Legend has it that Cleopatra beat Marc Anthony in a wager. Who can throw the most expensive dinner party? And subsequently won his Heart.
To show Egypt's continued Power and in a display of Wealth, Cleopatra accepted Marc Anthony's wager.
On board her Royal Barge, she sat at an empty plate and goblet of vinegar. Marc Anthony ate heartily, but proclaimed at the end of his meal that while enjoyable the meal did not surpass former Banquets. At this point, Cleopatra removed her Pearl Earring. Crushed it, and placed it into her goblet and drank it down.
Marc Anthony had no choice but to admit defeat. By Roman standards the single Pearl was valued at "10Million sesterces" or the "value of 15 Countries"
The Irony of Her actions? In Egypt, Pearls were not terribly prized for their monetary value, but for their Beauty.
Cleopatra, not known as being "vulgar", did have a reputation for ostentation. Educated and Brilliant, she did what she felt she had to in order to save her Reign-and that of her children's.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
"The Ugliest Pearl in the World"
At 9.45 inches-yes INCHES-in diameter, and 14.1 pounds-yes POUNDS, the Pearl of Allah is also the Largest known Pearl.
Pearl of Allah
Most Pearls are formed in Oysters, yet all mollusks can create a pearl. Some not as pretty as others though. Clams do not layer the lustrous nacre over an irritant. "Clam Pearls"are more "porcellaneous", or porcelain-like. And are usually not round at all.
In 1934, Wilburn Cobb first heard of this HUGE Pearl and tried to buy it from a Tribal Chieftain on the Island of Palawan in the Philippines. He was turned down. Then in 1936, Cobb was GIFTED the Pearl out of gratitude for saving the same Chief's son from malaria. He continued to own the Pearl until his death in 1979.
This is the story he told the Natural History Magazine.
In 1969, a "NEW" History of the Pearl came to light. More Fantastical. More Mythical. A True Chinese Artifact
According to Cobb he was approached by a gentleman, Mr Li, while the Pearl was on display. Li said that the "Pearl of Allah" was really the LOST "Pearl of Lao Tzu".
Myth says that this Pearl was grown from a much smaller Clam 2500 yrs ago when a Jade Amulet engraved with images of the Buddha and Confucius was implanted to create a Pearl that was to bring Peace and Harmony to all Mankind. Over the years, legend has it that the Pearl was transferred to successively larger Clams as it outgrew it's host Clam.
Peace was not to be had, wars were fought over the Pearl, and in 1750 it was supposedly sent to the Philippines-still inside the Giant Clam-for safe keeping....And Lost at Sea.
While trying to retrieve a Giant Clam a young Muslim pearl diver was trapped by the Clam. When the body was recovered and the Clam opened, a pearl resembling the Image of Muhammad wearing a turban was revealed and worshipped.
There are a lot of signals that tell this story not to be true, BUT the story does help to drive the value of the Pearl...$93M in 2007
I am not going to go into any of the sordid, mundane details of the Pearl since Wilburn Cobb's passing. Just know that Wars-of a personal nature-continued to be fought over the "Pearl of Allah", or the lost "Pearl of Lao Tzu"
Pearl of Allah
Most Pearls are formed in Oysters, yet all mollusks can create a pearl. Some not as pretty as others though. Clams do not layer the lustrous nacre over an irritant. "Clam Pearls"are more "porcellaneous", or porcelain-like. And are usually not round at all.
In 1934, Wilburn Cobb first heard of this HUGE Pearl and tried to buy it from a Tribal Chieftain on the Island of Palawan in the Philippines. He was turned down. Then in 1936, Cobb was GIFTED the Pearl out of gratitude for saving the same Chief's son from malaria. He continued to own the Pearl until his death in 1979.
This is the story he told the Natural History Magazine.
In 1969, a "NEW" History of the Pearl came to light. More Fantastical. More Mythical. A True Chinese Artifact
According to Cobb he was approached by a gentleman, Mr Li, while the Pearl was on display. Li said that the "Pearl of Allah" was really the LOST "Pearl of Lao Tzu".
Myth says that this Pearl was grown from a much smaller Clam 2500 yrs ago when a Jade Amulet engraved with images of the Buddha and Confucius was implanted to create a Pearl that was to bring Peace and Harmony to all Mankind. Over the years, legend has it that the Pearl was transferred to successively larger Clams as it outgrew it's host Clam.
Peace was not to be had, wars were fought over the Pearl, and in 1750 it was supposedly sent to the Philippines-still inside the Giant Clam-for safe keeping....And Lost at Sea.
While trying to retrieve a Giant Clam a young Muslim pearl diver was trapped by the Clam. When the body was recovered and the Clam opened, a pearl resembling the Image of Muhammad wearing a turban was revealed and worshipped.
There are a lot of signals that tell this story not to be true, BUT the story does help to drive the value of the Pearl...$93M in 2007
I am not going to go into any of the sordid, mundane details of the Pearl since Wilburn Cobb's passing. Just know that Wars-of a personal nature-continued to be fought over the "Pearl of Allah", or the lost "Pearl of Lao Tzu"
Saturday, May 28, 2011
PEARLS-"Tears from the Gods"
Yes, Ancient Cultures believed that Pearls were actually the hardened Tears from the Gods and Goddesses.
Among other myths, The Chinese believed that Pearls fell to the ground when Dragons were battling.
Ancient Arabs thought that the Moon lured Oysters to the surface and then swallowed dewdrops to then create Pearls.
The truth is just as Fantastical.
A grain of sand, or some other irritant is introduced into the sensitive lining of the Oyster Shell and to soothe that irritation, the Oyster coats layer upon layer of nacre over it. Thus creating the ONLY Gemstone to be made by an animal.
It is Ironic that this symbol of Purity, Chastity and Unblemished Perfection has been the instigator of wars amongst Persian, Arabian and Indian Rulers. They have all been known to go to War to control OysterBeds.
Having seen a Perfectly Round Lustrous Pearl it is not difficult to believe that they can bring about a sense of Calm, promote Faith, Loyalty, Truth, Purity and a sense of Goodwill.
Maybe this is why they have been traditional gifts for Brides, and 30th Anniversaries?
Among other myths, The Chinese believed that Pearls fell to the ground when Dragons were battling.
Ancient Arabs thought that the Moon lured Oysters to the surface and then swallowed dewdrops to then create Pearls.
The truth is just as Fantastical.
A grain of sand, or some other irritant is introduced into the sensitive lining of the Oyster Shell and to soothe that irritation, the Oyster coats layer upon layer of nacre over it. Thus creating the ONLY Gemstone to be made by an animal.
It is Ironic that this symbol of Purity, Chastity and Unblemished Perfection has been the instigator of wars amongst Persian, Arabian and Indian Rulers. They have all been known to go to War to control OysterBeds.
Having seen a Perfectly Round Lustrous Pearl it is not difficult to believe that they can bring about a sense of Calm, promote Faith, Loyalty, Truth, Purity and a sense of Goodwill.
Maybe this is why they have been traditional gifts for Brides, and 30th Anniversaries?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
StoreFront Inspiration
I just finished painting the Outside of my Storefront.
It took a VERY Long time to figure out the colors.
Finally, a Friend suggested I base my color choices on Gems.
DUH! Why did I not think of something so Obvious? I started looking around the Store to see which Stones I had laying around, pairing them together. Yet, I still could not find the Right combination, until my eyes fell onto a Necklace that I had done a few years ago.
Quite a few women-Friend' Moms-that would travel from HongKong or Taipei ALWAYS had strands of the most gorgeous Tahitian Pearls, Jade and Diamonds. This piece was inspired by them. I paired Chocolate Pearls, Jade and Swarovski Crystal.
This Necklace has always made me feel good. Centered. Grounded.
What better inspiration for my Storefront Colors?
The colors Phantom Mist, Green Water, and Silver.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
I am Grateful
So it appears that the Rapture is not going to occur.
I am not Mocking.
I am Grateful.
I am Grateful that I started DeAndreaDesigns when I did, just in case the Prophets were correct.
I am Grateful the Rapture has yet to occur, so that I can continue to follow my Dream. There is So much more to do with DeAndreaDesigns-A LOT of it unknown to even myself. BUT I am excited to see it to fruition.
My tiny storefront/studio is only the Beginning. Even if it does not grow beyond into a Larger Space, or multiple locations, or even Worldwide Recognition, I will continue to live for that look in a person's eyes when they try on that piece of Jewelry that Perfectly Compliments their own Personal Style. Or a piece of Jewelry that I was able to bring into existence that they have only been able to Dream about.
In short, I am Grateful for the Gifts that were bestowed on me, and the Ability to Share them with every one of you.
I AM GRATEFUL.
I am not Mocking.
I am Grateful.
I am Grateful that I started DeAndreaDesigns when I did, just in case the Prophets were correct.
I am Grateful the Rapture has yet to occur, so that I can continue to follow my Dream. There is So much more to do with DeAndreaDesigns-A LOT of it unknown to even myself. BUT I am excited to see it to fruition.
My tiny storefront/studio is only the Beginning. Even if it does not grow beyond into a Larger Space, or multiple locations, or even Worldwide Recognition, I will continue to live for that look in a person's eyes when they try on that piece of Jewelry that Perfectly Compliments their own Personal Style. Or a piece of Jewelry that I was able to bring into existence that they have only been able to Dream about.
In short, I am Grateful for the Gifts that were bestowed on me, and the Ability to Share them with every one of you.
I AM GRATEFUL.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Hooker Emerald Brooch
Large Emeralds are extremely rare.
Large Emeralds with few if any inclusions are VERY Rare.
Emerlads of this caliber can often be traced back to the time they were mined from the Earth.
The Muzo Mines of Columbia have a history of producing some of the BEST Emeralds known to man.
In 1815 Columbia gained it's Independence and Emerald mining fell to the State. State run Emerald Mining fell into disarray and confusion, yet a large rough crystal was discovered and sold to the head of the Ruling Family of the Ottoman Empire-Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
The Sultan had the Stone cut and polished to be worn as the center piece of his Belt Buckle.
He spent his 33 years as a Dictator with an Iron Fist-Building Railroads, Reforming the Education System and Expanding the Telegraph System. However, the younger generations were not happy with his Rule. Noting the writing on the wall, the Sultan had his Emerald belt buckle, the Hope Diamond and other Jewels smuggled out of the Country and sold to finance his life after the impending over-throw. Sadly, for him , Sultan Abdul's younger brother caught wind of this plot and not only deposed him, but seized that cash.
Their story continues on, but here we follow the Emerald to Salomon Habib in 1908. It is kept quiet and hidden until 1950 where it makes it's Commercial Debut in a Christmas Catalogue by Tiffany. Restyled as a Brooch.
In 1955 it was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. Heir to Annenberg Publications-which owned TV Guide as well as Seventeen Magazine. She gave the Emerald it's name...
In 1977, the Hooker Emerald was donated to the Smithsonian. This was Her First Large Jewelry Donation of many, resulting in the building of the "Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals" in Sept 1997.
Mrs. Hooker passed away just 3 months later.
Large Emeralds with few if any inclusions are VERY Rare.
Emerlads of this caliber can often be traced back to the time they were mined from the Earth.
The Muzo Mines of Columbia have a history of producing some of the BEST Emeralds known to man.
In 1815 Columbia gained it's Independence and Emerald mining fell to the State. State run Emerald Mining fell into disarray and confusion, yet a large rough crystal was discovered and sold to the head of the Ruling Family of the Ottoman Empire-Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
The Sultan had the Stone cut and polished to be worn as the center piece of his Belt Buckle.
He spent his 33 years as a Dictator with an Iron Fist-Building Railroads, Reforming the Education System and Expanding the Telegraph System. However, the younger generations were not happy with his Rule. Noting the writing on the wall, the Sultan had his Emerald belt buckle, the Hope Diamond and other Jewels smuggled out of the Country and sold to finance his life after the impending over-throw. Sadly, for him , Sultan Abdul's younger brother caught wind of this plot and not only deposed him, but seized that cash.
Their story continues on, but here we follow the Emerald to Salomon Habib in 1908. It is kept quiet and hidden until 1950 where it makes it's Commercial Debut in a Christmas Catalogue by Tiffany. Restyled as a Brooch.
In 1955 it was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. Heir to Annenberg Publications-which owned TV Guide as well as Seventeen Magazine. She gave the Emerald it's name...
 |
| 75 ct Hooker Emerald |
In 1977, the Hooker Emerald was donated to the Smithsonian. This was Her First Large Jewelry Donation of many, resulting in the building of the "Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals" in Sept 1997.
Mrs. Hooker passed away just 3 months later.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sacred Emerald Buddha
Not to be confused with the"Emerald Buddha" in Wat Phra Keo in the Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand. Which is actually not Emerald at all, but Green Jasper.
In 1434 lightning struck the Palace causing some of the stucco on the walls to flake away revealing a lustrous green stone. This led to meticulous peeling of the remainder of the stucco revealing the "Emerald Buddha"...
The Sacred Emerald Buddha
BUT...
In 1994, a large Emerald Crystal-3600cts LARGE-was found in Africa and then sent to Thailand.
Understandably, a bidding war ensued amongst dealers and designers. The winning bidder envisioned a single sculpture of an image of Buddha.
Because of the shape of the crystal, and incidents around the World, "Harm Yhard" was chosen as the depiction. Buddha scolding bickering Family members-in 2001 extremists of the Taliban destroyed the "Buddha of Bamiyan" in Afghanistan-seemed appropriate..."Stop quarreling amongst yourselves"
So Jadite carvers from Burma and China were screened, but because of security issues it was decided that relocating a carver from Mae Sot, Thailand was the best option. Aung Nyein,master Jadite carver, was given the Job.
After weeks of study, planning measuring he made his first marking on the Emerald, but not before practicing on Aquamarine-because Aquamarine and Emerald are of the same gemological family-and Jadite stones. Many weeks later Aung Nyien started the final polish with a fine Diamond Powder.
Finished in 2001, weighing 2,620ct, the "Sacred Emerald Buddha" was unveiled.
How big is 2,620ct? 6 inches high 2.62 inches wide
In 1434 lightning struck the Palace causing some of the stucco on the walls to flake away revealing a lustrous green stone. This led to meticulous peeling of the remainder of the stucco revealing the "Emerald Buddha"...
The Sacred Emerald Buddha
BUT...
In 1994, a large Emerald Crystal-3600cts LARGE-was found in Africa and then sent to Thailand.
Understandably, a bidding war ensued amongst dealers and designers. The winning bidder envisioned a single sculpture of an image of Buddha.
Because of the shape of the crystal, and incidents around the World, "Harm Yhard" was chosen as the depiction. Buddha scolding bickering Family members-in 2001 extremists of the Taliban destroyed the "Buddha of Bamiyan" in Afghanistan-seemed appropriate..."Stop quarreling amongst yourselves"
So Jadite carvers from Burma and China were screened, but because of security issues it was decided that relocating a carver from Mae Sot, Thailand was the best option. Aung Nyein,master Jadite carver, was given the Job.
After weeks of study, planning measuring he made his first marking on the Emerald, but not before practicing on Aquamarine-because Aquamarine and Emerald are of the same gemological family-and Jadite stones. Many weeks later Aung Nyien started the final polish with a fine Diamond Powder.
Finished in 2001, weighing 2,620ct, the "Sacred Emerald Buddha" was unveiled.
How big is 2,620ct? 6 inches high 2.62 inches wide
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