Taking Audiences Deep into the Fascinating World of Rare Jewels & Treasures
Marie Betteley is a sought-after speaker and lecturer who loves sharing her expertise and passion for rare jewels and treasures, the amazing stories behind them and the art of collecting with audiences across the globe.
As a leading gemologist, authority of Russian jewels and consultant to auction houses and museums, Marie’s reputation in the field is second to none. Above all, she knows how to bring the stories behind periods, pieces, craftsmanship and her own experience to life, engaging and inspiring those in attendance with both her knowledge and her warm, captivating style.
“Bravo pour la présentation de mardi dernier c’était trés intéressant, tu as su nous transmettre ton amour des bijoux Russe.”
– Josee Dupuis
English Translation: “Congratulations on the presentation of last Tuesday. It was very interesting and you knew how to transmit your love of Russian jewelry.”
Marie will be residing in England from September 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018 and looks forward to speaking to European audiences. She will still be available for talks in North America and other locations during this time period as well.
Current Lectures
My Life with Russian Jewels
When: Wednesday, June 21 @ 6:15pm
Where: Hotel Mystic – Berlinetta Room
417 Stockton St (at Sutter St, right beside the tunnel)
San Francisco, CA
Join the Golden Gate chapter of the GIA Alumni Association for an informative talk on Russian jewels. Marie Betteley, a leading expert on Russian jewelry, works of art and Fabergé, will share an engaging look at her life, career and experiences with Russian jewelry.
Marie has handled some of Imperial Russia’s most precious treasures – and knows how to separate the real from the faux. As one of the few authorities on Russian jewels outside of Russia, she will discuss valuable lessons on how to recognize the best and stay away from the rest.
All are welcome to attend; whether you’re a GIA graduate, student, industry associate, hobbyist or guest.
Schedule for the Evening:
6:30-7:15pm: No-host cocktail hour (complimentary appetizers)
7:15pm: Lecture begins promptly
Cost: $25 prepay by check only (credit cards and PayPal cannot be accepted)
Cash and/or checks will also be accepted at the door.
Please RSVP by Monday, June 19 to sfgiaalumni@gmail.com
Checks should be made payable to SFGIAA and mailed to:
Lang Antiques
309 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
Marie is available to speak on a wide variety topics, including:
The House of Bolin: Imperial Russia’s Premier Court Jeweler
Carl Fabergé has long claimed the role of Russia’s most famous court jeweler. Little is known about other Russian imperial jewelers of which at least fifty worked for the Tsar. The most prominent among them was Bolin. Unlike Fabergé who served the last two tsars of Russia, The House of Bolin produced jewelry for not two but seven consecutive Russian sovereigns beginning with Catherine the Great. And incredible as it may seem almost 100 years after the Bolshevik Revolution, Bolin still continues today in Stockholm. Originally from Sweden, Bolin is known as the oldest, still active jewelry house owned by the same family in history.
My Life with Russian Jewels
Join Marie Betteley, leading expert on Russian jewelry, Fabergé and works of art for this engaging look at her life and career. Marie has handled some of Imperial Russia’s most precious treasures and will tell you about how to separate the real from the faux. From one of the few authorities on Russian jewels outside of Russia, you will learn valuable lessons on how to recognize the best and stay away from the rest.
For Russian audiences:
Моя жизнь в окружении русских сокровищ
For French audiences:
Mon parcours dans le monde des Bijoux Russes (My journey into the world of Russian Jewelry)
Suivi de / Followed by ”Antiques Roadshow” Amener vos bijoux ou objets russes pour faire vérifier leur authenticité. Bring your Russian jewelry or objects to verify their authenticity.
Beyond Fabergé: Russian Imperial Jewelers
Explore the fascinating world of Romanov era jewels and treasures with noted expert Marie Betteley. Current topics will relate to her new acquisitions. Let Marie shed light on glittering treasures from the land of the Tsars and on little known Russian master jewellers and silversmiths. This short talk will feature new information from Marie’s forthcoming book Beyond Faberge: Russian Imperial Jewelers.
Glittering Romanov Diamonds and the Russian Crown Jewels
Meet Jérémie Pauzié, jeweler to the Great Russian Empresses Elizabeth Petrovna and Catherine the Great. Each had an insatiable appetite of gems, jewels and treasures. 18th century jewelers in St. Petersburg had to scramble to meet a demand that put the Romanov court
Bejewelled Fabergé Eggs, 43 and Counting!
The search continues for the seven missing Fabergé imperial eggs. Marie’s father gave this talk in the 1980s. Since then, new research has revealed amazing discoveries relating to dating, pricing and archival information of these fabled creations among the most celebrated artifacts of the Romanov Dynasty’s splendor before its tragic demise. Who will acquire the next one. It may be you! Join Marie in this fascinating look at the race to find a missing egg.
Will the Real Carl Fabergé Please Stand up?
The world loves Carl Fabergé. “Is it Fabergé? is a question that is still asked with breathless anticipation. The name evokes grand images of the glittering Russian empire, the lavish riches of its court, of European royalty and iconic eggs. The fifty spectacular eggs the tsars commissioned every Easter are among the most celebrated artifacts of the Romanov Dynasty’s splendor before its tragic demise. As a European-trained goldsmith Carl Fabergé led a multitude of artisan workshops-legions of enamellers, goldsmiths, designers, engravers, polishers, gem-cutters and more-to produce these exquisite objects. We know the story. But was he himself a creative genius?
St Petersburg: Land of the Finest Jewels and Treasures
The imperial age marked the high point of the Russian jewelers’ art. For nearly two hundred years, from the beginning of the reigns of the empresses in the 18th century until that of Nicholas II in the early 1900s, St Petersburg was the centre. While its workmasters adopted many of their styles and skills from the West, they were not mere imitators. Within only a few decades the quality of the imperial capital’s jewellery equaled if not surpassed the best that Paris, London, Rome and Vienna could offer.
Finding Spectacular Treasures and Buy the Best, Forget the Rest!
Marie teaches audiences the art of building a fabulous private collection and developing a discerning eye. Through examples, stories and instruction, Marie reveals the secrets that result in a more successful, enjoyable and profitable adventure. Trust your eye and learn to separate the real from the faux. From one of the few authorities on Russian jewels outside of Russia, you will learn valuable lessons on how to recognize the best and stay away from the rest.
Carl Fabergé and the Royal Thai Collection
As we most often associate Fabergé with the tsars of Russia and Europe’s kings and queens, little is know abut the firm’s illustrious Asian patrons. They included the Sultan of Turkey, Indian maharahahs, the Emir of Bukhara and the Emperors of China and Japan. By far, the most important Asian client was King Rama V of Siam (now Thailand) better known as King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910). Marie’s parents went there to catalogue the hidden treasures and shares her parent’s journey of discovery and palace intrigue.
If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker who will connect with and leave a lasting impression on your audience, Marie Betteley is the ideal choice.
Marie is available to speak to your group, club or association, as well as provide the keynote address, participate in a panel discussion or offer her expertise through a talk or workshop at your next event.
Contact Marie for Availability
Marie’s Newest Book Available Soon!
Marie’s book, Beyond Fabergé, Russian Imperial Jewelers, will be finished in August 2017 and published soon after. To be first to get your copy, click here and we’ll keep you up to date on the book’s availability.