Chronicles
Unexpected luck
Weather Forecast: still chance on a white Christmas
Zen in The Garden of Adin
shadows of ripples
and stone reflecting in the
calmness of today
Click here to get to this Romantic "toi et moi" diamond ring.
Autumn in The Garden of Adin
Art will never be able to exist without nature.
Pierre Bonnard
French painter 1867–1947
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque fancy colour diamond ring.
Twinkle, twinkle, little ear
As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Click here to get to these antique Victorian diamond earstuds.
Acorns of gold
"There is nothing more lovely in life
than the union of two people
whose love for one another
has grown through the years,
from the small acorn of passion,
into a great rooted tree."
By Vita Sackville-West (1892 - 1962)
English author and garden designer
Click here to get to these antique Victorian gold acorn earrings.
Pop Art in Jewellery
The design of this Pop Art parure, consisting of a matching 18K yellow gold ring and bracelet with rock formations as a theme, features impressive red coral and blue lapis lazuli, exemplifying the zeitgeist of the 1970s. As the King of Pop Art, Andy Warhol, once stated: “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
We may wonder who among us is such a beholder of beauty, but this bracelet and ring simply transcend appearance as they are true icons of their era.
Click here to get to this matching set of gold Pop Art bracelet and ring.
Autumn in The Garden of Adin. When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang …
From: Sonnet 72 - by William Shakespeare
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque diamond and emerald necklace.
Autumn in The Garden of Adin. Why does it seem so inviting?
Even in the darkest moments there is light
No matter how dark the season, it will always pass to spring again
Signs of the Times
Another Autumn Explosion
A match made in heaven
Look what ascended from the heavenly skies into the Garden of Adin this week: an angel statuette wearing this 18K yellow gold antique Georgian cross necklace! Even though this chain, cross, and its slider, both adorned with table-cut diamonds, date back to around 1730, they are still in immaculate condition: a true testimony of wonder.
Where will this angel make its next annunciation of a heaven-made match for this one-of-a-kind necklace?
Luck is on its way!
Allow us to share the childlike joy of being chosen as a temporary safe haven by such an innocent earthling as a ladybird. All the way from Italy, this vintage bejewelled ladybird brooch has fluttered down into our Garden of Adin.
Its adorable stature features 21 brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold, topped with marvellous 18K yellow gold guilloché engraved wings, adorned with transparent red enamel and black enamel dots. This one's all set for its next flight.
Will you be the next one chosen by this ladybird to be granted good fortune?
A picture in perfect harmony
This antique Art Deco 14K white gold Dutch bracelet from the 1920s embodies the essence of pure harmony through its precious materials, design, and craftsmanship. It features a perfect balance between the nine colourless diamonds and white gold, and the nine black onyx links. Additionally, there is a horizontal rhythm of gold double strands across the onyx gems, alternating with open squares bounded by two white gold bars.
This rare type of perfect balance can occasionally be found in a piece of music, a seamless working mechanism, or the unfolding of a long-awaited moment.
Click here to get to this Art Deco diamond and onyx bracelet.
Aristotle about pearls
Aristotle (385 BCE - 323 BCE) attributed many healing properties to the pearl. According to him, pearls set the blood free from the black bile and would have a healing effect on palpitations, shock, fear, and anxiety. Pearls rubbed with ointments would heal sick eyes. Shaken vigorously in water, the pearls were even a remedy for the most terrible disease in the Orient, leprosy. When pearl water was rubbed on the white areas, the skin would be healthy again.
To Adin's chief philosopher, Mr. Elkan Wijnberg, this is irrefutable proof that Aristotle had shares in the pearl industry.
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque pearl and diamond ring.
An antique good luck token
One Good "Evil Eye" - It was already believed by the Greeks and Romans that an evil heart could get to the eye. They thought that the eye had an energy-producing power and the ability to cast evil spells with just a glance. Because the ancients believed the evil eye could be counteracted with a 'good eye', myths about Horus arose.
The Eye of Horus, also known as wadjet, wedjat, or udjat, is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. Talismans or amulets in this eye shape created to protect against the evil eye are still called "evil eyes."
Click here to get to this Art Deco ring with large marquise rose cut diamond.
Corals are red my love
Corals are red, my love,
Violets are blue-hoo-hoo,
Sugar is sweet, my love,
But not as sweet as you.
Freely after the song 'Roses Are Red'
by Bobby Vinton (1962)
Click here to get to this Typical platinum Art Deco diamond ring with coral.
A Zen moment
Just for the pleasure of a nice picture
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque platinum diamond ring.
Noblesse Oblige
Exquise Marquise
It is said that the marquise cut’s origin dates back to the 18th century when King Louis XV of France (1710-1774) commissioned a jeweller to design a cut shape that resembled the lips of his mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson, the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour.
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque ring with large marquise cut diamond.
Pearl Wisdom
“Pearls are always appropriate.”
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929 – 1994)
Click here to get to this Art Deco ring with certified pearl and diamonds.
Can you solve this riddle?
As these two Greek sphinxes with a female bust, a lion's body, and eagle's wings stand by the central star sapphire in this 18K yellow gold French antique brooch, do they guard this celestial gem just like their Egyptian relatives watch over the entries of sacred places?
However, the Greek sphinx isn't particularly known for their responsibilities as a warden, but for their wisdom demonstrated through riddles. So, it could just as well be that these Greek sphinxes are meant to embody knowledge. Not just any knowledge; in combination with the star in the sapphire, this brooch emanates enlightenment. This would lead us to the freemasons.
Perhaps you can enlighten us on how to interpret this unique piece of art history?
Click here to get to this Freemason (?) sphinx brooch with star sapphire.
Poetry on Birch Bark
Inspired by Charles Fletcher Lummis (1859-1928)
Click here to get to this French Victorian hard stone cameo pendant/brooch.
The air was full of red spices...
Freely after Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924)
Click here to get to this Art Deco diamond and ruby bar brooch
Green
The dawn was apple-green
The sky was green wine held up in the sun,
The moon was a golden petal between.
She opened her eyes, and green
They shone, clear like flowers undone
For the first time, not for the first time seen.
'Green' by D.H. Lawrence (1885-1935)
Click here to get to this Art Deco diamond and emerald ring.
Commencing a shared life filled with rose scent
The rose has told
In one simplicity
That never life
Relinquishes a bloom
But to bestow
An ancient confidence.
From 'Venus Invisible and Other Poems'
by Nathalia Crane - American Poet (1913-1998)
Towards an unhurried future...
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
From 'Leisure' by W. H. Davies (1871-1940)
An Old Chinese Saying: 执子之手，与子偕老。
The Gardener's wife
When I saw
you,
I fell in love,
and you smiled
because
you
knew.
From Verdi's opera Falstaff for which Arrigo Boito wrote the text
(circa 1893)
Forecasts
Forget about forecasts,
live like it's spring.
By Lilly Pulitzer (1931-2013)
Click here to get to this Vintage Art Deco Edwardian diamond ring.
In the Jungle.
In the jungle, the mighty jungle,
the pendant shines tonight
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh,
a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh,
a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh,
a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh.
Freely after "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda (1909-1962)
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque diamond and sapphires pendant.
Dawn
Day’s sweetest moments are at dawn
Refreshed by his long sleep, the Light
Kisses the languid lips of Night...
All glowing from his dreamless rest
He holds her closely to his breast,
Warm lip to lip and limb to limb,
Until she dies for love of him.
From 'Dawn' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919), American author and poet.
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque opal ring that can also be worn as pendant.
Princess Odette
Princess Odette: I really am a human being. An evil sorcerer put me under a magic spell that turns me into a swan swimming on a lake of tears during the day.
Prince Siegfried: An evil sorcerer?
Princess Odette: Yes. I can only turn back into a human girl after the sun goes down and the moon comes out.
Freely after "Swan Lake" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Click here to get to this French Victorian enamel and diamonds swan brooch.
The Power of Love!
This Early-Victorian bi-colour gold-backed pendant from 1830 embodies a treasure of symbols through a deep pink cabochon garnet heart, a silver-topped bow, snake, cross, and anchor encrusted with three European cut diamonds and a total of 86 rose cut diamonds set on foil. While the ruby-eyed snake wraps around the cross, its head emerges to the centre of the garnet, emphasizing the opulent heart shape.
This meaningful composition reveals the snake's role of protection, wisdom, hope, and fertility when it comes to matters of the heart, from deep within the garnet's core. This gemstone of love is topped by a cross which extends from behind the garnet into an anchor, resulting in an Anchored cross, also called a Mariner's cross. Generally signifying hope, this bejeweled imagery contributes even more to the message of promise and faith in this jewel.
To complete the message of hope and tenderness, the above-pictured piece with a 14K yellow gold back dangles from an adorable bow-knot with an 18K red gold back, which literally depicts the strong bond of love. This bow particularly grants you the possibility to even wear this extraordinary jewellery piece as a brooch.
For more information, please look below at the chapter with "Extra information".
It couldn't be more clear from the craftsmanship and the total design that this jewel doesn't just speak of promises and fairytales, but it truly achieves to convey the message of love.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day it's a new life...
...and I'm feeling good
From the song "Feeling Good" by Anthony Newley (1931 - 1999)
Click here to get to this Art Nouveau diamond and opal pendant.
Your future family heirloom
An everlasting memory of challenging times.
And that whatever happens, it will always be spring again.
Nature,source of inspiration
"The richness I achieve comes from nature,
the source of my inspiration."
Claude Monet, French painter (1840-1926)
Click here to get to this French Art Nouveau horn and gold hair comb.
Groundbreaking New Customer Program
Antwerp, April 28th - Forced by the current situation, Adin's Chief Ornithologist (bird expert) Mr. Elkan Wijnberg came up with several new approaches on how to attract more birds to The Garden of Adin. Discussions are still ongoing about the effectiveness of some of his ideas.
Click on the picture to get to this Antique rose cut diamond bar brooch.
Lilies and other beauties of our Valley
And then someday spring again will call
And raise the living world out of its fetters.
From: "Lilies of the Valley"
a poem written by Tchaikovsky
December 1878
Click here to get to this Vintage diamond and pearl platinum estate ring.
Flower Power!
Open up your heart
And let the sun shine in
From: "Let the Sunshine In"
by Gerome Ragni, James Rado, Galt MacDermot (1968)
from the musical HAIR
Click here get to this Victorian pansy, symbol of love and remembrance.
Come fly away with me
Once I get you up there
Where the air is rarefied
We'll just glide
Starry-eyed
Once I get you up there
I'll be holding you so near
You might hear
All the angels cheer because we're together
From: "Come Fly with Me"
by Sammy Cahn & Jimmy Van Heusen (1958)
for Frank Sinatra at his request
Click here to get to this Victorian antique ring pink gold stone cameo angel.
Don’t run away from grief
Don’t run away from grief, o soul
Look for the remedy
Because the rose came from the thorn
And the ruby came from a stone.
Rumi, 13th-century Persian poet (1207 – 1273)
Click here to get to this Vintage Seventies diamond ruby ring.
Good Timber!
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
From: Good Timber by Douglas Malloch (1877 - 1938)
Click here to get to this Belle Epoque diamond pearl necklace.
Don't quit!
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure comes about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit—
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
'Don't Quit' by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807 - 1892)
Click here to get to this Vintage Fifties bird of paradise brooch.
If only we could dream this night away...
Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night
From the album Harvest Moon by Neil Young
(born November 12, 1945)
Click here to get to this vintage diamond ring with magnificent moonstone.
It is life in slow motion...
It is life in slow motion,
it's the heart in reverse,
it's a hope-and-a-half:
too much and too little at once.
It's a train that suddenly
stops with no station around,
and we can hear the cricket,
and, leaning out the carriage
door, we vainly contemplate
a wind we feel that stirs
the blooming meadows, the meadows
made imaginary by this stop.
By: René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke
(4 December 1875 – 29 December 1926)
Click here to get to this Art Deco pendant with large rose cut diamond
Time flies, and butterflies too...
Best wishes and stay on the sunny side!
Even in these times, antique jewellery proves to be as contemporary as ever as carriers of powerful, timeless messages. Take this 18K yellow gold Victorian dragonfly, for example.
In all freedom, it enjoys fluttering on the spring breeze and roaming over the pond's surface. Whenever the time of day is cold, it will hold still between the bushes, clipping its legs firmly around a branch while waiting until the sun is strong enough to warm the world again. But never will it allow itself to be caged in.
And so we will retain our spirit and guard our health without being caged, for the sun will break through.
Stay healthy!
(This was when the Covid pandemic began.)
Click here to get to this Antique hair clip/brooch dragonfly.
Just for the fun of a nice picture...
Just for the fun of a nice picture...
The prettiest among the Rolling Stones
Feeling blue isn't that bad.
Celebrate 2020!
Art Deco necklace with real natural pearl!
From the diamond marquise closure, 9 old brilliant cut diamonds lead up to an aura of 25 diamonds drizzling around a natural greyish white pearl. Besides such a grand entourage, this pearl is even crowned with its own set of rose cut diamonds.
Since this pink and green glowing ocean gem could grow into this magnificent drop with the calm of the sea and without any meddling of humans, it's only justified that this rare treasure of nature is enshrined in such an elaborate way. Anyone with this platinum Belle Epoque necklace pearling down their neck could feel like the goddess of the deep blue realm.
Click here to get to this Platinum Art Deco diamond necklace.
