Gemology
The softest gemstone
What is Talc?
The "Original Influencer", this woman set trends throughout her lifetime and in 1839 started the trend of engagement ring. Hers was a serpent ring with ruby and emerald for eyes.
Who is Queen Victoria?
In 1867, diamonds are found in this mine in South Africa -- ensuing a white diamond boom.
What is the Kimberly Mines?
Organic Gemstones (Name at least 3)
What is Pearl, Amber, Coral, Jet, Ivory, Petrified Wood, Mother of Pearl, Dinosaur bone?
A designer known for using the USPS (United States Postal Service) to send rare and expensive jewels.
Who is Harry Winston?
Harry Winston used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. The 45.52-carat diamond was sent via registered, First-Class Mail from New York to Washington, D.C., with the postage costing $2.44 and insurance for $1 million costing $142.85, for a total of $145.29. The delivery was made by letter carrier James G. Todd, who delivered the package to the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 1958
This designer's iconic NYC flagship store located on 52nd & Fifth was acquired by trading two strands of enormous natural pearls and $100 in 1917.
What is Cartier?
The Morton F. Plant pearls refer to the legendary double strand of natural pearls his wife, Maisie Plant, so admired at Cartier, which ultimately led to the trade of the Plant's Fifth Avenue mansion for the necklace and $100 in cash. The deal was orchestrated by Pierre Cartier, allowing Cartier to establish its now-iconic New York flagship store at the former Plant residence. The pearls, once valued at $1 million, saw their value plummet after the 1930s introduction of cultured pearls, selling for only $181,000 at auction after Maisie's death.
Green gemstone found on Earth & in space.
What is Peridot?
In 1810, the first "push" present was created by Harry Winston and gifted by this political figure which has a complex named after them.
Who is Napoleon?
This diamond came from the mines of Golconda.
426 carats, nearly flawless, took 2 years of meticulous cutting.
Worn by Louis XV on his hat, Louis XVI on his crown, and Marie Antoinette on black velvet; stolen; retrieved; displayed on Napoleon's sword; centered on Empress Eugenie's diadem, saved from the sale of the French Crown jewels in 1887 and an invading German Army in 1940. Now viewable at the Apollon Gallery.
What is the Regent Diamond?
Derived of the Latin word “garanatus“, meaning “seedlike“, in reference to the seeds of a pomegranate.
What is Garnet?
In 1968, this clover-flower design became popular due to the loosening cultural codes, creating a demand for less formal jewels to match the spirit of the times.
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Clover
In 1938, Van Cleef & Arpels received a patent for this setting technique that would become one of the house's signatures and holy grails of 20th century jewelry collecting.
Mystery Setting Technique or Invisible Setting
The Black Prince's Ruby that sits above the Cullinan II diamond in the Imperial State Crown is actually an alternate gemstone that was not chemically differentiated from rubies until 1783.
In 1975, the Cartier Maria Felix piece was created for the actress after she supposedly brought in this reptile to the atelier asking a piece be made in its honor.
What are crocodiles?
Who is the Maharaja of Patiala?