Jewels and the woman: The romance, magic and art of feminine adornmentOstier, Marianne
History
Jewels and the woman: The romance, magic and art of feminine adornment
Ostier, Marianne
Jewelry
Gathering favor, but still sufficiently unfamiliar to be as distinctive
as it is attractive, is the skinpin. This ornament is a jewel that, by a
secret method of my own devising, may be safely and securely worn on the
bare skin. A piquant jewel, it belongs most harmoniously with the low-cut
evening gown. Then, on the bare skin above the dress, the colored gems or
the diamonds are a truly striking display, their brilliance heightened
by the background of the fine texture of the flesh. For more challenging
effects, a butterfly or other appropriate motif on the back or the
shoulderblades will enhance and accentuate the beauty of the lines. Those
who know and enjoy the values of fine jewelry tastefully disposed will do
well to investigate the range of uses of the skinpin.
_The Scatterpin_
For the lapel, or in general for casual wear, many pins have been
especially designed. These are frequently shaped in the form of birds,
ladybugs, or other insects, as butterflies or as leaves. They may be made
of enamel, or coral, or semiprecious stones. Their main purpose is to add
a touch of color and for traveling or for informal occasions they may
indeed enliven a costume.
_The Jewelled Hairpin_
A most charming effect can be produced by attaching to the clip a simple
device that enables it to be worn in the hair. This use is gaining in
popularity, and deserves even greater spread, for it is hard to imagine
a more beautiful background for a jewel than the well groomed coiffure
which is the pride and the prime natural adornment of the American woman.
Several single flowers, daisies, forget-me-nots and the like, may in the
hair create a youthful and feminine decoration. The jewels should of
course be concordant with the hair. Diamonds are most becoming in dark
hair. Red hair will be even more striking with sapphires; dark blondes
will gleam with emeralds; light blondes will shimmer in fine contrast
with rubies.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria knew the attractiveness gained by the
adorning of beautiful hair. Her favorite design was the star, and in her
hair she set many brilliant stars, each with a quivering center that
constantly shot forth intriguing, mysterious light.
_The Mobile Clip_
The technical creation of the mobile center was long a well-guarded
secret. It has now been variously recaptured, and clips may have their
beauty enhanced, when it is appropriate, with a vibratory motion. The
natural movements of the body, even the soft rise and fall of the bosom
as one takes breath, suffice to make the tiny stems quiver and the gems
at their tips give ever fresh play of light.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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