About Marie Betteley
A Childhood Among Treasures
I was born and raised in Paris, a third-generation jewelry dealer who grew up surrounded by Russian imperial treasures. As a teenager, I lived on the grounds of Hillwood Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC, where my father served as Director for 12 years after bringing our family to the U.S. from Europe.
Wandering through galleries of Romanov jewels and Fabergé masterpieces, I discovered early that beautiful objects carry stories that transcend time. That childhood immersion shaped everything that followed.
The Christie's Years
After graduating from George Washington University with a BA in Art History, I moved to New York to pursue what I loved most then, and still do today: beautiful jewels and historic objects.
At 21, I started at the bottom—answering phones at the front counter of Christie’s East. Auctions unfolded right in front of us, and it was the perfect place to absorb the rapid pace of art changing hands, to meet dealers and collectors, and to learn the business from the ground up. We were even allowed to bid from our posts (later discouraged). These were the wild west days of Christie’s America, just established in New York in 1977 after founding in London in 1766.
While studying gemology at GIA, I was hired to catalogue gems in Christie’s jewelry department. My childhood at Hillwood had planted something deep—I was drawn to Romanov treasures and their mysteries. This led to heading the Russian department at Park Avenue Christie’s, then the flagship American location, where I spent a decade immersed in imperial provenance and history.
Building My Own Path
After 10 years at Christie’s, I launched my own business and opened a gallery on New York’s Upper East Side, specializing in rare jewels and Fabergé.
With a French mother and fluency in the language, I made frequent trips to Paris, immersing myself in auctions at Hôtel Drouot while building relationships with dealers and discovering French jewelry and objets d’art.
Sharing the Journey
After 20 years as a jewelry dealer, I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for both gems and travel in a new way. In 2017, I founded Art and Treasures Tours.
Our inaugural tour—the Walking Tour of St. Petersburg Jewelers on the Centenary of the Russian Revolution—was groundbreaking. Since then, I’ve led small-group, art-focused tours throughout Europe including Paris & Nancy, Vicenza, and Amsterdam. Future destinations include Madrid & Zaragoza, Prague, and London & Cambridge, with more to be unveiled as I relocate to Europe in 2026 while maintaining my New York base.
My Approach
Every treasure carries a story. Whether it’s a Romanov jewel that survived revolution or an Art Nouveau pendant crafted in a Parisian atelier, these objects are witnesses to history. My greatest joy isn’t just the discovery—it’s sharing that moment of wonder with collectors and travelers who appreciate the extraordinary.
What I Do
I love what I do, whether it’s:
- Consulting for auction houses, museums, and private collectors worldwide
- Leading tours with wonderful guests to discover Europe’s jewelry treasures
- Sourcing treasures for discerning clients seeking that one perfect piece
- Exploring new destinations to share with future travelers
Looking Ahead
2026 marks our 35th anniversary in business. Three generations, two continents, countless treasures discovered and stories shared.
Ready to Begin?
Contact us about collection dispersal, acquiring a specific jewel, requesting a private viewing, or learning more about our tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background & Expertise
What is your background in antique jewelry?
I am a certified gemologist (GG GIA) and international private dealer with 35 years of experience specializing in antique jewelry, particularly Imperial Russian pieces and Fabergé. I have worked with museums, auction houses, private collectors, and cultural institutions worldwide. My expertise spans authentication, appraisal, market analysis, and curatorial consultation.
What did you do at Christie's?
I was a cataloguer in the Jewelry department and the head of Russian Works of Art specialist in Russian jewelry in the New York office. I led the cataloging, authentication, and sale of major Russian collections, including items from imperial estates and important private holdings. This work included extensive research and direct collaboration with international collectors and institutions.
What is the book Beyond Fabergé about?
Beyond Fabergé is a comprehensive reference on Imperial Russian jewelry and the master craftsmen who created it. The book covers the history, techniques, materials, and market of Russian jewelry from the 18th through early 20th centuries. It includes over 600 photographs and is used by collectors, appraisers, and institutions globally.
Are you an author or just published one book?
Beyond Fabergé is my primary published work. I contribute expertise to museum catalogs, jewelry references, and articles on Russian art and jewelry history.
Services
Do you buy and sell jewelry privately?
Yes. I work with collectors and estates on a confidential basis to buy, sell, and appraise fine jewelry and rare pieces. Services include authentication, market evaluation, collection dispersal, and investment-grade sourcing. Contact me to discuss your needs.
Do you offer appraisals?
Yes. I provide professional appraisals for insurance, estate planning, or sale purposes. Appraisals are conducted in person or remotely with photos and detailed documentation provided by the client.
What is your timeline for appraisals or consultations?
It depends on the complexity and volume. Simple single-piece appraisals can often be completed within 1 to 2 weeks. Larger collections or estates require upwards of two weeks depending on size and location. more time. Contact me to discuss your timeline and needs.
Do you work with museums or institutions?
Yes. I provide consulting, authentication, and curatorial services to museums and cultural institutions on acquisitions, exhibitions, and collection research.
Trust & Credibility
What makes your expertise different from other jewelry appraisers?
My specialty is 35 years of focused work on Imperial Russian jewelry and fine antique pieces, backed by a Christie’s background and a published reference book used internationally. I combine scholarly rigor with practical market knowledge. I do not operate as a general jewelry store; I work exclusively with serious collectors and institutions.
How do I know your appraisals are legitimate?
I am a certified gemologist. My appraisals are research-backed and can be used for insurance, estate, or legal purposes. References from previous clients and institutional affiliations are available upon request.
Why should I work with you instead of a large auction house?
Large auction houses have overhead and client lists that limit their availability for individual consultations. I work directly with clients on a confidential basis, taking time to understand your specific needs and providing personalized guidance. For significant pieces, I can also facilitate direct sales or institutional placement without the auction house commission structure.
Contact & Getting Started
What are Marie's qualifications?
Marie Betteley is a certified gemologist with 35 years of experience in antique jewelry and fine art. She was the Russian jewelry specialist at Christie’s New York and is the published author of Beyond Fabergé, the definitive reference on Imperial Russian jewelry. She founded Rare Jewels and Treasures in 1991 and Art & Treasures Tours in 2017.
How do you prefer to receive information about pieces I want appraised?
See FAQ’s under services.
Do you travel for appraisals or viewings?
I work based in New York and travel for significant collections or institutional work. For most consultations, we can arrange remote discussions. Contact me to discuss your location and needs.