Jewellery Focus March 2019 | Page 17

FEATURE March 2019 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk ‘‘ Whether it was 500 BC or today in 2019, the more bling, the more you are looked upon in awe ‘‘ out, they were made from simple paste. Without her knowing, Mike Todd (her then husband) went and had them remade in platinum with real diamonds. They were among her favourite jewels. The lady who bought The Mike Todd Ear Pendants turned out to be the lady who remade the earrings for Mr Todd back in 1957. In a documentary after the auction, she mentioned how having the earrings back made her felt like she had a little piece of Elizabeth back in her life. Even the socialite Kim Kardashian purchased (through Lorraine Schwartz) some items of the renowned star, choosing three jadeite bangles for much the same reason. Jadeite is believed to pass on the essence of those it has belonged to, and Kim was quoted as saying that she felt Elizabeth’s presence in these bangles. A more recent but just as prominent trend setter, was the late Princess Diana. Charles purchased the iconic sapphire and diamond cluster ring from the Royal Jewellers – Garrard – for a mere £28,000. It caused quite a ruffle amongst the Royals, as Diana was given a selection of rings to choose from herself and this particular piece came from their “catalogue” range. Now worth an estimated £395,000 – provenance notwithstanding - this ring has come storming back in to style since it has adorned the finger of the Duchess of Cambridge. People who dislike sapphire have it set with ruby or emerald, even tanzanite, amethyst or peridot as gemstones outside of the big four have started to gain popularity. During these times, jewellers relied on these people to flash off their fingers and drop out some names so people would flock to find their affordable equivalent. JEWELLERY FOCUS 17