Jewellery Talk » Antique

A Necklace Fit for an Elvish Princess

Heather — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:59:01 +0000

You’ll have to forgive the somewhat whimsical title. I have to admit, I’m something of an LOTR case. I confess, I love it — books and movies, characters and settings. So, although I just wrote on one Van Cleef & Arpels design, as soon as I saw this, I just didn’t have a choice. What am I talking about? Oh, just this:

This is the Van Cleef & Arpels Virevolte Necklace. The moment I scrolled through the catalog on the site and saw this, I couldn’t help but think that this necklace would be suited for Arwen and/or Galadriel. The delicate leaves will, in fact, add a touch of whimsy and mystery to any woman who wears it.

I have to confess, I’m beginning to fall in love with Van Cleef and Arpels, big time. I haven’t been struck by a designer so quickly in a long time. Specifically, its the design aesthetic that gets me. It’s so unique, while the craftsmanship is just exquisite.

Bonhams announces: JUNE IS FOR JEWELLERY

Jenny — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:04:02 +0000

June is fast becoming synonymous with jewellery, with the industry attracting worldwide attention via a series of themed events. Amongst these is the annual celebration Jewellery in June organised by Bonhams who open their doors to the public throughout the entiremonth of June with a nationwide jewellery valuation campaign.

Throughout the month of June, Bonhams are offering unrivalled access to their national network of experienced jewellery specialists, providing up-to-date valuations of any pieces that sit unused, locked–away and forgotten. With insurance premiums spiralling ever-higher, Bonhams are offering the opportunity to auction these pieces at a time when the British public seem particularly partial to all things jewellery.

Following the success of last year’s consignments – which included a stunning belle-epoque diamond pendant that sold for a staggering £64,000 – Bonhams are hoping that this year’s consignments will uncover yet more hidden gems.

This year, Bonhams are a core participant in Coutts London Jewellery Week, a week-long celebration which brings together the capital’s top jewellery talent between 8-14 June.

To coincide with the Week, Bonhams will host a jewellery sale at their Knightsbridge saleroom on Wednesday 10 June. The collection will be open to the public from Sunday 7 June and will include pieces ranging from exquisite Victorian antique brooches and stick pins to fabulous Art Deco cocktail pieces and contemporary designs by Asprey, Cartier, and De Beers.

Jean Ghika, Director of UK and Europe at Bonhams Jewellery department comments that: “Bonhams has traditionally seen an excellent response to the nationwide Jewellery in June campaign. Many see this as a unique opportunity to have an up-to-date auction valuation on their collection and gain valuable advice from our team of specialists throughout the UK.”

Mystery and Intrigue Surround Wittelsbach Blue Diamond Scheduled for Auction

Jenny — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:32:50 +0000

Here is an interesting news item about the second largest diamond in the world that has been worn and owned by royalty and whose complete history remains locked in mystery and speculation. Called the Wittelsbach Blue Diamond after the House of Wittelsbach, a European royal family from Bavaria, the thirty-five point fifty-six carat diamond is second in size to the infamous Hope diamond displayed in the US Smithsonian Institution. Having been documented as owned by at least three royal dynasties, its history cannot be entirely chronicled as no one really knows where the diamond has been for years. Surprisingly, however, it has now shown up to be auctioned by Christie’s of London in December. And of course, the seller or owner of the blue diamond is anonymous, keeping the last eighty years of possession shrouded in mystery.

Expected to garner in the neighborhood of nine million pounds, Christie’s has issued a photograph of the Wittelsbach Blue Diamond being held by a white gloved hand. The price expected seems rather low compared with other recently auctioned diamonds with far less notoriety and given the fact that diamonds are a good investment in a poor economy. Regardless of the end price, the auction will surely receive plenty of attention.

To show you the significance of the blue diamond, here are a few royal facts about its existence:

dates back to the seventeenth century
was chosen by King Philip IV of Spain as part of the marriage dowry for his daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa
after her death, the diamond passed to her husband, the Emperor, making it part of the Austrian crown jewels
become a component in the Bavarian royal crown

Because Bavaria must display the crown without the diamond, the Prime Minister has indicated that they might place a bid on the Wittelsbach Blue Diamond to restore its place in obvious hole in the crown jewels.

Rare Never-Before-Seen Jewelry from Biblical Era

Jenny — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:38:03 +0000

Archaeological digs always produce fascinating results. And sometimes we actually see the historically noteworthy finds and sometimes we only hear about the artifacts longing to see their genuine beauty. Now, with great excitement and anticipation, visitors to the Harry Oppenheimer Israel Diamond Museum may view a very rare display of antique jewelry dating back to Biblical times and well before.

On loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority, the extraordinary collection opened to public display earlier in September. Retrieved from archaeological sites throughout Israel, these specific pieces have never been seen before now. Without question, the gold pieces and items made with precious stones will be a delight to see as they offer a window into the past of Israelites and their culture.

National treasures such as this exhibition of jewelry further emphasizes Israel’s commercial backbone and the talent of artisans throughout the ages. Jewelry making is a key component to Israel’s history and in light of the country’s sixtieth anniversary, it is a wonderful bridge between the past and present jewelry trade.

As interesting and momentous as it will be to view the ancient exhibit of over one hundred items, the name given to the display is just as significant. Entitled “Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver”, apples refer to the golden balls used in intricate jewelry and the full title refers to the Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, chapter 25, verse 11 which says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples in pictures of silver”.

Not only will present day jewelry designers find inspiration in the ancient pieces but also the public at large will be honored to view such historically significant jewelry.