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.

Things always go up in value, don’t they?

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Duncan Parker

An appraiser or valuer regularly hears things along the lines of “my last appraisal was eight years ago, so I guess it’s gone up since then”. We do like to think that this is the case, but, sadly, it isn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisals, Auctions, Jewellery | Comments Off on Things always go up in value, don’t they?

A Brooch With Greatness

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Duncan Parker

A brooch is something that makes a statement to the world. It’s often worn on a coat, blazer or jacket, it isn’t limited to a time of day or a type of clothing. Women and men wear brooches equally. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Auctions, Jewellery | Comments Off on A Brooch With Greatness

A Pearl is a Pearl, isn’t it?

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Duncan Parker

When we think of a pearl, we tend to think of a round white shiny object that comes from an oyster of some sort. A pearl may well fit that description, but there are so many variations available, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Gemmology, Jewellery | Comments Off on A Pearl is a Pearl, isn’t it?

Art Nouveau Pendant at Auction

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Duncan Parker

To be offered in the Spring 2014 sale, June 22, this pendant is an elegantly simple jewel. It came to the auction in a fitted box, can you imagine a workshop set up specifically to build boxes that are made … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Auctions, Jewellery | Comments Off on Art Nouveau Pendant at Auction

Modern Cameos

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Duncan Parker

I have just returned from the gem shows at Tucson Arizona. Tucson is the place where the whole gem and jewellery world gathers to who off what is new, interesting, and happening. I go there to learn what is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Modern Cameos

Appraisals serve different needs and markets

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Duncan Parker

An appraisal can be prepared to serve different needs. The same item may be appraised to allow an insurer to add it to a household replacement policy, to allow a court determine an amount for settling a bankruptcy, divorce, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisals, Auctions | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Appraisals serve different needs and markets

Watch Wednesday

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Duncan Parker

Rolex is a name that always creates a stir at auction. This model, lot 148 in the Fall 2013 auction, sold for nearly double its estimate. It doesn’t look like the popular image of a modern Rolex, but this rare … Continue reading →

Posted in Auctions, Watches | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Watch Wednesday

Colombian emerald crystals and jewels

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Duncan Parker

Colombian emeralds tell their stories well. The inclusions are so distinctive that they really can’t be from anywhere else. These hexagonal crystals have recently come from the Chivor mine in Colombia. They have “three phase” inclusions, with a solid, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Colombian emerald crystals and jewels

Jewellery carries a message

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Duncan Parker

These antique jewels are the perfect representation of the dying days of the Victorian Empire. Beautifully made mourning jewels conveyed a message of good taste in fine craftsmanship, and remembered someone who can’t be with the wearer any longer. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Auctions | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Jewellery carries a message

Watch this space on Wednesday:

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Duncan Parker

As the phone is our day to day timepiece, the wristwatch has become an important accessory, both for men and women. Making a statement of your mood, style, or sense of fun is easy with the range of choices available … Continue reading →

Posted in Auctions, Watches | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Watch this space on Wednesday: