Absolutely Beautiful High Jewelry

Harry Winston

We look at lots of eye candy during the holidays. My eye candy of choice is looking at high jewelry, a perk I get that comes with having to walk up or down Madison and 5th Avenues to leave or return home. Today I'll share some of that gorgeous eye candy I see with you. Let's call this Debra's Dream Jewelry, shall we? 🙂

Cleef & Arpels

Few of us could afford high jewelry and if we owned pieces so expensive, the cost of insuring and keeping them safe would undoubtedly complicate our lives. Moreover, unless we get invited to the Met Gala, where would we wear high jewelry? The celebrities who attend award shows are usually loaned their jewelry so when you have the lifestyle, you don't even have to shell out the money to buy it, but I digress.

DeBeers High Jewelry

A glimpse at these absolutely beautiful pieces gives us a boost of endorphins while costing us absolutely nothing.

Le Vian High Jewelry Collection

Le Vian also makes affordable fine jewelry sold at Macy's Herald Square, so if you like the design give Macy's Le Vian Jewelry in its fine jewelry department a browse. As I often say, first a dreamer, then a realist!

Lugano at the upscale preloved stores

Readers, you now understand very well what I must go through here in Manhattan just trying to make my way home.🙂

All these stunning jewels are for sale to folks with deep pockets. Which is your favorite?

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The Kingdom of Württemberg's Royal Jewels

Crown of Wüttemberg, Landesmuseum in Stuttgart, Germany

Our spotlight today is on the royal jewels of the Kingdom of Württemberg. The Kingdom of Württemberg was a German state that existed from 1805 to 1918 (ended by World War I with Germany's defeat). 

The Ruby and Diamond Suite

Today the area is known as Baden-Württemberg. It is 13,804 square miles (or 35,752 square km), which is 1/3 the size of Kentucky in the USA. From 1495 - 1805, the territory located in Southwest Germany was called the Duchy of Württemberg and from 1495 to 1268, Württemberg was a county in the former Duchy of Swabia. So suffice it to say that Württemberg has a long history. What's more, Württemberg was a cultural center in the 19th century, and its major city, Stuttgart, still exists today.

Diamond Jewels including the Wüttemberg Diamond Wedding Diadem (top left)

A majority of European royal families including those in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Denmark, and Belgium are descendants of the House of Württemberg (founded in 1081) because until recently royals only married other royals.

The Württemberg Pink Topez Parure

After World War I toppled centuries-old dynasties (in 1918), the German kings, princes, and grand dukes lost their titles and realms, yet were allowed to keep their castles and wealth including their magnificent jewelry. As time passed into the modern era, sometimes these jewels were auctioned off to raise money; or through marriages and/or purchases ended up on the heads of Europe's surviving royal families. With the fall of more European dynasties at the end of World War II (in 1945), additional royal family jewels were sold sometimes to anonymous rich buyers, and the whereabouts of some of these historic pieces became unknown. 

The Diamond and Natural Pearl Devant de Corsage was created by Emil Biedermann in 1865

Many of the Württemberg jewels featured in today's blog came up for auction at Christie's in 2023, each selling for a hefty sum. You may wonder what makes royals sell their dynastic jewelry: 1), They may need the money for living expenses; 2) Without state functions to host or attend, they don't need such ornate pieces as a sign of power as in the past; 3) Since they no longer have the same wealth or power as when they lorded over a territory, it makes sense to downsize (i.e., no insurance or security to worry about.)

Part of the Sapphire and Diamond Collection.

Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, oh, my, what pretty eye candy! Which pieces are your favorites? Mine are the diamond jewels -- the necklace and the diamond wedding diadem which I'd wear to something even if I had to create the event! Of course, I love the rubies and sapphires too but think the diamond necklace is more wearable. 

Natural Pearl and Diamond Pearl Brooch (left) and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (right) wearing the Wüttemberg Ornate Natural Pearl Tiara with a 5-string matching Natual Pearl Necklace and Earrings for the state dinner in Japan in 1914.

Go to Christie's here and here for specific details about some of the Württemberg jewelry sold in May 2023.

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Uniqlo's Pocketable UV Protective Parka

In 2010 I devoted posts to (1) What Every Woman Should Have in Her Wardrobe and (2) What Every Man Should Have in His Wardrobe. If I did a good job, my recommendations are still relevant. Today I'll add another essential article of clothing you could call an investment piece as it's so versatile. Once you have it, you can't go without it!

You'll wear it all autumn and spring. You'll also carry it if you need a light layer of protection against windy evenings on the beach; rainy days or nights out on the town; or indoor events with air conditioning. And best of all, you'll have it for many years to come since it's well-made.

What is this awesome, indisposable item that should be in every human's wardrobe? 🥁🥁🥁 Uniqlo's Pocketable UV Protective Parka.

I bought myself one 6 years ago for $29 and my senior mother one last week for $49.90. Alas, post-pandemic inflation, yet still worth the higher price. I've gotten six years and counting of wear out of mine.

The parka is boxy yet not sloppy. It complements pants, leggings, skirts, and dresses. The look is sleek and whatever you need it to be ... sporty, casual smart, or dressier than a sweater, which btw, you can wear underneath it to keep warm in late fall, or early spring. It has a hood, zipper closure, 2 generous pockets with zippers, and an inside mesh lining where I put supermarket flyers or newspapers I don't wish to carry by hand. The fabric is 100% polyester and it's machine washable. I have never had to wash my parka as it's never gotten dirty. Every year Uniqlo slightly re-designs its pocketable parkas, and this year's interpretation has a coating of sun UV 50 protection. Often the sizes aren't consistent from year to year so one year's x-large parka (or coat or sweater or bratop) may be the next year's medium. You must try it on to know. Consistent sizing from year to year is the one feature I think Uniqlo could improve upon in its Lifewear Collection of basics to make ordering online a surer thing.

The packable parka is so lightweight you can take it anywhere tied around your waist, on your arm, or rolled up in its very own little included pouch. I have never used my pouch either! Although of sturdy construction, the parka takes up zero space and adds zero extra weight lying on top of clothes inside a suitcase. The best $50 you'll ever spend!

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Elizabeth Taylor's Legendary Jewelry

Today I'll do a roundup of 5 pieces of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor's legendary jewelry, excluding her gorgeous emerald suite linked here in a previous blog. She loved jewelry as much as I do but unlike me, had the jet-set lifestyle to amass an exquisite collection. Hers was one of the most expensive private collections in the world. To be sure, the late film star loved jewelry for the all right reasons, not for its bloated monetary value but for the sparkle and beauty of the gemstones enhanced by the master craftsmanship of Cartier, Harry Winston, and Bulgari. During her lifetime, sometimes she invited people she was fond of into her bedroom to show and play with her jewelry. How fun ... and what a woman! So let's take a look at the 5 items I've selected to feature: 

1. The Taylor Burton Diamond (See first 3 images above👆) - At 69.42 carats, originally named the Cartier diamond by the jeweler who cut a massive white diamond into 2 magnificent diamonds, then sold the largest one to 5th and 6th husband, Richard Burton. Cartier said it was one of the most flawless pear-shaped diamonds in the world. The actress asked Cartier to create a necklace (as it was too big to wear as a ring) with smaller pear-shaped diamonds to showcase the large stone. After divorcing Richard Burton twice, Elizabeth sold the diamond in 1979 for $3 million, half of which she gave to charity. I wish I could say, it's in my jewelry box, but its whereabouts are unknown today.

 2) Cartier Ruby and Diamond Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings - We're looking at unheated red pigeon blood Burmese rubies set with circular and baguette-cut diamond latticework. Given to her by one of the 2 loves of her life, 3rd husband, Mike Todd, and sold by Taylor's 4 children in 2011. The necklace fetched $3,778,500 at auction. The bracelet sold for $842,500, and the earrings for $782,500. 

3) The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara - A late 19th-century antique, the diamond tiara was another gift from Taylor's 3rd husband, movie producer Mike Todd in 1957. Old mine cut diamonds are set in platinum and gold with latticework. The family sold the tiara in 2011 at auction for $4,226,500.

4) - The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Ring - Formally known as the Krupp diamond, the 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond is flanked by 2 tapered baguette-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. Another gift from husband and 2nd love of her life, Richard Burton, the diamond is D color, VS1 clarity, and is said to be Elizabeth's favorite piece of jewelry which considering her collection is really saying something! In 1968 Richard Burton paid $307,000 for the ring, and the family sold it in 2011 for $8,818,500.

5. The La Peregrina Pearl - The La Peregrina is the most symmetrical natural pear-shaped pearl ever discovered. Its original weight was 55.95 carats but in 2013 the pearl had to be drilled and cleaned to secure it to its setting which reduced its weight to 50.56 carats still making it one of the largest perfectly symmetrical pear-shaped pearls known to exist in the world. The pear-shaped pearl measures approximately 17.35 - 17.90 x 25.50 mm. The gem is steeped in history, legend, and allure. It was found by an African slave in the Gulf of Panama in 1513 (who is said to have earned his freedom for finding it) and sent to Philip II {Habsburg} who elevated the pearl to a Crown Jewel of Spain. The La Peregrina became a favorite of Spanish Queens starting with Philip II's 2nd wife Queen Mary I {Tudor} of England. In 1808 Emperor Napolean {of France} made his older brother, Joseph Bonaparte the King of Spain, but 5 years later after Napolean was defeated and Joseph kicked out of Spain, Older Brother took some of the Spanish Crown Jewels, including the La Peregrina pearl into exile, which he left in his will to his nephew, the future Napolean III of France. Later after Napoleon III lost his throne, he sold the pearl to an English aristocrat, James Hamilton, in whose family it stayed until 1969. Actor Richard Burton bought the pearl at the Sotheby's auction for $37,000. Elizabeth Taylor commissioned Cartier to re-design the necklace, setting the La Peregrina with additional pearls, diamonds, and rubies. As I said above, what a woman! It was sold in 2011 by Christie's in the Taylor estate sale for a record-breaking $11,400,000 to an anonymous buyer. The Elizabeth Taylor jewelry auctioned realised a total of $115, 932,000, much more than anticipated.

Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Mary I of England and Queen (Consort) Marie-Louise (d'Orleans) of Spain

As a jewelry lover and regular person, I hope these majestic pieces come up for auction again and find their way into a museum for all of us to enjoy for the price of admission. It's the only way any of us will ever get close to these sparklers! However, if you lived close to Christie's in 2011 you could've stepped into the auction house for a viewing before the auction.

Do you have a favorite?

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Farmer's Defense Sun Protection

One of the best anti-aging practices for your skin is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Although I have never been a sun worshipper and try to walk on the shady side of the street, I've only recently started wearing visors while out and about in New York City ... and honestly, I should bump it up to hats! 

I won't lie to you readers, I want to avoid looking ridiculous like an alarmist beekeeper running errands in Manhattan. Still, we all know how harmful the cumulative effects of exposing our skin to the sun are so I'm adapting and getting over my reticence. It helps when sun protective gear is also attractive!

Farmers Defense makes hats and protective sleeves for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts that provide style, comfort, and superior sun protection for your skin. They cover what my visors do not -- every part of your head that needs protection -- the scalp, face, ears, and neck, plus your arms. 

The Farmers Defense Protective hats and sleeves offer a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 98% of anti-aging UVA rays and 99% of cancer-causing UVB rays. Made with sturdy REPREVE® polyester, they have sweat-wicking and cooling properties. The hats have a 4-inch brim that is perfect for working or playing in the blazing sun.

So cute that I don't mind wearing them while pounding Manhattan's pavements, and if you garden or are active outdoors in the suburbs, they are anti-cancer and anti-aging essentials. Very affordably too!

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Box Shorts Are Tendy This Summer

Photo: Shein

Boxer shorts are trendy this summer, and they're super stylish! Comfortable and flattering for many body types. Certainly, they look more like shorts than underwear. Their vibe reminds me of culottes, which is a cross between shorts and a skirt, some call culottes a split skirt.

Photo: J Crew

Tight shorts are seldom complimentary and neither are bloomers. Boxer shorts show just the right amount of skin, and the flair-out of the legs is not only fashionable but also cool in boiling temperatures.

The boxer shorts' band flatters the waist, and they look preppy paired with a sweater. I love the buttons on the image above on the left, but this detail will date the shorts by making them look the most like their underwear inspiration.

Like other apparel, you can find boxer shorts at different price points, fabrics, colors, and patterns. Go inexpensive to get in on the fad. Cotton is popular! So are vertical stripes. Yet, I'd avoid box-short sets. Generally, short sets are popular for children (I wore them up until age 12). For adults, it's too matchy-matchy.

Photos: J Crew (left) and Amazon (right)

Crisp, clean, and shapely, this summer trend looks classic and has the potential to last beyond 2024. 

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5 Interior Design Styles Part III

Parisian Interior Design 

I'm enjoying putting this series, a tetralogy, together on interior design styles because I'm learning a lot! I've gone from a know-nothing to at least being able to tell the categories of decor apart. How great it is to learn new things! So let's continue with 5 more styles ...

Click images to enlarge - The interior design names follow the images.

11) Parisian - Parisian interior design came about during the reign of Napoleon III (1852 - 1870) when the French Emperor instructed architect Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann to tear down Paris' medieval buildings and replace them with 19th-century buildings that had architectural features of the time. Many of today's Paris apartments still have these Haussmann Era details, which include elegant wall and ceiling moldings, herringbone floors, marble mantel fireplaces, and gilded mirrors. Parisian interior design features panels of painted wood molding. Walls are usually painted a creamy white. Ceiling molding trimmings have a repeat design of leaves, fruits, and flowers with an ornate plaster rosette or medallion in the center of the ceiling and often with a chandelier or modern light fixture dangling from it. The overall look is a mix of traditional and modern minimalism. Furniture has clean, simple lines and shapes that are speckled with a few unexpected bold or daring pieces.

12) Scandinavian - Scandinavian interior design is known for its simplicity, comfort, and connection to nature. It embraces minimalism and modernism. The furniture is functional and multi-tasking, often with hidden storage, but not ornate or purely decorative. Natural materials are favored such as wood or stone. Light, white and soft colors, and neutral hues are used. Cozy textures like wool and sheepskin are prevalent. Natural light is valued as are plants and greenery to bring nature indoors.

  

13. Coastal - This style gets its inspiration from shoreline nature such as the sea, sand, and sky. Just like a beach in the Hamptons -- where the style began in the early 1900s and later spread throughout the USA -- the look is bright, airy, and relaxing. The base color is white or off-white with layers of beige, gray, teal, turquoise, or light blue. Bleached oak, blond maple, or ash furniture is popular. Accessories are made of wicker and rattan (palm). Jute rugs and linen upholstery are signature textiles of Coastal decor. Coral hues and collected seashells finish the look.

14) 14. Farmhouse - Farmhouse style is practical, incorporating traditional with modern design. Old elements are integrated with new pieces for an overall warm and inviting aesthetic. White or earthy neutrals are the main palette with accent colors associated with farms such as barn reds, sunny yellows, sky blues, and grassy greens. Pops of colors can be muted or bold. You can bring in your own shapes as long as the parts keep the totality clean. There's an emphasis on wood in walls, floors, and countertops accented by steel or iron fixtures. Brick or stone fireplaces are widespread and surrounded by cozy couches and chairs. Photographs, paintings, hangings, and swag add personality. 

15) Industrial - Industrial design embraces open spaces, open floor plans, natural light, and stripped-down architectural details like bare bricks, exposed metal pipes, and natural untreated wood. A neutral color palette uses whites, greys, blacks, and browns. Large windows are preferred to let in the sunshine. Coffee tables on wheels, bookcases, and dining tables made from recycled wood are also characteristic. A group of bare lightbulbs hanging as a chandelier; graphic lines including windowpanes; or iron wheels on a barstool are themes. Black metal, weathered leather, and linen work enhance this look. The feel is cozy, neat, and lived in!

Extra Photos of Parisian (top👆) vs Coastal (bottom👇) interior design. I think the bottom↘ photo sans the wicker table also has the feel of Scandinavian decor.

Have you found your own interior design style yet? I'll end our series with 5 final decor choices on Monday. Stay tuned my awesome readers! Enjoy the weekend!

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