The 41 carat “Dresden Green” is the largest naturally green Diamond to date.
I believe that my love of jewelry design, art and style began when I was a young boy. I remember subtle things such as my mothers engagement ring of white gold and black onyx that my father gave her. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! So chic on her finger and so timeless at the same time. From then on, I would say my mother and her love of jewelry sparked something in my own creative soul.
My mother traveled to Kuwait on a business trip when I was young boy. While she was there she acquired the most beautiful diamond and ruby ring of about 2 carats. I had never seen anything like it, and I dare didn’t asked how much is cost. The irony is that even though I purchased her a small pink sapphire pendant necklace as a gift on the day of her return, her ring was absolutely stunning and I have fallen in love with jewelry design ever since.
So without further ado, this is my Love of Jewels.
Bahadur Shah Zafar II
India (Delhi), Mughal, c. 1850
Watercolors on ivory
One of my greatest inspirations will always be the great Mughal Emperors of India. The splendor and grandeur of their Pearls, Emeralds, Silks, Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires rivaled that of any King in the world. They looked so regal and exalted that all who saw them knew, they were royalty and should as such adorn themselves accordingly.
Turban Ornament
India (West Bengal), Mughal, c. 1755
Gold, set with diamonds, rubies, a sapphire, Colombian emeralds and a pearl.
I love the elegance that something like this Turban Ornament gives to the wearer. As an option this item could also be styled as a brooch on a great jacket. Great jewelry design for me is about timeless design and the highest quality of gemstones, and also versatility.
Mango-shaped rock crystal Flask
India, Mughal, mid-17th century
Rock crystal; set with gold, enamel, rubies, and emeralds
This whimsical and charming flask is from the time of Shah Jahan, the Emperor who built the Taj Mahal in the 17th century. This is a truly wonderful example of imagination and the mix of timeless design, exceptional taste, and quality materials.
My collection grows.
Though my collection is certainly not on the level of the Great Emperors of India whom I admire, it still holds dear to my heart. Most of my pieces are vintage or hand crafted using emeralds, gold, pearls and silver. I hope to one day expand my collection to higher end pieces with more historical importance. My collection is a mix of vintage, gifted and purchased items with the silver rhinestone panther ring and brooch both being vintage finds for example, and the silver beaded bracelet with black onyx, a gift from my mother.
The long adored and cherished pearl is my zodiac birthstone, so the two strand freshwater pearl bracelet is something I was lucky enough to find at a vintage jewelry fair in New York City. The emerald stone and pearl bracelet with matching silver and emerald stone ring where hand-made for me in India and are my latest additions. The black rhinestone bracelet was a gift, and the gold Damascene bracelet next to it, a purchase on trip to Miami, Florida. The gold floral scroll cuff was an online vintage find, and the gold Damascene bracelet above it a vintage fair find as well.
Lauren Hutton by Milton Greene, 1966
I absolutely love this classic ad of Lauren Hutton dripping in jewels. I wish to one day create quality of this nature. I formerly owned and produced a jewelry designing brand called Sergio James with an old friend of mine, based out of New York City. We crafted jewelry using simple materials such as wood, spray paint, gold and silver leaf and metal filigree accents. I do miss the times that we created elegant yet simple collections, but its time to move on to more glittering pursuits. My goal is to achieve Master Jeweler status which is a very high honor.
I finally have had time as of late to start crafting and brainstorming jewelry concepts. Check out what I have been working on so far…
I present my little sample collection which I call “The Golden Black Pearl Collection”
Yes! I love how they turned out, the are my perfect whimsical items all in gold. The black freshwater pearl is hand-woven with gold wire through a gold feather pendant at the end of a gold and black enamel chain. The diadems are gold bands with gold feather scroll pendants that I have hand-woven with gold wire to form this leaf crest pattern and this branch like design. The set is my perfect royal nod to history. This is only the start and more creations are to come. I am so happy to FINALLY start designing again. Please stay tuned for more.
Thank you all for reading!
Cheers!
James Field
The Black Nouveau 