18K gold sea urchins

There's still time to get this 18K gold Tiffany & Co. sea urchin suite on your wish list for the holidays. And why not? This kind of figural jewelry is so fun. I'll be keeping my eyes out for the gold fill version, which is a bit more in my price range!

Images courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry

Jewelry and hors d'oeuvres, ca. 1955

The 1950s woman had a lot on her mind heading into the winter party season, including 1. how to coordinate accessories and 2. how to whip up an unforgettable plate of hors d'oeuvres. To solve the first, she kept a few sets of demi parures on hand - a matching brooch, earrings or necklace to dress up any outfit, day or night. To tackle the second, filed a stack of trusty recipes featuring favorites like canned lobster, peanut butter and cream cheese in any number of combinations.

In honor of these mid-century fête time traditions - and to help you prepare for your own holiday season - I'm listing some demis in the shop and also sharing some of the most outrageous hors d'oeuvre recipes I've ever seen. If you wear your jewelry while you make the hors d'oeuvres, you get big points.

"Your jewelry is a tattle-tale!"

This ad is sheer delight, from the mini-biography of the the "doubly winsome" model, Barbara Dorsey, to the bit about being sophisticated "in a nice way." I'm just warming you up for some lovely demi parure (i.e. partial jewelry sets) coming to the shop soon! You can be just like Barbara! Here is the full text of the ad:

"This is lovely Barbara Dorsey. First year college beauty, doubly winsome with her smart Ledo jewelry! Born and raised in New York. Taking merchandising and interior decoration at Marymount College. Ambition: to be a buyer . . . because she likes people and clothes. Also likes good food. A Walter Thornton model.

Your jewelry is a tattle-tale! Fashion-right, like Ledo's Etruscan, it tells that your taste is impeccable. Tells that you are sophisticated - in a nice way. Rhythmic pattern of bright and antique gold, richly plated, Etruscan shows off a slender wrist . . . the matched earrings are "eye-catchers" for a pretty face. Perfect for all but the most formal moods."