Digby & Iona - my favourites

Happy Sunday! The weekend is here, the daffodils are starting to show their faces, and the sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds. We went rummaging around antique shops yesterday to find goods for my new Etsy shop - The Velveteen Box [Trinket Box], we also had a hot chocolate and a sausage roll and it was a lovely day. 

But enough about all of that, I am here today to share one of my favourite jewellery houses with you [I did mention them back in 201]... Digby and Iona. One of my wedding rings is from D&I and I just love their quirky style. Here are some of my favourite pieces... 

The Ambro .70ct. 
This stunning example of a watermelon tourmaline speaks directly to my heart. I am hoping that 2015 is the year that I own a watermelon tourmaline and it may be in the shape of this ring, who knows? This ring is made from 18k rose gold and has D&I's wonderful wave engraving on the band. Perfection. $1330. 

Here's a sneaky picture of another one of D&I's watermelon tourmalines, this time an aqua coloured version...

Convict love token necklace. This charming necklace is exactly that - charming. It can be personalised with your and your partner's initials, which I think is just lovely. It is made from oxidised bronze and comes on a rope [I'm not too keen on the rope - I'd put it on a chain]. As with most of D&I's designs, there's a lovely history to accompany it. $190 with initials, $150 without. 

Ouroboros signet ring. Anyone who knows me knows that mixed metals are my thing. I've been mixing my metals since a time when it was not considered the done thing and items like this signet ring make me happy. The snake also helps. Snake jewellery is wonderful. The signet ring is made from sterling silver and the snake is solid 14k rose gold that has been inset. It's a pretty big, statement piece, but I think it's beautiful. $280. 

Mens wave band. We discovered, when shopping for The Husband's wedding ring, that it is surprisingly difficult to find interesting bands for men. There are trays upon trays of plain bands, with absolutely no character and seeing something like this band from D&I makes me smile. I think it would make a perfect wedding band. $920. 

Battle diagram ring. Another one for the men; the battle diagram ring. I think it's very interesting and again, would make a lovely wedding band. Sterling silver. $150. 

Boat wave studs. These lovely little studs match the above rings perfectly. $360. 

There we have it, some beautiful pieces from this lovely brand. Perfect if you're looking for that vintage sailor look. 

Until next time, folks... 

L. x

Saturday brings us snake rings

Happy Saturday! I have a poorly boyfriend today, so instead of swanning around and eating brunch, we are relaxing in front of the TV. This means, of course, that I can write a lovely post on one of my favourite ring designs... snake rings! 

Snakes... according to Wikipedia, the snake [or serpent] is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. They represent dual expression of good and evil. They are also used as fertility symbols in many cultures; the shedding of their skin is symbolic of rebirth, healing, etc. Snakes have also been used as guardians of sacred spaces such as temples. They also have their place in the history of medicine and are associated with healing, immortality, and poison [obviously]. Here's one that we all know about - snakes are connected with vengefulness and vindictiveness. 

The Victorians loved the symbol of the serpent and snake jewellery really took off when Queen Victoria was proposed to with a snake ring. Her ring featured two snakes entwined with an emerald. Sadly this ring was never photographed and she was buried with it, so we can only guess at what it looked like. The popularity of 'snake jewellery' peaked in the 1840s, and became popular again during the Art Nouveau period. 

I won't go on, however much I'd love to [because it's so very fascinating], but if you're interested in this sort of thing have a look on Google, there's lots to read. 

This is what you're really here for [I guess]... some of my favourite snake rings. 

Two-headed snake ring by Erica Weiner $400 - $675  

From EW's 1909 collection, this two-headed snake ring is the right combination of snake and delicate. It comes in yellow gold and with no stones, red diamond eyes, or white diamond eyes [see price ranges at the beginning]. Perfection in a snake ring! 

Vintage snake ring by Zara Taylor £12

Sadly this beauty is made from brass, hence the price tag, but it has such wonderful detailing that I couldn't leave it out. 

Snake ring by Momocreatura £187

This ring is not currently available from Momocreatura, but it is in stock at Boticca [I've never purchased from here]. I couldn't leave it out because it's rather special. It comes with different coloured eyes and doesn't it look ah-mazing stacked?? 

Gold and white sapphire snake ring by Julia Failey £296.50

I just saw this one when I was looking at the Momocreatura ring so it's a bit of a cheat entry because it isn't one I've had my eye on previously, but with those white sapphire eyes I couldn't not add him into the list. 

Snake tail ring in sterling silver with rubies by Michelle Chang £70.97

This is one of my all-time favourites. I love the way the tail is in the mouth and the softness of the metal make it look very modern and wearable. 

Twisted snake by Makri £currently unavailable 

This ring by Makri is a work of art. I'll show you the front and the back because it's intricate and beautiful. 18k pink gold with white diamonds and rubies. I HEART this ring. 

Victorian 14k gold persian turquoise snake ring Vintage $645 

A real-life Victorian ring - oh my! 

Snake ring by Grace Lee Designs $385 

I love how delicate this one is, it'd be perfect for stacking and great for every-day wear. Once again this one has diamond eyes. A popular feature of the snake ring. 

Serpent ring by Pamela Love $1,300 

This one is a little more of a luxury item at that price, but it's stunning. Seriously, look at that tri-stack! Swoooon. 

Anyway, there you have it - Snake rings! I hope you see something you like and if you have some snake-inspired rings, or any snake jewellery, please comment and let me know! 

Thanks for reading, 

L. x