The first Monday back to work after the holiday break is supposedly called Blue Monday. People have had a break from work (if they haven't worked through the holidays like yours truly), the credit card bills are starting to come in, and the New Year resolutions are starting to fail.
So, to celebrate "Blue Monday" I'm offering up this photo of some truly stunning blue topaz earrings by
Ruth Grieco Designs for today's Pretty Post. December may have come and gone (topaz being the birthstone for December), but that is no reason why these beauties can not be enjoyed throughout the year.
And with a set of these dangling from your ears, you can't help but be cheerful. "Blue Monday" you say? No can do!
In 1975 ,Ruth Grieco started by chance with industrialized jewelry. Not satisfied, she began creating her own pieces .
She started with no formal training, and began working out concepts for rings, bracelets and necklaces by drawing directly on her fingers, arms and neck. Knowing she needed to expand her knowledge, she took several courses, and specialized in Art Jewelry (New School - São Paulo, Brazil).
Production began soon after with a team of dedicated goldsmiths, earning select clientele both within and outside of Brazil. In 1990, daughters Carolina and Paola joined the team and since then work has increased dramatically, strengthened by their youthful vigor and their combined experiences in Industrial Design, marketing and production.
Currently , Ruth acts as Creative Director and complements her research by visiting jewelry trade shows and attending and lecturing at universities . She also acts as a judge in competitions within the industry, and is part of the examination board of trainees. She has many of her pieces displayed in specialized journals and important books of jewelry, both in Brazil and worldwide.
' From an early age I was lover and collector of art, especially the Brazilian Art. This closeness and my constant visits to museums and exhibitions, coupled with my curiosity, helped educate my eyes. I started to have constant production, which has always been well absorbed by my clients in and out of Brazil, great supporters, always .
The recognized work is a good food for the spirit. I think the good performance of our work is the result of dedication, discipline, travel in search of rare, new research techniques, in short , a lot of "sweating" ...
... joy, satisfaction in contemplating our parts, with many colors that blend, valued for diamonds that are deployed in large and small jewelry ...
The intention is to adorn women. Forgive me men, but has not learned to create for them .
Inspiration is talent? It is presumptuous to state, but the same great inspiration comes from nature. Leaves, flowers, insects, fish and all marine universe, the variety of stones that spring in our wonderful tropical Brazil, dazzling colors and shapes. I thank God for being born here ! '
Ruth Grieco
The trick is to not let the accessories take over the look, unless of course that is the look you are going for (think Chanel and the multitudes of long pearl necklaces). 
It's cold outside; cold enough to snow.
First day of February. The month of St. Valentine's Day and love. Of my Oma's birthday. Of my nephew's birthday. Of the birthstone amethyst; that brilliant purple gemstone with suggested healing powers and soothing properties so beloved by ancient Egyptians and modern enthusiasts alike.
A briolette is an elongated pear-shaped gemstone cut with
triangular facets. Approximately 800 years ago, the cut was very popular during
the Victorian period. Although its popularity waned thereafter, this shape has
enjoyed a recent resurgence to precious and semi-precious stones. To which I
say, “YEAH !”
Most luxurious example? The Napoleon Diamond Necklace. To
celebrate the birth of his son in 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte presented his second
wife, Empress Consort Marie Louise of Austria with a 263 (yes, that’s two
hundred and sixty three) carat diamond briolette necklace. It consists of 234
diamonds; 28 cut diamonds on a single thread, off set with alternating
pendeloupe and briolette diamond cuts. After her husband’s death, Mrs.
Bonaparte returned to her native Austria with the necklace. Two of the
pendeloupe clusters were removed from the necklace and made in to a set of
earrings for her sister (today, the whereabouts are unknown . . . sad face). The necklace
exchanged several hands before being purchased by Harry Winston (yes, THAT
Harry Winston . . . of Harry Winston Diamonds) in 1960. Thankfully, he decided
to keep the necklace intact rather than remove the stones and sell them
individually, as was common practice at that time. The necklace was sold that
same year, and then donated in 1962 to the Smithsonian Institution in
Washington, DC, where it remains on display (I’ve seen it….two words . . .A MAZING !)
Would make a great Valentine's gift for a mother or daughter; or if a guy is a little squimish about giving something red or too fancy-smancy to the lady in his life because she hasn't been in it all that long. (You know what I mean, that awkward "We've only been dating a month....what do I give her?" situation).
