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Category Archives: Jewellery
Birthstones in fine jewellery?
We all have preferences in our choice of gemstones, but one thing we might feel more connected to is our birthstone. Birthstones are gems that have been chosen for astrological reasons and are associated with certain months. In almost every … Continue reading
Things always go up in value, don’t they?
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
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A Brooch With Greatness
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
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A Pearl is a Pearl, isn’t it?
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
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Art Nouveau Pendant at Auction
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
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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