Bottega Veneta’s Scarab Beetles

Scarab Beetle Lucky Charms

Ancient Egyptians considered the scarab beetle to be lucky and obviously Tomas Maier does, too. For his F/W 2010 Bottega Veneta show, he adorned his models with beautiful metallic-green scarab beetle charms.
The lucky animal decorates rings, earrings, necklaces and bangles. My favourite is the multi-strand necklace which is unfortunately also the most expensive one. Those pieces will rock every outfit. Available online, at Bottega Veneta stores and at net-à-porter.

So ladies, start pushing your luck!

LoL, Sandra

Scarab Beetle 2

Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces have been seen in abundance on the F/W 2010 runways and believe me those pieces make a great addition to your wardrobe as they can definitely turn on the wow factor. Wear a simple outfit and let your statement necklace do its job. It is supposed to make a statement! Do not be afraid to push fashion boundaries, there are so many different options to choose from. From ethnic inspired to boho chic, from chunky and bright to multi-strand pieces, all of them have serious longevity.

Stephanie Thonet

Stephanie Thonet

To find one that suits you should not be difficult, especially if you have a look at www.thonetjewelry.com.
Stephanie Thonet creates amazing statement necklaces that will put you immediately in the style spotlight. She achieves unusual designs and colour combinations by artfully mixing a large variety of beads and stones as nature provides; such as coral, wood, shells and freshwater pearls with semi-precious stones.
I am totally in love with her works that are still budget-friendly. Which of those stunning statement necklaces that will not diminsh your bank statement will be dangling down your sternum?

Have a look below at my favourites from her collection that also includes earrings, bracelets and elegant objects d`art. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Thonet.

LoL, Sandra

 

Necklaces between € 215.- - € 325.-

Necklaces between € 215.- and € 325.-

 

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

 

 

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

 

Faux-pearls and brooch necklace € 235.-

Faux-pearls necklace with brooch € 235.-

 

Mother of pearl, shell and flower necklace € 255.-

Mother of pearl, shells and flowers € 255.-

 

Necklace € 155.-

Necklace € 155.-

Meet Lydia Courteille

Lydia Courteille

Yesterday I had the priviledge to meet the Parisian jewelry designer Lydia Courteille.

Lydia Courteille with me to the leftLydia Courteille with me

An amazing woman with a special aura that designs outstanding jewels. The scale of her creations is absolutely incredible. Mostly big pieces inspired by historical periods show her fantastical imagination. She uses a lot of ancient stones that the passionate antiquarian has collected over the years. A certified gemologist, Lydia Courteille uses her expert knowledge to design jewelry that is vibrant, colourful and unexpected.

Lydia C 2

Each collection has its story. There  are “The 9 Planets” : for example the “Cabinet of Curiosities”, “African”, “My Secret Garden”, just to name a few.

She explained to me her love for skulls as a symbol of vanity showing that in the end everybody is equal no matter how rich, beautiful or intelligent the person was. To her it recalls the humility of life. For the rest of her collections, she is pursuing her love of floral or forest landscapes, following her take on gothic elements or using animals like frogs, snakes or elephants for the beauty of their forms. Just looking at her creations you feel her fairytale spirit.

LoL, Sandra

The bracelet is one of a kind made of pink gold, pink sapphires, diamonds and a pink beryl  combined with a beautiful ring in the shape of elephants.

The bracelet is one of a kind made of pink gold, pink sapphires, diamonds and a pink beryl combined with a beautiful ring in the shape of elephants.

One of my favourite collections is „The 13th sign“. Here you see me wearing the Ring of the Aquarius (my sign).

One of my favourite collections is „The 13th sign“. Here you see me wearing the Ring of the Aquarius (my sign).

This beautiful setting holds a pink tourmaline in the center of the flower.

This beautiful setting holds a pink tourmaline in the center of the flower.

This amazing piece of rubies in a black rodium setting belongs to the "To Cassandra" collection.

This amazing piece of rubies in a black rodium setting belongs to the "To Cassandra" collection.

Trudi Götz and Theo Grigoriadis

Trudi Götz and Theo Grigoriadis. The famous Swiss lady with her incredible sense for outstanding designers brought Lydia Courteille`s creations exclusively to Switzerland and sells them in her Trois Pommes Boutiques in Zurich, St. Moritz, Basel and Gstaad.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht