The only gem born of a living creature, the June birthstone pearl has been valued since antiquity. It’s easy to understand the fascination people have always felt for this most elegant of gemstones originating in the humblest of places. As many know, the pearl is found in the shells of mollusks but you may not […]
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 […]
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 […]
Enamel on Silver Cigarette Case, Continental, 1890. Dimensions: 3″ x 4″ Lev Tov Antiques. There’s a reason several of James Bond’s gadgets come disguised as cigarette cases; like Bond’s tools, cigarette cases are never just utilitarian–they’re objects of fashion. Cigarette cases have always been stylish personal accessories, and due to the renewed interest in tobacciana […]
18K gold ring with a large central ruby, surrounded by sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds, American, circa 1940-50. Hoffman-Gampetro gallery. Dorothy didn’t know it but when she first put on her ruby-encrusted slippers in The Wizard of Oz, the magic of the land passed to her. There have been many interpretations of the meaning behind Dorothy’s […]
A brooch made for Daisy Buchanan: In the style of Art Deco, platinum over 14K gold, with a large central citrine, surrounded by sapphires and diamonds, American, circa 1920-1930. Clifford Baron Gallery. The last line of F. Scot Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby reads “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into […]
A rose that blooms forever. Sterling silver, Cartier, France, 1990s. Leah Gordon Gallery. Of the many origin myths of Valentine’s Day, the most popular by far is that of Saint Valentinus, an early Christian saint put to death for performing marriages for young soldiers at a time when it was forbidden. According to one legend, […]