Monthly Archives: November 2013

Portrait Cameo

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Cameos are small art works often in the form of carved gems. We associate cameos with a white to cream figure on a pink to orange-brown background in the most traditional carved shell cameos. While some of the finest work … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Jewellery | Tagged , | Comments Off on Portrait Cameo

Saint Cecilia

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Duncan Parker

November 22 is Saint Cecilia’s day. Saint Cecilia is the patron Saint of Musicians. One of my musical daughters was born on this day too. Saint Cecilia is usually depicted as a musician, and in this late 19th Century stained … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewellery | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Saint Cecilia

Scallop shells in art, including jewellery art

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Duncan Parker

The shell, a symbol of birth, features in art, and, of course, jewellery throughout history. The delicate pendant, lot 187 in the November 24th, 2013 auction features a small cherub, or putto, seated on a scallop shell, and playing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery | Tagged | Comments Off on Scallop shells in art, including jewellery art

Untreated Star Sapphire

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Sapphires are amazing for many reasons, including the diversity of colours they may have, the phenomena that may have, and the parts of the world where they may occur. On average, sapphires are thought to be blue, but they really … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Untreated Star Sapphire

Unheated Sapphires

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Sapphires and rubies are among the best known gems in the world, the gems flowing through the hands of storybook pirates when they delve into their treasure chests. The gems that are entirely untreated, and are the colour they were … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Unheated Sapphires

Natural Pearls

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Natural pearls are the original gems. Someone, long ago, was eating an oyster and bit on something, rolling in the palm of our ancient ancestor, it was the first gem, ready to wear, produced through the efforts of a little … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Gemmology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Natural Pearls

Emeralds

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

At auction, you never know what will show up. With the November 24, 2013 Dupuis Jewellery Auction, there is a great range of fine gems. Among the gems, it is interesting to note the majority of the emeralds are from … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Emeralds

Arts and Crafts Pendant

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Lot 202 in the upcoming Dupuis auction November 24, 2013. This beautiful hand made pendant, dated 1913, seems to be a blend between Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts. The centre features a panel with a clear cover on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Gemmology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Arts and Crafts Pendant