresponding history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">A third option is the printed and bound hard copy version. I've seen this done using </span><a href="https://www.harrywinston.com/en" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">Blurb</a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> books (or a similar publishing type website) where each item is photographed, a story written about it, scans of appraisal information are uploaded with a blank "note" page included as well where the owner writes-in any changes to the disposition of the piece (sold, stolen, re-sized, given away as a gift, etc.). This could be updated with a new hard bound book created annually with any new pieces that have been added to the collection in the previous 12 months.</span></p><p><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">What to Include -</b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> Here are some things to consider for inclusion when creating your own Jeweled History Inventory, regardless of the chosen format:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The story behind any family heirlooms that will be passed down to future generations. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Detailed photos of each piece.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Additional photos (if you have them) of previous generations wearing them or their previous owners / caretakers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Copies of receipts and/or appraisals.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Any documentation with regards to provenance such as emails from the designer discussing its creation for custom pieces or letters, cards, etc. from whomever may have given to you as a gift.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Any updates or changes you had made to the piece. </span></li><li>Write down any oral history you can remember about the piece - especially if you don't have any original documentation.</li></ul><br /><p></p><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EWzCJFnBm5E1qFvrZGUTT7UN4e0fcI_2mOR4P9RpdYdiXRF8ftQITsBe3GGmvi8rz10_tf9z0KtRqsrBetmQDC3CgL5wwLLeZoFBUDAPOusy3ww_x-c3mVllkLLily4OzCjJV0ogQHKjTWMVT1QxKsmaLFmaWTaOu4hhjcEL3G6vlQ394TVFLsNufA/s2048/Snake%20Necklace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EWzCJFnBm5E1qFvrZGUTT7UN4e0fcI_2mOR4P9RpdYdiXRF8ftQITsBe3GGmvi8rz10_tf9z0KtRqsrBetmQDC3CgL5wwLLeZoFBUDAPOusy3ww_x-c3mVllkLLily4OzCjJV0ogQHKjTWMVT1QxKsmaLFmaWTaOu4hhjcEL3G6vlQ394TVFLsNufA/w640-h640/Snake%20Necklace.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An example of some of the provenance information that I included in my own Jeweled History Inventory - The bottom photo is of the finished product, a custom-made emerald snake necklace by Stacey Lorinczi, <a href="http://www.lorinczi.com" target="_blank">Lorinczi Jewelry</a>. Stacey hand sketches several design options & was sweet enough to send me her sketches with the final product. Although the original sketch is framed & hangs in my home, a color copy is included with my inventory & a note saying where the original is displayed.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Have fun with the process! Enjoy the walk down Memory Lane while you're creating it. (And, remember to update it as your collection grows!)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-52898596006073046412022-01-04T08:58:00.001-07:002022-01-04T09:00:49.572-07:00Off Its Rocker<p>I hope you will indulge me, but I'm going to let me inner literary nerd out to play for a bit. Growing up, I was a huge fan of <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i>, <i>The Chronicles of Narnia</i> and <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i>; among other titles. Naturally, even as an adult, I love the <i>Harry Potter</i> tales, <i>Fantastic Beasts </i>and even <i>The Hunger Games</i>. Like many bibliophiles, I read (and write) to escape the stress, drama, confusion and emotional toll my real job can take.</p><p>As I have gotten older (although perhaps not 'grown up'), I find myself waxing nostalgic for the feelings of escapism and wonder that I always felt when reading of fantastical places and people. Looking back, those novels were one of the many things that helped shape my view of an idealized world and provided something of a road map to the person I have become. However, sometimes we still need a reminder that even when things get a bit upside down and life feels like it is spinning out of our control that we'll somehow manage to land upright.</p><p>A reminder of simpler times; of magic and awe; that we're stronger than we think we are; and even that all the sacrifice, hard work or PTSD will be worth it. At least that's what I try to tell myself. But I am a very, very visual person. I frequently need a visual reminder (much like the concept of Victorian 'touch wood') that it's going to be alright. That wonders still exist - we just have to look at little harder to find them now.</p><p>To that end, I designed a ring which I call my "Topsy-Turvy" Ring. In part, a reference to the Mad Hatter's infamous Tea Party; it is my visual reminder that no matter how out of control, upside down or topsy-turvy I may feel or the world may get; there is still magic to be had. It will get better. As Aslan said in <i>The Chronicles of Narnia</i>, it just requires: "Courage, dear heart." </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDIvcCgWojI7YqeWhwt3h_tGGB07r4NXT5Jl6_HJnOzWcP_Ur2Q-ZTXhYsFwnGEUL8Y3sC_nac___gm-CFNvrw2Y-OEsxhGMjhjWQvQNQe1oG-x8ZPNtGurNFJKrM5AA2-X3Nju64GrM76yC2XI2tTyK05XoRuedHR_5LTlXLH4z5DyAWMdCLLRTbZEA=s1170" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1170" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDIvcCgWojI7YqeWhwt3h_tGGB07r4NXT5Jl6_HJnOzWcP_Ur2Q-ZTXhYsFwnGEUL8Y3sC_nac___gm-CFNvrw2Y-OEsxhGMjhjWQvQNQe1oG-x8ZPNtGurNFJKrM5AA2-X3Nju64GrM76yC2XI2tTyK05XoRuedHR_5LTlXLH4z5DyAWMdCLLRTbZEA=w640-h626" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>My original sketch.</b><br /><br /><b>“I don’t see how he can ever finish, if he doesn’t begin." ~ Alice, <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i> </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I had a very specific deign vision in mind when I approached <a href="https://www.setterbergs.com/#utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=Campana%20Square" target="_blank">Setterberg Jewelers</a> in Sun City, Ariz. to help make this ring a reality and the visual reminder that I needed. Check out the photos below (along with some quotes from my favorite childhood novels) to see where the inspiration came from; what it means to me and how the final product turned out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuBthWbHcmBNR8Pdse4sFrNPN1sYvftn-0j40VRtpiij7lk-PyD60c2ZF5fCWANjPhS-wAh2E8zmfj8DRAF2LoUpxzDvmqPLmgFiHPA6Rv7WT7uKboUH02BIZTwCJlf0jdas9MVIvAkiI/s1200/2F306936-F809-492D-B164-58A8919A734C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuBthWbHcmBNR8Pdse4sFrNPN1sYvftn-0j40VRtpiij7lk-PyD60c2ZF5fCWANjPhS-wAh2E8zmfj8DRAF2LoUpxzDvmqPLmgFiHPA6Rv7WT7uKboUH02BIZTwCJlf0jdas9MVIvAkiI/w640-h480/2F306936-F809-492D-B164-58A8919A734C.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The first CAD design / incarnation of of the Inspired Antiquity Topsy Turvy ring.<br /><br />"Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality." ~ Cheshire Cat, <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDPWrsKIFMYIDtidW3jHDcHHiS9UVbCOHRRn8DINEatYR41zr9aQA1xyukGdnd185nxmDNFFafbH0KEq1JMrhlYLnMHYK4iV2-M0h5Pu0bcUUUkjXQYhlmDhPpJG3qHhT9FQ0YXZJRaEV/s1200/D5D616DE-C810-4B05-91FA-6B23C7D41075.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDPWrsKIFMYIDtidW3jHDcHHiS9UVbCOHRRn8DINEatYR41zr9aQA1xyukGdnd185nxmDNFFafbH0KEq1JMrhlYLnMHYK4iV2-M0h5Pu0bcUUUkjXQYhlmDhPpJG3qHhT9FQ0YXZJRaEV/w640-h480/D5D616DE-C810-4B05-91FA-6B23C7D41075.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Incarnation #3: Changed from prong-set to bezels; more in keeping with the Mad Hatter's tea cups.<br /><br />"Don't try to comprehend with your mind. Your minds are very limited. Use your intuition." ~ <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkbpB3mGLGqqabKrSdSq4Ko0L80umQiw8UfFUKVUZEGT8R0x50alY9TapGSvLmP5OOG3Rv2fI3mhmdiVyp_eMfr1mEudDJcjBP0cs3JUP8DMyKWyfw4e7zvgndGv81-cGvVtb2r7zblGW/s1200/548B42AF-6173-4DA7-96FF-CBDD9234E998.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkbpB3mGLGqqabKrSdSq4Ko0L80umQiw8UfFUKVUZEGT8R0x50alY9TapGSvLmP5OOG3Rv2fI3mhmdiVyp_eMfr1mEudDJcjBP0cs3JUP8DMyKWyfw4e7zvgndGv81-cGvVtb2r7zblGW/w640-h480/548B42AF-6173-4DA7-96FF-CBDD9234E998.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Incarnation #4: Closed & tapered in the bottom of the bezels thereby giving them a more tea cup-like, flared at the top appearance.<br /><br />"You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." ~ Alice, <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span>In this process, there were close to a half dozen incarnations of the ring in an attempt to get the perfect illusion of balance and chaos before it even made its way to a wax model or casting. The hardest part of the design wasn't the order of the stones or what shape stones to pick. It was getting each of the stones positioned correctly on both their horizontal and vertical axis. </span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkyox3fQSDM-0-CuKq4OY2bczHoHPTnBnu-zdnTkt-VGf5tFlY1uGWe5LcqqEysBJqFk1mGAw6xwRVRQl28TKIqKgGDxbw0vX1hViUY3W8hX-gtbk7x0jEhthf2uqeWR1Y8NdsrBvHDDWbSzWKPd8B19_1mfImuBVTH45jDDkzwy5VIgqz77ZdZmmqtQ=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkyox3fQSDM-0-CuKq4OY2bczHoHPTnBnu-zdnTkt-VGf5tFlY1uGWe5LcqqEysBJqFk1mGAw6xwRVRQl28TKIqKgGDxbw0vX1hViUY3W8hX-gtbk7x0jEhthf2uqeWR1Y8NdsrBvHDDWbSzWKPd8B19_1mfImuBVTH45jDDkzwy5VIgqz77ZdZmmqtQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>From the top down, the diamonds appear to sit flush & aligned with one another. It's not until you look more closely that you truly realize how off-kilter from each other they truly are.</b><br /><br /><b>“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice. </b></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>~ Alice, <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>No two stones sit at exactly the same angle in any direction and yet from the top, all appear to be equal - exactly the same even. Like many things in life, only when viewed from a different perspective do the nuances of the angles appear. A sparkly reminder to always look beneath the surface or else you might miss something truly exciting. Because, sometimes the joy to be had is actually <i><b>in </b></i>the chaos.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc0iOWzocbtAppCGBsDKavvtwiSfMv0Oqf-zXohZC_A13RXxv57ubzlldPWw4P3Dh9qL-cYXt1geVVN4bzMDOSUCl8t-Q9LZ3UppSVsW2EsynlGaQlru8H0pkPJn8GOWDoJ6tzOap-cfXiZcDT4YZt1goXxvDFhhHgaPci_TJ8goa_r_kWkaWX-AAilg=s3654" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3654" data-original-width="2740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc0iOWzocbtAppCGBsDKavvtwiSfMv0Oqf-zXohZC_A13RXxv57ubzlldPWw4P3Dh9qL-cYXt1geVVN4bzMDOSUCl8t-Q9LZ3UppSVsW2EsynlGaQlru8H0pkPJn8GOWDoJ6tzOap-cfXiZcDT4YZt1goXxvDFhhHgaPci_TJ8goa_r_kWkaWX-AAilg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>From this angle, you can see more clearly how the emerald sits askew to the heart & round diamonds. It took time & practice to get the angles just right.<br /></b><br /><b>"Believing takes practice." ~ <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKaC3Rl-NMAOXxpzSaV1LN7q4Etp9RJJ8QK1iLcGNKEZLmPOUyGlxippVAmlmhC3AMR65lQtNqMM64SpQCiHRj4t7kv9se_NlCFDSRPJUHL4Fe66IvIPasEn92RYWabTmio7BoI5MrOGUMLI3YFf0mSmWEBjmXXbI-ZCDsn3s379OFtFICHjLagHCARQ=s2907" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="2590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKaC3Rl-NMAOXxpzSaV1LN7q4Etp9RJJ8QK1iLcGNKEZLmPOUyGlxippVAmlmhC3AMR65lQtNqMM64SpQCiHRj4t7kv9se_NlCFDSRPJUHL4Fe66IvIPasEn92RYWabTmio7BoI5MrOGUMLI3YFf0mSmWEBjmXXbI-ZCDsn3s379OFtFICHjLagHCARQ=w570-h640" width="570" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>After several more incarnations, the final design exhibits the perfect balance of symmetry & wild movement. Something just a bit askew in every direction.<br /></b><br /><b>"Topsy-turvy: 1: in utter confusion or disorder; 2: with the top or head downward: UPSIDE DOWN; topsy-turvy adjective: turned topsy-turvy : totally disordered." ~ <i>Webster's Dictionary</i></b><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-45262381016173195812021-08-13T07:42:00.006-07:002021-08-13T07:42:41.587-07:00A Love Affair with Enamel<p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Sometimes, even with the vast color palette available in natural or synthetic gemstones, creating an almost painted look, shading </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">effect or even a small mosaic -like look can be next to impossible. Not to mention the potential cost in labor and materials. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">However, one of the oldest forms of creating varying colors on jewelry without using gemstones has been through the use of enamel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Enameling dates back to ancient Greece and throughout history, different cultures have favored different techniques. As an example, cloisonné enamel was popular during the Byzantine Empire, while artisans living in France and Germany in the Middle Ages preferred champlevé. Not to mention, the love of Art Nouveau jewelry designers - plique à jour.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJdLD6OXrGyymk5W_01QAMz7UfxRcFZ4lm8-WMLrxni9Kil7AkpVpAkRvua-cBkjB9vLAHB_NSDVUUmPu6QgGCdFgqB0LYKv8WhRdYTLKQNkT8yAXucJEupb5nCSFawsJDze_RgIxUG_T/s1721/Essex+River+Antiques+Enamel+Snake+Ring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJdLD6OXrGyymk5W_01QAMz7UfxRcFZ4lm8-WMLrxni9Kil7AkpVpAkRvua-cBkjB9vLAHB_NSDVUUmPu6QgGCdFgqB0LYKv8WhRdYTLKQNkT8yAXucJEupb5nCSFawsJDze_RgIxUG_T/w590-h640/Essex+River+Antiques+Enamel+Snake+Ring.jpg" width="590" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Even a non-snake person has got to love the expression on this vintage enamel beauty available through <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/768040275/incredible-18k-gold-diamond-enameled?ref=cart" target="_blank">Essex River Antiques</a>. He just looks like he's about to share a juicy secret or a hilarious joke! Created in 18k yellow gold with stunning enamel work, he's of Italian origin.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Simply explained, enamel is the fusion of powdered glass to metal. Artists like enameling because it allows them to add a painterly or illustrative quality to their pieces - almost like an oil or watercolor painting. </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Some of the most common types of enamel work in jewelry are: </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">cloisonné, </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">champlevé, guilloché, </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">plique à jour and </span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Ronde bosse</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>Cloisonné </b>(“cell” in French) is a technique in which thin wires of fine silver or gold are used to outline a design which is filled with enamel. It is then put in a kiln where the enamel is melted. Cloisonné is distinct because the individual wires remain visible, forming an outline of the motif similar to the way the lead solder outlines the panes of a stained glass window or the black outline of a tattoo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>Champlevé</b> (“level field” in French) enamel is almost the exact reverse of cloisonné. Depressions in the metal are made by etching, engraving or chiseling. Then, layers of enamel are added until they rise slightly above the surface of the metal. It is then fired and polished.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3Ku6WaTz1sLWuFLZcW2x9t2wwbKVk5q0DoeHSlpPd4-iQEJs58QxNvUc67raORM53bvln0DtxtpoL4wHmgQBf0ZCDCPrlVykU0iDIIaSa-E_DLTM9DFZb6GnUrMbTG6auM6GVImiusr/s1588/Stacey+Day+Designs+Enamel+Rembrance+Enamel+Ring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3Ku6WaTz1sLWuFLZcW2x9t2wwbKVk5q0DoeHSlpPd4-iQEJs58QxNvUc67raORM53bvln0DtxtpoL4wHmgQBf0ZCDCPrlVykU0iDIIaSa-E_DLTM9DFZb6GnUrMbTG6auM6GVImiusr/w640-h640/Stacey+Day+Designs+Enamel+Rembrance+Enamel+Ring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>A modern remembrance ring, this enamel beauty from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/686439531/remembrance-mourning-blue-enamel-ring?ref=cart" target="_blank">Stacey Fay Designs</a> comes in two varieties - with or without a diamond accent. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Guilloché </b>is a technique in which translucent enamel is applied to a piece of metal that has had designs cut into it. After the firing, the patterns on the metal become visible. The technique was made famous by Peter Carl Fabergé, whose jewelry house used the technique on many of its objets d’art as well as its jewelry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Plique à jour </b>(“letting in daylight” in French) enamel was popular during the Art Nouveau period. It is also my personal favorite! In this technique, the enamel is not applied to metal, but instead enamel powder is applied to cells on a thin sheet of copper foil or mica and then etched away. Basically, the backing is removed to create a stained-glass-like look. Jewelry made with plique à jour often has a luminous quality because light is able to penetrate the piece from front and back giving it that 'stained glass window'-like glow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2sgyGjPJf8E8PmdJtNDSuaIVIDInuG7iQsUQT8WgKy_W6RK5ZXBdt87YQSWhy6UTM42yowoNVCkK9i_Ffs56fZw7muXXd7-e_YRgZEh-_5Ygom4LS4KZEmyLLaZuVvhc5Qe_L6k1rRr7/s2048/Simply+Remember+My+Shop+Enamel+Ring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2sgyGjPJf8E8PmdJtNDSuaIVIDInuG7iQsUQT8WgKy_W6RK5ZXBdt87YQSWhy6UTM42yowoNVCkK9i_Ffs56fZw7muXXd7-e_YRgZEh-_5Ygom4LS4KZEmyLLaZuVvhc5Qe_L6k1rRr7/w360-h640/Simply+Remember+My+Shop+Enamel+Ring.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This stunning French Victorian antique example of enamel work is available through <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/450173578/18k-gold-diamond-blue-enamel-flower?ref=cart" target="_blank">Simply Remember My Shop</a> & is modeled in 18k gold. The enamel work is in pristine condition & features accent diamonds at the flowers center.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Ronde bosse</b> (“round work” in French) is the technique in which enamel is applied to three-dimensional forms. This practice was first used in the 15th century, during the Renaissance, with the invention of adhesives that would hold the enamel in place and disappear during firing. Carlo Giuliano created some amazing examples of ronde bosse work on his pieces in the 1890s.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLySH_ZGXOsudYhe_Lln785TmULj6_Smk8ac2_eA414EIZOXDHJomfNYVsjJvlzCR9PJInLU2p0FJ84ELPSz38CnNAYeSQvYF98-kexfWg5txecoogLeRrffVOiF5Nozz99NeGXg0Q5llP/s1589/Totam+Kitten+Enamil+%2526+Diamond+Ring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLySH_ZGXOsudYhe_Lln785TmULj6_Smk8ac2_eA414EIZOXDHJomfNYVsjJvlzCR9PJInLU2p0FJ84ELPSz38CnNAYeSQvYF98-kexfWg5txecoogLeRrffVOiF5Nozz99NeGXg0Q5llP/w640-h640/Totam+Kitten+Enamil+%2526+Diamond+Ring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This vintage piece from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/819871334/18k-diamond-enamel-flower-ring?ref=cart" target="_blank">Totem Kitten</a> is a work of art with .35ct of diamonds set in 18k white gold with peach enamel blossoms and a single green leaf. The seller recently had the enamel touched up so it's in excellent condition. I adore the orangey-peach flowers & diamond clusters.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Not only are there many ways to work with enamel but there are also several application methods. It can be sifted, painted, stenciled, sponged, dropped or inlaid (wet or dry) on the metal surface. Artisans can also enhance their designs via sgrafitto, or etching into the metal, and then inlaying other objects.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Enamel is a temperamental technique in which each piece is fired in a kiln at temperatures ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. If all or part of the enamel cracks, the damage can be irreparable and the piece considered a complete loss. This is why beautifully made enamel pieces feel so much more precious and highly regarded.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU9yDWKtrKJ9obdeQ9f_IRbRUcnIYZ-BitEaSp3OTJvBBIhuIFKj64YzOTRbbIdkjg5Ku1PuTwn2v0A_JCmIQ-cEBDARJqXB4SAdRPzgL2ivmbDDioJv5RvlTCdwUHvNQvuIuXe3O0I0-/s1588/HYGGEJEWELLERY+Evil+Eye+Band.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU9yDWKtrKJ9obdeQ9f_IRbRUcnIYZ-BitEaSp3OTJvBBIhuIFKj64YzOTRbbIdkjg5Ku1PuTwn2v0A_JCmIQ-cEBDARJqXB4SAdRPzgL2ivmbDDioJv5RvlTCdwUHvNQvuIuXe3O0I0-/w640-h640/HYGGEJEWELLERY+Evil+Eye+Band.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>In the post-COVID world, maybe we could all use a little protection. This enamel evil eye band from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/777126978/evil-eye-diamond-ring-enamel-evil-eye?ref=cart" target="_blank">Hygge Jewellery</a> is made to order in your choice of gold (white, rose or yellow) as well as in 14k or 18k. I think it's the perfect stacking ring to add a little pizzazz to both amodern or vintage ring stack.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">Be sure and follow</span><i style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> Inspired Antiquity</i><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> on Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">, Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">@NpiredAntiquity</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">, Pinterest: </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a><span style="color: #303030; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> & Instagram: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">InspiredAntiquity</a></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-44153270362913045502021-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:002021-07-29T07:47:06.794-07:00The Best Earrings for Curly Haired Girls<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you've got wavy or curly hair and have a hard time finding dangle earrings that have some movement and can visually hold their own against your curls without getting tangled up in them; then this blog is for you! I was born with thick, curly auburn hair. Even though the color has given up the ghost and turned a little more white-gray now; the curls have never loosened. I used to only wear studs or hoops because I hated having my curls get tangled and pulled in long earrings. But I always loved the look of long earrings. The hard part has always finding ones that were comfortable to wear that wouldn't get lost in my curls and could visually hold their own against the power that curls wield.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After decades of searching, I've managed to round up some of my favorite dangle earring looks for us curly-haired ladies from some of today's hottest designers. So, read on to find out my go-to looks when I wear my curls down in their full splendor!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwNCftGlkgiT4z8k0IuwSUp2CHV5HANokibnenVDKl1rPkpM0lJ-ySZPZFHaoeQ8902D0kAUT648nrJFCTMEId1JQzx661KbGdeBxb3XcM1ZnL7QdSKn4Qu_R2iaRlR1A84Taoeq6L-fh/s2048/Rachel+Atherley+Feather+%2526+Caviar+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="2048" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwNCftGlkgiT4z8k0IuwSUp2CHV5HANokibnenVDKl1rPkpM0lJ-ySZPZFHaoeQ8902D0kAUT648nrJFCTMEId1JQzx661KbGdeBxb3XcM1ZnL7QdSKn4Qu_R2iaRlR1A84Taoeq6L-fh/w640-h622/Rachel+Atherley+Feather+%2526+Caviar+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.rachelatherley.com" target="_blank">Rachel Atherley</a>'s Feather Earrings (left) & Caviar Earrings (right) are some of my personal favorites. I own the a pair of her Caviar Earrings in moonstone & have found them ideal for curls! They are lightweight, easy to wear all day & have enough texture that they can hold their own against my mess of hair.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV8iE_B44nflN-IgdZqO_1rFmGTmHMIHpPUxQQU0eUpLbLS3uykLzxT1y3edTSG4bwC-RaIWjp4CCZynNWyppYSu058TgKLWwIxXn4Lj4r5ec-5t04ID0ILB027gwoVKChkrkXEYDHTOw/s1047/White+Space+Jewelry+-+Oona+Pearl+Petal+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1043" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV8iE_B44nflN-IgdZqO_1rFmGTmHMIHpPUxQQU0eUpLbLS3uykLzxT1y3edTSG4bwC-RaIWjp4CCZynNWyppYSu058TgKLWwIxXn4Lj4r5ec-5t04ID0ILB027gwoVKChkrkXEYDHTOw/w638-h640/White+Space+Jewelry+-+Oona+Pearl+Petal+Earrings.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.whitespacejewelry.com" target="_blank">White Space Jewelry</a>'s Oona Hook Petal Pearl Earrings are definitely a Jewelry Bucket List pair for any lady with curls. The luster of the pearls combined with the unusual shape means that your curls won't get tangled in unnecessary findings or other earring components. Plus, the smooth boldness of the pearls makes an amazing contrast against a mess of curls like mine.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37eaz3knj7K8sqWC3OFOpFN1VZkdhp1xl46GZ7Ys8BgfAyFOnMfoD13LjcudgoimLK5_q1i9R-miwRfzdTQMCWq8_TXgSufg2ijf0g0jlFmwLRafGs_APmbRVFHsn9TZXLAXpsCqBgs1J/s1170/Martha+Seeley+Constellation+Dangle+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1170" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37eaz3knj7K8sqWC3OFOpFN1VZkdhp1xl46GZ7Ys8BgfAyFOnMfoD13LjcudgoimLK5_q1i9R-miwRfzdTQMCWq8_TXgSufg2ijf0g0jlFmwLRafGs_APmbRVFHsn9TZXLAXpsCqBgs1J/w640-h626/Martha+Seeley+Constellation+Dangle+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.marthaseely.com" target="_blank">Martha Seely Design</a>'s Constellation Elongated Dangle Earrings feature bezel-set gemstones which are by far preferable to prong-set stones when curly hair is involved. Prongs tend to "reach out and grab" curls whereas bezels allow the curls to "slide off" them.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP_EVrtCbP0c3l27zlzd0zsirQR5mb79nWD4_RbqBhRingVmmQcp7YuKnuJrcWz3-h-gpK08ldU4_DhPPgPob2Hki3DhAzDulh9I6Mc8CM4nN-ivHKX_1BwNdt-xMLkXqlnhdlHh_WAKM/s1300/GuitaM+Jewelry+GE+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP_EVrtCbP0c3l27zlzd0zsirQR5mb79nWD4_RbqBhRingVmmQcp7YuKnuJrcWz3-h-gpK08ldU4_DhPPgPob2Hki3DhAzDulh9I6Mc8CM4nN-ivHKX_1BwNdt-xMLkXqlnhdlHh_WAKM/w576-h640/GuitaM+Jewelry+GE+Earrings.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.guitam.com" target="_blank">GuitaM Jewelry</a>'s GE Earrings can easily hold their own visually against even the most luscious curls. Plus, the variety of available gemstones means that you can find one to match every outfit.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqobAAUWh0LAX8xo-enTIGdnPsdAuBW9nLsCXoVqBNm3WPODOSCMA5XdTrmOrp4JIv4_7QE06pCGGQIXtZH5DBuCpThCITopTREERVBlmgrMVjsujFw4jTxvsP6hE_t5R6w9dlnkCBYUpJ/s1055/Original+Even+MOP+Loop+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1055" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqobAAUWh0LAX8xo-enTIGdnPsdAuBW9nLsCXoVqBNm3WPODOSCMA5XdTrmOrp4JIv4_7QE06pCGGQIXtZH5DBuCpThCITopTREERVBlmgrMVjsujFw4jTxvsP6hE_t5R6w9dlnkCBYUpJ/w640-h628/Original+Even+MOP+Loop+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.originaleve.com" target="_blank">Original Eve Designs</a>' Mother-of-Pearl Loop Earrings almost feel like little MOP curls themselves with their open centers & shiny luster. Perfect for daily wear or graceful enough to be the perfect compliment to any wedding day look!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biwPU6_wCbhp6liZr4tYSllha2Uf5iFYtcVSWhlL0j_eNABqQ1VfxPHeXXhAjmWaQsrDhCbWtXXLT466zhARZQNuzFJb6ufCAYMv7WRbLj9oxqvUdgmlxLgGuD9TnvMmIWzmVVBUexTJ/s1170/Mallary+Marks+Lilly+Pad+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1170" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biwPU6_wCbhp6liZr4tYSllha2Uf5iFYtcVSWhlL0j_eNABqQ1VfxPHeXXhAjmWaQsrDhCbWtXXLT466zhARZQNuzFJb6ufCAYMv7WRbLj9oxqvUdgmlxLgGuD9TnvMmIWzmVVBUexTJ/w640-h632/Mallary+Marks+Lilly+Pad+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallarymarks/?hl=en" target="_blank">Mallary Marks</a>' Lilly Pad Earrings have been on my personal Jewelry Bucket List since I first saw them. The clean lines, variety of available gemstones coupled with the two available sizes means more flexibility for shorter or longer curly hairstyles. Not to mention their clean lines & bold outline are sure to be noticed.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7v5Lo4XQFbkkeoIA3qdD0wWYqZ3Bj9H_QoQw5GdxOt7gvj_vL3bEfnlvpswIk4qzbvSP_jSgpOGNyrWXsh4nXCYNpuKcuuKOfMIDle6fnXiC35tKgtYETKLrNXMxq7j4-diUevbNtyY0/s1170/Grainne+Morton+Charm+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1170" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7v5Lo4XQFbkkeoIA3qdD0wWYqZ3Bj9H_QoQw5GdxOt7gvj_vL3bEfnlvpswIk4qzbvSP_jSgpOGNyrWXsh4nXCYNpuKcuuKOfMIDle6fnXiC35tKgtYETKLrNXMxq7j4-diUevbNtyY0/w640-h624/Grainne+Morton+Charm+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.grainnemorton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grainne Morton</a>'s Three Charm Earrings are a perfectly fun mismatched pair of dangle earrings that can certainly hold their own against any type of curl without lacking movement.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3e_7nvp2yQR1SeNi7Zgz15_rAVrgTbaozDqFuMEm79vfyRLzsIaUd_qm0KiQUkEPSmxlC6vWvTVW9bzH8J6BCznNEJvnraafvyzdZs3HOCPOzlxXsH0PNO4C2WCsSvkcW2GxbdFx_yz/s1588/Catherine+Ulanovski+Spike+Earrings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1588" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3e_7nvp2yQR1SeNi7Zgz15_rAVrgTbaozDqFuMEm79vfyRLzsIaUd_qm0KiQUkEPSmxlC6vWvTVW9bzH8J6BCznNEJvnraafvyzdZs3HOCPOzlxXsH0PNO4C2WCsSvkcW2GxbdFx_yz/w640-h470/Catherine+Ulanovski+Spike+Earrings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CJbijoux" target="_blank">Catherine Ulanovski</a>'s Spike Earrings have been a go-to in my personal collection for years. I love the brushed texture & the slight curve means they move against my curls - not fighting with them. The 14k gold has a rich, buttery color which is also the perfect compliment to my vintage pieces as well.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485723018799232972.post-68499094176909597152021-07-19T08:04:00.004-07:002021-07-19T08:59:23.596-07:00It's Brutal Out There: Rediscovering Brutalist Design<p>I wouldn't say that I'm a particularly "mystical" person but I do believe that the universe does sometimes speak to us. I feel like the universe has been putting certain designs styles in front of me more often than not lately. One style in particular has always been one that I had a sort of appreciation for but did not tend to actively collect; only picking up a piece here or there if it spoke to me in some way.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQWpNnztLs9bfZF5FUiZzVUwLhjRAeXiV2Oya4A9j69RlXSkUlnmNZN38sBaxH8CGDP8FpHtnnc2SecG_3Aya_sxI1ScCjlQ3kBas_qI9uWOOcljiBJV7DCDoIn3CTK9EwCqd9e05EinB/s2048/Personal+Brutalist+Pieces.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQWpNnztLs9bfZF5FUiZzVUwLhjRAeXiV2Oya4A9j69RlXSkUlnmNZN38sBaxH8CGDP8FpHtnnc2SecG_3Aya_sxI1ScCjlQ3kBas_qI9uWOOcljiBJV7DCDoIn3CTK9EwCqd9e05EinB/w640-h640/Personal+Brutalist+Pieces.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The only two Brutalist members of my personal collection (top): Morganite & 14k yellow gold ring, circa 1970, that I had updated by <a href="https://www.setterbergs.com" target="_blank">Setterberg Jewelers</a> & (bottom) Ebony Wood & Sterling Brutalist style ring. Both pieces have a variety of textures - typical of Brutalist design.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>That particular style happens to be an offshoot of the early-20th century Modernist movement known as Brutalism. It originally began as an architectural style in the 1950s. Brutalist buildings are characterized by their massive, monolithic and almost 'blocky' appearances with a rigid geometric style and were often constructed of poured concrete. The style had its fans…and its detractors. It was controversial, but it was also unforgettable. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPlwpfDRkCip1ORJXusG90eiLwbIzSCEPqqa36Hy0Mw8izPLJxtR-kXUd55rS2p1T5V5AGKSNnEOiF9TNap09tmGB5slkJ-WfYtY26mWv1sErCYmYkjvdOtms4p9HQp_c9eH6siuuTIit/s1588/Emerald+Cut+Diamond+-+Brutalist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1588" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPlwpfDRkCip1ORJXusG90eiLwbIzSCEPqqa36Hy0Mw8izPLJxtR-kXUd55rS2p1T5V5AGKSNnEOiF9TNap09tmGB5slkJ-WfYtY26mWv1sErCYmYkjvdOtms4p9HQp_c9eH6siuuTIit/w640-h558/Emerald+Cut+Diamond+-+Brutalist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Featuring a 1ct. emerald-cut diamond with smaller round & marquise diamonds in 14k yellow gold, circa 1970s, this beauty was found on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/892729994/14k-gold-1ct-emerald-cut-diamond?ref=cart" target="_blank">Simply Remember My Shop</a> and is the epitome of the Brutalist style. This vintage ring has been on my Jewelry Bucket List for several months now & is just so amazing!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>What has since fascinated me was how this style of architecture spilled over to smaller objects of the time such as wall art, furniture, sculptures and other home decor items. The Brutalist movement in jewelry did not fully emerge and truly take off until the 1960's-70's. Within the confines of jewelry design, Brutalist pieces from that era often times had an almost handmade look with bumpy, knobby or rough textures. Think repeated geometric forms that are often asymmetric and abstract. This radical style of jewelry was typified by massive, jagged and highly abstract designs that are at once intriguing and perhaps slightly off-putting. It was typically displayed in chunky almost heavy forms with large expanses of gold or silver. Often times, metals like platinum, gold, silver and copper would be intermingled. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRyeJAoqYIAf-P1YmvBwm0JXC_L4vFmHCKQ1bUeEM7a8kcW8EHQ33un6z8AG8njejRZI5qx336EXilLLM727GxcjisJEhvphLCQE7YfuepbPTAqeHQmtSaZMGJGip9l__UCuaoiz4hT5X/s400/14k+YG+Band+-+Brutalist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRyeJAoqYIAf-P1YmvBwm0JXC_L4vFmHCKQ1bUeEM7a8kcW8EHQ33un6z8AG8njejRZI5qx336EXilLLM727GxcjisJEhvphLCQE7YfuepbPTAqeHQmtSaZMGJGip9l__UCuaoiz4hT5X/w640-h640/14k+YG+Band+-+Brutalist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This amazing 14k yellow gold vintage piece demonstrates the texture often seen in Brutalist designs. <br />Found on <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/144076185656" target="_blank">eBay</a>, this band is ideal for adding a little bit of visual interest to any wedding or ring stack.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Unusual gemstones were also frequently used in the pursuit of experimental, avant-garde color combinations to play off the mix of textures and metals. Gemstone shapes like trillion, cabochon or custom-cut stones were sometimes found in Brutalist pieces. Occasionally, stones were even carved or left as rough crystals for even greater effect. Little thought was given to the value of the stones that were incorporated into the design. Instead, they were chosen based on the visual effect they would have in the overall composition of the piece and/or the potential juxtaposition that could be created. In many of those pieces from that era, it's not unusual to find a simple amber cabochon next to fine diamonds or a humble bit of mother of pearl nestled within heavy 18 karat gold. In fact, even nontraditional materials like wood and fabric were occasionally incorporated into these wearable works of art.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d1xcCdRf_BX2wq9EhyphenhyphenmD9j7aqnWTBuSoNSBmxQTkIzpfMTSayJcE1NTMoXAaCQ6Wc6xa-Y8I_7uWHRyvqQtP59FFPe5QdXJgU89a7Diy4P3dAWZUl9xEmUQeFOOvnjHzJntpSDVwykIS/s1170/Inez+Stodel+Jewelry+18k+Sapphires+%2526+Emeralds+-+Brutalist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1170" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d1xcCdRf_BX2wq9EhyphenhyphenmD9j7aqnWTBuSoNSBmxQTkIzpfMTSayJcE1NTMoXAaCQ6Wc6xa-Y8I_7uWHRyvqQtP59FFPe5QdXJgU89a7Diy4P3dAWZUl9xEmUQeFOOvnjHzJntpSDVwykIS/w640-h632/Inez+Stodel+Jewelry+18k+Sapphires+%2526+Emeralds+-+Brutalist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Demonstrating the geometric nature typical of vintage Brutalist pieces from the 1970s, this emerald & sapphire yellow gold beauty from <a href="https://inezstodel.com/en/" target="_blank">Inez Stodel Antique Jewelry</a> is definitely a statement piece sure to draw attention wherever you go!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>When buying Modernist or Brutalist jewelry, the single most important element is the overall stylistic impact of the piece. A well designed example will pull you in with tactile surfaces, explosions of colors and shapes. The hallmark of Brutalism was its uniqueness. Like most valuable collectors' pieces, the most exceptional pieces are typically one-of-a-kind creations. High-quality pieces that should feel solid, substantial and heavy. And, of course, signed pieces will always command a premium over similar but unsigned examples. Some highly collectable designers of that era include <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Robert Larin and Guy Vidal.</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg8JLAZAxfgPRWWDnEDBOgibFeu4MTZbFcpT4YXBSyYrhH2UGeC1JJUcrj0Xr5s3WeD6uLqItS7pwOV8jDDkOEdArPmXSSZbxQuCfL2g5AwX-G1zCysZg6AmnncKlERjjfFKUGKoem4Jk/s2004/Emerald+%2526+Diamonds+-+Brutalist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="1584" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg8JLAZAxfgPRWWDnEDBOgibFeu4MTZbFcpT4YXBSyYrhH2UGeC1JJUcrj0Xr5s3WeD6uLqItS7pwOV8jDDkOEdArPmXSSZbxQuCfL2g5AwX-G1zCysZg6AmnncKlERjjfFKUGKoem4Jk/w506-h640/Emerald+%2526+Diamonds+-+Brutalist.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>This vintage beauty features a central emerald with melee diamonds in 18k yellow gold can be found on Etsy as well at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/954494076/unique-vintage-brutalist-emeralddiamonds?ref=cart" target="_blank">Vintage Jewelry Vault</a>. The offset emerald mixed with the rough texture of the gold demonstrates the juxaposition often seen in Brutalist jewelry.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">In some ways, I feel like you can still see some Brutalist influences or elements in more modern interpretations by designers such as <a href="https://www.emanueladuca.com" target="_blank">Emanuela Duca</a> or <a href="https://vivasmithstudio.com" target="_blank">Vivasmith Studio</a> - both of whom are designers that have already been on my personal "Jewelry Bucket List" for quite sometime.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifABrHXmnW8ceNH2eNJLmtEZfG4LDZ5qzOBIn7OFbeeMmqnPM5oz42NJfeHiKlv9W1Fu7zHfVGhq_8x7B7IDQda9ChBMHLj3bOjUHwCr9ut0wQD7I24IIgw5-SE1cYis_y_wyE9OHeG2lj/s2048/Vivasmith+Studio+Topaz+Cuff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifABrHXmnW8ceNH2eNJLmtEZfG4LDZ5qzOBIn7OFbeeMmqnPM5oz42NJfeHiKlv9W1Fu7zHfVGhq_8x7B7IDQda9ChBMHLj3bOjUHwCr9ut0wQD7I24IIgw5-SE1cYis_y_wyE9OHeG2lj/w640-h640/Vivasmith+Studio+Topaz+Cuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The <a href="https://www.vivasmithstudio.com/product/celebration-x-topaz-cuff/25?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false" target="_blank">Celebration x Topaz Cuff</a> from Vivasmith Studio has been on my Jewelry Bucket List since I first saw it years ago! It features a yellow topaz set in sterling silver as the centerpiece & surrounded by a splash of fine gold with silver fused to the deeply oxidized steel. The mix of varying materials & textures has an almost Brutalistic feel to me.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Be sure and follow<i> Inspired Antiquity</i> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity">https://www.facebook.com/InspiredAntiquity</a>, Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NpiredAntiquity">@NpiredAntiquity</a>, Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tkmb">www.pinterest.com/tkmb</a> & Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inspiredantiquity">InspiredAntiquity</a></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506586864094296792noreply@blogger.com2