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 […]
Airplane Figure with Six Places for Cigars, silverplate, America, 1960s. 14″ x 8″ Sooky Goodfriend Gallery. Father’s Day is coming up Sunday, June 15, but it’s hard to deny that men get the short end of the stick when it comes to parental celebrations. Following Mother’s Day both in the calendar year and in its […]
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 […]
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 […]
This Regency period painted miniature features ethereal dancing figures of mother and son. French, c. 1820. Melody Rodgers. Like every mother, every Mother’s Day gift should be unique. Happily, uniqueness is our specialty at The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center. See here for 10 original, rare, and beautiful gifts for the woman who gave you […]
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 […]