Journal

Jewelry from the Ancient Near East: A Story from Antiquity

Discover the fascinating world of Ancient Near Eastern jewelry, from Sumerian amulets and Scythian gold to royal treasures from Ur, ancient Syrian crowns, and intricate Iranian pendants. A jour...

The Great Sancy Diamond: The Mysterious “Sphinx” of Diamonds

The Great Sancy is more than a legendary diamond—it is a jewel shaped by royal ambition, betrayal, war, exile, and revolution. From the courts of France and England to the hands of kings and ma...

Regent: The Long Moral History of a Diamond

The Regent Diamond is more than a legendary jewel. From its violent origins in India to the court of Louis XV and the turmoil of the French Revolution, its journey is marked by slavery, betrayal, a...

The Moon of Mountains: The Price of Unrestrained Desire

The Moon of Mountains is one of history's most mysterious diamonds. From the Mughal Empire to Imperial Russia, its path is marked by war, betrayal, murder, and extraordinary wealth, revealing how t...

Etruscan Jewelry: The Rich History Behind Timeless Designs

Etruscan gold jewelry ranks among the finest achievements of the ancient world. From intricate granulation and repoussé work to richly decorated bullae, pendants, and earrings, these remar...

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...

Muzo Emeralds: The Legendary Green Gemstones of Colombia

Among the world’s great colored gemstones, few names carry the historical resonance of Muzo. Located in the mountains of Boyacá, Colombia, the Muzo emerald region has been associated with remarkabl...

When a Kashmir Sapphire Becomes a Work of Art: A Rare Antique Intaglio

An exceptional natural unheated Kashmir sapphire becomes a miniature work of art through antique intaglio carving, classical imagery and historic craftsmanship.

The Engraved Gems - A Journey through Magic and Myths

For centuries, gemstones were believed to hold extraordinary powers. Ancient physicians, astrologers, Druids, and alchemists attributed magical virtues to engraved gems, planetary rings, serpent-st...

Art Nouveau – A Glimpse Into A Not-So-Distant Era (Part 2)

Art Nouveau transformed jewelry through flowing natural forms, innovative materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. From luminous opals and intricate enameling to the influential work of Liberty &a...