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Tracy Furlong
2nd December 2009 16:03

Winter Wonderland

 

Winter wonderland is here again...Right!...Time for those thermals!! When I looked out of my window this morning to view the first crisp, sparkling frosts of the year, for a moment or two I allowed myself to get lost in the enchanting romance of it all. Gothic castles with an inviting warm crackling fire, roasties, crackers and all the trappings of Christmas... well maybe the castle retreat is a little out of reach maybe one day......!!

Victorian gothic and glamour seems to be everywhere in the media at the moment...the mood is definitely set for the dark winter days.

On the big screen we are inundated with recent blockbusters like Sherlock Holmes and Twilight, with their rich and sumptuous backdrops inevitably evoking images of gorgeous jewels like velvet garnets and jet black beads which so clearly reflect the mood of the genre.

Magazines are picking up on the theme also with the big chunky deep colours predominantly black, red and deep amethyst everywhere. Time to get out the little black dress and start accessorizing with a stunning piece of jewellery to set you apart from the crowd in your Holiday celebrations.

For all of you interested in this period, for inspiration and wonder take a look at some of the stunning works of craftsmanship found in a beautiful book I came across recently called 'Imperishable Beauty - Art Nouveau Jewellery' by Yvonne Markowitz and Elyse Zorn Karlin.

Here are just a couple of beautiful inspiring examples of intricate, elaborate and striking pieces made by French jewellers Lucien Galliard and Emmanuel Jules Joseph.

Beetle Necklace

Lucien Galliard - made in 1900. Beetle necklace - Gold, silver, enamel, pearl and diamond.

Tree necklace

Emmanuel Jules Joseph - made about 1900. Pendant necklace with trees and nymph - gold, enamel, diamond, pearl and peridot.

Bleeding hearts necklace

Lucien Gaillard - made in 1907. Necklace with bleeding hearts - gold and enamel.

You can see that these are beautiful pieces that wouldn’t look out of place on any of the current Victorian gothic movies currently on release or in any on trend glossy photo shoots

This era also always reminds me of the lovely Victorian tradition of personalizing artifacts. Engraving personal inscriptions on the inside of either simple or ornately engraved rings, as a gift from one loved one to another are so thoughtful, personal and always well received. For those separated from one another for long periods of time these keepsakes are so important in ensuring loved ones stay close in heart and mind.

Here are just a few examples of modern day engraving examples by HK. Wish list for Christmas - armed with sequins all you need to complete the outfit are some beautiful beads and crystals.

Engraved ring

I will always love you - 9ct white gold ring

Engraved ring

Pair of palladium heart motif engraving detail with birthstones

Have a look at some of our ready to wear sparkling treasures that would be just perfect adorning any outfit this winter. Glam up your woollies or your party outfit with a choice from our Purple Label range...from crisp sparkling rock crystal through to the rich velvety garnets or even dark onyx and hematite wonders, there are so many options.

Do you think it's possible to look glamorous and sophisticated while still wearing thermals? I'm not so sure about glamorous, sophisticated but who is going to know if they are under my dress and I am sparkling away? I can only try because these thermals are firmly in place now until next spring!!

Enjoy the festive season - Bye for now. Tracy

Tracy Furlong
 

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  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, England
    Phone: +44 (0)1462 790565 Fax: +44 (0)1462 790140 enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU, England.
    Phone: +44 (0)1223 461333 Fax: +44 (0)1223 365269 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk

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