Many years ago, when I first visited Paris, I vowed I would go back and see ALL the art I missed. This year I got to do just that. Well, almost.

It seems water (as in flooding) likes to follow me wherever I go (FYI: I live in New Orleans!) and, so of course a couple of days after I arrived, so did the flood; which in turn closed down The Louvre and some other institutions of art. However, I did manage to tour Musee D’Orsay and L’Orangerie before they had to shut down and move the art. So my dream of seeing Monet’s Lilies did come true! Not to mention all the spots that stayed open throughout the 10 day downpour (Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, etc). Enough about the art. The real BIG deal of my trip was a visit to a teeny tiny boutique on Rue Saint Honoré, an exquisite jewel box. The shop of one of my idols: Lydia Courteille. Well, let me just say, it was going to be enough for me just to look and swoon, but there SHE was! And so gracious and lovely. I got to touch and pet her work, and talk to the designer herself. Here’s proof:

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Lydia (Courteille, classy) & Lydia (me, giddy)

Ms. Courteille’s work is over the top fantasy. I’m not making this up, check out her stuff here: http://www.lydiacourteille.com/

Well, enough about that Lydia. This Lydia came home inspired by all that pavé, and pulled out a couple of jewel encrusted crystals (pavé created by Mother Nature)!Here’s what they became:

 

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Spessartite Garnet Encrusted Smokey Quartz Crystal Pendant Necklace

 

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Smokey Quartz Crystal Studded With Spessartite Garnet Crystals with a Triple Strand of Pyrite Chain

Since I was on an “Orange You Glad” theme, I made this bracelet with a larger spessartite crystal (and a “bestie”)!

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Raw Spessartite Garnet Crystal Cuff With Diamond

Staying on the “orange” theme: gorgeous Mexican fire opal (love the spots).

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Mexican Fire Opal Ring

Clicking on an image will take you to the shop for more info. While you’re at it, you can check out some of the other Beautiful Blondes, including some wonderful “redhead edition” pieces here: http://boutique.ledajewelco.com/collections/beautiful-blondes

Hope everyone is having fun in the sun and enjoying summer. I am still dreaming of Paris!

A Bientôt.