20 Comments
Jun 12, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

"atomic level distress" sounds like how I feel this morning. At least I got to start the day with these lovely jewels and your lovely commentary on them.

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Right?? We are all pink diamonds!

Thanks for the kind words - I'm glad I could provide a little distraction from the Monday morning dread!

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Jun 12, 2023·edited Jun 12, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

This is some great stuff! So, the Lalique ring. Haunted. It would whisper bad things in your ear at night. I love seeing sea shells with their natural magnificence highlighted by rocks and metal. Total celebration of minerals, and minerals rarely get to celebrate. The Ruby is epic. Cutting 45.78 carats off a 101 carat stone makes me jittery. I want to investigate the surgeon-like nerves these gem guys must be sporting. Monkey Clock? He's totally daring you to look at him. EEEEvil. While the ring's whispering bad ideas to you, the Monkey just wants to carve out your eye with his golden tail. Don't get me started on the Wally Birds. They're doing the over-under on how long it would take me to accidentally explode that stilted Tiffany Lamp. 4 hours.

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HA! Yeah, I'm totally fascinated by gem cutters; it's a science, but my god - talk about nerves of steel. Here's a great article with before and after photos that show how much of a difference the right cut can make on a stone: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/value-re-cutting-re-polishing-repairing-gems/ So cool!

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I'll take the under.

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I'm so happy that I decided to start my day with your newsletter. I love looking at all the jewels I'll never afford, but stir my imagination. I enjoy the dishes much more while I imagine all the stories behind those gems.

Speaking of stories, thank you so much for include the butterfly lamp. I adore almost everything from the Arts & Crafts period. The jewelry, the lamps, the tiles, the furniture, even the architecture...everything had such style and character! I'd be thrilled if more of it, and the charming history you always seem to find *smile*, found it's way into your newsletter.

I am, once again, a huge fan of "Dearest".

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Thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words. I love Arts & Crafts too, so I will certainly keep my eyes peeled in the future!

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Jun 12, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

Well, just delightful, as always!

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Thank you!!

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What a delicious way to start Monday! Confession: I like Alma-Tadema too, even if he was the Thomas Kinkade of the late 19th century. It's escapist and dreamy.

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Oh man, meeee toooooo. I adore all the dreamy Neoclassical late Victorians, but Leighton and Alma-Tadema definitely compete for first in my affections - I've always been a sucker for fastidious technical skill and then they're just so damned PRETTY. It was a huge thrill to see Flaming June in person when it was on loan to the Frick a while back.

These auctions truly make me wish I could have seen Temple of Wings as it was, with everything in place. It must have been spectacular.

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Yes! I'd love to see virtual tours of private collections or galleries.

Years ago I had a wall calendar with Flaming June and Alma-Tadema works in it - I think it was called Dreamers. Such wonderful eye candy.

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Jun 20, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

That tiffany lamp!!

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It's amazing! That base!!! GAH

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Jun 12, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

Thanks for the link. Very classy lady.

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Jun 12, 2023Liked by Monica McLaughlin

Great stuff! Love the Joanne Woodward wedding dress.

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Thank you! She was adorable in that dress - there's a great photo of them in Town & Country: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a43142478/joanne-woodward-paul-newman-auction/

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That’s Mrs Coulter’s desk clock, surely ❤️

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Oh, TOTALLY.

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Yes! Clara Driscoll’s Tiffany lamp is stunning!

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