The parure (a French word for jewelry set) was still the height of fashion not only in London, Paris and Vienna, but also in the courts of St. Petersburg, at the turn of the 20th century. It often consisted of a necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings, a ring, several brooches and, for the grand ones, a tiara. While several examples…
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What Learned in 2019, plus Exciting Events for 2020
After almost three decades in the jewelry business, I’m still learning. In fact, not a day goes by that I don’t discover something fascinating. Here are a few fun facts I gleaned from recent publications in 2019: Did you know that … In the 1660s London was the leading diamond cutting center in the world? Open-backed mounts for diamonds originated…
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From Cambridge to Moscow and Back Home Again to North America
I was leading such a healthy lifestyle in Cambridge UK. I was riding my bike every day, walking everywhere – I was fitter than ever. That is, until I fell victim to the lure of English Cream Teas. For those not familiar, cream teas consist of a pot of tea (never a mug), freshly baked scones, clotted cream and red…
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Summer Reflections from a Jewelry, Art & Treasures Dealer on Her Trade
I love my work tremendously, and the end of the Spring season is the perfect time to reflect on what’s happened and what’s to come – and to share those reflections with you. Here’s what I’ve been thinking as summer kicks into high gear: Buying I gave a short talk titled, “How to Buy a Diamond Like a Pro”. The idea…
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Russia Comes to London, plus a Special Art & Treasures London Tour Announcement
For those who love Russian treasures London is the place to be. That’s because from May 31 to June 7, 2019 London is celebrating Russian Art Week and Christie’s, Sotheby’s, MacDougall’s and Bonham’s have all put out their top lots to entice worldwide buyers to their London auctions. What you especially need to know is that I absolutely love London….
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The Fate of the Russian Crown Jewels, Part 3
For our final post on this topic (read: Part 1 & Part 2), or let’s just say penultimate post – for who knows what treasures may reappear – let’s look at a handful of Russian Crown Jewels that have resurfaced in the west. First, this pair of diamond bracelets, circa 1760, were featured in the 1925 Moscow catalogue: Russia’s Treasure of…
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