Journal

Ancient Rings - Between History and Fascination

Across ancient civilizations, rings served as more than personal adornment—they marked authority, belief, status, and identity in forms ranging from iron and bronze to gold and gem-set sig...

Virtues Ascribed to Gems in the Middle Ages

Medieval writers treated gemstones as more than ornament, attributing to them powers over health, fate, and the human soul. From lapidaries describing diamonds that repel poison to visions...

The Alsdorf Collection: A Story of Renaissance Jewelry

Renaissance jewelry reflects a period of intense artistic refinement, where gold, enamel, pearls, and gemstones were shaped into intricate forms that signaled wealth, identity, and cultural power. ...

Antique Gems in Medieval Times - A Journey through History

Across medieval Europe and Byzantium, antique gems and jeweled crowns carried the legacy of earlier worlds into new religious and political meanings. Roman intaglios, Visigothic treasures ...

The History of Gem-Engraving - A Fascinating Journey through Ages and Kingdoms

From ancient Egyptian scarabs and Assyrian cylinder seals to the masterfully engraved gems of Greece, Rome, and the Renaissance, the story of gem engraving spans more than 3,000 years. This fascina...

Repertoire of Hallmarks: Famous Workshops and Jewelers in Italy

Italian jewelry is defined by elegance, heritage, and unmistakable craftsmanship, but what truly sets authentic pieces apart are their hallmarks. These small engraved marks reveal purity, ...

Legends of the Gems: The Magic of Rubies and the Eternal Beauty of Emeralds

Rubies and emeralds have long carried meanings beyond their beauty, shaping myths, royal traditions, and ancient belief systems. Rubies were tied to power and passion, often set in crow...

Crafting a Nation’s Elegance: The Art of Jewelry in Federal America

A detailed look at jewelry in Federal America after the War of Independence, when neoclassical design, new trade routes, and rising American identity reshaped styles, materials, and symbolis...

A Magician's Skill: Techniques Used By Carl Fabergé

An overview of Carl Fabergé’s craftsmanship, techniques, and workshop system, highlighting his use of enameling, goldwork, and innovative design methods. The article examines how Fabergé and...

Byzantine & Medieval Goldsmithing: Jewelry Through Time

This article traces the evolution of Byzantine and medieval jewelry, revealing how goldsmiths and jewelers shaped both sacred and secular life through metal, stone, and enamel. From the bril...