In researching for another oil portrait featuring the birthstone of the month for my series, What is She Wearing?, I came across Salvador Dalí's "Madonna of the Aquamarine". Given the time of the year, it seemed such a good fit for this stunning piece to be featured in my blog post.
The pendant is a notable piece of jewelry designed by the renowned surrealist artist for his wife, Gala. It is a symbol of his deep love and admiration for his wife, who was his muse and constant companion throughout his life. The pendant is a miniature reproduction of the painting "Madonna of the Rosary" by Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. The sculpted gold features a blue aquamarine gem surrounded by diamonds and sapphires truly making this piece exceptionally exquisite. The design reflects Dalí's fascination with religious imagery and his flair for combining classical and surrealist elements in his work. The pendant is considered a significant piece in Dalí's artistic output, showcasing his ability to translate his unique artistic vision into wearable art.
As the birthstone for March, Aquamarine is believed to bring courage, clarity, and communication. Its mesmerizing color evokes feelings of peace and harmony, making it the perfect gemstone to wear for serenity and inner strength.
Visit Lava Glow Jewelry"s Soothing Aquamarine Collection
The Lady with the Amethyst (1915) - Portrait by Charles Shannon
When visiting an art museum, did you ever wonder, even for a fleeting moment, what jewelry the woman in the portrait is wearing? What stones are in a necklace, and what she or the artist has selected to be ever immortalized in that pose. My love of portrait painting and jewelry cross over in my studio, so I guess I have.
The elegant portraits of John Singer Sargent come immediately to mind. His brilliant and dazzling style is masterful, and the portrait of “Lady Agnew” demonstrates his mastery of draping and rendering the luxurious fabric of her dress. He also includes a mesmerizing necklace and stunning gold charm bracelet giving credence to a woman of high society and money.
In the close up of this portrait, it looks as though Lady Agnew is wearing a large cameo with vivid cornflower blue sapphires surrounding and dangling in diamonds and gold. The vivid cornflower shade of these sapphires makes them most valuable of sapphires. Interestingly, up until the Middle Ages sapphires were called hyacinths.
The cameo, itself, is usually a gem having two different colored layers. Figures are carved in one layer so they are raised on a background of the other. Authentic cameos are made from natural materials such as shell, agate, onyx, ivory, coral, mother-of-pearl, and various gemstones. In Sargent’s portrait, Lady Agnew’s cameo most probably was a hard stone gem carved in carnelian. Sargent indicates the color of the red in the cameo, and that said carnelian to me. What do you think? I’d love to know in your comments below.
Since I gild lava stone, I happened upon antique cameos carved in the volcanic stone, and found this one especially stunning set in gold exampled here.
I’d like to look deeper into the mystery and selection of jewelry in a finished pose, and what it might stand for. Some portraits will be more obvious than others, and some might challenge our imaginations.
Let’s have fun on this journey.
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Finally, a photo from what he claimed to be the Charles De Gaulle departure lounge; a relief, if it weren’t for the wine glasses and no planes in the background.
Needless worries, it turns out. She is now back and we are celebrating with a fine French wine, compliments of Guy himself.
Here she is, her bouquet highlighting the fall colors, colors that are reflected in her Amber Glow Necklace.
After all of this, though, do we dare take another trip abroad? Perhaps our readers have an opinion?
More about Amber Glow - Tap Photo
Amber heightens creativity. It helps you to accept change, and follow your dreams.
The side story above has a happy ending. This is the seventh post in the series. Stay tuned or catch up by visiting blog posts on the home page.
For now, though, thank you for your comments and appreciation of my art. We are always delighted to hear from you and to assist you in selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
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It’s his next photo that finally raises our hopes. “La Maison Doree, a place she would surely be drawn to, n’est-ces pas?”
He is right. Gold is her medium. Gold is the color of her hair. She would gravitate to The House of Gold since that is where she feels radiant like the jewelry she wears. Turquoise Radiance Necklace
The side story above will continue to unfold in my next blog. This is the sixth post in the series. Stay tuned or catch up by visiting blog posts on the home page. If you do have any information that will help us locate the artist, let me know:). For now, though, thank you for your comments and appreciation of my art. We are always delighted to hear from you and to assist you in selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
More about "Turquoise Radiance" Necklace - (Tap Photo for link)
Turquoise is a popular gemstone and is said to bring luck, peace, and protection.
I look forward keeping in touch with you.
https://lavaglowjewelry.com]]>
The side story above will continue to unfold in my next blog. This is the fifth post in the series. Stay tuned or catch up by visiting blog posts on the home page. If you do have any information that will help us locate the artist, let me know:).
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Our guess, she would have been wearing Turquoise Glow.
(More about "Turquoise Glow" . . . Tap necklace)
The side story above will continue to unfold in my next blog. This is the fourth post in the series. Stay tuned or catch up by visiting blog posts on the home page. If you do have any information that will help us locate the artist, let me know:).
For now, though, thank you for your comments and appreciation of my art. We are always delighted to hear from you and to assist you in selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
Our guess, she would have been wearing Beloved for luck . . .
The side story above will continue to unfold in my next blog. This is the third post in the series. Stay tuned or catch up by visiting blog posts on the home page. If you do have any information that will help us locate the artist, let me know:).
For now, though, thank you for your comments and appreciation of my art. We are always delighted to hear from you and to assist you in selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
The side story above will continue to unfold in my next blog. If you do have any information that will help us locate the artist, let me know:).
For now, though, thank you for your comments and appreciation of my art. We are always delighted to hear from you and to assist you in selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Emerald is the birthstone for May. The green gem encourages growth, reflection, peace, and balance. Also representing healing and fertility.
Emerald - called the "Stone of Successful Love" - nurtures the heart bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration, unity, compassion, and unconditional love.
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my art. I'm always delighted to hear from you and assist you selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
I'd be honored if you join me every month for gift ideas for loved ones, and be the first on my list to see what's new from my studio. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Staying In Touch.
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Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my art. I'm always delighted to hear from you and assist you selecting a gift for that special person in your life or a commissioned piece for yourself.
I'd be honored if you join me every month for gift ideas for loved ones, and be the first on my list to see what's new from my studio. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Staying In Touch.
Beautiful September . . . the change of the season always so colorful.
Some fun facts about September! The "Harvest Moon" is the fullest moon of the year. When you gaze at it, it looks very large and gives a lot of light throughout the night. Did you know there are more pop and classic songs with "September" in the title than any other month? Besides Labor Day, September also has a few little known holidays. They are National Grandparent Day, National Cheese Pizza Day, and National Drink-a-Beer Day. The why for the last two? Oh well, let's celebrate!
The gorgeous sapphire is September's birthstone, and birth flowers are the delicate forget-me-not, morning glory, and aster.
Thank you very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work.
I'm always delighted to help you find Lava Glow jewelry or a gilded glass bowl for that perfect gift for a loved one, or something special just for you.
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Staying in Touch.
I look forward keeping in touch with you.
Lava Glow
More to see - www.lavaglowjewelry.com
Pastel Painting - "Blue Heron" Jan Maitland
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Hope you are enjoying your summer, staying cool when you can, and just relishing the time with family and friends.
I'm not your typical blogger, but I enjoy sharing how nature inspires what I see and love.
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my art. I'm always delighted to hear from you and assist you during this time of reflection and connection.
I'd be honored if you join me every month for gift ideas for loved ones, and be the first on my list to see what's new from my studio. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Staying In Touch.
Happy August,
See More Lava Glow Jewelry: www.lavaglowjewelry.com
Seagull's View - Pastel Painting - Jan Maitland
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Oh, what's not to love about springtime! This time of year, a day can change from moment to moment. Hard rain to sunshine, misting while the sun competes for time, and fog over, again. With these changes we have the joy of spectacular rainbows. I caught this vibrant arc of color from our deck with my cell phone. . . inspiration for a small poem.
I'm not your typical blogger, but I enjoy sharing how nature inspires what I see and love.
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my art. I'm always delighted to hear from you and assist you during this time of reflection and connection.
I'd be honored if you join me every month for gift ideas for loved ones, and be the first on my list to see what's new from my studio. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Staying In Touch.
Happy Springtime,
See More Lava Glow Jewelry:www.lavaglowjewelry.com
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See my portfolio - www.lavaglow.com -
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. I'm always delighted to hear and assist you during this time of reflection and connection.
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Newsletter.
I look forward keeping in touch with you.Stay safe, stay well,
One of my jewelry customers brought it to my attention that her necklace purchase was specifically for how she wanted to present herself in many of her scheduled virtual meetings. She naturally wanted a professional look, but also wanted to feel good during this year of isolation and working from home.
I know just how she feels. Even though I work in a studio in my home, I have made it a point to dress professionally every day. For me, I’m casually dressed and comfortable, but I wear jewelry, mascara, and lip gloss just to feel good for all aspects of my day. It’s a time to feel a little special whether you pull out a piece of jewelry you haven’t worn in a long time, or purchase a necklace or earrings for a fresh look.
I believe virtual meetings are here to stay, and traveling from meeting to meeting will be a rare option. For now, imagine how you will look and feel wearing a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to your next virtual meeting. You can be sure that folks will be looking at you and not your bookcase!
See my before and after pictures below.
Below is plain Jan before . . .
After pictures feature a necklace in silver and one in gold.
Imagine how these added touches light up your face!
Turquoise Summer - Gold Necklace
See my portfolio - www.lavaglow.com -
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. I'm always delighted to hear and assist you during this time of reflection and connection.
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe at the very bottom of the page under Newsletter.
I look forward keeping in touch with you.Stay safe, stay well,
Lava Glow . . .
Gilded Sun - Gold and Leather Cuff
Photo by Ilana Beer from Burst
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
~Jan Maitland~
Tuscany Sunflowers
Find your glow . . .
Gold and Jade Necklace - Lava Glow Jewelry
https://lavaglowjewelry.com/collections/august-glow/products/golden-glow
Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
~Jan Maitland~
Photo by Mason Marsh
Lava Glow
Every August we sit on our deck to watch the meteor shower with great enthusiasm and awe. Maybe we see only a few spectacular quick flashes and streaking tails, but the thrill of seeing these wonderful celestial marvels always gives us pause.
"Cosmic Glow" Gilded Meteorite Stone - Tektite
https://lavaglowjewelry.com/products/cosmic-glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
It was in a dear friend's garden when I spotted the subject of this painting and poem. Everything was in bloom, so lush and full. Zeroing in on the pansy only made me think of faces of friends and family we are missing and not able to see during this challenging time. I'm thinking of you, and hope you are finding little moments for peace, laughter, and joy.
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection.
Stay safe, stay well,
Thank you!
Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my art.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
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Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my art.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my art.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my art.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
Lava Glow
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation of my work. It's a time for reflection and connection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my art.
Stay safe, stay well,
Thank you!
Lava Glow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWPtkh3LIiM
During this severe and sad time in our history of the COVID19 pandemic, I have stepped back to take in the beauty of nature, spring offerings, and music – blessings in our lives that we might otherwise take for granted in the best of times. I'm a singer in our local Repertory Singers as well as sing in a church choir, and find these YouTube performances extremely touching. It will be a wonderful day when we all can get back together to sing.
Thank you so very much for your comments and your appreciation. It's a time for reflection, and reconnection. I'm an independent artist, and am truly grateful for your support of my work.
Stay safe, stay well,
I'd be honored if you join my email newsletter. Please subscribe below.
Thank you!
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