Legend has it the ruby is lit by an inner flame that can’t be extinguished. According to ancient Asian lore, the ruby contained the “spark of life,” and was known as “the lamp stone”–an Emperor of China was even said to have lit his chamber with a ruby that “burned as bright as day.” We […]
May birthstone, the emerald is a symbol of renewal and fertility–apropos for the time of year when the world is once again in bloom. Derived from the word smaragdus, which is Greek for “green,” the emerald has been mined in Egypt since 330 B.C. When Queen Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was crowned, she […]
Rare Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger diamond leaf-shaped brooch, American, c. 1960″s. Samuel Saidian & Sons. Derived from the Greek word “adamas” meaning “invincible,” April’s birthstone, the diamond, is thought to be the hardest substance on earth, making it a natural fit for the gemstone that best symbolizes enduring love. Mario Buccellati eternity band, 18K gold […]
Derived from the Roman word “aqua,” meaning “water” and “mare,” meaning “sea,” the serene March birthstone, aquamarine, certainly does recall the clear blue of the ocean. The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the God of the Sea, having fallen from the jewel caskets of his sirens and washed ashore. Early sailors […]
The perfect stone for embarking on a new year, garnet, the January birthstone, has long been associated with journeys. Derived from the Latin word “granatus,” which is related to the word “pomegranate,” garnet was named thus due to its resemblance to the deep red, seed-like fruit when in its natural form. In Greek mythology, it […]
Welcome to a new year of fantastic old finds! We hope 2014 is your best year in antiques. You can see all the items we’ve recently added to the website here. The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center is located at 1050 Second Avenue at 56th Street, New York, NY. We’re open Mon-Sat 10:30 AM to […]
At the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, it’s always the holiday season. Our dealers are perpetually on the hunt for the best in art and antiques and we’re proud to house thousands upon thousands of their finds. The best part of the season for us is watching everybody else join in this spirit of finding […]
There may be a decided chill in the air this month, but November is also the month of changing fall colors, showcased so beautifully in Gustav Baumann’s “Road of the Morning,” and the start of the holiday season. This month, we feature festive decorations for the home and for yourself for this season of entertaining. […]
Multicolored Tourmaline stone & 14K gold chain convertible necklace, American, 1950s. Antique Reflections Gallery. Appropriately for the month with the best changing fall colors, October’s two birthstones, tourmaline and opal, are best known for their varied hues. According to EarthSky, tourmaline is a stone that “exhibits the broadest spectrum of gemstone colors. Gem-quality forms of […]
Pin, fashioned as a floral spray, multi-colored sapphires and 18KT gold, American, circa 1980; Clifford Baron Gallery. September’s birthstone, the sapphire has long represented purity of the soul. In the Middle Ages, the clergy wore sapphires to symobolize heaven and to protect against temptations, and commoners believed it to attract heavenly blessings. Among its roots, […]