1

A Day
Observed

A story presented by

Scene 1:
‘Morning’

It was a bright cold day with glassy surfaces that looked hard.
Into the square frame he stood as if in a dream.

What emerged was precisely what he expected to find: a reflection of memory images. Contemplating his face in the photo frame he waited.

1960s lucite and chrome 3 image photo frame

By the steady hands of his watch, he listened to time. Every day for the past sixteen days he saw her. Silver lingered in the crease of
an open book.

Rolex burlwood dial, Jubilee bracelet Miniature
oar English university trophy, sterling silver.

So absorbed in his thoughts
he hardly saw the platinum catch-all, the key, or the revelation locked inside those lapis lazuli cufflinks tossed unmistakably in cold blue.

Hans Hanson catch-all. Mid-century, Danish sterling silver. Stirrup money clip, by Hermès. Padlock keyring, sterling silver " Tie bar-slide " Round lapis lazuli cufflinks" Square cufflinks, two tone rose and yellow gold, diamond."

Only by whirling on his heel could he hope to comprehend
the panorama.

Shoe horn, circa 1930. American sterling silver
Scene 2:
‘Noon’

He remained.Trapped in that enormous room,
unmistakably familiar in feeling yet so peculiar.

Above the mantle was
displayed an Austrian hound
of impeccable integrity.

Hagenauer sculpture, 1930

His gaze fell on the letter opener. By accident she had learnt more about his life from the contents of that letter than anywhere.

Dunhill letter opener with lighter top, circa 1950

Cleopatra’s eye reflected
the sun. Through the hypnotism
of precious metals there
emerged a dark slender shadow.

Cleopatra’s eye magnifying glass. Mid-century, gold plated
Hermès weighted pen. Silver plated.

A lighter presented itself, smooth to the touch
it gave the impression of
intelligent company.

Table lighter St Dupont, circa 1960. Gold plate
Scene 3:
‘Evening’

All this time light was receding from the room.

“I should explain why I spend so much time here”, said the silhouette. Leaves moved like shadows across her eyes.

Hermès rope bottle opener. Plated silver.

It’s not too late to turn back. Time moved with faint sounds.

Venini hourglass. Hand-blown lurid Murano glass.

He unscrewed the telescopic cup, rolled and remained still. Black eyes on the dice prophesied a new cycle.

Telescopic cup, J. E. Cauldwell. Gold plated. Dice,
Cartier for America. Vitreous enamel glass, silver

Staring down at the varnished surface her mouth worried him while her eyes examined the gold cufflink.

Audemar Piguet evening watch. gold plated, Roman dial, alligator strap
Scene 4:
‘Night’

Everything went crashing black.

Pale graceful hands placed
the gold stud box delicately
on the table.

Men’s Edwardian jewellery box, 1910. Gold plated.
Mid-century British cigar ashtray. Sterling silver and crystal.

He lit a match to make sure the watch had really stopped. Smoke lingered from its vesta case.

Realist wrapped tobacco leaf march vesta. Silver.

As the travel clock neared
one the figure vanished into dappled shadows.

Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre travel clock.
Gold and silver plated. Retailed by Aspray.

On the newly varnished table two bronze shot cups sat alive like in a dream.

Tooth shot cup by Foundwell. Bronze and silver plated.
Set of 4, 3 silver 1 gold. Heath & Midleton champagne decanters circa 1900.
Sterling silver and glass.
The End

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy, creative direction OK-RM,
notes by Kate O’Brien and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy,
creative direction OK-RM
notes by Kate O’Brien
and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

A SELECTION OF ITEMS BY THE PRODUCER OF
CRAFTED GOODS & PURVEYOR OF ANTIQUE WATCHES,
JEWELLERY & OTHER SUCH OBJECTS

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A pair of fourteen carat yellow gold and onyx drop earrings. This is a pair of classic, easy to wear and accessorise earrings that are light and comfortable in the ear for every day. Or, as a simple flash of black for a refined evening look. The post is fronted by an angled and shaped kite shape that has a couple of plain round links that allows the architectural obelisk shape onyx drop with the plain yellow gold stripe running through the center

Onyx has occupied a unique place in women’s jewelry for thousands of years. Prized for its rich, opaque black color and ability to take a high polish, the stone was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for everything from seals and amulets to decorative ornaments. Unlike gemstones valued for brilliance or rarity, onyx was admired for its depth, contrast, and striking simplicity.

The stone experienced a resurgence during the 19th century, particularly in the Victorian era. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, black gemstones became closely associated with mourning jewelry, and onyx was widely incorporated into brooches, lockets, earrings, and bracelets. Its dramatic appearance suited the restrained elegance of the period while remaining more durable and accessible than jet.

By the early 20th century, onyx found a new identity. Designers of the Art Deco movement embraced its bold geometric qualities, pairing black onyx with diamonds, platinum, rock crystal, coral, and jade. The strong contrast between black and white became one of the defining visual signatures of the era. Houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron frequently employed onyx in highly architectural designs that reflected the modern spirit of the age.

Today, onyx remains a cornerstone of women’s jewelry. Its appeal lies not in fleeting fashion but in its timeless versatility. Whether set in Victorian mourning jewels, Art Deco masterpieces, or contemporary designs, onyx offers a sense of confidence and sophistication that few materials can match. Its deep black surface continues to provide one of jewelry’s most elegant contrasts, allowing both precious metals and gemstones to command attention while retaining a quiet sense of refinement.

The gold has been tested with an XRF gun, and is confirmed as fourteen carat. The original earring backs are also stamped "14K". The total drop length is just over 1.2 inches in length. 

Made in America, circa 1970's.


Price $675.00

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Item Dimensions
Earring Length
1.2 inches (3.048cm)
Earring Width
0.3 inches (0.762cm)