Swan jewellery kaleidoscope. Gold, Silver, Freshwater Pearl and Diamond brooch

In the Celtic folklore, the swan was often seen as a transformed human; occasionally the swan was believed to be a bewitched nun. It was considered lucky to see seven swans flying, because seven years of good luck would follow; seeing a multiple of seven brought that many more years of good luck. Hurting or killing a swan, conversely, brought bad luck to oneself and one’s entire community. Swan maiden is Celtic folkloric figure. The story of a young woman who is half-bird appears throughout the ancient Celtic lands. Sometimes the girl was said to be under an enchantment, which might or might not be broken; other times, no reason was given for the maiden’s double nature. In the dark of night, such maidens took off their swan plumage and left it beside the lakes in which they swam, naked and beautiful. Should a man find the feather cloak of such a woman, he could make her his wife by stealing it, whereupon she became a happy and hardworking help-meet. Should the swan maiden ever find her feathers, she instantly converted herself to bird form and flew away, leaving her children behind without so much as a backward glance.
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Russian style Axenoff Jewellery. Brooch ‘Anna Pavlova’ Silver 925, enamel, blue topazes, amethysts

Russian style Axenoff Jewellery – not only painted dolls, samovars, Gzhel, Palekh in earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings. Axenoff Jewellery presents a deep love for the history, culture and style of the Russian royal family. Axenoff Jewellery delicately blends modern trends with classic jewelry traditions, thus creating a unique synthesis of the past and present. Designer Peter Axenoff – the artist and collector of Russian icons. Born in the family of the photographer and icon painter, Peter was immersed in a rich artistic world from an early age and began exploring painting, architecture, ballet, theater and historical costumes. Over time, the creative energy and knowledge enabled him to realize his passions with the help of jewelry and develop his own brand. The aesthetics of the brand was formed under the influence of the masterpieces of personal heroes of Pyotr Axenoff – Bryullov, Vrubel, Mucha, Waterhouse and Rossetti, concerts by Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens and Bizet, the novels of Tolstoy and Pushkin. Among the many sources of inspiration a special place in his heart takes Diaghilev Russian Seasons.
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Dona Maria de la Concepcion butterfly brooch, given to her by the XVIII Duke de Plasencia José María Martorell y Téllez-Girón as a symbol of their oath and commitment to one another. Sapphires, diamonds, rubies, opals, emeralds

The XVIII Duke de Plasencia and Dona Maria de la Concepcion lived during the very turbulent and politically unstable years of the Spanish Civil War. They first met in Madrid, by chance on the terrace of the Hotel Universal in 1931, where it was love at first sight. Yet the political situation separated them; the Duke was forced to take refuge in the Romanian embassy while Dona Maria de la Concepcion left for San Sebastian in the north of Spain. Only twenty years later did they finally marry, in the famous Chapel of Santiago de Compostela. This brooch was given by the Duke to Dona Maria de la Concepcion during one of their rare encounters in Biarritz, during their time apart. A symbolic gift, the butterfly’s wings represented freedom from the difficult political situation and was a symbol of their oath and commitment to one another.
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Victorian brooch in the form of a dove and a horseshoe, 1880s, symbolizing luck, peace and love

A friend was visiting the famous atom scientist, Nobel Prize winner Niels Bohr in his home. During the talking, the friend kept staring at a horseshoe hanging over the door. At last, his curiosity made him ask:
“Niels, it can’t possibly be that you, a brilliant scientist, believe the foolish horseshoe superstition?!”
“Of course I don’t,” replied the scientist. “But I understand it’s lucky whether you believe in it or not.”
Belief in lucky horseshoe quality – one of the most common modern superstitions among many people, regardless of religion – Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. Everyone believes that a horseshoe brings good luck to the house, but not everyone knows where this belief has come from. Here are some interesting facts in Horseshoe jewellery kaleidoscope.
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Christmas bauble ornament decorated with beads, crystals and sequins. Kaleidoscope of beaded baubles

Kaleidoscope of beaded baubles

The most important trend is increasingly gaining popularity this year and coming 2016 – year of the red Fire Monkey – handmade toys that in many families have already become collectible. And if you have retro ornaments from grandmothers you are lucky. No need to buy exclusive jewelry, the beauty can be created. Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing… ~ Grace Noll Crowell. This post – Kaleidoscope of beaded baubles gives the idea of making insanely beautiful vintage Christmas ornaments decorated with beads and sequins. They remind us of the delight of the most important holidays of humanity – Christmas and New Year, when waiting for Christmas meant waiting for a miracle. And they take us away to the glorious Victorian era – the realm of luxury craft and creativity that continue to inspire. The process of creating such ornaments is extraordinarily exciting. What master who has ever worked in this technique, didn’t feel like Faberge! Decorated with beads of bright colors, crystals, shells, ribbons and sequins glass or satin balls is truly exquisite decoration for any Christmas tree.
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Mary and Maximilian love brooch dating to 1476. Engagement brooch given to Mary of Burgundy by Maximilian I of Austria

This rare medieval brooch from Vienna treasury depicts a couple in love – Mary (13 February 1457 – 27 March 1482), Duchess of Burgundy and Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (22 March 1459 – 12 January 1519). Mary and Maximilian love brooch was mentioned for the first time in the list of jewels of Emperor Ferdinand I, who likely inherited it from his grandmother, beautiful and forever young Mary of Burgundy. Mary of Burgundy (13 February 1457 – 27 March 1482) was the heiress to the vast and wealthy Burgundian domains in France and was often referred to as Mary the Rich. She lived a short but bright life, died aged 25. For 5 years of her happy marriage with Archduke Maximilian of Austria she gave birth to three children – Philip the Handsome, who died young, aged 28, daughter Margaret (10 January 1480 – 1 December 1530), and the youngest – Francis who lived only four months.
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Theo Fennell Halloween jewellery

Halloween in different countries is celebrated differently. It is a holiday of ghosts, witches, ghouls, vampires and all other evil spirits. The history of Halloween has its roots in Celtic mythology, when people celebrated days of Samhain, the lord of the dead, and the prince of darkness. In the IX century, these ancient traditions blended with another Catholic holiday – the day of All Saints. People dresses up in costumes of dark forces. For me personally, it’s not a holiday. Generally I do not like everything about the dark forces, but I appreciate creativity and art connected with this holiday. Theo Fennell jewellery is truly piece of art, beautifully crafted and designed, with immaculate attention to detail. Exquisite handmade jewelry of thirty year-old exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful and ornate designs, Theo Fennell Halloween jewellery is made of precious metals and stones – diamonds, rubies, emeralds.
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