There are but a few names synonymous with exceptional quality; Tiffany & Company being one of them. Since opening its doors in 1837, Tiffany and Co. has been a uniquely American brand representing glamour, sophistication and creative design. The company has successfully held its designs to the standard of the finest art – and to own a piece of antique Tiffany jewelry is akin to owning the best work by the greatest painter.  The four pieces I have the privilege of offering to you this holiday season are classic Tiffany.  They make a statement; they are playful; they are utterly chic.

The first piece, a stunning 18K gold bangle bracelet by Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger, is a study in pure design. Teal green enamel is the back drop for a series of applied gold bands and cross hatches.

The second piece is also by Jean Schlumberger and is of the same nature but features royal blue enamel with 1.50 carats of diamonds around it. There are 19 larger diamonds and 38 smaller ones making it utterly eye-catching from every angle.

Jean Schlumberger is one of the most respected jewelry designers in history. Born in France, he created costume jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli before moving to New York after World War II. Hired by Tiffany in the 1950s, Schlumberger’s work quickly became the talk of the town, attracting collectors such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor.

The other two pieces I am presenting to you are bold brooches that will instantly transform any outfit – from a gorgeous gown to a wool blazer – you will be noticed. The stunning reclining cat pin features emerald eyes and numerous diamonds covering the platinum base. It’s truly a charming piece that any cat-lover would be enthralled by. The emerald eyes are the perfect complement to the shining diamonds.

The second piece, the catfish brooch with sapphires, emeralds, and enamel is one of the most unique pieces of jeweled ornament I have ever seen. It’s excellently crafted and pictures truly do not do its charm justice.

Any one of these pieces would make a lovely addition to your collection. Please let me know which of these entice you most!

In 1762, the English Naval Armada captured Havana, holding Cuba for almost a year. It was ceded to Spain in exchange for Florida territory in the Treaty of Paris (1763). The English harvested a tremendous amount of mahogany from the island and from that point forward English furniture manufactured with mahogany was referred too as Cuban Mahogany – regardless if the woods harvest origin was another distant global locale.

The Jupes expansion table is one such item that fits into the Cuban Mahogany genre.  The table is an engineering marvel with its patented expansion mechanism – still working magnificently since its installation in 1830.  Closed, it seats 6 and opened, with its leaves inserted, it sits a group of 12 people.  One of the marvels of this circular table is that no one is left out of the conversation – it’s an all inclusive dinner party with this table.

This piece is remarkable. I never get tired of talking about it. It’s both an engineering and artistic masterpiece. If you come to the store, this is something you need to see. Ask for James, I’d be happy to show you how it works.

My latest favorite piece of jewelry, which is subject to change at any moment, is our recently acquired 121.05 carat Black Diamond Necklace.   Yes, the diamonds are black, and yes, they look like diamonds.  This black diamond necklace really pops when it is against your skin and dresses up that little black dress or even jeans.  Plus, it has this great mac daddy white gold and diamond clasp that can be worn off to one side if you like.

Black Diamond Necklace

Black diamonds are really cool because no one knows what they really are!   They are very rare and were only discovered in 1840 in Brazil.  They are made up of several crystals instead of just one like white diamonds.  That’s what gives it its black opaque color.  Also, they are not formed in the earth’s crust.  In fact, some scientists believe that black diamonds may have come from outer space!  Now, how cool is that?

Any woman who is adventurous, likes unusual things that no one else has and enjoys dishing out a little shock factor, would love this necklace.

All my best,

Susan