A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Coffee-Table Book Delves into the Jewelry of 13 Icons
20th Century Jewelry & The Icons of Style from Thames & Hudson looks at the jewels owned by the famous and the infamous.
New York--Make room on your coffee table.
On Sept. 13, Thames & Hudson is releasing a tome profiling the jewelry collections of 13 stylish women of the last century.
Stefano Papi and Alexandra Rhodes’ 20th Century Jewelry & The Icons of Style uses incredible pieces of jewelry as entry points into the lives of some of history’s most exciting and notorious females.
For instance, take The Duchess of Windsor, formerly Wallis Warfield Simpson, whose jewelry went to auction a year after her death in 1987. Her collection charts the course of the twice-divorced American socialite’s romance with King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry Simpson (therefore losing his title to become the Duke of Windsor).
Before the couple was married, the lovers kept their romance discreet. Edward loved to send Simpson jewelry, often with inscriptions alluding to their romance, such as the dates of trips taken together.
Simpson returned the favor, with gifts like a gold cigarette case by Cartier, featuring a map with the routes of their trips marked in enamel and gemstones marking the destinations.
Even in the inscriptions, the couple often communicated in code, sending each other presents during the tumultuous times they were kept apart, until Simpson’s second divorce was finalized and Edward abdicated the throne so the two could be married in France.
Another of the book’s stars is the Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda, the wife of a Maharaja. Like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sita Devi and her husband were star-crossed lovers.
Devi and the Maharaja fell in love at first sight, but both already were married with children. To rectify this, Devi converted to Islam so she could divorce her Hindu husband, then reverted back to Hinduism to marry the Maharaja. At one point, Devi was referred to as the Wallis Simpson of India.
The couple settled in Monaco and the Maharani began her long relationship with Van Cleef & Arpels.
Devi loved to bring pieces from the royal treasury to the jewelry house to be re-set, though this later became an issue when her husband lost power, and many of the treasury’s jewels couldn’t be found in their second life as Van Cleef designs.
20th Century Style utilizes more than 475 images to illustrate its subjects and the jewelry that was so embedded in their lives and affairs.
The books subjects also include opera singer Maria Callas, actress Merle Obleron
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.