Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic ballerina clips danced onto the American stage in the early 1940s and were immediately embraced by the public, who saw them as refreshing symbols of joy and hope during the uncertain days of World War II. We could all use a bit of joy and hope right now, so let's revisit some of these beautiful jewels.
They had been smacking their lips at the Argyle diamond mine. They were hungry to receive the $10 million that beautiful, rare rough pink diamond would bring them. Alas, evil fate!
When someone says "Cat's-Eye" reference to a colored gemstone they are referencing a specific variety of chrysoberyl. Cat's-Eye chrysoberyl and its cousin Alexandrite, also known as Color-Change chrysoberyl are gemstones which can display the following phenomenal optical properties.
Much of the 20th century passed by without much attention to men in pearls. Fortunately we have seen a notable uptick in red-carpet sightings of men sporting pearl bracelets, tie-clips, earrings and - with increasing frequency - pearl neckwear.
Are close-ups of gemological inclusions actually works of art, painted by Mother Nature in anticipation of our creative human inspirations? When exploring the mysterious spaces of crystals we must sometimes ask ourselves whether we've stepped into another area, the field of real art.
You know it as emerald, the birthstone of May. Today's post celebrates all Maybies and Mayple (May babies and May people) with a focus on "your stone." The largest high-quality rough emerald ever found, and the poetic story behind its provenance and sale.
May the FOUR be with you! Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies and Diamonds. I'm going to share some favorite vintage red carpet appearances with you here on May 4. Of course, there are thousands of moments we could celebrate. These four queens of cinema are those who first come to mind when I think about our most precious green, red, blue and white sparklers.
Last weekend I was asked to provide guidance for a quarantined self-gifter buying a diamond online. In order to make this online purchase she wanted a no-fail combination of weight, color, clarity and (drum roll, please) cut-quality.
Have you heard of X-Ray diamond sorting? If not, be my guest and travel behind the scenes to an alluvial diamond-mining operation overseen by our friends at Alrosa. They have provided an amazing video example of this efficient method of separating the wheat from the chaff, as it were.
Humans need variety right now. We're always hungry for something new, sick of eating the same old thing. So let's change things up. Set out your tableware, put on the candles and prepare for a nouvelle experience in three courses. Bon appétit!