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Location: tudorcrazy's library
Discussion: Gemstones and historical jewelry
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tudorcrazy |
20. RE: Gemstones and historical jewelry
May 6 2009, 12:04 AM EDT
Different story.I know that one of the most famous rubies in the crown jewels was analyized by the GIA (gemological institute of America), and was found to be a spinel. Spinel in any size is extremely rare, however, they never let any of the other crown jewels be examined, after that. I love the crown jewels. I did see them at the tower when I visited London many years ago. I heard one of the pearl necklaces Natilie Dormer wore in the series was on loan as it was worth about 300,000 dollars. I know quite a bit about pearls, and when i saw it, even on TV, I suspected they were.real. Diamond engagement rings did not become traditional until emporor Maxmillian presented one to his wife. I forget the details but will check. I love the use of cabashon stones of that period. Many diamond cutters were only in Antwerp, and Amsterdam, so faceted gems, came almost exclusively from there. Except India, which were were from Goa, owned by the Portugese.Many cutters and dealers were Jewish, and after isabella expelled and killed all the jews during the inquisition, they fled south and east to the Netherlands. Henry's jewelers certainly got their stones out of the country, as no gems originate from England. However their goldsmiths and silversmiths were outstanding. Do you find this valuable? |
TheLadyNatalie |
21. RE: Gemstones and historical jewelry
May 6 2009, 12:49 AM EDT
o0ooh! I love this thread! Tudorcrazy you have some very interesting stories!My favorite "cursed" gem is the Hope Diamond.. I was on a school trip to Washington D.C a few years ago, and we visited the smithsonian where they keep it. Ironically enough, as soon as I got to it, and managed to have a picture and stare at it for a few minutes I randomly passed out. no, I don't believe it was the curse, I hadn't eaten breakfast.. but STILL. It's a fun story to tell (: I just think it's amazing the people who owned the jewel and their stories. ex. Marie Antoinette Do you find this valuable? |
estranged911 |
22. There are several myths about Diamond...
May 28 2009, 7:55 AM EDT
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed they were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. Cupids' arrows were supposed to be tipped with diamonds, having thus a magic that nothing else can equal. Plato wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. The Hindus believed that they were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks.
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tudorcrazy |
23. RE: There are several myths about Diamond...
Jul 5 2009, 8:42 PM EDT
When I was still in the industry, the crown jewels where examined by gemologists, and one of the very famous rubies in set did not test to be ruby. It was a natural red spinel I believe, which is very rare and costly, but I don't think they are allowed to examine them anymore. I have to read up on this as it was a long time ago. I will get back with details. Sorry I haven't been on my own discussion for some time, but I have been so busy with life, and have so many interests I get sidetracked. see you on the wiki
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