Can a piece of coral...

...really inspire a whole outfit?

In this case, the answer is overwhelmingly, YES.

Ever since I got this remade vintage coral ring from my momma, I can't stop crushing on all things coral. The ring is even extra special because the coral was originally one half of an earring mom wore on her wedding day. My sister-in-law has the other half, made into an identical ring surrounded by white and yellow tiny diamonds.

I wore this same dress earlier in the week to JK Model's Anniversary Party held at the upscale LEONE boutique. It was a fun night hanging out with some local bloggers, including Kelsey of The Anthology, Nicole of Le Mode Du Jour, Aces, Nikki of A Haute Mess, Olivia of Stylestruck, Lisa of Solo Lisa, Raul of Hummingbird604, and Erin of Haus of Hybrid.

Wearing:
Strapless dress with diamond back cut-out, by Elizabeth and James
Brown leather jacket, by Blues Heroes
Gypsy macrame thong sandals, by Elizabeth and James (available at ShopBop.com)
Remade vintage coral ring, gift from mom
Silver seahorse pendent, custom
White bone carved flower pendant, Simply Sublime
Mother of pearl cuff bracelet, from Knysna, South Africa
Bronze cuff, from Morocco
Floppy hat, American Apparel

The Eyes of the Tiger

Thank goodness my online shopping is limited to smaller ticket items, because if I could, I would be biding on some of these intricate pieces from the Dupuis Fine Jewelery Auction. Imagine the rush of winning one of these treasures, and the look of surprise I might find on my hubby's face!

Before I go and swoon all over these, I want to give a shout-out to my friend Deanne over at Dream Sequins. She invited me, along with her many stylish blogger friends, to be a guest of her tea party. See what I wore and what others have to say in her post here.

Now on with the swooning: I nearly gasped when I saw this on the cover of the auction book. What's not to love about an 18K golden tiger bangle with emerald eyes? Yellow diamonds and black onyx completed his coat. Very fierce and sold for a some chump change, $160K worth of change.


Above: Coloured Diamond and Onyx Bangle Bracelet by Cartier.

If I could have bidded, it would have been this archaeological revival necklace of gold and lapis lazuli. It's dated circa 1880. Sold for $4000.

I don't have my ears pierced (I can't) but the below pair of coral and diamond earrings would be my choice if I did. Since you can't (and shouldn't) buy coral for obvious reasons, it makes the vintage pair below quite a find.


I have a soft spot for emeralds being Taurus and all (my birthstone), and this late 19th century Belle Époque brooch would satisfy any girl's emerald fix. That gem is over FIVE carats, mounted in platinum and 18K gold. A diamond floral design surrounds this green gem, and the pin sold for a cool 65K.

My last pick is not only beautiful but functional. A very practical art deco emerald and diamond wristwatch, circa 1920. Sale price not listed.

What are your favourite gemstones and jewelry pieces? If you could, what kind of pieces would you buy or bid on?