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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Maria Felix Cartier Exotic Snake and Crocodile Jewelry

Maria Félix, the most famous star of the golden age of Mexican cinema commissioned two of the most famous Cartier jewelry pieces and is known for her daring and exotic jewelry collection.

At left is an infamous example of an inspiration (the Cartier La Doña de Cartier Watch was developed in 2006 as a tribute to her) that probably shocked even the Cartier Paris salespersons whom attended to her in 1975.

Ms. Félix was known to love her exotic pets while living in Paris. Having had other pieces commissioned and appreciating the fine craftsmanship from Cartier, she walked into the Paris shop one fine afternoon, and brought a baby crocodile in a jar, asking to have a necklace made to feature the likeness of the crocodile. It is reportedly said that she commented that they should hurry, before the crocodile gets any bigger. And that the designers did, her exquisite jewelry was crafted but a couple of months later.

It is believed that Maria Felix chose the crocodile to be her amulet as it is a death and rebirth of dynastic beginnings symbol as represented in the Aztec calendar, known as Cipactli. It is also a sacred creature in Egypt, named Sobek and often referred to as Neith, represented by a woman nursing a baby crocodile.

The resulting design was that of two crocodiles, which would be worn together to create a necklace, or separate to be two bracelets. The bodies of the crocodiles contain 524.9 grams of Gold, and are set with:

1. 1,023 fancy yellow diamonds
2. 1,060 circular-cut emeralds

Another famous design commissioned by the actress was the famous snake necklace in 1968. This serpent design is made of platinum and white gold, and set with 178.21 diamond carats (2,473 diamonds total). Elongated diamonds are perfectly tapered to fit into the head of the serpent.

The fine craftsmanship allows for hinge movements throughout the entire necklace and it is said that it has the slithery feel and weight of a real snake of that size. The underside is enameled to allow comfort for the wearer of this gorgeous necklace.

The Cartier in America exhibit featuring this and more (especially Art Deco) jewelry at the San Francisco Legion of Honor through May 9th 2010 (extended from its original showing).

At DecoBelle.com we enjoy exotic animal jewelry as well, from snakeskin patterned 100% Argentinean leather, frog, owl, dolphin, butterfly, bird, dragonfly, bee, to ladybug jewellery and more.

We offer free shipping in the USA on all orders of $30.00 or more, plus free gift wrap on all orders. We ship to all corners of the globe, please see our international mailing rates for more information.

Labels: art/lit/film, bracelet, designer, ethnic, fashion, gold, necklace, paris, style, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Our magazine debut!

Our very first magazine debut! Deco Belle Inc. is represented on both the cover of this summer's Mocha Bride Magazine, throughout the magazine pictorials, and in our original article: Summer Trends

















Our Paris Gold collection of earrings were mostly represented throughout the photo shoots. Namely the Rock Crystal faceted, Duchess Victorian bow Pearl, Jenevieve Art Deco inspired, and Aubrey Pearl long earrings.
The entirety of our Summer 2009 trends article can be found below in our jewelry blog. We are writing new articles for the Fall 2009 issue, stay tuned for updates.

Labels: art/lit/film, beauty, culture, deco, event, fashion, magazine, paris, usa, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Summer 2009 jewelry trends

Original article as submitted by Deco Belle for Mocha Bride Magazine Summer 2009:

As Eartha Kitt sang 1962, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. But today, crystals and pearls are too! Bring on the bling in clear crystal, or colored gemstones, and cubic zirconia (CZ). Save a considerable sum while being in style for a summer wedding. Rhinestones are out of style, as Swarovski crystals offer fire and brilliance at a low price, with a luxe look.

Vibrant colors are hot on the catwalks for this season. These intense hues of aqua, lapis, coral, lemon, peach and hot pink are rainbow bright now! Intense blue and aqua jewelry can definitely take care of the adage: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue. Colorful crystals and CZ set in gold or silver offer a dramatic statement for modern gowns, and a striking accent for strapless or skinny-strap dresses.

Dramatic upswept hair lends very well to another hot trend this year, the demure stud earring.

Studs, or button earrings, are feminine and traditional, and are always in good taste. Larger stud earrings have a vintage charm. The 2009 Oscars showcased this trend as well as the other IT shape for this year: the drop earring. From Michelle Obama (the First Lady is also a major stud earring trendsetter, since official portrait to European visit) to Angelina Jolie, drop earrings, are all the rage.

A dramatic turn from these trends is lace filigree; it’s the new, old thing. Lace is delicate, darling, and delightful, and makes any dress complete with that traditional, romantic look.

Also, collar or statement necklaces are in right now; be sure to pair with small earrings that grant the focus to the grand necklace.

Bridesmaids are generally allowed more color, and more drama with both dress choices and accessories. Our global jewelry store at Deco Belle Inc. has often honored requests to send duplicates of certain jewelry items for a bridal party, as the bride often gifts her bridesmaids jewelry that they can use in the wedding, and if it’s fabulous enough, to be worn at various occasions.

Whether you want to accessorize glamour, romance, or modern, there are various ways to implement the spring and summer 2009 trends in your wedding. Wishing you the best on your special day, I hope that these tips will help you stay stylish, without breaking the bank.

-Deco Belle
Deco Belle Inc. Global Jewelry

Labels: accessories, art/lit/film, beauty, culture, deco, event, fashion, gemstone, holidays, magazine, paris, usa, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Monday, March 2, 2009

Oscar 2009 Stud Earrings Prevailed

The 81st Annual Academy® awards sparked a fashion trend in these recessionista driven days: The demure stud earring. Sparkly and understated, these small earrings were often paired alone, or with elegantly demure necklaces.

Penelope Cruz wore Chopard diamond stud earrings and a platium and diamond necklace (worth more than $2 million!). Most stunning of all was the vintage 1950 Pierre Balmain dress, the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Vicky Christina Barcelona showcased. Miss Cruz stated "I found this dress eight years ago and I was saving it for something very special." Special indeed!
Image: Reuters/Lucas Jackson








The other fashion trend in the jewelry department, were drop earrings. Most notably Angelina Jolie's Lorraine Schwart's eye-popping $2.5 million Emerald earrings and matching ring.

Labels: art/lit/film, awards, cz, deco, event, fashion, rhodium, sterling, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Afghani Turkoman vintage jewelry

The pieces in our Afghan jewelry collection are authentic vintage tribal Turkoman jewelry.

This Afghani turkmen jewelry is kept within a family for generations, then bartered.

These pieces are not perfect and they illustrate age and wear as they are held in a family for generations.

The Turkomans keep part of their wealth in the form of silver jewellery, which was an important part of the dowry of women.

Our Afghani jewellery in this collection is therefore, one of a kind, unique!

Labels: ethnic, gemstone, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc. 0 Comments

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