Monday 24 October 2011

Cornelia Goldsmith: Fine Jewellery

This is that time of the year when everyone is in a celebratory mood. And though gold prices have soared through the roof, there is no dearth of customers at Indian jewellery shops, who even stood in a long queue outside a shop to buy gold coins yesterday on the occasion of Dhanteras, considered an auspicious day in Hindu calender to buy gold. And then, from tomorrow we will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, when most Indian women love to bring out their heirloom gold pieces and matching saris and outfits in gold brocade to add sparkle to this festival.



So I also felt like showcasing the work of a talented artist Cornelia Goldsmith, a contemporary art jewellery designer, on this occasion. Born in Berlin, Germany, she moved to the US in 1985 and established herself as a designer of repute. Combining her sense of design with impeccable technique and a keen eye for detail, Cornelia creates jewellery pieces that are both exquisite and powerful. She has received several awards and her works have been widely covered by various prestigious US magazines. She is a member of the reputed American Jewelery Design Council.






I especially love her style as it has some similarity with Indian jewellery designs. She is based in Sausalito, California and displays her work at some exclusive fine art and craft shows in the US.

 

  


 

  





 You can see more of her creations here.

Dhanteras: Indian Festival of Buying Gold

Today is Dhanteras, an auspicious day in Hindu calender, when Indian women buy gold to usher in abundance and good fortune into their homes. As per Indian custom, the two most significant days to follow this ritual are Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) and  Dhanteras (Oct-Nov). Traditionally people used to buy gold or silver coins on these days, but now Indians, the largest consumer of gold in the world, buy from simple to extravagant gold and silver ornaments on this day, as per their financial status. 

Goddess Laxmi
'Dhan' means wealth and 'teras' means the thirteenth day, of the dark fortnight of Kartik month of Hindu calender. This day is also known as 'Dhantrayodashi'. Buying gold means inviting  Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, into our houses. Held two days before Diwali festival, prayers are performed on this day, especially by those belonging to the business community, to appease the Goddess and seek her blessings. 



Goddess Laxmi Jhumkas (danglers): VBJ
I am not into buying jewellery on any particular occasion. But since I love all forms of design, I am sharing with you some beautiful pieces of jewels that are just right for any Indian festive occasion. So if you are looking for some jhumkas, necklaces or bracelets this Diwali, take some inspirations...

Stone encrusted Gold Bangle: VBJ


Antique finsh Kada (Cuff): VBJ

Goddess Laxmi embossed Bangle: VBJ

Gold Choker Necklace: VBJ

Nagas Pendant with Ruby drops: VBJ

Gold and Diamond amulet: VBJ

Gold and Gemstone Temple bell earrings: VBJ

Diamond and Pearl Gold nose-ring:VBJ

Multi-strand Gold chain with Gemstones: VBJ







Minawala









Minawala



Amrapali

Amrapali


Amrapali




Amrapali


Amrapali

Amrapali



Alpana Gujral

Alpana Gujral

Alpana Gujral

Alpana Gujral

Alpana Gujral

Men need not feel neglected....


Deer Horn Shank and Diamond Ring: VBJ


Diamond, Emerald, Pearl Turban Pin: VBJ

Gold and Zircon Cufflink: VBJ

Thursday 20 October 2011

Jewelled Insect Craft


Cartier Butterfly

If you abhor all crawly creepies, you will change your opinion once you set your sight on these insect jewllery pieces. Insects have inspired designers for centuries, who have shaped pendants, brooches, rings etc in the shape of bugs, bees, dragonflies, butterflies and other insects.

Here are some jewelled insects-- both vintage and modern-- to appease your senses.


Oscar de la renta crystal bug cuff

...And Matching Brooch


Cartier  Insect Ring

Ladybug Key Chain

Lanvin Collar


Lanvin

Trifari Jewelled Jelly Belly Bug Pin
 
Cartier Ladybug Ring

Cartier Insect Pendant

Cartier

Antique Dragonfly from Adin

Crystal Rhinestone Topaz Beettle Bug


Chaumet Butterfly


Bronze Insects

Green Eyed Monster

Crystal Rhinestone Black Spider


Lanvin Cuff
Carol Marie Snake Arm Cuff


Tarina Taratino Black Widow Ring


Insect Cuff



Mosquito Cuff
Philippa Insect Holland
Philippa Holland Butterfly Ring


Bergdorf Goodman


Kenneth Jay Lane Cuff

...And In Black


Trifari Jelly Belly Bug



Peep inside the book "Jeweled Bugs and Butterflies" with these pictures.....















Some more jewels.......

Bug Safari

Dragonfly