THE COQUETTE

First published in 1797, The Coquette is an epistolary novel penned by Hannah Webster Foster. One of the bestselling titles of the 18th Century, this is a fictionalised account of the story of Elizabeth Whitman, the daughter of a clergyman who died after giving birth to a stillborn, illegitimate child at a roadside tavern.

Writers and preachers of the day blamed her demise on the fact that she read romance novels, which gave her improper ideas and turned her into a coquette (what the ???). Foster responded with The Coquette, which provided a more sympathetic portrayal of Whitman and described the difficulties faced by middle class women. You go, Hannah!

What I like MOST about The Coquette is its intelligent portrayal of the contrast between individualism vs social conformity and passion vs reason.

Thus The Coquette cuff was born.

Debunking convention, The Coquette isn't quite a cuff neither is it a bracelet per se. A wonderful 3D middle has been poetically woven with lashings after lashings of 14K Gold Filled Wire, systemically dotted with exquisite African Tanzanite as well as Colombian Emerald Rondelles. That circular focal in the centre features yet more Colombian Emeralds, sprinklings of Tanzanite yet again, a petite circumference of Orangey Yellow Sapphires and, quite unexpectedly, a single Polished Brazilian Amethyst Round.

Performing balancing acts around the corners are passionate bouquets of AMAZING RARE GREEN RUBIES. Yes, I'm talking about those large and in-charge babies in rich Emerald City Green. Adding an almost ethereal contrast are Blueish Green Emerald Briolettes (another rare find) peppered with Polished Tanzanite Briolettes, teeny tiny Brazilian Amethyst Briolettes and glorious Pink Tourmaline Briolettes.

Further upping the unique and uber individual quotient, The Coquette features unabashedly decadent cascades of 14K Gold Filled Chains on either side. Rather flapper-esque too, yes?

A lean procession of Pink Sapphire Rondelles secures The Coquette from side to side.

{ COLLECTION }

THE COQUETTE is part of the BORDELLO QUEEN Collection.

Think Lolita meets dramatic Goth. A collection heavily infuenced by French lace and sexy corsetry with throwbacks to 17th Century drama and grandeur. Designs that combine age old techniques with stylised, unexpected, saucy storybook elements.

Intense. Naughty. Provocative. Real.