For Kimikocat: Pics of my sparkly time in Berkeley!

[Love in Bloom]

Hi Kimikocat!

First off, I want to thank you for recommending M. Lowe. It made my trip to Berkeley so much sweeter!!

Ever since you mentioned it I've always wanted to visit this store...when I finally got there I was not disappointed. I didn't realize they had so many quality estate pieces. Was also surprised to learn they have a jeweler on site - I was impressed by his designs.

Finally, here are some pics of my trip to M. Lowe!



First up: Estate Pieces

Deco ring with an OEC (about 1 and a quarter carats). The warmth on this was subtle and the stone was very inviting! Not sure if this was a mans or a womans ring, but it did fit on my thumb.

 

[Love in Bloom]

A 2+ carat OMC, the biggest OMC I've ever seen and a lovely creamy white color The setting on this one really complemented the stone; it kind of reminds me of LM - very dainty. The culet looks off center in the pic, but it's not IRL. This particular diamond offered kozibe and sparkle aplenty!

 

[Love in Bloom]

Here''s some presence for ya - French cut sapphires and beautiful filigree. Hubby thought the designs on the side resembled stars of david. Care to guess a weight on the OEC?

 

[Love in Bloom]

Some Bands...

I was looking at some bands to stacki and the SA (who is their pearl stringer) suggested these. Liked the one on top; not crazy about the bottom one. What do you think?

 

[Love in Bloom]

Of course, some Van Craeynest! (You know I had to!)

Recognize this one?

 

[Love in Bloom]

I''ll give you a hint

 

[Love in Bloom]

At first I thought this was 1034, but it''s actually 1038 (fleur-de-lis head, diamonds nessled in leaf tapers...

)

 

[Love in Bloom]

I spent a lot of time with this one. YUM!

 

[Love in Bloom]

Onto the Yellows!

Here are the bezeled pear sidestones I was talking about. I think their in-house jeweler designed this one. The pears were the lightest lemony yellow!

 

[Love in Bloom]

I saw this and instantly thought of you. Another in house design - a very well-done semi-bezel. Platinum setting with a satin finish. The profile was perfectly elegant. It was the sweetest little radiant, a beautiful and dreamy yellow...

 

[Love in Bloom]

This one didn't look green or grey at all in the store. The whitebalance was definitely off on my camera for this one

. We'll need to take a trip together so we can appreciate the yellows in person

.

 

[Love in Bloom]

That's all for now - Have a lovely weekend Kimikocat! Hopefully we'll talk soon

 

[mitsui4]

lovely

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Date: 8/22/2009 1:53:28 AM
Author: Love in Bloom

I saw this and instantly thought of you. Another in house design - a very well-done semi-bezel. Platinum setting with a satin finish. The profile was perfectly elegant. It was the sweetest little radiant, a beautiful and dreamy yellow...

Yum! This is my favourite. I love the yellow and the sleek setting.

 

[kimikocat]

Hello LIB!

I''m so glad that you enjoyed your visit to M Lowe. Margo (the M of M Lowe) has a fun shop, and she has a great eye for estate pieces. I think she works with a dealer network to acquire them. Did you get a chance to check out Aura Jewelers, around the corner (next to Peet''s)? The owner there specializes in estate and antique pieces, with some random gemstone strands thrown into the mix.

I bought my very first piece of "fine jewelry" here when I was still an undergrad at Berkeley! The piece was made in bali -- Margo seems to do a lot of sourcing overseas -- but the on-site jeweler had the opportunity to resize the ring from a 7 (standard sample size?) to a 4. Yikes. hehe.

Their in-house designs seem very organic to me. They remind me a little of Melissa Joy Manning.

kimi

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 8/22/2009 1:28:14 AM
Author: Love in Bloom


A 2+ carat OMC, the biggest OMC I''ve ever seen and a lovely creamy white color The setting on this one really complemented the stone; it kind of reminds me of LM - very dainty. The culet looks off center in the pic, but it''s not IRL. This particular diamond offered kozibe and sparkle aplenty!

I''ve tried this one on! I love OMCs!!!

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 8/22/2009 1:56:57 AM
Author: Love in Bloom


This one didn''t look green or grey at all in the store. The whitebalance was definitely off on my camera for this one

. We''ll need to take a trip together so we can appreciate the yellows in person

.

I like this one, and the radiant in the semi-bezel, but for different reasons. This cushion-shaped piece feels very substantial to me. I''m guessing you''d definitely notice it from across the room! How fun - to work in half moons AND pears.