Bell & Bird 2023 Holiday Catalogue

2 0 2 3 h o l i d ay c ata l o g u e

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e are pleased to present you with our 2023 holiday catalog. For this year's catalog, we ventured to the grounds at the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, an Italian Renaissance revival manor built in the 1920s.

The original owner's European travels influenced every aspect of the

estate. It has been meticulously restored recently and is now a part of the Auberge Resort Collection. We are delighted to present our jewels to you photographed in this beautiful space. We invite you to look through these pages with one foot in the present and the other in the past.

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No. 1 v i c t o r i a n e r a t u r q u o i s e p e n d a n t Persian turquoise cabochons pavé set in 9k gold. Time has given the natural stones varied tones of green and blue. English in origin. Circa 1870. $1,850 No. 2 v i c t o r i a n e r a t u r q u o i s e b a n g l e b r a c e l e t A chic but simple bangle in 9k gold. Three rows of varied shaped Persian turquoise stones are pavé set. Time has given varied shades of blue and green.

English in origin. Circa 1870. $2,950 6

No. 3 v i c t o r i a n e r a t u r q u o i s e s n a k e b r a c e l e t Sculptural serpent bangle bracelet. Beautiful form pavé set in Persian turquoise with ruby eyes. 9 carat gold. Circa 1860. $8,780

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No. 4 v i c t o r i a n e r a c o r a l p e n d a n t Crisp coral pendant with a good luck horseshoe motif. The pavé set coral stones are set in 18k gold, floating on a large rock crystal cabochon. English in origin. Circa 1870. $2,300 8

No. 5 v i c t o r i a n e r a h o r s e s h o e b a n g l e The good luck motif extends to 7 nail head details on both sides. The clever hinged design is made in 10k gold and sterling silver. Found in London. Circa 1880. $3,450 9

No. 6 g e o r g i a n e r a t o r p e d o d r o p e a r r i n g s Intricate cannetille work in 15k gold. The delicate gold work creates a ‘gardineti’ floral motif and stars on the reverse. The torpedo drop was a popular shape in the early 19th century. Light in weight. English in origin.

Circa 1830. $5,500 No. 7 e a r l y v i c t o r i a n e r a a m e t h y s t d e m i - p a r u r e A rare boxed set of amethyst jewels set in 18k gold—bold necklace with removable quatrefoil pendant and drop earrings. The bright, lively amethyst stones are set with granulation details around each collet setting. The pieces remain in a period-appropriate fitted box. English in origin. Circa 1840. $21,500

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No. 8 g e o r g i a n e r a a m e t h y s t r i n g Rare, 18th century foil-backed ring. A light-colored octagonal amethyst stone is set in 18k gold. The original reeded back and shank show some of the rings 200 years of age. The foil behind the stone has oxidized over time, giving a mottled but alluring reflection. Found in Switzerland. Circa 1770. $4,550

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No. 9 b e l l & b i r d m o v a l d i a m o n d r i n g This crisp design is hand fabricated in our 18k old gold. The central diamond is an unusual antique cut moval shape and set in an east-west orientation The six prongs are hand-filed to precise points with four additional baguette side stones. The ring is finished with a squared band. The primary diamond is certified to be 1.21 carats with quality of F color, and SI1 clarity. $14,850

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No. 10 b e l l & b i r d s e r p e n t s c a l e d i a m o n d b a n d Our serpent scale band is a unique creation inspired by Victorian-era snake jewels and a subtle nod to the sentiment of eternal love. The band was first hand carved in the distinct form of scales before 110 single-cut diamonds were individually handset. The interior of the band has been hand-pierced (ajouré) in tear-dropped shapes, allowing more light to reach the stones and can represent tears of joy or loss. Size 7 or made to order. $10,250

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No. 11 1 8 t h c e n t u r y i b e r i a n t o p a z n e c k l a c e A rare example of a precious topaz necklace dating to the 18th century. Each stone is foil-backed in sterling silver. The necklace is removable from the pendant, allowing it to be worn as a brooch. In the period, it would have been convertible into a stomacher, worn sewn on a gown or a ribbon high on the neck. Portuguese in origin. Circa 1780. $22,500 17

No. 12 1 9 t h c e n t u r y i b e r i a n g o l d a n d

emerald earrings

Early 19th Century Iberian gold and emerald earrings. Crafted in 18k gold and emeralds, Stones would have been sourced in colonial mines in Columbia and Peru. Original, back-to-front ear hooks, typical for the period. Spanish in Origin, Circa 1800. $9,500 18

No. 13 1 9 t h c e n t u r y g o l d g i r a n d o l e e a r r i n g s Light and airy antique earrings in a classical girandole motif. Light in weight in 18k gold with modern ear wires. Italian in origin. Circa 1850. $2,950

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No. 14 1 9 t h c e n t u r y g o l d h e a r t l o c k e t An unusual form heart locket with a two-barred cross in 18k gold with blue and white enamel monogram, MME. Often referred to as a Cross of Lorraine.

Continental European in origin. Circa 1870. $2,250 No. 15 v i c t o r i a n e r a m a t c h e d s e t o f

bangle bracelets

Unusual pair of antique bangles with striped enamel details. Repeating patterns and fleur-de-lys adorn the back and front of each bangle. Each bracelet is set with ten old mine cut diamonds, approximately 2.6 carats in total weight. Period-appropriate fitted box. Continental European in origin.

Circa 1870. $17,500 21

No. 16 g e o r g i a n e r a r o s e c u t d i a m o n d

three stone ring

​​ well-preserved 18th-century diamond ring. Delicate in form, three rose cut A diamonds are set in silver on gold. English in origin. Circa 1780. $5,250

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No. 17 g e o r g i a n e r a o l d m i n e c u t d i a m o n d

three stone ring

A very crisp example of a classic Georgian era ring. ​​Three high-crowned old mine cut diamonds set in silver on gold settings. The shoulders have a subtle floral motif. English in Origin, Circa 1780. $5,950 23

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No. 18 v i c t o r i a n e r a f i v e s t o n e r i n g Five old mine cut diamonds are collet set in silver on 18k gold with a floral motif on each shoulder. The bright, lively stones weigh approximately 2.2 carats in total weight. English in origin. Circa 1850. $6,250 No. 19 p a i r o f v i c t o r i a n e r a f i v e s t o n e

diamond rings

A rare-matched set of diamond rings. Old mine cut diamonds are set in silvertopped gold settings with reeded shoulders and shanks. It is a feat to have remained together for over 180 years. English in origin. Circa 1840. $8,250 24

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No. 20 g e o r g i a n e r a c o q u e -

de -perle and topaz brooch Beautifully formed stomacher piece with large coque-de-perle stones. A piece like this would have been worn as a bodice ornament on an elaborate court dress. There are foilbacked topaz stones, cerise foil exaggerating their natural color. Tiny marcasite stones surround each large pearl. The piece can be worn in reduced form as the drops are removable. Presented in its original fitted box. English in origin. Circa 1800 $4,250

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No. 21 v i c t o r i a n e r a o n y x a n d d i a m o n d l o c k e t Simple black onyx carved and polished into a locket. Accented with rose cut diamonds set in silver. There is a hinged glass compartment on the reverse to hold a keepsake. English in origin. Circa 1870. $2,450

No. 22 v i c t o r i a n e r a r u b y a n d d i a m o n d e a r r i n g s Lovely ruby cabochon and rose cut diamond earrings. Once part of a larger piece, they have been converted into stud earrings. The rubies are certified to be of Burmese origin, with no treatment. They are estimated to weigh approximately 5.7 carats in total weight. The diamonds are set in silver on gold, typical for the period. English in origin. Circa 1880. $6,750 27

No. 23 v i n t a g e g o l d t e a r d r o p l i n k b r a c e l e t A very nice, heavy gold bracelet with teardrop-shaped links, chic classic 18k yellow gold with integrated link-shaped clasp. Continental European in origin. $6,750

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No. 24 v i n t a g e g o l d a n d d i a m o n d t w i s t

bangle bracelet

A very chic and finely crafted bangle in 18k gold and platinum set with 56 diamonds, approximate total weight of 2.5 carats. American in origin.

Circa 1970. $14,750 30

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No. 26

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No. 25 b e l l & b i r d s i g n a t u r e c u t a w a y d i a m o n d eternity band - 4- carats This ring features sixteen turn-of-the-century, antique old European cut diamonds weighing 4.41 carats in total weight, approximate quality ranging from H to J color, VS to SI clarity. Silver on gold. Available size, 6.25. By special order in other sizes. $17,900 No. 26 b e l l & b i r d w i d e r o u n d b a n d A simple ring for wearing alone or stacking with our other bands. The chic 3mm wide round band is hand made in perfect symmetry. It can be made in our signature 18k old gold or 18k yellow gold. Made to order. $1,750 No. 27 b e l l & b i r d s i g n a t u r e c u t a w a y h a l f hoop band - 2 carats This ring features eleven 19th century antique old mine cut diamonds, over 2 carats in total diamond weight. Diamond quality ranges from H to J color and VS to SI clarity. Silver on gold. Size 6.5 and sizeable. $9,750 31

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No. 28 b e l l a n d b i r d t u r q u o i s e a n d

diamond three stone ring

Inspired by elements of 18th and 19th century rings, our three-stone ring uses an elongated piece of antique Persian turquoise and two high-crowned old mine cut diamonds. Handcrafted in our 18k old gold on a rounded band. $6,200 No. 29 1 9 t h c e n t u r y c a r v e d t u r q u o i s e

fede ring

The fede symbol of clasped hands was often given as a token of loyalty and trust. This example features a beautifully carved Persian turquoise stone set in 14k gold. The shoulders are engraved in a floral forget-me-not motif. Found in Switzerland. Circa 1840. $3,475 33

No. 30 1 9 t h c e n t u r y o l d m i n e c u t d i a m o n d solitaire pendant necklace The diamond is in silver on gold cutaway setting—approximately 1 carat, J color, and SI1 clarity. Originally, the stone was the center of a large flower brooch. The stone’s unusual flat proportions make it appear larger than its weight, facing up more like a 2-carat stone. Hanging on a modern 14k gold cable link chain. English in origin. Circa 1860. $7,950 34

No. 31 b e l l & b i r d o l d e u r o p e a n c u t d i a m o n d s Entirely hand fabricated, these earrings feature our signature silver-topped gold, cutaway collet settings. The earrings feature two antique old European cut diamonds, 0.70 carats approx. H color and VS2 clarity and 0.71, approx H color and SI2 clarity. Other sizes available by request. $7,650

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No. 32 e a r l y 1 9 t h c e n t u r y g a r n e t c a n a t i l l e

necklace

Striking early 19th-century necklace made in Europe in the Georgian era.

The intricate gold cannetille work is light in weight, surrounding flat-cut garnets in 18k gold. French import marks. Circa 1820. $7,850 37

No. 33 v i c t o r i a n e r a g a r n e t a n d d i a m o n d b r a c e l e t A late 19th-century bangle bracelet with large garnet cabochon stones and old mine cut diamonds. The bold design uses deep-colored carbuncle stones in a flame or crown pattern. The fourteen old mine cut diamonds provide points of light between the dark garnets. The bracelet is made in 18k gold and has approximately 2.5 carats of total diamond weight. English in origin.

Circa 1860. $5,850 38

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CUT STEEL JEWELRY

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n the mid-18th century, cut steel jewelry was first seen as an unlikely but effective diamond imitation. Its popularity began in 1759 when the wealthy French, who were asked to donate their fine jewels towards war efforts, began wearing cut-steel in the place of diamonds. Its popularity endured throughout the 19th century. Archives say that material for the earliest examples was obtained from collecting steel horseshoe nails.

Pieces that survive today command much attention, especially considering their humble beginnings.

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No. 34 c u t s t e e l n e c k l a c e Striking design in steel. This well-preserved cut-steel collar necklace feels so modern. English in origin. Circa 1840. $4,250 42

No. 35 c u t s t e e l n e c k l a c e A cheerful circle design in cut steel. Measures 16” in length. English in origin. Circa 1840. $2,250 43

No. 36 c u t s t e e l m a t c h e d b r a c e l e t s e t Bright steel panels make up links in these bracelets. A rare set still together after many generations. A subtle heart motif is integrated into the design. English in origin. Circa 1840. $2,250 44

No. 37 c u t s t e e l b a n g l e Bright cut steel in a scalloped bangle design. English in origin.

Circa 1840. $1,450

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No. 38 b e l l a n d b i r d o l d m i n e c u t d i a m o n d

ring with enamel

Inspired by Victorian era black jewelry, we designed this unique ring with enamel details. The prongs are hand-filed to precise points, and the traditional vitreous enamel is meticulously applied. The antique old mine cut diamond weighs 1.52 carats. Handcrafted in our 18k old gold. $13,250

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No. 39 i m p e r i a l r u s s i a n m a l t e s e c r o s s Large diamond pendant with approximately 8.4 carats of mixed antique cut diamonds. 175 Old mine cut and old European cut diamonds are set in silver on 14k gold, typical of the time period.

Imperial Russian hallmarks. Circa 1898-1908. $24,750

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No. 40 v i c t o r i a n e r a d i a m o n d s t a r b u r s t p e n d a n t Large, high-crowned old mine cut diamonds are set in silver on gold settings.

The central old mine cut diamond is approx 1 carat. The entire piece is approx 8.5 carats in total weight. Originally a convertible brooch and part of a tiara, we have converted it into a pendant. English in origin. Circa 1870. $16,850 50

No. 41 g e o r g i a n w h i t e p a s t e t e a r d r o p e a r r i n g s A very fine example of 19th-century paste. Square stones are masterfully set in a pillow-like form set in silver on gold. These earrings can be found in the book “Georgian Jewelry” by Ginny Reddington Dawes and Olivia Collings.

English in origin. Circa 1830. $4,350 51

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No. 42 v i c t o r i a n e r a o l d m i n e c u t

diamond earrings

Elegant old mine cut diamonds are set in silver on gold.

Mixed cuts of pear, cushion and round shapes make up these earrings. English in origin. Circa 1860. $12,750 53

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No. 43 f r e n c h s e c o n d e m p i r e c o n v e r t i b l e

diamond floral necklace and tiara

An exquisite necklace that has the capability to convert into earrings, hairpins, brooches, pendants, a simple line bracelet, and a grand tiara.

Hundreds of old mine cut and rose cut diamonds are set in silver on gold.

The necklace was made at the end of the second empire by the famous Parisan jeweler, CH Fontana et cie. The beautiful set remains housed in its original box from the Palais Royal in Paris. The forget-me-not flowers reveal the necklace was likely given initially as a token of love. French in origin.

Circa 1870. $48,750 55

No. 42 continued

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No. 44 a r t d e c o c o l u m b i a n e m e r a l d

and diamond ring

A 2.64 carat center stone is surrounded by single-cut diamonds in platinum. The well-matched side stones give an illusion of deep emerald green running out of the center and down the sides of the ring. The center stone is certified to be of Columbian origin. Circa 1925. $44,750

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No. 45 a r t d e c o p l a t i n u m a n d d i a m o n d l i n e

bracelet

A turn-of-the-century diamond line bracelet with mixed cut diamonds of both old mine cut and old European cut stones. The platinum bracelet has an estimated total carat weight of 4 carats. American in origin. Circa 1920. $12,750

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No. 46 1 9 t h c e n t u r y g o l d b u c k l e b r a c e l e t Chic gas-pipe bracelet. An outstanding design with a clever locking clasp mechanism and a French maker’s mark. French in origin. $10,750

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No. 47 b e l l a n d b i r d e m e r a l d a n d

diamond ring

Featuring an antique emerald of 2.30 carats; the stone is certified as Colombian in origin with insignificant to no clarity enhancement. The stone was salvaged from a Belle Epoque era diamond brooch dating to 1900. The main stone is accented by vertical baguette diamonds and additional single-cut stones set in our 18k old gold. $30,000 63

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No. 48 a n t i q u e f a n c y y e l l o w

diamond briolette earrings Two large fancy yellow diamond briolettes hang from crisp white French cut diamonds. These earrings are convertible to be worn in reduced form as simple studs.

The two French cuts weigh approximately 3 carats in total weight, while the briolettes total 11 carats together. Set in platinum with modern locking backs.

American in origin. Circa 1925. $118,750

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No. 49 v i n t a g e v e r d u r a m a l t e s e c r o s s c u f f s The original design was made for Coco Chanel in the 1930s. They are as stylish now as they were then. Offering a rare set of two Maltese cross jeweled panels to be interchanged on a pair of white cocholong and an additional pair of black onyx cuffs. The 18k gold panels feature, sapphire, emerald, pearl, and diamond stones in the classic Verdura design. All original Verdura details are intact, including the original boxes. Circa 1980. $120,000

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No. 50 a r t d e c o d i a m o n d s c a l l o p e a r r i n g s A beautifully executed design, made in the early 20th century. A sculptural scallop design has a three-dimensional effect on the ear. Estimated to have a total weight of 5.8 carats in single-cut and baguette cut diamonds set in platinum. Found in Switzerland.

Circa 1925. $15,750 71

No. 51 m i d - c e n t u r y t r a b e r t & h o e f f e r

mauboussin bracelet

The American jewelry firm Trabert & Hoeffer, with the Parisian house Mauboussin, produced some of the most extraordinary jewels of its time.

Famous for their illustrious Hollywood clientele. This chic 18k gold bangle has a florentine finish in an abstract buckle design with bright diamonds set in platinum. American in origin. Circa 1960. $24,500

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No. 49 e d w a r d i a n

era diamond earrings

Turn of the 20th century earrings exhibit the light and airy platinum work expected in Edwardian era jewels.

Approximately 3 carats in total diamond weight. They are light in weight. American in origin.

Circa 1910. $13,750

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No. 52 v i n t a g e d i a m o n d r i v i e r e n e c k l a c e Classic diamond Riviere necklace with an estimated 15 carats of diamonds set in platinum. The diamond quality ranges approx G-H color, SI1-SI2. An additional pendant can be attached to the central diamond from an invisible hinged loop. American in origin. Circa 1980. $42,750 75

No. 53 b e l l & b i r d t e a r d r o p

antique diamond earrings Twin Pear Shaped Diamonds have been set on simple platinum hoop earrings. Both diamonds are certified to be 3.01 carats, J color, and SI1 clarity. The stones were found in a post-war platinum bypass ring, now on simple platinum hoops. Total diamond weight 6.02 carats. Stones, Circa 1945. $78,750

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No. 54 b e l l a n d b i r d s a p p h i r e a n d d i a m o n d r i n g A classic three-stone ring with a natural sapphire and two old European cut diamonds. The primary stone is a certified 5.17 carat sapphire, of Madagascan origin with no treatment. The sapphire is paired with two old European cut diamonds, .96 carats in total diamond weight, H color, and VS clarity. Handmade in our 18k old gold. $24,750 79

BELL

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BIRD DESIGNS

very step of our process is contemplated with longevity in mind. In an age where few things are manufactured slowly, we look at our in-house jewelry through the lens of antiques. Over a single week, we look at thousands of pieces of jewelry. Most are common, poor quality, and passed over. The very few acquired and offered to our clients have endured the test of time. They have quality in materials, form, and construction. Each piece is so special that the original owner cared for it and passed it along to a descendant who felt the same way. We put that spirit into the pieces we make. We want your heirs to be thrilled to inherit our pieces and for their value to endure the test of time.

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No. 55 b e l l & b i r d h o b n a i l d i a m o n d n e c k l a c e Many years ago, while walking in London, we encountered a unique Victorian era landscape chain that inspired the details of our newest signature design. We have interpreted this design with and without diamonds. Each link is handwrought. Individual hobnails are precisely shaped on a lathe. The 92 antique old European cut diamonds are not calibrated like modern stones, requiring our stone setter to measure and set each stone without automation. Over 400 hours of meticulous benchwork go into creating a complete necklace.

DIAMOND SET, 18K OLD GOLD NECKLACE — $55,750 PLAIN HOBNAIL LINK, 18K YELLOW GOLD NECKLACE — $28,750

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No. 54

No. 55

No. 56 b e l l a n d b i r d h o b n a i l e t e r n i t y b a n d This eternity band uses carré cut diamonds accented with single-cut stones set in our 18k old gold. The design is in the spirit of 18th-century tablecut diamond rings as well as the bold hobnail designs of the Victorian era.

Available in a size 5.25 or by special order. $12,500 No. 57 b e l l & b i r d h o b n a i l d i a m o n d

stud earrings

A fresh take on a classic diamond stud. Straight baguette stones surround an inverted carré cut diamond creating a hobnail design. Approximately 1.9 carats of total diamond weight, E-F color, VS2 clarity. set in 18k old gold. $13,750

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No. 58 b e l l & b i r d 3 . 7 c a r a t o l d m i n e

cut diamond ring

A fine antique diamond set in a classic three stone arrangement. The 3.7 carat cushion cut stone is certified to be F color and VS1 clarity. Set in our 18k old gold. $92,000

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e are delighted to offer this curated collection of gifts that can be appreciated year after year and ultimately cherished by the next generation. If you have interest in a piece or have any questions please contact us by email at info@bellandbird.com or by phone (512) 4078206.

Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Bell & Bird

Special thanks to the Commodore Perry Estate Creative Direction & Photography: Sarah Murphy Art Direction: Serracinna Studio Stylist: Ansley Burnette Model: Emma Bartlett Graphic Design: Cedar Shake Studio

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