Christine von Schönburg

Love is in the air II

2012-02-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

Sterling Silver heart with rutilated quartz and braided leather necklace.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Sterling Silver heart and rutilated quartz necklace.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Love is in the air

2012-02-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming soon...

One of the coolest and more stylish couples in this universe and beyond, Garance Doré and Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist, have shot some great pictures for Tiffany's beautiful campaign for Valentine's day:

"True Love in pictures"

What I loved most about this campaign is that you can upload your own moments of True Love on Instagram using the #truelovepictures hashtag with the Tiffany filter…!!!

Watch here the video of this great couple shooting for Tiffany and Co. to see how cute they are together and what a cute song too!

More is not enough!

2012-01-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

Iris Apfel (born Astoria, Queens, New York, 29 August 1921) is an American businesswoman, former interior designer, and fashion icon.She studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin. As a young woman Barrel worked for Women's Wear Daily and for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also was an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman.

In 1948 she married Carl Apfel. Two years later they launched the textile firm Old World Weavers and ran it until they retired in 1992. During this time, Iris Apfel took part in many design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.
Iris Apfel still consults, and also lectures about style and other fashion topics.

In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City premiered an exhibition about the fashionable style of Iris Apfel entitled Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel. The success of the exhibit was profound that planted the seed for traveling versions of the exhibit displayed at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach;the Nassau County Museum in Nassau County, New York; and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. The Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History in Boynton Beach is in the conceptual phase of a 93,000 square feet (8,600 m2) new building that will include a dedicated gallery for the clothes, accessories and furnishings of Iris Apfel.

Wonderful style icon Iris Apfel talks about the importance of accessories !!!
Have a look at her interview here

Fall, leaves, fall

2012-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

"Fall, leaves, fall'

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night's decay
Ushers in a drearier day."

Emily Jane Brontë

18k gold necklace with Rutilated Quartz and Rubellites
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

latest rings

2012-01-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

18k gold ring with Aquamarine
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Sterling silver and 18k gold ring with Amazonite.
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

18k gold ring with diamond and pearls.
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Magical Chasing

2011-12-09T04:21:00.000-08:00

CHASING HAS BEEN USED IN JEWELRY FOR AGES AND ALLOWS US TO CREATE WONDERFUL THINGS, SUCH AS THE RING Soleil d'Automne FOR CHANEL. HAVE A LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL WORK OF CHASING HERE

It's one of my favorite techniques and I use it a lot, specially to create the leaves for my collection: "" A Flower is a Leaf mad with Love " :

All jewellery shown above, designed and made by Christine v. Schönburg

Amazing Craftsmanship

2011-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

I think one of the most beautiful and fascinating things one can see is a true craftsman at work,.
The art, the dedication, the attention to the details, the savoir faire and the love craftsmen put into their work is just so inspiring and wonderful!
Watching this video made me think how much I love my profession!

L'école Maison van Cleef et Arpels

2011-10-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

MAISON VAN CLEEF & ARPELS CREATES A SCHOOL
in order to cast a light on the very secretive world of jewelry.

To give an insight and understanding,
to share the spirit of jewelry, in a nutshell,
to reveal the essence of this exceptional craft.

L'Ecole offers a unique opportunity to discover and learn for those who are passionate about jewelry, lovers of beauty or simply curious and anyone who wishes to acquire inside knowledge of this fascinating world.

If you want to know more about this wonderful initiative or to enrol in their newest courses, have a look here
and watch Marie Vallanet-Delhom, the school's directors, explaining why and what for they decided to create the school.

"The straight line is ungodly."

2011-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser (December 15, 1928 – February 19, 2000) was a Austrian painter and architect. Born in Vienna, he became one of the best-known contemporary Austrian artists, although controversial, by the end of the 20th century.
Hundertwasser's original and unruly artistic vision expressed itself in pictorial art, environmentalism, philosophy, and design of facades, postage stamps, flags, and clothing (among other areas). The common themes in his work utilised bright colours, organic forms, a reconciliation of humans with nature, and a strong individualism, rejecting straight lines.
He remains sui generis, although his architectural work is comparable to Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in its use of biomorphic forms and the use of tile. He was also inspired by the art of the Vienna Secession, and by the Austrian painters Egon Schiele (1890–1918) and Gustav Klimt (1862–1918).
He was fascinated by spirals, and called straight lines "the devil's tools".
From the early 1950s he increasingly focused on architecture. This began with manifestos, essays and demonstrations.

In the Mouldiness Manifesto he first claimed the "Window Right": "A person in a rented apartment must be able to lean out of his window and scrape off the masonry within arm's reach. And he must be allowed to take a long brush and paint everything outside within arm's reach. So that it will be visible from afar to everyone in the street that someone lives there who is different from the imprisoned, enslaved, standardised man who lives next door."

"I should perhaps like to be known as the magician of vegetation or something similar. We are in need of magic
I fill a picture until it is full with magic, as one fills up a glass with water.
Everything is so infinitely simple, so infinitely beautiful."

"The straight line is godless and immoral. The straight line is not a creative line, it is a duplicating line, an imitating line. In it, God and the human spirit are less at home..."

Earrings, necklace and rings shown above were designed and handmade by Christine von Schönburg.

IN BLOOM

2011-07-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

To see more of this amazing pictures of Lisanne de Jong in “In Bloom” photographed by Viviane Sassen and styled by Katie Shilingford for Dazed & Confused July 2011 check the blog Notorious

"Vejo flores em você"

2011-07-12T13:28:00.001-07:00

Say it with flowers !!!

2011-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

All designs: Christine von Schönburg

The Opernball necklace

2011-07-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for the perfect necklace to wear at Vienna's Opernball or any other ball around the world, here's my suggestion:

18k gold necklace with pearls and rutile quartz
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Rutilated quartz, is a type of quartz with needlelike rutile (a titanium dioxide mineral), embedded in it. The rutile needles can be reddish, which is what rutile means in Latin, or they may be golden, silvery, or on very rare occasions, greenish.

Rutilated quartz is reputed to be an energizing stone that helps get energy moving on all levels. It is also said to attract love and stabilize relationships. Rutilated quartz is said to be particularly effective for getting things moving energetically.

Emotionally, rutilated quartz is reputed to diminish fears and to be excellent at assisting with decisions. It is said that it can also ease loneliness and relieve guilt thereby bringing happiness. It is used metaphysically to help one get out of a rut with their life as well as for stabilizing emotional and mental processes, clarifying thought patterns and emotional reactions. Rutilated quartz is also said to increase one's self-reliance and ability to find one's own way.

Amazing Necklace!

2011-06-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

An unique piece, in white gold, diamonds sapphires and emeralds, which recreates the sinuous shapes of peacock feathers. Realized by Damiani, Peacock necklace was awarded the Couture Design Award 2010.

My personal bracelet

2011-06-09T10:09:00.001-07:00

Pulseira acervo pessoal, em prata de lei com lapis lazúli, olho-de-tigre, hematita e medalha milagrosa em prata.
Design: Christine von Schönburg.
( estas pulseiras såo feitas sob encomenda, após uma entrevista, escolhendo-se as pedras naturais cujos efeitos supram as necessidades especificas de cada pessoa.)

MINHA PULSEIRA:

Pedra do ano de 2011 - Lápis Lazúli

O Lápis Lázuli, rocha metamórfica, vem como um bálsamo neste período, onde poderemos abrir nossa consciência para ver os objetivos espirituais que estão por traz deste momento da humanidade. Ele nos ajuda a entender, a discernir, a aprender sobre o momento em que estamos vivendo.

Uma pedra sagrada, utilizada por muitos povos antes de nós, sempre com objetivos espirituais elevados, como conexão e visão sob um olhar espiritual da realidade aqui na terra. No aspecto físico, pode agir como uma pedra calmante, anti-ansiolítica, promovendo o relaxamento e induzindo ao sono tranqüilo. Ajuda de forma vibracional a reforçar o sistema imunológico do organismo. Auxiliar no tratamento de afecções de pele, acnes, eczemas e urticárias. Age beneficamente sobre as disfunções hormonais e também sobre a frigidez. Atua sobre o metabolismo, favorecendo a perda de peso.

No aspecto emocional, movimenta o universo interior sempre em busca de seus desígnios maiores, ao sentido da vida, ou ao que veio nesta encarnação. Proporciona o reencontro e a religação consigo mesmo. É capaz de abrandar e solucionar estados emocionais de conflitos interiores. Promove a auto-aceitação e a auto-estima. Faz com que possamos nos sentir acolhidos pelo universo, e fortes o suficiente para enfrentarmos o que vier pela frente. Favorece a força da alma, em sentido elevado, sobre a mente. Auxilia nos processos de cura de somatizações, pois ela faz com que a pessoa possa compreender o “porqueadoeceu, e o que vai fazer por si mesmo para se curar, com sabedoria e muita, muita proteção espiritual.

No aspecto mental é capaz de abrir a visão positiva de nossas virtudes. Promove a abertura mental ao plano da sabedoria superior. Faz abertura do discernimento e da absorção de novos conhecimentos. Abre a mente para o novo, o mais belo, o mais artístico, o mais inspirado, enfim, todas as conexões positivas da alma com o refinamento intelectual e espiritual. Esta pedra é capaz de fazer a abordagem de sua energia de forma natural, sem choques, inspirando a mente aos mais nobres e elevados conceitos de sua alma. Favorece a concentração, induz ao estado meditativo e à profundidade interior. Boa conselheira nos casos de tomadas de decisões ou posicionamentos firmes em casos delicados.

No aspecto espiritual ela promove a contemplação da espiritualidade. Possui uma propriedade especial que é a de purificação, não só do corpo físico, como também dos corpos sutis. Esta purificação é no sentido de elevação da alma e de realinhamento energético. Sua ação protetora é bastante forte. Assim como a abertura que promove, para o entendimento na matéria, do mundo espiritual.

Enfim, podemos entender que o caminho sempre será pelo autoconhecimento e pelo entendimento da alma e do seu coração, adaptando o nosso "ser" à mudança do padrão vibracional universal. A energia universal vem caminhando nesta direção há 20 anos, pois em 2012 estará à nossa porta a abertura da Era de Aquário, uma nova consciência participativa da iluminação, da transformação da consciência individual para obtermos a elevação espiritual, para a qual o processo de adaptação não existe um "remédio", mas sim uma atitude de mudança interior.

O olho-de-tigre faz com que o usuário "enxergue no escuro", desenvolvendo a intuição e alertando contra perigos ou inimigos. Associado à terra, este mineral atrai dinheiro e favorece as relações sólidas; além dos amigos sinceros e verdadeiros.
Também é indicado para pessoas que perderam a vontade de trabalhar e acham que tudo é ruim devido ao seu destino (igualmente ruim). No Oriente, acredita-se que o olho-de-tigre tem poderes para ajudar no tratamento da artrite e problemas na coluna, especialmente da base cervical.

Olho de Tigre: pode dar o poder de ver Deus em todas as formas materiais, e desenvolve a força de vontade. Ajuda a ter percepção sobre as próprias faltas, clareza de pensamento. Melhora a proteção, o poder pessoal, integridade, força de vontade. Auxilia na integração do espírito com a energia da Terra. Elimina emoções indesejáveis, equilibra as necessidades físicas e materiais.
Hematita: Cria um potente campo purificador para o corpo físico, auxilia a depuração do sangue e fortalece os órgãos purificadores do sangue, fígado rins e baço. Auxilia a transformar o veículo físico para carregar maior quantidade de luz e energia.

Efeitos terapêuticos para a psique: A Hematita constrói um escudo protetor sobre nós, permitindo-nos viver de maneira mais corajosa, sem dificuldades e com maior consciência de nossas metas. Não permite que as influências negativas penetrem em nós. As opressões da alma são minoradas. Ela nos oferece mais espontaneidade e alegria de viver. Desenvolvemos autoconfiança e podemos tomar rédeas das nossas vidas, tornando-nos menos dependentes dos outros. Na meditação, a Hematita irradia de modo que possamos viver com extraordinária calma. É muito apropriada como anel de proteção durante a meditação.

Indicado para: Disposição para o trabalho, capacidade de se relacionar com outras pessoas, negociação habilidosa, fortalecimento, disposição para novos empreendimentos, realização, sono, gravidez. Perturbações da menstruação, vitalidade, frescor, aparência juvenil, olhos, pernas, renovação do sangue, prisão de ventre, pés, articulações, pele, cabeça, fígado, baço.

Sob o ponto de vista da Litoterapia ®, a Hematita é uma pedra de Alta Freqüência energética, com a propriedade de movimentar ondas vibracionais capazes de promover desbloqueios energéticos, dissipando as toxinas e energias eletromagnéticas paradas. Trocando em miúdos, esta pedra é doadora incondicional de vida, movimento, ação. Ela é capaz de tratar inchaços, pois movimenta e desbloquear a energia parada; trata de traumatismos localizados, provenientes de pequenas batidas ou pancadas, não deixando “ficar roxo”, se colocada logo após. Trata da circulação sangüínea, produção e qualidade do sangue. É auxiliar no tratamento de anemias, favorecendo vibracionalmente a absorção do ferro pelo organismo, trazendo a revitalização orgânica. Tem também uma propriedade depurativa, ajudando o organismo na eliminação de toxinas do sangue. Auxilia no alinhamento energético, e também é auxiliar no fortalecimento do sistema imunológico de forma vibracional.

A Medicina Vibracional Alternativa, em nível mundial, vê esta pedra como uma das melhores pedras para tratar do físico, ajudando imensamente a tratar desequilíbrios diversos. Através da propagação de ondas do sistema de cristalização, ela interage em nosso campo eletromagnético, nosso campo áurico, trazendo benefícios e equilíbrio energético.

Sua principal missão é ancorar no corpo físico a essência do espírito. A hematita atua no chakra básico (primeiro) e principalmente no oitavo chakra, o “Estrela da Terra”, que é ativado e equilibrado por ela. Desta forma, a hematita constrói a ponte que liga a energia do espírito, que entrou através do “Estrela da Alma”, com as raízes do planeta. É uma pedra que promove o total ancoramento das energias na Terra, eliminando limitações da mente e promovendo um equilíbrio entre o sistema nervoso etérico e o sistema nervoso físico. Pode também ajudar a dissolver a negatividade. Fisicamente, é ótima para ser usada contra tonteiras, pressão baixa, após intervenções cirúrgicas e anestesia, e auxilia o sono quando usada em conjunto com a ametista. Auxilia no tratamento de cãibras e tem um grande poder de alinhar a coluna vertebral. Durante sessões de energização com cristais, deve-se sempre colocar hematitas nas mãos ou pés da pessoa, para que a energia recebida possa ancorar no corpo físico. É essencial o uso de hematita nos pés ou mãos quando se está trabalhando com pedras aceleradas nos chakras transpessoais. Sempre que houver uma exposição a um excesso de energia, a hematita deve ser usada dentro dos sapatos, para descarregar o excesso para a Terra.

If you are in Florence today!

2011-06-08T04:03:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Uffizi Library in Florence, will be held the meeting “Around Contemporary Jewellery”, promoted by AGC. The object: support and diffuse the contemporary jewellery culture.
If you want more information, read here

One of the speakers will be Gio Carbone, my dear teacher, director and founder of Le Arti Orafe, the amazing jewellery school in Florence, the very heart of Tuscany and home of artists and craftspeople who have made it famous throughout the world...

"Dona Quita"

2011-05-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

There's a great new blog about culture, fashion, arts etc, here in Brazil called Dona Quita (that's the name of the 3 bloggers' great-grandmother, a very intelligent and elegant lady). I'm very pleased they posted such a nice profile about my work, you can have a look at it here

The poetry of this world

2011-05-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

“Japonisme: From Falize to Fabergé, The Goldsmith and Japan,” is a not-for-sale exhibition in aid of The Prince’s Trust and runs through May 20. This museum-worthy exhibition displays in intricate and colorful detail how much the opening up in the 19th century of a previously shuttered country influenced everything from hair combs made from humble horn to silver tea pots (their streamlined shapes suggesting 20th-century modernism before its time).
The significance of the exhibition is that not one single piece is made in Japan, but rather shows how the culture and skills of Japanese artists enthralled others. Or, as Lucien Falize put it: “They have taught us the poetry of this world.”
Read more about it here

60's mood...I just can't get enough of it !!!

2011-05-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

All necklaces designed by Christine v. Schönburg for Anna B. Acessórios
available online here

Autumn leaves @ annab.tanlup.com

2011-04-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sterling silver clasp and leather bracelet
Design: Christine v. Schönburg for Anna B. Acessórios
see more here

Birds of Paradise

2011-04-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sterling silver feathers with mother of pearl or light blue agathe or fluorite.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg for Anna B. Acessórios
see more here

Tony Duquette ... more is more !!!!

2011-04-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Tony Duquette's Talisman's of Power on Offer at Bonhams & Butterfields in Los Angeles

coffee break/ Nespresso time!

2011-04-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wearing an 18k gold necklace with amethyst and turquoise (design: Christine v. Schönburg) at a very nice coffee break in the late afternoon to meet Consuelo Blocker, the delightful italo-brazilian trend hunter and blogger living in Florence, who writes about fashion and style in her great consueloblog

on this very day, 8 years ago...

2011-03-30T18:57:00.001-07:00

18k gold and pearls necklace with white coral and rutilated quartz
Design: Christine v. Schonburg

Kaiserjägerball in Austria

2011-03-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

My beautiful niece, at her debutant ball,the Kaiserjägerball,
wearing a multi-stone 18 k gold choker with pearls.
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

black and white, always smart!

2011-03-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Black and white agathe, pearls and sterling silver.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

new @ annab.tanlup.com

2011-03-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

sterling silver with green agate ball and pink quartz faceted drop briolette
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Antique golds from Romania

2011-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

An amazing exhibition not to be missed for those in Rome!!! One hundred and forty precious gold from treasures, tombs and liturgical furnishings, a large part of the Gold Room of the National Museum of History in Bucharest, is exposed to the” Mercati di Traiano” in Rome until April 3, 2011.
Read more about it here

Winter is coming in Brazil

2011-03-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

Anna B. Acessórios.
selecting beautiful fur and leather for the new pieces... very soon @ the site :-)

Anna B. acessórios

2011-03-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

A little preview of the Anna B. collection here

busy with Anna B. Acessórios

2011-03-14T18:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted here for a while, I've been very busy working on my new line of accessories "Anna B." and launching it's e-shop. Will keep you posted with more details about it!

Necklace with satin cords, mother of pearl and sterling silver
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Moonstone: the perfect gift for lovers

2011-02-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

18k gold ring with moonstone, diamond, pearls and shells
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

18k gold with moonstone and brain coral
design: Christine v.Schönburg

18k gold with moonstones and rock crystal
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

There are many beliefs in the power of moonstone to bring about positivity in one's life. The stone is regarded as a great gift for lovers as it supposedly arouses love and passion. It has also been said to cure epilepsy, nervousness, and fever and is believed to ward off cancer, and to protect travelers.
Moonstone has always been very popular in India. The stone was also prized by the Romans, who thought it was magically formed out of moonlight. Moonstone was used in Roman jewelry since the year 100 AD. Ancient Greeks and Romans both linked the stone with the moon deities. Moonstone comes from the mineral family feldspar, which is one of the most plentiful in the world, however fine gem quality moonstone is scarce and is becoming more scarce as time goes on. Moonstone was very popular in the Art Nouveau jewelry of the early 20th century and continued to flourish until around 1925 in the US.Moonstones have always been considered lucky stones and are held in very high esteem in the East. Asians say there is a live spirit in the stone, for as it is turned this way and that, the spirit can be seen moving.
Moonstone can be found in Ceylon, India, Burma, Mexico, Norway, Australia, Madagascar, Tanzania, the US, Brazil, and Switzerland.

I love cufflinks!

2011-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

18k gold ans sterling silver with enamel cufflinks
18k gold and fluorites cufflinks
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

The Patience gemstone: Howlite

2010-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

18k gold with pearls and howlites necklace
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Howlite can be found in green, white and blue. It is a super-calming stone and many people use it to releive stress of all kinds. It makes an excellent antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind.

Howlite teaches patience
Place a howlite stone in your pocket to absorb your own anger - or another's anger that is directed toward you. It helps to overcome critical or selfish behaviour.

Healing properties of howlite

Relieves insomnia
Balances calcium levels
Strengthens teeth and bones

The UnMuseum

2010-12-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

“We work in the dark, we do what we can, we give what we have, our doubt is our passion, and passion is our task — the rest is the madness of art.” (Henry James)

EVEN if it were just another glimmering new Lower East Side tower full of multimillion-dollar condos, the sleek, eight-story glass tower at 257 Bowery would qualify as a statement building, with its room-size red elevator visible through the building’s corrugated-glass facade and its sensuously undulating balustrade, perched high above the 29-foot-tall ground-floor exhibition space.It's the new,Norman Foster-designed home of The Sperone Westwater gallery on the Bowery.

Read more about it here

Black version

2010-11-26T06:11:00.000-08:00

Sterling Silver with black and white agathe necklace
Design: Christine v.Schönburg and João Cândido Botelho Gomes

Team Work

2010-11-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Sterling Silver necklace with pink quartz and white agathe
Design:Christine Schönburg & João Cândido Botelho Gomes

Gifts from the Sea

2010-11-12T02:35:00.000-08:00

Looking at the wonderful work of art I posted yesterday,"The silent evolution", reminded me of some cufflinks I made ages ago with corals, shells and pebbles gathered at the beach by a friend of mine:

Sterling Silver cufflinks with sea shell and pearl,pebble and granade, coral.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

The silent evolution

2010-11-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Jason de Caires Taylor used 'life casts' made from materials that encourage coral growth to build an underwater installation on the sea bed off the coast of Cancun, Mexico.

The sculptures will form a new home for a variety of aquatic creatures at the Cancun and Isla Mujeres National Marine Park and are designed to reduce the impact over half a million tourists have on the area's natural reefs every year.

One of the first statues submerged last November is showing promising signs of life. Named 'Man on Fire', the cast from Joachim, a local Mexican fisherman, was drilled with over 75 holes and planted with live cuttings of fire coral which have since bloomed and attracted other sea life.

Watch the video here.

Great new blog: OnlyJewels

2010-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Jeweled by the Ocean - 08.11.2010
Become a real Ocean Creature and collect the wonders of the underwater world. The Ocean has the most fantastic gems to offer. We know so little about it, scientist estimate that only 10% of marine life forms are known… I bet it’s more!
(...)

“If human beings are not drowned, asked the little mermaid, can they live forever? do they never die as we do here in the sea?” Hans Andersen The Little Mermaid. Like a mermaid adorn yourself with Gifts of the Ocean, Sea Creatures and Wonderful Corals.
(...)

Have a look at this gorgeous Sterling Silver and Brain Coral Ring by Christine von Schönburg! Isn’t it simple & perfect?

Read more about it here

Form vs Material: which came first?

2010-11-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Exhibition at Cristiani Gallery, in Torino, from tomorrow 'till the end of december.
"Saranno esposti e venduti in esclusiva gioielli dalle forme più classiche a quelle più eccentriche, realizzati con materiali diversi: dall'oro alla pelliccia di animali, dall'argento al cemento, dalla fibra di carbonio alla ceramica.
FORMA vs MATERIA raccoglie una selezione di gioielli unici nella FORMA, e sobri nel materiale, o particolari per la MATERIA utilizzata e dalle forme tradizionali. Una suddivisione nata seguendo il processo creativo nelle sue prime fasi: è nata prima la FORMA o la MATERIA?"
For more information: www cristiani.net

Keep on rocking !

2010-10-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Laura Wie and the 70's singer "Tremendão", Erasmo Carlos, at the Rolling Stone's party, 27/10/2010

18k gold necklace with pearls and turquese
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Laura Wie wearing my necklace while interviewing Arnaldo Jabor

2010-10-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sterling Silver necklace with lava rock and crystal
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

from Le Grand Bleu Collection

2010-09-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

Sterling silver with Brain Coral
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Oh, she's so classy !

2010-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

18k gold with hematites and pearl and sterling silver with mother of pearl rings
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

More Hematites

2010-08-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

18k gold, hematites and pearl ring.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

The powerful Hematite

2010-07-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hematite is deep gray to black in color, but can also be a deep brown or rust color. In certain instances it takes on a deep reddish hue that emulates the appearance of dried blood. This might account for the Greeks' belief that it was actually the concentrated blood of the gods. It is that concept that won the stone its name.

Hematite is most often found in areas with a mineral spring, but it doesn't necessarily require water for it to form. There is equal evidence of its formation where significant volcanic activity has taken place.

Hematite is mined in several places throughout the world including Brazil, Canada, Labrador, the United States, and Venezuela. In the U.S., deposits of the stone are located around Lake Superior.

Oddly enough, however, earth doesn't seem to be the only place where hematite can form. Quantities of the stone have been brought back from the Mars exploration. This has led some scientists to believe that, at one time, Mars might have contained a great deal of water and possibly even sustained some form of life. Most assuredly, it explains the mysterious "red" hue of the planet.
Hematite was originally used as an ornamental stone, dating back as far as ancient Babylon. The Egyptians used it for ornamental objects and figurines. It was also used in the coloring and painting of objects such as pottery. There is also evidence that it may have been used to make some of the very first mirrors.

Native Americans used hematite to make war paint for their bodies and faces.Eventually someone - - generally credited as the Romans - - discovered that it worked beautifully for use in jewelry. In the beginning it was primarily used as a background for cameos or for in-taglios in men's rings. The Romans are credited with using it this way since they were most well known for using rings for their personal seals.

The Romans also used hematite as a protection talisman. They believed that the stone would protect its wearer in battle.
There are a number of metaphysical qualities attached to this stone. Ancient Egyptians used it in a number of different ways. They believed that it had calming properties and often used it to reduce maniac stress that was sometimes exhibited in the form of hysteria.

Today, many believe that the stone has the power to dissolve negativity, replacing it with the more positive things in life such as love and friendship. It is also said to help its wearer problem solve, retain knowledge, and enhance memory.

Some psychics believe that hematite helps to promote inner peace and achieve a natural balance. They call it a "grounding" stone that aids in clarity of vision. It reduces limitations and encourages self-advancement in confidence, while promoting dreams, hopes, aspirations and inner desires.

Hematite is also believed to have many healing properties. It is said to improve the circulatory system, in particular the way that blood moves throughout the body. It is supposed to help guard against kidney disorders as well as those of the blood and the nervous system. Some even claim that it helps to heal broken bones, reduces inflammation, soothes away leg cramps, and lessens insomnia.

Hematite is the stone for the astrological signs of Aquarius and Aries.

Hematite: Roman warrior's talisman

2010-07-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

18k gold and sterling silver ring with Hematites and pearls
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Playful kitten

2010-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Multi-strand necklace with stones, pearls and sterling silver clasp
Design: Christine von Schönburg

Flower Power

2010-07-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

18k gold with white and red coral earrings
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

The gentle healing power of the sea

2010-06-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sterling silver with Mother of Pearl ring
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

PREZIOSA, contemporary jewellery

2010-05-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

PREZIOSA is a cultural project designed and co-ordinated

by “Le Arti Orafe”, since 1985 the most prestigious contemporary jewellery school in Italy.
The school has always stood out because of its activities in promoting jewellery culture in the widest and most complete sense of the expression.

The project, launched in 2005, has already become one of the most important European events devoted to contemporary jewellery.

see more here

YELLOW !!!

2010-02-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

Personality Traits
warm, cheerful, jovial, sunny, bright, radiant, mellow, original, imaginative, idealistic, spiritual, creative, artistic, hope, optimism, sun, summer

Cultural Meanings
In Asia, yellow represents a sacred and imperial feeling. In Western countries, yellow represents joy and happiness.The native Americans interpreted yellow to symbolize love and overcoming challenges.

History
Women wore yellow ribbons as a sign of hope for men to return from the war.* In the War of Dynasty (1357), each warrior wore a yellow chrysanthemum as a pledge of courage.

Twinkle, twinkle...

2010-02-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

18k gold and Goethite ring
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

@ Notorious

2010-02-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

Check this great blog about fashion and design:
http://itsnotorious.blogspot.com
"These pieces are made out of brazilian white coral. It's so unique. You can find more in Christine Schönburg's blog - here."

The bolder, the better !

2010-02-18T01:27:00.000-08:00

18k gold,amethyst and turquoise necklace
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

18k gold and pearl ring
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Details

2010-02-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Black and white never goes out of fashion

2010-02-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

Steling silver, pearls, white and black agathe
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

2010-02-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

xmas '09 collection

2009-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

18k gold necklace with pearls and houlita

Design: Christine v. Schönburg

A City and a Fashion Empire Come Together Over Art

2009-06-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

For “Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation,” a contemporary art exhibition sponsored by the luxury brand, Richard Prince wrapped the complex in brightly painted vinyl. Its retro, book cover-inspired images — taken from “After Dark,” one of the best known series by the American artist — are rather more eye-catching.

read more:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/arts/28iht-vuitton.html?ref=global

“Cartier ... 100 Years of Passion and Free Spirit in America”

2009-04-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

"We are in a defining moment because people are disoriented and need reassurance,” by the economic downturn. They need something rock solid,like rocks"said Frédéric de Narp, president and chief executive of Cartier North America.
To read more:www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/fashion/26cartier.html

Dali's eye

2009-04-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Fluorite necklace,18k gold center with rutilated and rose quartz
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Sin perder la ternura jamás!

2009-04-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

18k gold and pearls earrings
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Twist and shout

2009-04-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

18k gold earring with garnets, topaze and pearl
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

How elegant can one be without cufflinks ?

2009-03-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

18k gold with emeralds
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold with tourmaline, topaze, citrine and rubellite
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold cufflinks with rock crystal and ruby
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Creating...

2009-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Creation...

2009-03-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

18k gold necklace with Aquamarine and pearls
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

A Rose is a Rose, is a Rose...

2008-12-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

White agate necklace, 18k gold clasp with coral flower
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

La vie en rose

2008-06-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

18k gold necklace with Pink Topaz and Pearl
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Fashion wisdom from Yves Saint Laurent

2008-06-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Some quotes carrying fashion wisdom from the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who died Sunday, all attributed to the Foundation Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent:

_ "I participated in the transformation of my era. I did it with clothes, which is surely less important than music, architecture, painting ... but whatever it's worth I did it." (2002)

_ "I always believed that style was more important than fashion. They are rare, those who imposed their style while fashion makers are so numerous." (1993)

_ "The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves. But for those who haven't had the fortune of finding this happiness, I am there." (1983)

_ "I tried to show that fashion is an art. For that, I followed the counsel of my master Christian Dior and the imperishable lesson of Mademoiselle Chanel. I created for my era and I tried to foresee what tomorrow would be." (1983)

-"The street and me is a love story. 1971 is a great date because, finally, fashion took to the street." (1971)

More on YSL here

We go in search of a dream

2008-06-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

Fiona Rae’s new work is a mix of styles and stories, not surprising for an artist with an anything-goes type of attitude. A childhood spent in Hong Kong, Indonesia and England is reflected in work that has touches of Eastern influence. Rae pulls together elements from a variety of techniques such as calligraphy and bubblegum pop, adds a wash and a whole lot of movement, and the result is work that is at once cloyingly sweet and mysteriously dark in undertone.

Artist: Fiona Rae
+ timothytaylorgallery.com

Spondylus, the Mayan's sacred shell

2008-06-03T17:06:00.001-07:00

18k red gold and Hematite necklace with Spondylus shell and Mother of Pearl.
Design: Susan Pearson and Christine v.Schönburg

Pendant from "Le grand Bleu" collection

2008-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

18k gold pendant with White Coral, Imperial Topaz and Pearl.
Design: Christine von Schönburg

Fulco di Verdura, the "shell jeweller"

2008-05-06T08:10:00.001-07:00

Born in Sicily in 1898, he was brought up in his grandmother's country house outside Palermo. The novel "The Leopard," written by a cousin, Giuseppe di Lampedusa, depicts his eccentric aristocratic and artistic family, according to Ward Landrigan, now the owner of the Verdura business legacy. In any event, the jeweler's early life in the Sicilian sunlight, as described in his 1976 autobiography, "The Happy Summer Days," had an important impact on his work.

Large, unsubtle, gemstones, a preference for gold, bright colors and a taste for natural objects - Verdura's designs often feature animals, flowers and seashells - found their way first into watercolors, and later into his jewelry. All went directly against the style of the time, which leant towards a delicate white-on-white vogue for platinum and diamonds.

Read more here.

Treasures from the Sea

2008-04-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sterling Silver necklace with white corals and pearls
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

2008-04-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sterling Silver necklace with white corals.
Design: Christine v.Schönburg

Sculpture by the Sea

2008-04-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit Australia’s eastern coastline, you’ve no doubt been blown away by the spectacular landscape, rugged terrain and stunningly wild ocean views of the South Pacific. It’s no wonder then that David Handley, founding director of Sculpture by the Sea, chose Sydney’s 2km coastal walk that stretches from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach, as the scene for his world-famous annual outdoor sculpture exhibit.

Handley launched the first exhibit ten years ago. Since then, every summer has seen original, abstract, and eye-catching works of art peppering the cliffs to a backdrop of open sky and sea.

Handley’s reasons for creating the exhibit are numerous and impassioned: “In Australia we are evolving our cultural identity and developing a sophistication alongside the traditional athletic hedonism of beach,” he says. “I created Sculpture by the Sea because I wanted to create something that reflected what I thought of Sydney and how I wanted Sydney to be projected to the world.”

Not a fan of “unbridaled capitalism,” Handley also wanted to be able to provide a free and engaging art exhibit to the public that would be supported by wealthy individuals and major corporations of Sydney. “There’s not much that is free in the world,” he says, “but as the saying goes: The best things in life are free!”

The contributing artists are selected by a curatorial panel of two (one of whom is always a sculptor themselves). Each year over 600 artists from around the world apply for a coveted chance to display and sell their works, with just over 100 artists making the cut. This year, 106 sculptures will be displayed by artists from 19 countries, including Japan, Iceland, Pakistan, France, the United States and, of course, Australia.

As well as the outdoor pieces, two venues along the coastal walk will host smaller wall and floor pieces. The exhibit is believed to be the biggest annual selling exhibition of sculpture in the world with prices varying from six figure sums to as little as AUD$300 (€190), “all in keeping with our ‘something for everyone’ philosophy,” adds Handley.

Handley sees the exhibition as an opportunity to provide artists with a “space in which to play”. His ethos about art centers around the idea that artists are free spirits and, as such, should be allowed “artistic freedom”. Of curated and themed exhibits he expresses his disdain: “There’s nothing worse in the visual arts, in my mind, than a public art project brief that says the sculpture must actively relate to local history, social issues, etc. Art can be and has historically been wonderful, simply because it is beautiful and magnificent.”

And from which countries does Handley see some of the best emerging talent this year? “Some of the most beautiful sculptures are coming from Japan,” he says. He names Keizo Ushio, Harayuki Uchida and Yoshio Nitta as ones to watch. He also highlights his partiality to some young Australian sculptors, including Angus Adameitis, who works with scrap metal, and Alex Seton, whose marble sculptures include a sofa that gives the illusion of being soft, plush and inviting.

Around 500,000 visitors, including collectors from around the world, are expected to attend the exhibit, which will be on display in Sydney from November 1-18 and then transported to Australia’s equally breath-taking western coast – on Cottesloe Beach, Perth – from March 8-18.

More details here

Ocean's Treasure

2008-02-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Pearl neacklace, white coral pendant with red coral and pearls set in steling silver.
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

"Le Grand Bleu" collection

2008-02-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

Atlantis necklace

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Spondylus shell necklace with 18k gold clasp, rutilated quartz and white coral
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

"Le Grand Bleu" collection

2008-02-01T03:32:00.000-08:00

18k gold ring with white coral and blu topaz
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold ring with white coral and moonstone
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Valentino says goodbye with flowers

2008-01-23T23:10:00.000-08:00

HAUTE COUTURE

PARIS: With vestal white dresses on the runway and a phalanx of his iconic red dresses projected on the sides of a giant tent, Valentino bowed out of fashion on Wednesday with an ovation of bravos but few tears, as the designer himself set the happy tone by waving to the audience as he took his bow.

But like a chorus in a Greek tragedy, Valentino's friends and clients, who gathered at the Rodin Museum for the couturier's last and final curtain, started their comments with a single phrase: "It's the end of an era," they all said.

to read more:
www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/23/style/web-0123-rvalen.php

Spring time, all year round

2008-01-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

" A Flower is a Leaf mad with Love " collection:

18k gold bracelet with green and rose quartz,amethyst,sodalite and rockcrystal
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold bracelet with crystal, amethyst, agate,amazonite, rose and cherry quartz
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold earrings with coral, opal, turquoise, jade and topaz
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Alma's Choker

2008-01-19T15:45:00.001-08:00

18k gold choker with pearls and Murano beads
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

La Essencia de Klimt

2008-01-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

To view more:
http://www.behance.net/gallery/La-Essencia-de-Klimt/50709

Dew Ring

2008-01-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

18k gold ring with pearls
Design- Christine v. Schönburg

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls" Coco Chanel.

2008-01-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

18k gold, pearls, amethyst,rose and green quartz,topaz
Design- Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold clasp with pearls
Design- Christine v. Schönburg

18k gold choker with coral, pearls and cristal
Design- Christine v. Schönburg

Sunshine Companion

2008-01-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

18K gold necklace with blue topaz, garnets and pearls
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Some more pins !

2008-01-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Sterling silver with pearls brooch
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

18K gold and topaz brooch
Design: Christine v. Schönburg

More pins

2008-01-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

18K gold Brooch with topazes, tourmalines and garnets.

Design: Christine v. Schönburg

Lacroix hangs history out to show.

2008-01-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

PARIS: The skirt is black-and-white striped like a Regency awning. The lacy sleeves might belong to a social dandy. And the red satin shawl is haute folklore from Arles. But even before you get the past/present game in a Christian Lacroix couture outfit from two decades ago, your eyes switch to the background, where more striped dresses dangle from rails as if hung out to dry.

"What I love is Dorothée Bis in there," says Lacroix, referring to Op Art stripes from the 1960s, alongside a Claire McCardell dress from the 1950s and a Louis XV shepherdess costume that might have inspired the couturier's own 1987 creation.

"Christian Lacroix, Histoires de Mode" (at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs until April 20) is an exhilarating take on fashion history that mixes decades, centuries and designers - yet makes sense of each section from "cobwebs" through "flowers," "graphics," "patchwork" or "stripes."

In the different showcases are 400 historic pieces, many never before displayed. The earliest is an asparagus-green gilded jacket from the 16th century that fits with a miniature religious robe that once clothed a tiny saint's statue and with a 1987 couture jacket with religious embroidery.

This inventive history lesson, with 80 Lacroix pieces on show, is both a celebration of 20 years of the couture house and an homage to the designer's student dream of becoming a museum curator. His idea for a scholarly thesis was to show how fashion history was a carrousel in which the same themes kept spinning around.

Via International Herald Tribune.

chandelier

2008-01-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

18K Gold, pearls, amethyst, aquamarine

pins, they are coming back

2008-01-05T13:17:00.001-08:00

18K Gold brooch with tourmaline, topaz, garnet and pearls.
Design - Christine v. Schönburg