Now for the prettiest of the pretty.  These representations of nature in all her glory make me stop, look, and sigh.  Imagine having one of these as a selection from which to choose for your finishing touch to your court gown before descending that grand staircase and joining everyone at the ball and you prepare… Continue reading Lost Magnificence – Diamonds Part 2

Diamonds are what make the Romanov vault unique.  There are thousands of them.  We see them in so many different formats, styles, and colors it’s mindboggling.  All these items are kept in the Diamond Fund, exhibited in the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow, Russia except for the bow bracelets which were sold by Christie’s Geneva in… Continue reading Lost Magnificence – Diamonds Part 1

Two of my favorite things are diamonds and flowers.  Putting them together is sheer bliss.  When viewing these four items I must say that the artistry and world-class craftsmanship of the gem cutter, enamellers, and the gold & silver smiths leave me breathless.  The only other thing I could want is to see how royal… Continue reading Lost Magnificence – Florals