Bird In Hand

The hunt is on! When we purchased these lovely cufflinks, it reminded us that we are in the midst of pheasant hunting season. These cufflinks, circa 1900, are an exceptional example of reverse intaglio crystal, evident by the depth of the carving and the phenomenal detail. Reverse intaglio crystal, also called Essex crystal, is a craft that was popularized in Victorian England. A reverse intaglio consists of a clear crystal that is cut into a cabochon. The artisan then carves an image on the flat side of the cabochon, an intaglio, and paints the carving. To complete the piece, a thin layer of mother of pearl is added to the back to produce a luminescent three-dimensional look.

Serving Up Refinement

As the holiday season gets into full swing in the US, people everywhere are pulling out the good china and the silver to entertain guests. At CIRCA, in addition to the fabulous jewelry we buy, we also purchase sterling silver flatware, like the Puiforcat Elysée collection pictured here.

Puiforcat sterling flatware is the epitome of elegance and fine design. Puiforcat cutlery-works was established in 1820 in the Marais district of Paris, and the firm’s reputation grew rapidly due to the family’s superior craftsmanship. Jean Puiforcat, great-grandson of founder Emile, is the most well-known of this family of silversmiths, and began his career in 1920. His interest in mathematics and the geometric forms that inspired his designs were a perfect fit with the Art Deco movement of the time. His collections were typically characterized by their simplicity and clean lines.

The Politics of Fashion

This most recent election season proved once and for all that our female candidates can’t escape media commentary about their fashion choices. Perhaps they themselves are to blame. As Coco Chanel herself said “Dress shabbily (or in this case boxily?), they notice the dress. Dress impeccably, they notice the woman”.

After reading the recent article in the NY Times about The Fashion Conservatives,  I am writing this column to beseech Anna Wintour and Simon Doonan to follow up on their comments – perhaps some workshops are in order to help our female politicians develop their personal style. So instead of comments on their high heels, jewelry or pantsuits, they will be acknowledged as the stylish/elegant Senator or candidate.

Breaking Convention

During the Roaring 1920’s, a lady’s cigarette case symbolized the breaking of convention. The flappers of that era caused a frenzy by smoking in public, and sneaking a chic cigarette case out of your purse was considered the height of glamour. Jewelry houses such as Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels took cigarette cases beyond their traditional masculine designs by embellishing them with 18kt gold, enamel, diamonds and other precious stones. These small yet extravagant items took hundreds of man-hours to create, involving goldsmiths, guillocheur, engravers and stone-setters.

Guest Blogger: Alexandria Hilfiger

Every Jewel tells a story. CIRCA asked Alexandria Hilfiger about her favorite jewelry piece:

My favorite piece of jewelry is my fathers monogram ring that his father gave him when he was 16. My Grandfather was a jeweler and made my grandmother rings and necklaces. I have a ring he made for her from his scraps; it’s a small gold ring with rubies and diamonds. I wear it with the monogram ring he made for my dad. These rings never leave my fingers because they have so much sentiment; therefore they are my favorite pieces of jewelry.




- Alexandria Hilfiger is a co-founder and designer for NAHM, a womenswear fashion label