Monday, April 9, 2012

Cufflinks are making a comeback!


The cufflink has grown into a popular fashion statement for both men and women. Nowadays, cufflinks can be found in any shape, color or style. From glass, silver, gold, fabric, metals, etc.; cufflinks are making a big comeback with reckless abandon!








Cufflinks can be an elegant addition to a formal outfit or a funky addition to casual wear for both men and women. This is a far cry from the first cufflinks used by royalty in ancient Egypt and early Renaissance periods about 800 years ago. 






Glass buttons appeared in the late 17th century as a gaudier but lower-cost alternative to diamonds. The English fashion spread to France, where it became popular amoung the nobility. In 1788, the first known record of the word "cufflink" appeared.








During the nineteenth century, businessmen of varying classes began wearing cufflinks for a more casual wear, expanding beyond the traditional gala or evening event.  Prices came down and cuff links were now affordable to the average middle-class gentleman.





In the late twentieth century, the cufflinks industry had a low period when shirt manufacturers began mass-producing dress and tuxedo shirts with buttons on the cuffs.  But that didn't discourage the big jewelry companies from producing cufflinks.  Cufflinks and stud sets were here to stay. 


 

Friday, April 6, 2012

Happy Easter!

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It is the celebration of the mystery that is the basis of the Christian faith.


Easter celebrations began in A.D. 325 when the Nicean Council decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon after the Spring Equinox. Unless the first full moon also rose on a Sunday, in which Easter would be celebrated on the Sunday after that. For over 1500 years we have continued to mark the celebration of Easter based on these calculations.

The Easter Egg is one of the most significant symbols of Easter. There are many modern, vintage and antique Murano glass Easter egg ornaments on the market.  






Murano glass Easter eggs can be solid glass, hollow or cut in half to form a dish or holder.





Since the egg shape is a good one to hold candy and other foods, many manufacturers of glass have made serving dishes in an egg shape for Easter.








Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Venetian Carnival

According to Venetians and tourists; the Venetian Carnival is a festival not to be missed!






The Venetian Carnival is one of the most ancient, grandest, charming and famous of all Venetian festivals. 








It is a voyage of discovery into a fantastic and mysterious world made of music and theater, where people from all over the world, can experience the traditions of masks and the playing of hide and seek! 


The streets are filled with noise and color as acrobats, jugglers and street artists weave their way between crowds of people in elaborate costumes.


The Venetian Carnival began in the 15th century however the tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 14th century. It spans over two weeks ending on Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding Ash Wednesday. This year the carnival was from the 11th - 21st February and in 2013 the carnival will be from 2nd - 12th February.


Venetian masks range from simple elegance to the elaborate. The designs are only limited by your imagination!

Fanning Venetian mask

Farfalla Burano Strass Blue Moon Mask

Feathered Mask
 
Elegantly shaped half mask
 
Venetian ball mask

 






Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Venetian/Murano Millefiori Art Jewelry

The most famous Venetian/Murano beads are the Millefiori, which translated from Italian means "thousand flowers". Each bead is handmade under the flame using the world famous Murano glass canes or rods. After two thousand years the same technique is used by the Master artisans. 

The Master artisans patiently assemble numerous Venetian/Murano glass beads, which are then fused in the furnace, to recreate amazing colors, patterns and transparent clarities of the ancient workmanship. 


Below are a few examples of Millefiori pendants that can be viewed and purchased on my website DeVigniDesigns.












Monday, April 2, 2012

Jewelry Armoire

A Jewelry Armoire is a must for all women. There are various styles which can easily fit in with your bedroom decor. They can be wall or door mounted or free standing. My favorite is the full length jewelry armoire. You get to see how your jewelry enhances your outfit in the full length mirror and just behind the mirror is all your jewelry, close at hand for you to chop and change! Here are a few pictures of jewelry armoires to give you an idea of what is available on the market.


Full length Jewelry Armoire




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Door mounted Jewelry Armoire



Wall mounted Jewelry Armoire



Free standing "Chest of drawers" Jewelry Armoire

  
 




Jewelry Boxes

Jewelry boxes come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Small, big, square, rectangular and unusual shapes in plastic, wood or fabric! Only your taste and preferences will dictate which one you will settle for. I prefer wooden jewelry boxes as I love the natural look and feel of wood. I have come across this website, www.craftyboxes.co.uk with unusual wooden jewelry boxes that will be a terrific talking point among your friends.


Shelter Tree jewelry box











Arora jewelry box

Reminds me of an alien! 
Truly unusual