Faberge’s Summer in Provence High Jewelry Collection

Fabergé Summer in Provence earrings

Provence, with its colorful landscapes that has attracted artists for centuries, is one of the most sought out places in the world to spend the summer. Natalia Shugaeva, Fabergé’s head designer, interpreted a traditional summer in the French region through a collection of high jewelry and watches.

Fabergé’s Summer in Provence collection features textured and layered jewelry that resemble the landscapes and floral patterns of the region with a contrast of colors—particularly blues, greens and pinks with a sparkle of diamonds. The collection of necklaces, earrings and rings combines turquoise beads, pearls, polished enamel, baguette emeralds, diamonds and extremely rare Paraiba tourmalines.

Fabergé Summer in Provence multi-coloured sapphire ring

The pieces are tied together with a floral ribbon, which serves two purposes. Primarily, it represents the Provence region’s summer bounty of flowers and plants; and it interprets the ribbon on traditional, long, flowing summer dresses.

The high watch portion of the collection uses the same color palette, materials, design codes and ribbon motif as the high jewelry collection. There are three variations of the 37 mm watch ranging from a model in all white diamonds to pieces adorned with emeralds and multi-colored sapphires. Turquoise, pearls, enamel and Paraiba tourmalines are also included in two models.

The watches are powered by an automatic movement made for Faberge with a 50-hour power reserve.

Fabergé Summer in Provence emerald and turquoise timepiece

The top model is the Summer in Provence Emerald watch with an 18k white-gold case decorated with 374 diamonds, 17 Paraiba tourmalines, 10 emeralds and a ribbon-like turquoise-colored enamel strip and a crown topped with an emerald.

The dial is paved with 332 diamonds, 10 Paraiba tourmalines and 15 emeralds. Flowers scattered on the dial and bracelet are made of freshwater mother-of-pearl. Green leaves on the dial are made of chrysoprase and finished with the continuation of the ribbon-like turquoise-colored enamel strip. It is limited to five pieces.

The brand first unveiled the collection at the Baselworld watch and jewelry tradeshow in March. The collection will be available worldwide in September. 

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Modern Day ‘Fabergé Egg’ Containing Lunar Bible Fragment Goes On Sale At Bonhams

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

I went to the preview of Bonhams Space History Sale to view an Omega timepiece and discovered something else that was interesting and unusual. 

It is being a called a Fabergé Egg but it bears no resemblance to the 50 bejeweled Imperial Easter eggs created from approximately 1885 to 1917 by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. 

Cassandra Hatton, Bonhams director of History of Science & Technology, explains that the egg was made by a company that owned the Fabergé name at the time. 

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

From as early as 1937 until 2007, the Fabergé brand was bought and sold and under disputed ownership by several entities, including the Fabergé family. From 1964 till 1984 the company was known as Faberge Inc., owned by George Barrie. This is the most likely source of the modern egg.

So it isn't a Fabergé Egg. It is a jeweled egg made by Fabergé.

What’s encased in the silver and gilt metal 3.5 x 1.5 inch egg is what the auction house is selling: A microfiche version of a 50-page fragment from the King James Bible, taken to the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. 

It was a part of 100 complete copies of the Bible in microfiche that were taken on the nine-day lunar mission that launched January 31, 1971. However, for some reason only 32 fragments have been officially flight-certified to date, making this “an extremely rare and important religious artifact,” according to the auction house.

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

How this particular 50-page fragment became encased in what is being called a Fabergé egg is unclear. 

This Faberge Inc. modern egg is decorated in gilt bows and swags with three agate cabochons embedded in the base, topped with an amethyst, according to the auction house. The base is felt lined and stenciled with the name “Fabergé” in gilt. The egg opens to display the microfiche Bible fragment in a transparent plastic square on a white pearl background. It is housed in a velvet box with the Fabergé name and with a brass plaque reading, “Apollo 14 Lunar Surface Bible Text Fragment – 50 Pages,” with a provenance letter signed by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell and James W. Stout.

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Mitchell was entrusted with taking the bibles to the moon on the Lunar Module. Rev. Stout founded the Apollo Prayer League in1967 with the goal of landing the first Bibles on the Moon. 

He succeeded. 

The Bonhams Space History sale is being held Tuesday. The estimate for the Bible and jeweled container is $10,000 - $15,000.

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Fabergé Pearl Egg May Mark The Return Of An Easter Tradition

Fabergé will always be known for its 50 bejeweled imperial Easter eggs created from approximately 1885 to 1917 by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. They were given as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers.

This year the luxury jewelry house drew from this tradition by unveiling a bejeweled egg at Baselworld 2015, created in the same style as the priceless eggs exhibited nearly a century ago. 

The Fabergé Pearl Egg draws its inspiration from the formation of a pearl within an oyster. The bejeweled egg is created with precious and rare materials and hand-crafted in the same manner as the original Fabergé imperial eggs. 

The objet d’art has approximately 3,300 diamonds, 139 natural pearls, carved rock crystal and mother-of-pearl set on white and yellow gold. The egg opens to reveal what the luxury jeweler describes as a rare 12.17-carat grey pearl from the Arabian Gulf. It took approximately 18 months to design, acquire the precious materials and build the egg with 20 high-skilled craftspersons.

The company also revealed a buyer: Hussain Al-Fardan, chairman of the Alfardan Group, founding director of Investcorp. He is a renowned natural pearl collector who paid an undisclosed seven-figure price for the object. 

There are few tsars left in the world but as the company already proved there is a demand for modern versions of these precious eggs. So maybe an Easter tradition will be revised.

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

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New Book Presents Sparkling History of London Royal Jeweler, Wartski

“Wartski – The First 150 Years,” by Geoffrey Munn

Wartski, the 150-year-old London antique dealer, is perhaps best known for its “royal warrant of appointment,” as one of a handful of jewelers that supply goods and services to the royal family. The retail store just off New Bond Street is also known for its famous and well-heeled clientele and for its ever-changing collection of rare jewels and gems.

The person who has kept the store humming for more than 40 years is Geoffrey Munn, Wartski’s managing director. He is a masterful storyteller and one of the world’s leading experts in antique jewelry and other objects, particularly the work of Carl Fabergé. This blog has benefited from Munn’s expertise and his generosity on several occasions. 

Munn’s relationship with Wartski and its history are now detailed in a 300-page book titled, “Wartski - The First 150 Years.” The book by Munn documents the store’s famous transactions and his personal stories. The 61-year-old jeweler has worked at the store since he was 19, so he has personally experienced a significant part of the store’s history.

Geoffrey Munn inside Wartski in 2012. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Munn and the store made headlines about a year ago for being instrumental in identifying the long lost Third Imperial Fabergé Egg. It wasn’t the first time the store was the center of world attention and it won’t be the last. 

Munn is also well-known in the UK from his appearances on the BBC Antiques Road Show.

One chapter in Munn’s book, “The Great and the Good,” is devoted to the rich spectrum of Wartski customers. The list includes John F Kennedy, Sir Noel Coward, Merle Oberon, Tyrone Power, Ian Fleming, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Hutton, Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Edith Sitwell, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Yul Brynner, Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand, Sir Elton John and Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Another chapter is devoted to European royal patronage. Wartski has served six generations of the British Royal family, including Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. Welsh gold from was used by Wartski to make the wedding ring for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, on her marriage to Prince William. Other Royal families with a close link to Wartski include those of Denmark, Greece, Spain and Yugoslavia.

Collectors have played a big part in the history of Wartski. Munn gives an insight into their compulsion and how Wartski has been instrumental in forming many remarkable collections, including those of Arthur E. Bradshaw, Malcolm Forbes and Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The book will be published by the Antique Collectors’ Club (ACC) and will be available in May for $125 or 65 British pounds sterling.

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Mila Kunis Featured in Global Advertising Campaign for Gemfields

Mila Kunis, recently named “Sexiest Woman Alive,” by Esquire, is the newest ambassador and the face of the latest advertising campaign for colored gemstone producer, Gemfields.

In a statement Gemfields said that Kunis was chosen “for her natural beauty, versatility, intelligence and love of rare colored gems.”

Gemfields primary business is the mining, distribution and marketing of emeralds from the Kagem mine in Zambia. It is working to produce a mine-to-market strategy for their emeralds that it says will be ethical, transparent and sustainable. The company recently acquired Fabergé, and is supplying the luxury brand with Kagem emeralds for its newest creations. Both companies are controlled by Pallinghurst Resources, a private equity company focused on the mining sector.

The advertising campaign with Kunis is photographed by Mario Sorrenti and styled by Anastasia Barbieri, featuring “a fresh-faced and modern Kunis wearing one-of-a-kind emerald and ruby jewelry created by six of Gemfields’ designer partners: Alexandra Mor, Amrapali, Dominic Jones, The Gem Palace, Sutra and Fabergé.”

Kunis toured Kagem, accompanied by Ian Harebottle, Gemfields CEO, and visited several Gemfields-sponsored community projects, including schools and a farming cooperative.

“While in Africa, I learned that the entire journey that each Gemfields stone takes is carefully considered and that the environment and the local communities where its mines are located are held in the highest regard,” said Kunis.

“Mila has blown me away with her energy, enthusiasm and dedication,” Harebottle said.

The global advertising program is running in leading publications in India and is part of a several initiatives in a multi-pronged consumer campaign that Gemfields will roll out this year.

The Kagem mine also produces amethysts. Gemfields other business include a mine in Mozambique for rubies, and prospecting licenses for other gemstones in Madagascar.

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Jewelry and Watch Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Miiori 'Flash Set' heart pendant

Below are a variety of jewelry and watches at various prices that should make exceptional gifts for Valentine's Day. The big day is Thursday, which gives you just enough time to buy something special and thoughtful for the person you love.

‘Flashy’ Heart Pendant
The Miiori heart pendant with diamonds and pink sapphires in 18k white gold (top photo). The jewelry employs the company’s patented “Flash Set” technique, where diamonds and colored gems are cut in a way that creates two different images (like a holographic image) as the piece of jewelry is moved. For more information on where to purchase the item contact the company at info@miiori.com.

Pink Diamond Heart
This 0.30-carat fancy intense pink SI1 diamond is rare in several ways. First the heart-shaped cut is something you don't see every day. Then there's the rarity of color. This pink diamond is from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, the primary source of pink diamonds throughout the world. About 55 to 60 of these diamonds are sold each year in a private tender at secret locations throughout the world to invited dealers and collectors. Their rarity is increased because the mine is estimated to have a lifespan of about 10 years. It is available for purchase on the Leibish & Co. website for $14,774. The specifications may be found here. The only drawback is that the unusual shape of the diamonds makes it difficult to set to create a jewelry piece. 

Valentine’s Day Necklace
Montblanc’s Valentine’s Day necklace in pink-gold color and steel is designed to symbolize the eternal bond shared between two souls. A large heart in warm pink-gold is paired with the Montblanc star in stainless steel. Overlapping, the heart is the universal symbol of eternal love, while the Montblanc star logo represents the luxury brand’s enduring passion for the finest European craftsmanship and design. The layered pendants are firmly tied together at the end of an adjustable leather cord that can be adjusted to deliver dramatically different looks. The necklace is available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide.

Valentine's Day Timepiece
The Saint-Valentin 2013 from Blancpain features a white mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by diamond hour-markers and five red-lacquered mother-of-pearl hearts. There also is a date display. The 34 mm steel case is topped by a bezel set with two rows of full cut-diamonds, while the case middle is adorned at 9 o’clock with five liquid ceramic hearts. This three-hand model, on which the seconds hand counterweight takes the shape of the Blancpain logo, is equipped with mechanical self-winding Calibre 1150 with a 100-hour power reserve. Even the rotor is decorated with hearts. It is available in a 99-piece limited edition and is delivered in a white wooden presentation box encrusted with white hearts evoking the dial design. Fort availability, contact the Montblanc New York boutique, 212-396-1735. 

Rose Gold Heart Chain
Designer Lisa Nik specializes in colored gemstone jewelry but she can also deliver quality designs in precious metal as with this 18k rose gold chain, decorated with little rose gold hearts. It retails for $1,260. For retailers who carry the item, visit www.lisanik.com. 

Floral Earrings
A pair of floral earrings ($148,500) paved in 20 carats of fancy pink diamonds by the famed jewelry designer Fred Leighton whose jewelry continues to be worn by Hollywood A-listers at awards shows and on the red carpet. Each earring boasts seven fancy pink diamonds at its center, with five petals encrusted in additional fancy pink diamonds. They are available at M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans. If you want to purchase them you’d better act fast as these earrings wLisa Nikill be offered at the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show taking place February 16-19. For more information, visit www.rauantiques.com.

Egg Pendants
Fabergé just released its Les Palais collection of signature Fine Jewellery egg pendants in opalescent pastels. Inspired by the summer palaces of Imperial Russia, each jewel is hand-crafted in 18k gold and guilloché enamel creating an iridescence which lends light and three-dimensional depth to each of the distinctive colors. The designs are overlaid with a refined gold embellishment, echoing the baroque motifs of the legendary Tsarskoye Selo summer palace. The collection is available at Fabergé flagship boutiques in New York, London and Geneva as well as at concessions within Harrods in London, Lane Crawford IFC in Hong Kong and other exclusive retailers. Selected items are also available via Fabergé’s online boutique at Fabergé.com.

Leopard Watch
The Hublot Big Bang Gold Leopard chronograph timepiece is set with a leopard-print dial and andalusite stones, dark smoked quartz and transparent quartz baguettes. The wild timepiece is available at Hublot’s Madison Avenue boutique.

Colorful Gold Collection
The Garavelli Dune collection uses shapes created with hammered 18k gold then covered with diamonds of various size. The line includes rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants. For more information on where to purchase the items contact Garavelli at garavelliusa@garavellialdo.it. 

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The Spectacular Jewelry News Network Jewelry Gift Guide

With just eight more shopping days left until Christmas, I put together a variety of jewelry items designed to inspire you to buy that special gift for those closest to you. What all of these pieces share are superior artistry, craftsmanship and beauty.

The Cindy Chao White Label Four Seasons Pepper Ring consists of sugarloaf color-change sapphire, diamonds and yellow diamonds set on 18k yellow gold. It's available at Bergdorf Goodman. Price upon request.

Limited to a run of 10, Alexandra Mor Asscher-Cut Diamond Earrings with each set crafted and signed by the New York City-based artist. Each earring contains an Asscher Cut diamond weighing 3.41 carats suspended from a .42-carat round diamond encircled with rows of 1mm of diamond melee totaling 8.49 carats set with platinum and 18k yellow gold. The price is $330,000 and it’s available at Dorfman Jewelers, 617-536-2022, dorfmanjewelers.com.

The center stone in the Amgad Red Diamond Flower Ring is a 0.48ct radiant shaped Fancy Purplish Red Diamond from the Argyle Mine in Australia, the world's top source for these rare colored stones. It's with 1.9cts. of colorless pear shape diamonds. Retail price: $350,000. To purchase the ring contact AMGAD at 212.719.4111 for a list of retailers.

Sethi Couture 18K Multi-Color Diamond Chandelier Earrings features 11.81 carats of fancy colored diamonds. Retail Price: $18,000. It is available at EB Horn, Boston, Mass.

The necklace features a 51.06-carat natural fancy black, pear shaped diamond. Rare in both size and natural-color achievement, it is adorned with fine white diamonds that includes a 1.68-carat shield shaped, E color, Internally Flawless diamond and 553 fine white diamonds totaling 14.35 carats. Retail price: $1 million. For purchasing information contact Ishay Ben-David Corp. at fancycolordiamond.net.)

A 2.02 grayish blue diamond and an 1.89 gray blue diamond center the earrings, which are finished with with 1.85 carats of pink diamonds. Retail Price: $3 million. It's available at Borsheims in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims.com.

Le Vian 18k Chocolate Diamond Necklace, features 7.27 carats of Le Vian's trademark Chocolate diamonds. Retail price: $46,097. Contact Le Vian at 877-2LEVIAN for an authorized retailer.

The Donna Distefano 18k gold, diamond and sapphire 'Mira' ring is made to order by the award winning goldsmith in her private atelier in New York City. The price is approximately $45,000 (each sapphire varies in price) and available by appointment at Donna Distefano, New York City 212.594.3757 or at donnadistefano.com.

The polished 18k rose gold cushions on the Fabergé Treillage Rose Gold Bandeau Rings along with the diamond studs give them a soft, pillow-like appearance. The large Bandeau ring is $8,492; and smaller Bandeau ring is $5,335. They are available at faberge.com.

Montblanc 4810 Star Pave Bracelet is made of 18k pink gold, the void in the iconic Montblanc star is filled with diamonds pave in different carat sizes to create sparkle. The cost is $4,300 and is available at Montblanc retail outlets.

The Nina Basharova Nest Brooch is made of Tahitian and South Sea pearls, champagne bezel-set diamonds and ostrich feathers, all set in18k gold. It retails for $17,800 and is available at David Orgell, 262 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.; (310) 273-6660. 

The Bizzotto Infinito Ring features 18k pink and white gold ring with two rows of diamonds It sells for $6,900. For purchasing information, contact; 760-832-2325; export@bizzottogioielli.com; bizzottogioielli.com.

The Ceramique "Lover's Ring" from Etienne Perret features interlocked 3mm bands in 18k gold & black gem ceramic. Retail price is $899. In cobalt chrome & black gem ceramic the price of this ring is $248. This style is also available with 3 interlocking bands, in a variety of metals for a range of prices. Its available at retail stores around the country (go to ceramicjewelry.com for a list of jewelers) or directly from Perret by emailing Etienne@EtiennePerret.com.

Lagos Sapphire Statement Necklace features beaded and fluted sterling silver surround 13 brilliant, blue pave gems (twc. 36.41). The necklace retails for $15,500 and is available on lagos.com.

The four-inch  Large 'Flower Urn' Diamond Earrings from Madyha Farooqui are made with Rose cut diamonds, 14k gold, rhodium plated silver & diamond pave. It retails for $12,750 and is available at Talisman Gallery at Harvey Nichols, London, or at www.madyhafarooqui.com.

The Mary Esses Large Cabochon Chrysoprase is framed by micro pave-set diamonds, set in a latticework of 18k gold and bezel-set diamonds. It retails for $8,300. It is available at Skibell Jewelers in Dallas, www.skibellfinejewelry.com.

The JJ Number 8 Oval Swirl Stud Earrings are a modern take on old Hollywood glamour with oversized Pink Opals surrounded in a swirl of white sapphires and set in fine sterling silver. It retails for $2,840 For more information, contact JJ Number 8 jewelry at WWW.JJNUMBER8.COM.

The Me&Ro 18k Gold Black Diamond Circle Teardrop Chain uses clusters of black diamond briolettes hand beaded with recycled 18k gold wire dangle throughout this limited edition chain. It measures 20 inches in length and the reflective deep black diamond beads range in size from 4x3mm to 6x4mm. Necklace fastens with a recycled 18k gold hook and eye closure. The approximate carat weight is 86.54. Retail price $18,000 and is available on meandrojewerly.com.

The Carrera y Carrera Danza Maxi Ring is made with 18k yellow gold ring with diamonds and is inspired by the movement in a dancer's skirt. It retails for $8,300 and is available at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

The 14k Rose Gold Ruby and Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Ring from Effy Jewelry retails for $2,750 and is available at www.EffyJewelry.com.

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