Primitive man who wore the tooth of a slain beast around his neck and his woman who adorned her being with shells and coloured stones were simply adding to the protective mantle necessary for survival in their raw lifestyles. From the early beginnings of civilisation, jewellery in its most basic form had a direct relationship… Read More: Precious jewels »
A plain iron hoop was the fore runner of today’s engagement ring. The Romans gave a ring as a symbol of the cycle of life and eternity as a public pledge that the marriage contract would be honoured. Gold was introduced in the second century A.D. and when the Christians adopted the custom, the ring… Read More: Gift of love »
Picture the imperious vision of a film star, a femme fatale with mesmerising kohl-rimmed eyes in a richly-sensuous velvet cloak sweeping down the grand staircase of the Paris Opera House. Other lesser-known opera buffs and assorted stargazers are trans-fixed not so much by the haughty mien of the lady but by the magnificent clasp of… Read More: Lalique – The Belle Epoque »
Not usually mentioned in the same breadth as the other kind, episcopal jewellery over the centuries has not had much press coverage. They have been regarded as holy symbols, magic talismans and even as evidence of “effeminate” propensities. In a mid-19th century article on ecclesiastical rings, the anonymous author cautioned its reader to “look on… Read More: Sacred Ornaments – The Episcopal Jewellery »
Unlike the Europeans, Britons are quite happy to buy nine carat gold which does not look much different from 18 or 22 carat but a great deal cheaper. Up till about 30 years ago, jewellery shops in Britain were rather intimidating places for the average wage-earner to enter. Gerald Ratner, who runs a chain of… Read More: A Question of Value »
Japan, one of the biggest importers of gold, does not stop at using gold in jewellery or dentures. They eat it. There is a trend for dusting noodles and other food with very fine gold. Restaurant owner Seiichi Ohmura invented gold sushi and does a roaring trade every day. Given the Japanese propensity for the… Read More: The Sushi Connection »