Author Archives: Duncan Parker

About Duncan Parker

Duncan Parker, FGA, FCGmA, CAP (CJA), Vice President. Duncan is a columnist and contributor for industry magazines and journals. He has been an instructor of the gemstone course at Ryerson University, the Gemmology courses of George Brown College and Canadian Gemmological Association as well as instructor Master Valuer Program with the Canadian Jewellers Association. A renowned expert, he speaks regularly at international gem and jewellery conferences and symposiums, as well as at less formal events. He has served as President of the Canadian Gemmological Association since 1995. Before joining Dupuis Auctioneers, Duncan was a director of research at Harold Weinstein Ltd., a leading and respected jewellery appraisal company.

Castellani and Giuliano

Castellani and Giuliano The nineteenth Century is a time of change. Industry creates a growing middle class. Archaeology is invented, and all around the Mediterranean, sites reveal beautiful decorative items of the ancient world. Artifacts of ancient Greece, Egypt, and … Continue reading

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Diamond Carat Weight: Large is Rare

Diamonds By The Carat: Large Is Rare We weigh diamonds in carats. A carat is a metric measurement of 200 milligrams. That means 5 carats equals a gram. Most people will never own a gram of diamonds. While a large diamond … Continue reading

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Antique Jewels: 19th Century

ANTIQUE JEWELS: VICTORIAN Antique jewels have a story. Sometimes we aren’t told what the story is. We can, however, discover the tale by reading the secrets of the jewel. History is a moment in time. In antique jewels, these moments … Continue reading

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Egyptian influences

 Egyptian Influences Did you know that the world has been fascinated with the world of ancient Egypt since it was not ancient? Every time someone uncovers a tomb or grave in ancient Egypt, we see Egyptian influences flowing in to … Continue reading

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Did You Know? Tanzanite is a one source gem

Tanzanite: A One Source Gem   Did you know, Tanzanite is a one source gem?  This remarkable blue to purple blue gem comes from one place in the world. The gem is mined in Arusha, near Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. … Continue reading

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Did You Know? Royal Provenance

Royal Provenance This antique brooch, Circa 1850, is accompanied by a notarized letter indicating that it is from the estate of His Imperial Highness, Archduke of Austria, Luis Salvador of Habsburg-Lorraine and Borbon. Royal Provenance makes everything more interesting. It … Continue reading

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Auctions Simplified

AUCTIONS Bidding at an auction, or even attending an auction, is an adventure that’s entertaining and fun. Some people wonder if going to an auction might see them leaving with treasures they didn’t mean to buy. The idea of bidding … Continue reading

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Award Winning Jewels

JEWELLERY DESIGN Jewels are small works of art. Each is designed and planned by an artist who has the ideas to create a small wearable artwork. Jewellery design competitions are a place for artists to shine. The designer uses precious … Continue reading

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Flawless

Flawless The word “flawless” means one thing.  “Flawless” indicates that an item is without imperfection or blemish. It conveys the impression of something very special, out of the ordinary. Sports and Arts Only the rarest of things is flawless. In the sports … Continue reading

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Presentation Jewels

Through history, jewels and items of precious metal have been given as tokens of recognition. These tokens are sometimes made as presentations to people who have achieved something of note. Presentation: A Gold Watch For 25 Years of Service Presentation … Continue reading

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