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Author Archives: Duncan Parker
Stars among gems
Stars are rare among gems, but given the right conditions, the right crystallographic structure, the right gem, and the right inclusions, all working together, a gem might exhibit a star. These four star sapphires are shown in a group, a … Continue reading
Pleochroism in tanzanite
Tanzanite is a gem noted for its bright colour, its high degree of clarity, and its almost unique source. Tanzanite is an unusual gem because it is found near Arusha, Tanzania, and really not in any commercial quantities anywhere else. … Continue reading
Posted in Gemmology, Jewellery
Tagged Pleochroism, Tanzanite, Tiffany & Co.
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Portrait Cameo
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
Saint Cecilia
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
Scallop shells in art, including jewellery art
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 antique
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Untreated Star Sapphire
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
Unheated Sapphires
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
Natural Pearls
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 Brooch, Natural Pearls, Pearls
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Emeralds
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
Arts and Crafts Pendant
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 Art Nouveau, Pendant, rock crystal
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