Discover the Value of your Jewels

Month: November 2016

Egyptian influences

 Egyptian Influences

110

Egyptian faience amulet built in to a Victorian brooch. Lot 110 in the Dupuis Fall 2016 Important Jewels Auction

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 the art, architecture, and jewels of the modern world.

Pre Tutankhamun

Before the tomb of Tutankhamun was uncovered, tourists, archaeologists, and grave robbers visited the Valley of the Kings, and explored the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the tomb of Ramses and all the important sites of ancient Egypt. Exploration uncovered tombs and artifacts regularly.

Sometimes whole tombs were discovered, and sometimes small decorative artifacts were found. Both architectural style and decorative elements found their way around the world.

Nineteenth century explorers and travellers returned to show what they had found in Egypt. Often collected or purchased artifacts were incorporated into decoration and jewellery.

After Tutankhamun

Sometimes there were blends of styles and influences. We see elements from many cultures, styles and geographies influencing each other, more and more as travel and communication became easier in the 19th century.

After the tomb of Tutankhamun was re-discovered in 1922, the world sat up and paid attention, and the Egyptian influences became even stronger.

363

Art Deco brooch, Circa 1930, with obvious Egyptian influences after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, Lot 363, in the Dupuis Fall 2016 Important Jewels Auction

 

 

Did You Know? Tanzanite is a one source gem

Tanzanite: A One Source Gem

 

323-copy

Tanzanite 23.5 carats, lot 323 in the Dupuis Fall 2016 Important Jewels Auction

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. There are some tiny amounts found in a neighbouring Kenya. Geology doesn’t recognize political boundaries, I guess.

Tiffany & Co introduced the lively blue gem to the jewellery world in 1967. Before that, it was not known in the gem world.

353-copy

Tiffany & Co Tanzanite and diamond bracelet, Lot 353 in the Dupuis Fall 2016 Important Jewels Auction

Tanzanite is most prized for bright blue colour and for being very free from visible inclusions.

Because it is a one source gem, we always wonder when the source will run out.

There are hardly any gems that are only found in only one place, making tanzanite genuinely remarkable.

 

 

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.

325

Lot 325, in the Dupuis Fall 2016 Important Jewels Auction

It is a beautiful emerald in a lovely brooch with an interesting story. We can’t verify it ourselves, but the background certainly makes this beautiful jewel even more interesting.

Who doesn’t want to be able to tell the story of an Imperial personage and imagine the lifestyle that would have accompanied such a jewel? What tales it could tell.