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 graduate 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.

“I was at the Jewelry History Series in Miami and just wanted to say that I enjoyed your presentation on the Russian jewels. You did a outstanding job!-Peter of Peter Indorf Designs

“Bravo pour la présentation de mardi dernier c’était trés intéressant, tu as su nous transmettre ton amour des bijoux Russe.”- Josée Dupuis, Paris

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, Your talk was so incredibly interesting and well done. Thank you! Can’t wait to discuss more. I’m so glad you did this. It was a gift to all of us here at Clare Hall!”- A.S.

New Virtual Presentation

Here’s a recording of my talk about our new book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry, sponsored by the wonderful people at the Russian History Museum.

“I enjoyed your Saturday lecture very much. You tackled an interesting subject about which not much is known. Congratulations for dedicating your professional life to such a historically and geologically interesting subject.”-Ilse and Dick Higgins

Past Talks/Podcasts Online

Past Talks (in Person)

Christie’s New York; Clare Hall Colloquium, Cambridge University UK; Club des Femmes Canadienne, Paris France; Fanelli Antique Timepieces, New York; GIA Alumni Association, Golden Gate Chapter, San Francisco; GIA Alumni Association, Manhattan Chapter; International Conference, 170th Anniversary of the Birth of Carl Fabergé, Fabergé Museum, St. Petersburg Russia; International Women’s Club The Hague; International Women’s Club Moscow, Jewelry History Series, Miami; Junior League, New York; Niagara Business Association, St. Catharines, Ontario; Original Miami Antiques Show, Miami; Rodman Hall, St. Catharines; Russian American Professional Club, New York; Silver Society of Canada; Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York; Toronto Newcomers Club, Toronto

Marie E. Betteley Graduate Gemologist, GIA as she recounts her life surrounded by jewels, Fabergé and Russian treasures. Marie and husband David Schimmelpenninck van der Oye are co-authors of the forthcoming book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry. 

Marie is available to speak on a wide variety topics, including:

The Dazzling Jewels of Imperial Russia 

Imperial Russia evokes images of a vanished court’s unparalleled splendor: Fancy dress balls, magnificent tiaras, gem-encrusted necklaces, snuff boxes and other diamond studded baubles from the tsars and tsarinas. During that time, jewelry symbolized power and wealth, and no one knew this better than the Romanovs. In fact, the Imperial era marked the high point of the Russian jewelers’ art. For nearly two hundred years, Russian goldsmiths perfected their craft and soon the quality of the imperial capital’s jewelry equaled, if not surpassed, the best that Paris, London, Rome and Vienna could offer.

The House of Bolin: Russia’s Brightest Star

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 forty 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 jewels 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: Imperial Russian Jewelry Book Tour

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 book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry.

New Lectures!

Russia’s Rich Jewelry History

Join jewelry dealer, gemologist and Russian specialist, Marie Betteley, as she discusses her new book “Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry,” and recounts her life surrounded by jewels and Fabergé. Marie Betteley grew up in a world of Russian treasures, which inspired her education and career as a gemologist at New York’s prestigious Christie’s auction house. Now running her own New York-based antique jewelry business, she consults for auction houses, museums, and private collectors worldwide.

The Fate of the Russian Crown Jewels-New Discoveries

Be the first to discover the most recent information on the spellbinding story of the missing Russian Crown Jewels.  Marie will trace the provenance with new material from the Kremlin archives of these magnificent historic treasures the bulk of which were sold to the west between 1927 and 1936. For more on the Russian Crown Jewels, visit her blog.

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 is now Available !

For a signed copy of Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry, click here.  If you wish to receive updates on the book click here.