Cleopatra was not known to be a beautiful woman but she was a great leader and had her charms when it came to men. She is the first person who had brought these beautiful gems to light. It was said that she had her own mine and used to be covered in the jewels day and night. (I'm thinking of Elizabeth Taylor portraying Cleopatra when I think of her! )
After Cleopatra committed suicide all of her personals writings and any documents were destroyed. As to what happened to her jewelry one can only guess as to what happened with those magnificent gems? Is it conceivable that her stones could of been passed down and been recut only to have some unknowing person actually wear her gems? Now that's an idea~
With the uncovering of one of the greatest ports in Egypt before even the founding of Alexandria , called Thonis-Heracleion. This city was a sunken port-city that had served as the gateway to Egypt in the first millennium BC. The port city, situated 6.5 kilometres off today’s coastline, was one of the biggest commercial hubs in the Mediterranean. Looking at some of the relics you get an idea on how grande of a life they lived.
Cleopatra's Emerald Mine in Egypt
Emeralds hold many mystical properties that people have been believing for thousands of years. the healing properties range from calming to having more insight into a situation, protection, even to being faithful! Silly as it may sound but there is a sense of calmness when you wear them. They are majestic stones.
Did you know that the history of the first engagement ring? Thats ok, many people don't! The first engagement ring was given to Queen Victoria by her beloved Prince Albert in 1840. It was the form of a snake (romantic huh? ) which represent eternal love with the eyes being emeralds, Victoria's birthstone. This was also the beginning of birthstone jewelry being used in many designs at the time. There are stories of early engagement rings but the time they occurred (in the 1400's?) could possibly be hearsay.
There's many misconceptions about emeralds, how they are mined and what happens after they are found. Being in the business for most of my adult life I hope I can shed some light on the process.
Emeralds are mined in many different locations thru out the world. The best emeralds derive from Colombia. Our emeralds come from a few different mines in Colombia, Muzo (the worlds best) La Pita, Cosquez and Chivor. It takes a long time to drill and literally blow up the veins and the ground so the miners can begin the laborious process of locating the emeralds.
It can take days, weeks maybe even months before the miners locate just one emerald crystal! The price of the stones can vary from the color, the cut and the transparency. The emerald business is different in the fact that all dealers and jewelers have a different method or category of color for the emeralds. I have seen some pretty creative names for the varying hues of emeralds.
Something exciting that is taking place next month who any jeweler worth his salt know its the JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas. I have been going just about every year. its a great time for people in the business to meet one another face to face and to see what the clients are requesting and to possibly get an idea about upcoming trends. The jewelry is mystifying! But it is only open to people in the trade. It is going to be incredible! I'll let you know what I saw and how it went in my next entry~
I'm not exactly sure what is going on in the world of Auctions when it comes to large colored and diamonds and gemstone, jewelry. But there seems to be a plethora of amazing jewels that are HUGE! Are these Royal or Prominent families looking to sell these heirloom baubles for cash?? Here's a few other sparkles that are going up for auction at Christies in Hong Kong on May 28th.
75.36 Diamond Briolette Necklace estimated 8.5 Million - 12.5 Million
Wowsa is all I can say when I first saw the 75.36cts Diamond Briolette Necklace. It is an unusual cut for such a large stone. this isn't the first large Briolette that has been cut from a diamond. there are a few more, but according to Christies this is the largest Briolette that they have had up for auction. Seems like they say that every time a super large stone reaches the auction block. But looking back they always manage to get their hands on the largest most historic diamonds and colored gemstones.
According to my research and personal knowledge there are only 3 historic Diamond Briolettes. The Vanier Diamond is 116.60 carats and is currently owned by Sultan of Brunei. The other diamond briolettes are 180.85cts and 114.64cts. They are currently unnamed and are in private collections.
This necklace will more than likely receive a name by its new owner. It is beautiful and looks like it should be hanging from a chandelier in someones foyer!
A Few of the other sparkles that are hitting the auction block along with the unnamed 75.36cts Diamond briolette necklace. And a breath taking Colombian Emerald (yea!) and Cushion Cut Diamond necklace.
What a divine necklace! Colombian Emerald Cabochon Drops & Diamond Necklace up for Auction
Christies estimates that this necklace featuring Colombian Emerald and Cushion Cut Diamonds ( no word on the actual carat weight) will go between $2,000, 000 - $5,000,000. I think it might even command a higher price than that. it is exquisite!
Another Colombian emerald that had caught my eye is the 23.82cts Colombian Emerald and Diamond ring. The color is mind blowing and there's not doubt that it originates from the Muzo Mine in Colombia. As you see in the picture the stone is so transparent ( a feature highly coveted in gem quality emeralds) you can actually see the setting under the stone. Out of this world color! The ring is estimated to sell between $1,300,000 - 1,800,000.. My personal opinion is it could even go for more~ For people with a love for fine gemstones I'm betting there's going to be alot of bidding activity over this one!
23.82ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
There are so many large carated diamonds and colored stones in this auction that it'll actually make your head spin! Here is another fine example. A 76.91cts Cushion Cut diamond that is F in color and VVS1. Impeccable stone. As far as I see this stone doesn't have a name but will most likely get a new moniker from the new owner.
76.91cts Cushion Cut loose Diamond F in color VVS1
An absolutely divine pearl diamond and emerald necklace is most breathtaking. It's difficult to see in the pictures but between each pearl isn't a knot as you'd usually see in another strand of pearls. In this necklace between each pearl is a smaller pearl that is knotted between the larger 14mm pearls in the front portion of the necklace. This necklace also features pear shaped diamonds and a Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald that is set in platinum that is part of the clasp. Beautifully designed and will fetch a higher price than estimated. Pearls are one item that i have seen at auction that usually commands a high price. A strand of pearls recently sold at auction for over 2 million dollars. maybe its because of the simplicity and the classic look. Large pearls that are natural and over 14 -20 mm can command a high price becasue it takes years and years to be able to find and match all the pearls that are need to make up one necklce. But if you add gemstones and precious metals, you have a winner!
If you're at a computer on May 15th ( two days away!) its worth the time to sign up and watch some of the auctioning. The larger items they usually save for later in the auction to garner up people and keep them interested! Heres the link to the auction...http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/salebrowse.aspx?intSaleid=24329&viewType=listview
So until next time Keep Sparkling~
Nice collections and such jewellery you can find at kalyan jewellers collections with many varieties
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