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The photographer’s assistant

Mar4

To photograph the vintage jewellery I sell in my Etsy shop, I use the windowsill in our bedroom as my studio. It faces south-west, so gets the best of the sun on offer to our dark old cottage. I prefer photos that are taken in natural light, and so am limited by our gloomy winter weather in the times I can successfully take photos. But whenever I do, there is always one constant: Ballou, my photographer’s assistant.

Ballou in her natural habitat: on her (our) bed.

Ballou in her natural habitat: on her (our) bed.

As soon as I get the gear for my photographing together (the board from an old flower press, some sheets of A4 white paper, some blu tack and an old kilt pin), she’s alert and ready to go. She’ll jump on to the windowsill next to my set-up, and oversee proceedings. Every single time.

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Had enough of my nonsense.

Had enough now.

Thank goodness for the cropping facility in my photo editing software, because there’s often a paw (or even a sniffing nose) in shot.

She’s even managed to sneak into a couple of the shots I have used in my shop. Here she is reflected on the back of a fabulous N E From amethyst necklace:

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N E From jewellery sold in my Etsy shop

Feb11

As I have mentioned before, I have a real soft spot for the work of Niels Erik From, the Danish jeweller (1908—1982). He is considered one of the greats of Danish silver design, and his pieces are very collectable. I always try to have some of his jewellery for sale.

As my previous blog post about him was getting very cluttered, I have pulled out all the items that I have sold. I like to keep a record of his gorgeous pieces that have passed through my shop, and so I’m showing them here.

I have plenty (20 at current count) in my shop for sale at the moment, so do please pop by!

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N E From mid 1970s (1974 import mark) modernist necklace in rock crystal and sterling silver with a paperclip link chain. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist amethyst necklace with paperclip chain.

N E From modernist amethyst necklace with paperclip chain. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another view of the NE From amethyst necklace. The cabochon is huge - 21 mm in diameter.

Another view of the NE From amethyst necklace. The cabochon is huge – 21 mm in diameter. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Magnificent NE From modernist amethyst pendant necklace, with silver bars forming the chain. The amethyst is 21 mm in diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage Niels Erik From modernist rose quartz necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Vintage Niels Erik From modernist rose quartz necklace. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD). 


Niels Erik From modernist chrysoprase necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst and sterling silver statement necklace, with a 1967 London import mark. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Modernist Baltic amber pendant by Niels Erik From. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD). 

NE From (Niels Erik From) sodalite and sterling silver modernist ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another view of my NE From tigers eye necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From early 1970s modernist necklace in rose quartz and sterling silver. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

N E From early 1970s modernist necklace in rose quartz and sterling silver, with a curved bar chain. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From chrysoprase necklace with 1977 London import mark. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another 1977 NE From chrysoprase modernist necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Rare 1967 NE From amethyst modernist necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD). 

NE From amethyst modernist necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Fantastic modernist necklace by Niels Erik From, with small amethyst cabochons set on sterling silver bars, and a solid curved bar link chain. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) nephrite and sterling silver bangle. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage modernist moss agate and sterling silver ring by N E From. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Vintage modernist moss agate and sterling silver ring by N E From. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

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NE From (Niels Erik From) modernist tiger’s eye and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From modernist lapis lazuli and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist aventurine ring, with a 1974 London import mark. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver square link bracelet. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another view of the NE From sterling silver square link bracelet. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From tigers eye and sterling silver modernist ring, with a 1974 London import mark. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From Baltic amber modernist ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

N E From Baltic amber modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From modernist tiger’s eye ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. This one is UK size O – O 1/2, US size 7 3/4, European size 55 – 55 1/2, and internal diameter of 18 mm. (NOW SOLD).

NE From modernist tiger’s eye ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. This one is UK size L 1/2, US size 6 1/2, European size 52, and has an internal diameter of 17 mm. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver brooch. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist rose quartz and sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From rose quartz clip on earrings, set in sterling silver. Click on photo for detail. (NOW SOLD). 

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz modernist ring, in sterling silver. The ring is UK size H 1/2, US size 4 1/2, European size 46 1/2 and has an internal diameter of 17 mm. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz modernist ring, in sterling silver. The ring is UK size N, US size 7 1/4, European size 54 and has an internal diameter of 18.5 mm. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic amber and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst and sterling silver post earrings for pierced ears. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist rhodochrosite and sterling silver ring, large head size. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist amethyst ring, large head size. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz and sterling silver modernist ring, larger size head 16 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic amber and sterling silver modernist ring, large head size. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD). 

N E From Baltic amber and sterling silver modernist ring, larger size head 16 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From nephrite and sterling silver modernist ring, small head size. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From moonstone and sterling silver modernist ring, small head size. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) Baltic amber and sterling silver modernist ring, smaller size head 13 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From Baltic amber pendant and chain. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst pendant and chain. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From rhodochrosite and sterling silver pendant. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From amethyst and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From amethyst modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From black onyx and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From rose quartz ring, with a larger head at 16 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz and sterling silver ring, this one with a smaller head at 13 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz and sterling silver ring, this one with a smaller head at 13 mm diameter. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) amazonite and sterling silver modernist ring, another of the smaller-headed versions. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

 

Niels Eric From modernist rose quartz clip on earrings. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From rose quartz and sterling silver modernist bracelet. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz modernist bracelet. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From Baltic amber modernist brooch. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist sterling silver brooch. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal design necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal bracelet, this one with eight large links (the same size as the links in the necklace). Has a waisted, tapering toggle. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal bracelet, this one with eight large links (the same size as the links in the necklace). Varies from the bracelet above as it has a square-sectioned bar toggle. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Modernist sterling silver bracelet by Neils Erik From. For sale in my Etsy shop: click photo for details.

Modernist sterling silver bracelet by Niels Erik From. NOW SOLD.

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal bracelet, this one with eleven small links. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. NOW SOLD.

Sterling silver pendant by Niels Erik From. Click photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) sterling silver calla lily / petal design brooch, a double sprig with 9 small petals. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal design brooch, a single sprig with 5 small petals. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another sterling silver calla lily / petal design brooch by NE From. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver calla lily / petal design dangle clip on earrings. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Clip on sterling silver earrings by Niels Erik From. Click photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver clip on earrings. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From sterling silver modernist bracelet, pendant and earrings. Click on photo for details. (ALL NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver leaf wreath brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery; click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage NE From sterling silver leaves brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) clip on earrings in sterling silver. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) sterling silver leaves brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver scarf ring / slide / clip. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From tiger’s eye and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist rose quartz ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD)

NE From sterling silver ring. This one is UK size M 1/2, US size 6 3/4 – 7, European size 53, and has an internal diameter of c. 19 mm. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From Baltic amber ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From rose quartz modernist bangle. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz modernist bangle. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From rose quartz modernist ring. Click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) chrysoprase and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist Baltic amber ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From green chalcedony ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From tiger’s eye ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD). NE From sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery. Click on photo for details.

NE From sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niel Erik From sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From solid sterling silver dome ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver modernist dome ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) modernist amethyst and sterling silver adjustable ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist large Baltic amber ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From Baltic amber bangle. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist Baltic amber and sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From modernist rose quartz ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic amber bangle. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage N E From Baltic amber modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic Amber and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From Baltic amber ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From chrysoprase and sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic amber and sterling adjustable silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

1975 NE From sterling silver modernist post ring. London import mark. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From apple green chrysoprase post ring, with a 1972 London import mark. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From turquoise ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From vintage modernist amethyst ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From carnelian and sterling silver modernist ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From modernist nephrite ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From smoky quartz bypass ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on link for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From modernist Baltic amber ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Sterling silver modernist ring by NE From. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver modernist ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

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N E From sterling silver modernist ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver bypass bobble ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From amethyst bypass ring with foiled stones. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From modernist sterling silver pendant and chain. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niles Erik From sterling silver link bracelet. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) sterling silver leaf brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photos for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Early NE From 830 silver ring with the daisy motif. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Niels Erik From Baltic amber daisy necklace. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Niels Erik From Baltic amber daisy necklace. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From amethyst and sterling silver daisy ring, in his earlier, Skønvirke-inspired style. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Baltic amber and sterling silver ring, by Niels Erik From. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From amber daisy ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Another Baltic amber and sterling silver ring, by Niels Erik From. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Baltic amber and sterling silver ring, by Niels Erik From. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) Baltic amber and sterling silver ring in his ‘daisy’ series. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From rose quartz ring. For sale in my shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From chrysoprase daisy ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) 830 silver ring, in his ‘daisy’ series. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage N E From sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Baltic amber floral pendant by Niels Erik From of Denmark, a 1960s piece in his earlier Skønvirke-inspired style. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From rose quartz pendant. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From amazonite and sterling silver brooch. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz and sterling silver bracelet, in his ‘daisy’ series. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) rose quartz beauties in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery. (ALL NOW SOLD).

Rare NE From (Niels Erik From) 830 silver locket, in his ‘daisy’ series. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Tiny sterling silver daisy stud earrings by Niels Erik From. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From (Niels Erik From) 830 silver leaves bar brooch, part of his ‘daisy’ series. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

N E From vintage sterling silver double daisy ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver double flower ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage N E From single daisy sterling silver ring. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver single daisy ring. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details.

NE From sterling silver daisy pendant and chain. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

NE From sterling silver daisy pendant and chain. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (I have four of these in total – please contact me if you would like to buy more than one). (NOW SOLD).

NE From daisy floral wreath brooch. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Small N E From turquoise pendant and chain. Click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Rings that remind me of things: Part 7

Feb2

Part 7 of an occasional series about rings in my Etsy shop that remind me of things.

Ring:

Vintage Swedish green chrysoprase and sterling silver ring, made in 1957.

Vintage Swedish green chrysoprase and sterling silver ring, made in 1957. (NOW SOLD).

Thing:

The eyes of a jumping spider. Photo by Opoterser.

The eyes of a jumping spider. Photo by Opoterser.

So far I have had rings that remind me of an Iron Age hillfort, an alien spaceship, a cream horn, a radio telescope, Noah’s Ark, and an octopus tentacle.

Hmmm. Maybe I should get out more ….

Rings that remind me of things: Part 6

Jan18

Part six of an occasional series about rings in my Etsy shop that remind me of things.

Ring:

For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Thing:

Oktopus (2)

Octopus tentacle. Photo by Sanja B.

Part 1 was a ring that reminded me of an Iron Age hillfort, Part 2 was a ring that reminded me of an alien spaceship, Part 3 was a ring that reminded me of a cream horn, Part 4 was a ring that reminded me of a radio telescope, and Part 5 was a ring that reminded me of Noah’s Ark.

27 February 2016 UPDATE: The ring has now sold. Sorry!

Rings that remind me of things: Part 5

Dec28

Part five of an occasional series about rings in my Etsy shop that remind me of things, and one that seems grimly appropriate given the near-Biblical amounts of rain the northern UK has seen recently.

Ring:

N E From modernist Baltic amber and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

N E From modernist Baltic amber and sterling silver ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Thing:

Mosaic of Noah's Ark, Kykkos Monastery, Cyprus.

Mosaic of Noah’s Ark, Kykkos Monastery, Cyprus.

Part 1 was a ring that reminded me of an Iron Age hillfort, Part 2 was a ring that reminded me of an alien spaceship, Part 3 was a ring that reminded me of a cream horn, and Part 4 was a ring that reminded me of a radio telescope.

19 May 2016 UPDATE: The ring has now sold. Sorry!

Rings that remind me of things: Part 4

Dec6

Part four of an occasional series about rings in my Etsy shop that remind me of things.

Ring:

Sterling silver and turquoise paste modernist ring, for sale in my Etsy shop. Click on photo for details.

Sterling silver and turquoise paste modernist ring, for sale in my Etsy shop. Click on photo for details.

Thing:

A radio telescope at SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute's Allen Telescope Array (ATA), a set of 42 radio dishes in Northern California designed to pick up extraterrestrial signals. Photo by David Schlom.

A radio telescope at SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute’s Allen Telescope Array (ATA), a set of 42 radio dishes in Northern California designed to pick up extraterrestrial signals. Photo by David Schlom.

Part 1 was a ring that reminded me of an Iron Age hillfort, Part 2 was a ring that reminded me of an alien spaceship, and Part 3 was a ring that reminded me of a cream horn.

UPDATE: The ring has now sold. Sorry!

A medley of Niels Erik From rings

Nov18

I’ve just obtained two more rings by N E From in one of my favourite styles of his: a central cabochon in a low collet, surrounded by a higher rim and with a lower, black oxidised area between.

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N E From rings. All for sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (Update: the amethyst ring is now sold).

Unusually, the two I’ve just got hold of have a smaller head size than I’m familiar with: they are ‘mini’ versions of the design I currently have in rose quartz, amethyst and rhodochrosite. One of these smaller ones is unusual for two other reasons as well as its wee size: it is in moonstone, a stone not often used by N E From, and the oxidisation is missing.

(Update: all but the small round amber ring and the round rose quartz are now sold; I also have two oval rose quartz rings in this design).

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N E From rings. Left to right: moonstone ‘mini’, rose quartz, amethyst, Baltic amber ‘mini’, rhodochrosite and Baltic amber oval. (Update: the amethyst ring is now sold).

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A Jessie M King necklace

Nov10

Last Sunday the Antiques Roadshow came from RAF Coningsby. It was filmed earlier this summer. One of the items featured was a beautiful Arts and Crafts fringe necklace in its original Liberty case, owned by a very lucky young lady. It features moonstones and baroque pearls, with decorative leaves picked out in blue-green enamel.

Arts and Crafts fringe necklace, c. 1905, in its original Liberty case. I am sure this is designed by Jessie M King.

Arts and Crafts fringe necklace, c. 1905, in its original Liberty case. I am sure this is designed by Jessie M King.

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The expert, John Benjamin, dated it from about 1905, that the blue-green were little blobs of glass set on gold (ie vitreous enamel), and called the pearls blister pearls. He said blister pearls are ‘mis-shapen white pearls, natural pearls’. My understanding (probably incorrect) is that blister pearls are those half-formed things caught under the nacreous skin of the oyster shell, whereas pearls proper, both regularly-shaped and irregularly-shaped, are free within the shell. I am more used to seeing pearls like these — irregularly-shaped proper ‘free’ pearls — described as baroque pearls. He did not attribute a designer and valued it at £3,000.

I think this necklace positively screams out Jessie M King. It’s her style, her colour palette — everything about it suggests it is her design. Jessie’s pieces were usually made with semiprecious stones, and enamel, and she used the enamelled leaf motif extensively.

Jessie M King enamel and blister pearl pendant. The drop is a later replacement, and would originally have been a baroque pearl. The motif is the same as on the necklace above. Sold by HomeFarmCottage on Etsy.

Jessie M King. Opal, peridot, baroque pearl and enamel necklace, c. 1900. Sold by Van den Bosch..

Jessie M King. Opal, peridot, baroque pearl and enamel necklace, c. 1900. Sold by Van den Bosch.

Detail.

Jessie M King. Opal, peridot, baroque pearl and enamel necklace, c. 1900. Sold by Van den Bosch. Detail.

Jessie M King brooch design for Liberty & Co. Gold, moonstone and enamel. Liberty model number 1800. Sold by Tadema Gallery.

Jessie M King brooch design for Liberty & Co. Gold, moonstone and enamel. Liberty model number 1800. Sold by Tadema Gallery.

Jessie M King design for Liberty & Co. Gold, sapphire, moonstone and green enamel necklace. Sold by Van Den Bosch.

Jessie M King design for Liberty & Co. Gold, sapphire, moonstone and green enamel necklace. Sold by Van Den Bosch.

Jessie M King. Moonstone and enamel necklace.

Jessie M King design for Liberty & Co. Moonstone and enamel necklace. Sold by Van den Bosch.

Jessie M. King for Liberty & Co. Ring, gold, silver, enamel and chrysoprase. Sold by Tadema Gallery.

Jessie M. King for Liberty & Co. Ring, gold, silver, enamel and chrysoprase. Sold by Tadema Gallery.

Jessie M King for Liberty & Co. A silver and gold necklace set with moonstones within borders of blue/green enamelled leaves surrounded by gold wire wirework and gold florets. The silver chain with a gold clasp. British. Circa 1900. Size: Height of drop pendant only 4.4 cm. Width 2 cm. Width across three moonstones 11 cm. Total length around necklace 41 cm. Sold by Van den Bosch.

Jessie M King for Liberty & Co. A silver and gold necklace set with moonstones within borders of blue/green enamelled leaves surrounded by gold wire wirework and gold florets. The silver chain with a gold clasp. British. Circa 1900. Size: Height of drop pendant only 4.4 cm. Width 2 cm. Width across three moonstones 11 cm. Total length around necklace 41 cm. Sold by Van den Bosch.

Sold by Van den Bosch.

Jessie M King for Liberty & Co. Turquoise and enamel necklace. Sold by Van den Bosch.

Sold by Tadema Gallery.

Jessie M King for Liberty & Co. Moonstone and enamel brooch. Sold by Tadema Gallery.

The programme is available on the BBC iPlayer, and the segment runs from 21:00 – 24:07.

I wrote a blog post about Jessie’s jewellery designs a while ago. It has more detail of the life of this fascinating and multi-talented Scottish artist.

Rings that remind me of things: Part 3

Oct28

The third in an occasional series about rings in my Etsy shop that remind me of things.

Ring:

Ring.

Vintage Danish 830 silver ring by Viggo Pedersen of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thing:

Cream horn.

Cream horn.

To be honest, the cream horn was the first thing that came to mind. If I was a bit more cultured, it would have been the Roman horn of plenty (cornucopia). But no. Cake. Always cake.

A horn of plenty (Cornucopia).

A horn of plenty (Cornucopia).

Part 1 was a ring that reminded me of an Iron Age hillfort, and Part 2 was a ring that reminded me of an alien spaceship.

UPDATE, 2 November 2015: The ring has now sold. Sorry!

Modernist bobbles

Oct13

A few pieces of silver jewellery for sale in my Etsy shop display a technique known as granulation: basically it’s the application of small silver bobbles or blobs to a surface using solder, or joining (fusing) them together to form a bobbly surface. It gives a wonderfully organic, blobby effect, and I love it!

Sterling silver ring with granulated bobbles, made in London in 1973. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Vintage modernist sterling silver ring with granulated bobbles, made in London in 1973. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Vintage 1970 modernist Swedish sterling dome ring, imported to London. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for detai;ls.

Vintage 1970 modernist Swedish sterling dome ring, imported to London. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Malachite and sterling silver pendant necklace, with granulated decoration.

Vintage modernist malachite and sterling silver pendant necklace, with granulated decoration. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

Sterling silver pendant with granulated design. Imported to London , 1973.

Vintage modernist sterling silver pendant with granulated design. Imported to London, 1973. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

It’s interesting that two of the dated pieces hail from 1973, and another from 1970. It seems like there was a whole lot of bobbling going on back then!

Vintage modernist Aksel Holmsen ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details.

Vintage modernist Aksel Holmsen ring. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).

This Aksel Holmsen ring isn’t strictly speaking granulated, but its bobbly so I’m bunging it in here.

Here’s a video of a clever jeweller demonstrating his (rather unorthodox) method of making granulation bobbles. As an added bonus, it also includes a cat, yay.