Jane Austen Ring Sells at Sotheby's

Written by H on 10 July 2012.

Jane Austen Ring for Auction at Sotheby's

A gold and cabochon blue stone ring, once belonging to Jane Austen, sold for £152,450 (about $241,800 CDN) at Sotheby's. A real deal, right? Evidently the winning 6-digit bid was more than 5x the estimated pre-sale value of the ring.

Simple and beautiful, the yellow gold ring features a large cabochon blue gem stone in a classic setting. While items belonging to famous writers and historical figures are typically sought-after, many Austen fans have taken particular interest in this piece of jewelry, perhaps because they're imagining who gifted Jane the ring, or how she came to own it.

An article on the Sotheby's website gives a couple of suggestions to who could have given Jane Austen the ring, but the truth remains a mystery.

One thing that's not a mystery? Jane Austen had impeccable taste when to came to jewelry: Classic and colourful, just like her writing.

Hope's Top Ten Essential Pieces of Jewelry for Every Woman: Diamond Earrings

Written by H on 16 February 2012.

Like pearls, I am a firm believer that when it comes to diamonds, no woman should settle for anything less than the real thing. Marilyn Monroe famously said that diamonds are a girl's best friend, and while we all know there's more to life than that, diamonds are an essential item for every woman's jewelry box.

My picks priced low to high:

Elsa Peretti® Diamonds by the Yard® Earrings: Dainty and delicate, Tiffany round diamonds are brilliant. These diamond stud Diamonds by the Yard earrings, designed by Elsa Peretti are the perfect accessory that you'll wear throughout your lifetime. Set in sterling silver, the diamonds have a .06 carat weight. ($535CDN, Tiffany & Co.)
Princess Cut & Round Diamond Earrings: What do I love more than diamond studs? Diamond studs in a beautiful princess cut. These wear-with-everything earrings are set in white gold. ($1399.99, Costco)
Round Diamond Stud Earrings: Got more than 15 grand waiting to be invested? Look no further. These 2 carat diamond stud earrings are set in white gold and have a beautiful round shape. ($15,499.99, Costco)

Hope's Top Ten Essential Pieces of Jewelry for Every Woman: The Right Watch

Written by H on 14 February 2012.

For the most versatility, I'd suggest you opt for an all-metal watch in either silver, gold, or rose gold. That being said, there are some seriously stylish statement watches out there with leather bands, and a leather band does afford you the opportunity to switch bands every once in a while for a new look.

I'm a big fan of large watches, not quite boyfriend style, but a style that stands out and will grab attention. There's always a place for a ladylike bracelet watch, but for general wear, go for something larger.

Check my choices for wrist watches, priced high to low:

Philip Stein signature ladies watch: Sleek and stylish, this painted-black ceramic timepiece by watch master Philip Stein is one for the ages. You'll have it for a lifetime. (about $1510CDN, Amazon.ca)
Nixon 42-20 chrono stainless steel watch: Menswear-inspired design finished in rose-gold tone, this Nixon watch will become an easy everyday favourite. ($450, Net-A-Porter)
Timex® T-Series chronograph watch: You can always depend on Timex to create a classic watch. With an easy-to-read Mother of Pearl dial, and colourful leather strap, this watch is both pretty and pratical. ($99, Costco)

Hope's Top Ten Essential Pieces of Jewelry for Every Woman: The Chain Necklace

Written by H on 13 February 2012.

Whether silver or gold, a chain necklace is a simple piece of jewelry that is surprisingly versatile. Worn alone, personalized with a charm that has sentimental meaning, or layered with other necklaces, a chain necklace acts as an assist when accoutering your look.

Check these choice for classic chain necklace, priced high to low:

14K gold tri-tone gold rope chain necklace: I love the three-colour design of this gorgeous rope chain necklace from Peoples. The perfect princess length, these diamond-cut finished necklace features a claw closure. ($999, Peoples)
18K rose gold chain: Rose gold is fresh, and it makes for a style that's more contemporary than classic, which is ideal for women in today's world. This 16-inch long rose gold chain is dainty and delicate, and wears well alone or finished with a charm or pendant. ($185CDN, Tiffany & Co.)
10K yellow gold Singapore chain necklace: What's a Singapore chain, you ask? A Signapore chain features a design made up of flat, intertwined concentric loops. It's not your basic chain. This 10K yellow gold necklace features a spring ring closure and is 16 inches in length. Coming in well under budget, it's a worthy purchase. (about $60CDN, Overstock.com)

For those of you wondering what the difference means in karats of gold, karat weight of gold is measured by the metal's purity. 24 karat gold is the most pure type of gold, with numbers decreasing from there.

Hope's Top Ten Essential Pieces of Jewelry for Every Woman: The Statement Brooch

Written by H on 03 February 2012.

While a brooch may sound matronly, it's actually one of the most timeless pieces of jewelry you'll ever own. If you're like me, you've been blessed enough to inherit some beautiful heirlooms over the years; and if not, there are some absolutely arresting statement brooches on the market today. Whether you opt for a vintage brooch, or something designed for today's woman, a statement brooch is a must-have — number six on my top ten essential pieces of jewelry that every woman should own.

I love a brooch that packs some serious punch. The right brooch can set off a basic black blazer, or it can add an element of youthful glamour when affixed to a scarf of sweater.

Check my choices for favourite statement brooches, priced high to low:

Elsa Peretti® Starfish brooch: Life beneath the waves translates itself into beautiful 18k gold, styled contemporary by famed designer Elsa Peretti. Also available in sterling silver, this brooch (for less $$$), Elsa Peretti's starfish brooch would look perfect clasped over a cardigan or crewneck sweater. ($3,050 CDN, Tiffany & Co.)
Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal lizard brooch: In my eyes, Kenneth Jay Lane can do no wrong with his designs. I'm loving the look of this lizard brooch. Gunmetal-plated metal finished with sparkling olive and green pavé Swarovski crystals and blue crystals along the back, this Kenneth Jay Lane pin will work with just about any item in your wardrobe. ($250, Net-A-Porter)
And Mary vintage style brooch: Styled like something out of the forties, this And Mary vintage-esque brooch has a cut-out filigree design, diamante-like stones, and polished glass black beads mounted on a gold-tone surround. Because of its size and shape, this brooch would look well over a closed collar, or affixed over the heart. (sale $21.49, ASOS)