Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
GIA Library Digitizes Rare Jewelry Books
Among the 200-plus historic tomes the GIA is making available to the public is a rare catalog of Romanov jewelry.
Carlsbad, Calif.--As part of a project to maintain rare jewelry-related books, the Gemological Institute of America has digitized more than 200 jewelry volumes, making them available to the public for free download.
The crown jewel of these tomes, so to speak, is an obscure Bolshevik-era catalog of Romanov dynasty jewelry seized during the Russian revolution.
The digital release of the 200-plus books marks the first part of a vast digitization project by the GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center.
Located in Carlsbad, the GIA library holds more than 57,000 books and is home to the Cartier Rare Book Repository. The library is available to the general public, trade and scientific community.
The library’s director, Dona Dirlam, commented on the significance of the Romanov jewel catalog.
“Following the emperor’s overthrow in 1917, noted mineralogist A.E. Fersman, with help from experts and jewelers including Agathon Fabergé, was tasked with photographing and cataloging Russia’s regalia and crown jewels,” she said.
“In 1925-26, the Bolshevik government published Russia’s Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones with the intention that the 406 Romanov jewels featured would never be sold. Eventually several of the pieces went to auction; approximately 20 copies of the Fersman catalog are known to exist today.”
The catalog showcases 406 pieces collected by the Romanov dynasty, including the Imperial Sceptre set with the 189-carat Orlov diamond, the Imperial Globe, which features a 200-carat sapphire, the Great Imperial Crown and the Imperial Nuptial Crown.
Other important works that have been digitized include the GIA library’s oldest book, a 1496 edition of Natural History by Pliny the Elder, as well as notable tomes including De Gemmarum Lapidum by Marbode, Bishop of Rennes, published in 1539; Documents de Bijouterie et Orfevrerie Modernes by Paul Follot, published in 1895; The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz, from 1913; and De Gemmis et Lapidibus Libri Duo by Joannes de Laet, published in 1647.
These works are available for free download from the GIA library’s website.
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.