Gemstones, lore and attraction....

We all love jewellery and gemstones over here at Grays, but why do we choose certain pieces over others? Maybe we are attracted to the enhancing properties of the gems without realising it? The usage of gemstones for beautification, protection and as valuable trading goods are recorded from ancient civilsations such as the Egyptians and their love for lapis lazuli, the Maya of Central America and their use of jade, and even the Bible mentions precious gems such as amethyst, carnelian and emerald. At Grays we have a vast selection of precious gems which can bring enrichment and joy, if chosen carefully....

Green gems, like emerald and peridot are lovely to call on for abundance and what better than these pieces:



Emerald Diamond Ring, 1940's, with 15 emeralds interspaced by old cut diamonds set in a silver and gold band, from Beaut




Lovely Art noveau emerald and diamond ring, made in Austrian Hungary, ca 1903, from Miwa Thorpe

Yellow stones are wonderfully invigorating and bring a sense of joy, like this Portuguese topaz brooch, ca 1740, offered by Peter Szuhay




Blue gems, like sapphire, are calming and bring a royal feeling as in this Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring, ca 1935, from Jan Havlik.

Red is the ultimate colour of attraction, and red garnet can boost self confidence and make you radiant and feminine, if you want to increase these qualities, wear pieces like the below:


Garnet brooch from the 18th Century, offered by Charlotte Sayers




Victorian Bohemian garnet necklace, from Aurum

Pink stones are all about love, romantic, undying, eternal. If one is calling, you might be heading for the altar soon.
 
 
Art Deco pink sapphire and diamond ring,  in a stepped level geometric design, from Robin Haydock

Orange amber is not technically a gemstone as it is fossilized tree resin, but it has been used as trade item in the Baltic for centuries and its valued for its smooth quality and sheen. The orange colour is strengthening and boosts the immune system, and it is excellent for beating off those cold germs.


  Gorgeous Amber silver clip earrings from Gillian Horsup.

The purple of amethyst has a spiritual connection, such as in this Art Deco English amethyst and diamond ring, with a side design related to the Greek key pattern, ca 1920, offered by Sue Brown.



White gems bring expansiveness and power to its wearer, like the moonstone in this Liberty Pendant, 1910's, with additional green garnet, pearl and silver, from  Jo Elton and Olly Gerrish

And lastly, the diamonds, the hardest natural material, for everlasting material support. What about these pieces as a gift for yourself?


Diamond ring, Edwardian, ca 1910, from Emmy Abe



Diamond cluster Ring, 1940's, from Pushkin Antiques

Happy gemstone hunting! 

Indian Summer

The sky outside Grays today is as blue as an Indian Summer, and we thought it would be fitting to share with you some of our Indian treasures within the market. I was stunned to see just how many we have, and how beautiful they are too...

Indian Aventurine Earrings with Gold and Diamonds.
Offered by Perry Nazari, Stand 301 at Grays.

Indian Ragamala Painting, late 18th Century
Day Fine Arts, Stand G10-G11 at Grays Mews.

Indian Hand Painted Temple Hanging, Mid 19th century
Day Fine Arts, Stand G10-G11 at Grays Mews.

Steel gold diamonds and smokey quartz mens ring with a single diamond at the bottom of the shank.
Robin Haydock, Stand 152

Emerald and Sapphire Gold Earrings
Boris Sosna (C&B Gems), Stand 374/375 at Grays

Georgian Regency Natural Pearl Gold Pendant. Most likely made in india for an Englsih client.
Jo Elton and Olly Gerish, Stand 158 at Grays.

Emerald and Diamond Earrings
 M Pauly Ventura Stand 354-355 at Grays.

Gemstone Bracelet set in 22 ct Gold
(Enamel detailing on reverse)
Pushkin Antiques, Stand 331/332 at Grays.

Gemstone Necklace set in 22 ct Gold with 22ct Chain and Clasp.
(Enamel detailing on reverse)
Pushkin Antiques, Stand 331/332 at Grays.

Indian Enamel and Diamond Clasp
late 19th C/Early 20th Century
JLA (Rawlingson LTD.) 364/376 at Grays.

A Pair of Indian Silver Menu Holders 
Joseph Cohen, Stand 177 at Grays.

1813 Aquatint (Ackerman) Titled 'Indian Jugglers'
R G Grahame, Stand 129-130 at Grays.

Hand Carved Wooden Frame with Miniature
R G Grahame, Stand 129-130 at Grays.

Black and White 1809 Engraving
R G Grahame, Stand 129-130 at Grays.

Early 17th Century Indian Painting
Day Fine Arts, Stand G10-G11 at Grays Mews.

Indian Ivory Painting of a Female Musician, Mid 19th Century
Dimensions approximately 8cmx6cm.
Day Fine Arts, Stand G10-G11 at Grays Mews.

Earrings part of a set of four 19th C handpainted miniatures. Set in gold
Robin Haydock , Stand 152 at Grays.

(Matching Necklace can also be bought with/or separately to above item)

High carat gold, Patakber Work (Etched Green Glass)
The piece is dated approximately 1860
Jo Elton and Olly Gerish, Stand 158 at Grays.

Early Indian Gemstone Necklace with Spinel, Ruby, Diamonds and Baroc pearls.
Set in High carat Gold. Dated approximately 1830.
John Joseph, stand 345-346 at Grays.

Photography as Object Exhibition

 

 

Wednesday night was the opening of Photography as Object at the Summaria Lunn Gallery in Grays Mews.  Combining image with object the exhibition explores photography without boundries and shows pieces that border on the side of sculpture and break out of the traditional genre. Read more about the exhibition here and make sure to pay a visit this month.

Exhibition runs: 7th July to 29th July 2011