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 […]
Scottish 15K gold and semi-precious stone brooch, 19th century. Intertrus Brooches used as ornamental garment pins have a long history–dating as far back as the Bronze Age. A distinct tradition of brooches developed in Early Medieval Ireland and Scotland, including the type of brooch showcased here: the plaid brooch, which was used to pin the […]
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 […]
Due to its brilliant hue of purple, the longstanding color of power, the amethyst has been associated with royalty since its early history. A very old gemstone, the amethyst was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans 25,000 years ago, on the tombs of early Egyptian pharaohs, and on English regalia in the Middle […]
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 […]
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. […]
Scallop edged Victorian mourning brooch, pinchbeck and enamel. Contains hair of the beloved, and inscribed “In Memory Of”, possibly American, c. 1880-1890. Clifford Baron Gallery. As the spirit of the Halloween season tightens its grip on all of us, our thoughts inevitably turn to all things deathlike. Perhaps on a certain level, all antiques are […]
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 […]