Diamonds are a girls best friend. The fire, the sparkle, yes I love them and a girl can dream about having all sorts of divine gems to wear.
Recently I was invited to come and discover the story of Rutherford which is a family run business who have been creating and selling new and fine vintage jewellery in Melbourne for decades. James Rutherford (now the third generation of Rutherfords’ in the family business) told us the story of Bruce Rutherford who founded the business after his humble beginnings as a watchmaker and how he packed his family of 4 children, sold their Melbourne house and sailed to England to learn the jewellery trade at Sotheby’s.
Rutherford’s are known for their pearls and gorgeous Victorian vintage pieces like this one above from 1916.
Like a kid in a no-calorie-candy store I was invited to try on many of their stunning pieces and I certainly didn’t hold back. From ravishing rubies.
To enticing emeralds (which are quite rare as they are a more delicate stone that is more easily damaged.
Precious South Sea pearls in traditional white with incredible lustre.
As well as the more exotic gold South Sea Pearls which would be diving on someone with a warm complexion.
So many incredible sparkling jewels to feast your eyes upon. From real Art Deco pieces that would easily fit into the wardrobe of Miss Phryne Fisher to modern settings.
I have to say I fell in love with the floral design ruby and diamond ring in the collage above. Swoon..
The art deco pieces are spectacular Imogen !
Thanks for your helpful blog Imogen. Here is my poem:
Pearl
an orb of translucence
glowing femininity
a secret to know
timeless
Here is my poem:
Oh pearl you are so beautiful
In jewellery you are so suitable
I love your lustre
Single or cluster
You are in fact unbeatable
Pearls look great at any age
Their lustres shine are just divine
If you want to look well dressed
go to Rutherford’s, they have the best
Unique, rare treasure
Created within a life-giving haven
Translucent lustre
Exotic beauty
Pearl
Precious…..and
Exquisite
Ageless…..whilst
Radiant
Lustrous……yet
Sublime
Pearls of the stream
Evoke a lady’s dream:
Acquire an elegant gleam.
Revered by the wise,
Luminescent guise
Shapes the oyster’s demise
Freshwater Pearls, -history has confirmed
From Victoria -Queen and Greyson
timeless and sleek, we love these little grey ones
loved and admired in regalia and revenge
Their adorable glow is all over the globe
their lustre is a sunset of events
Rhianna sure does them with style
They are classy and chic, at parties or on the street
creating glowy looks for the girl
timeless and sleek
whoever would speak
against adoring Rhianna’s rosy pearl
Beautiful pieces. Here is my entry.
There was a young pearl from Broome
To Rutherfords she did zoom
The good people there
Set her with expert care
Now an earring she just needs a pair
Rutherford pearls are a thing of beauty
A symbol of elegance and class
You can wear a pearl
Anywhere in the world
They’re more graceful than beads of glass
Sheared silken string
White orbs free fall spiralling
Pearlescent drum roll
Great article and photos. I am soo envious. My poem follows.
Of all of earth’s treasures; the pearl is unique
An unexpected suprise that is brought from the deep.
For thousands of years the divers have brought
A gem of great lustre; both freshwater and salt.
Its uses have ranged from makeup to medicine
But its value has lasted in adornment of fashion.
Worn in great splendour by persons of note
In lengths such as princess, opera and pearl rope.
Its lustre and translucence are singularly found
In its shapes such as button, baroque, pear and round.
Its a timeless gem from years long ago
That is still just as valued for those in the know.
It reminds us that though fashion may change
A thing of great beauty will always remain.
Technology brings us advances, its true
But the pearl is from nature; for times old and new.
Beautiful poems just add elegance to the subject!
Question… I have collected strands over the years, different lengths and sizes, and I love them all. Pearl earrings are part of my signature style too (not usually together though). I’ve given pearls to my girls, and they carry off the classic look so well. But pearls seem old and stuffy on me at times, and I end up taking them off. How can I wear them and keep the look fresh in my 60’s?!!! Thanks! Jacque