Victorian Vinaigrettes: Jewelry with Purpose

Victorian Vinaigrette necklaces, while being ornate, varied, and elegant, also provide fascinating insight into the period which they were designed for. Though they can be found in an infinite variety of styles, a few necessary attributes set them apart from other pieces. They are hollow and typically have a perforated top to contain perfumed cotton. This cotton was soaked in smelling salts or vinegar, its namesake. During the Victorian period, cities were festering, stench-ridden places indeed, thus the need for a woman to not just make her own scent more appealing, but protect herself from the odors of every day life. While this necessity is no longer relevant (hopefully), a Vinaigrette is an essential piece for any woman with a penchant for historically-vivid jewelry.

DIVA's Etsy shop features this stunning example of a Victorian Vinaigrette necklace. It was made by hand around the late 1800s, early 1900s from sterling silver, and is about 33 inches from hook to clasp. The ornate filigree of the pouch itself is simply spellbinding, and is sure to catch glaces and compliments. It is in perfect condition.

DIVA is having a SALE!

I’m very excited to announce that EVERYTHING in the shop will be on sale from Friday, November 11th through Monday, November 21st. EVERYTHING from the vast array of contemporary jewelry, to antique sterling, to vintage and antique costume, clothes, and designer purses, and so much more. Prices, which are already lower than you would find elsewhere, will be from 15% to 25% off price as marked.

Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Sundays -11:00-6:30 pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays-11:00 am-8:30 pm.

Come on by! We’d love to see you. Also, feel free to email me at adornmentdiva@gmail.com if you have any questions about a particular piece or the sale.

Hugs,
D

See Something You Like?

Contact me to talk about prices or come by the shop!

I'm always happy to discuss the pricing of an item you've seen here, or help you find that perfect piece you're looking for and just haven't found yet. Email me at:

adornment.diva@gmail.com

I'd love to chat!

Or simply stop by the shop. We're located at:

331 Walnut St
Newtonville, Massachusetts

(click the map for directions)

Art to Wear

I had been buying fabulous jewelry from the renowned contemporary designer and maker, Amy Kahn Russell, for many years when she and her jewelry rep, Sallie MacIntosh, contacted me with intriguing news. They told me that they had located enamel painters, based in the Russian countryside, who were enameling miniatures with extraordinary skill. We agreed to collaborate on one-of-a-kind paintings (art to wear in the truest sense) solely for my shop.

Once these signed miniatures are completed, Amy sets them with gemstone borders. They then become pins/pendants, extraordinary necklaces, and even bracelets. One piece, which had all four Alphonse Mucha's Four Seasons-each about 4" by 3" and ensconced with gemstones and carnelian florals and other shapes, took almost two years to put together. It was just bought by a collector who is getting a custom-made case to hang on her wall when not wearing it. In my shop I currently have pieces replicating Erte, Klimpt, Mucha, and others.

It is a rare treat to find jewelry that demonstrates such a high level of artistic merit. One could truly observe these pieces for days and still continuously find striking details in the craftsmanship. They are a special treasure in my shop.

Interested in giving one of these masterful works a home? Email me at adornmentdiva@gmail.com to talk about purchasing! The prices for these very limited pieces are wonderfully reasonable, starting at around $500.

DIVA in the News!

Donna’s Infinite Variety of Adornments is proud to announce that the shop has made its way into the presses multiple times this year—and for all the right reasons!

Take a peak at this article in the Newton Patch: 'Local Diva Gives New Perspective on History' to get an alternative perspective on the store, and read about how jewelry's historical context inspires me.

DIVA was also featured in the Boston.com article 'The Best of the New" as one of the top shops in the Boston area!

And DIVA is especially honored to announce that it is among this years winners of the GHMNE / TAB Readers Choice awards. DIVA placed first for jewelry stores in the Newton area and Bronze in the Metro 1 zone!

As always, I am extremely grateful for the positive reception the store has received. Hope to see you at DIVA soon!

Hugs,
-Donna

Welcome to DIVA!

Greetings from Donna's Infinite Variety of Adornments, the home of my life's great collection. From a towel in Harvard Square to the shop you see above, selling jewelry and vintage clothing has been my life's pursuit. For the last 43 years I've collaborated with a wide variety of designers, frequented estate sales and antique stores, and crafted my own pieces, amassing an infinite compendium.

Ranging from $12 up to six figures, I carry everything from :

• Contemporary (including Echo of the Dreamer, Flying Anvil, Deb Armstrong, and Patricia Von Musulin)
• Vintage costume (such as Coro, Miriam Haskell, Jacob Bengal, Hattie Carnegie, and Chanel)
• Antique and vintage silver (from Jensen, Peruzzi, Parenti, and Anderson)
  
• Estate gold, platinum, and gemstones (from Ripka, Robert Lee Morris, and Victorian, Nouveau, or Deco artists)
  
• and so much more.

Through this blog I would like to share my collection, and hopefully meet a few more enthusiasts.

Hugs,
-Donna