Blog
-
![]()
Little-known gemstones: topaz
In his satirical etching, Hearts for the year 1800, Thomas Rowlandson depicts seven ladies each wearing a heart-shaped gemstone necklace; the caption accompanying the figure wearing topaz…
-
![]()
Little-known gemstones: tourmaline
The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese tura mali, meaning ‘stone of mixed colours’. With its wide range of colours spanning the full spectrum, from pale peachy pink…
-
![]()
Little-known gemstones: jet
Jet is an unlikely gemstone, mention its name and images of Victorian mourning dress come to mind. But, before Queen Victoria’s long period of grieving, when the wearing of jet became de rigueur at court…
-
![]()
Spotlight on an impressive diamond ornament and its imperial legacy | Part III
The tale concludes…
-
![]()
Spotlight on an impressive diamond ornament and its imperial legacy | Part II
The tale continues…
-
![]()
Spotlight on an impressive diamond ornament and its imperial legacy | Part I
This jewel from the collection of the Russian Imperial family sold at auction in 2005. Many antique pieces possess an intriguing backstory and fortunately through its impeccable provenance this ornament left many clues, and two decades after its sale it’s time to reveal a remarkable tale.
-
![]()
A Tale of Two Orders | Part II
Featuring the story of two knights appointed to the Order of the Golden Fleece, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and the presentation of their spectacular gem-set regalia.
-
![]()
A Tale of Two Orders | Part I
Two magnificent gem-set Orders of the Golden Fleece from two distinguished European royal and noble families are the inspiration for the exploration of the history of the Order.
-
![]()
‘Wearable Art’ – fine silk scarves by Hermès | Luxury Design, December 2025
The Luxury Design auction featured a selection of silk scarves and it’s prompted us to consider what makes these luxurious carrés so irresistible.
-
![]()
The abiding appeal of flame-stitch | Fine & Decorative Interiors, November 2025
This rare William & Mary oak-framed, two-seater sofa, from the Michael Baragwanath Collection, is upholstered in distinctive 17th century flame-stitch. For many collectors…
