Blackamoor figurines. Emeralds in legends and history
Emeralds in legends and history
According to the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Egyptians emerald was as a gift from the great god Thoth. The green color of the emerald reminds of spring, and considered a symbol of eternal youth. The Egyptians called the emerald “stone of the goddess Isis,” and attributed to it many abilities. In particular, to turn dreams into reality, read minds, see the past and predict the future. Also, according to belief, the emerald rewarded human loyalty and constant love. Considered the best gift for pregnant women, this stone was the patron saint of expectant mothers. Widely used in ancient Egyptian jewelry, many people wanted to put the gem in their tombs. In the XV-XVII centuries Russia emerald was the stone of wisdom and composure, and for this quality Alexander Pushkin wore his emerald ring.
Mogul emerald. weight of 217.8 carats, size 5 x 3.8 x 3.5 cm, found in 1695. Emeralds in legends and history
On one side – engraved prayers, on the other – ornaments of flowers. This legendary emerald was purchased by an unknown person 28 September 2001 at Christie’s auction for $ 2.2 million. Noteworthy, Islamic countries positively perceived green emerald as a magic stone. Christian tradition, on the contrary, finds its magical stone from hell. According to legend, the largest emerald fell to the ground from the helmet of Lucifer, while he was expelling from the heaven. The Holy Grail has been cut from this particular emerald.
Colombian Emerald vessel unguentarium 2860 carat
Considered a powerful talisman for the healing of eyesight, ancient people used it also in the treatment of snakebite. St. George fighting with the dragon, 1470. The paintings of St. George fighting with the dragon (evil incarnate), depict the body of a snake made of emeralds
Nardi Blackamoor Clip. Emerald and Diamond, Italy, 1940
Alchemist installation for the production of the philosopher’s stone, which is able to turn base metals into gold and give immortality, (according to alchemists) written on the Emerald Tablet. In the history of myths, this tablet is a huge emerald which bears the postulates of the occult sciences. This emerald was allegedly found near the mummy of Egyptian god of wisdom, Thoth, who is identified with Hermes.
In Central Asia, people believed that who wears an emerald, sees no dreams, embarrassing spirit. Besides, Emerald strengthens the heart, removes the bitterness, rescues from epilepsy and evil spirits. If emerald is framed in gold, and used as a seal, the owner of it insured against the pestilence, from the spell of love and lack of sleep. Scent bottle. ca. 1820s, mounted in gold, set with emeralds, rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds
Attenbury emeralds – the modern detective story, in which Lord Peter Wimsey must solve several puzzles associated with emeralds.
Young Queen Victoria, on portraits by Thomas Sully in 1838
This brooch has an interesting history, here young Queen Victoria, on portraits by Thomas Sully in 1838. The jeweler received a medal for these cameos at the World Expo 1851. “Emerald Buddha” – the weight of 3600 carats, was found in 1994 in Madagascar. Later was cut a statue of the Buddha called the “Emerald Buddha” in honor of the eponymous temple in Thailand
Highly Collectible Nardi Blackamoor. Italy. ca. 1950s. Guilio Nardi, founder of the renowned Venetian jewelry house of the same name, first started to design blackamoors in the early 1920sThis Piece – worked out of a SINGLE Emerald cluster from Colombia and built in Prague in 1641. Weight of the Emerald only: 2680 Carats. At Display in Vienna Museum of History and Arts
Emeralds in legends and history
Neo Gothic Cathedral Style Bracelet. Gold, enamel, aquamarine, opal ruby. Paris. Circa 1845Stunning Emerald and diamond ringSnake bracelet. Gold, gem-set and diamond, mid 19th centuryFly brooch. Gem-set, enamel and diamond, early 20th centuryNecklace of emeraldsLacloche Freres Art Deco Diamond, Emerald, Platinum BroochHammerman Brothers Lion Head PinTiger brooch. Cartier. A Diamond Emerald and Enamel. France Circa 1960’sEdwardian Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Lizard Pin. France, Circa 1900Cartier Panther 18K Gold Onyx Diamond Emerald Earrings. France, $35,000Asian Style Brooch. Art Deco. Cabochon Emerald, Circa 1930Frog ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Yellow Gold, Emerald Eyes, USA, 1969Owl brooch pendant by D. Webb. Diamond, Emerald, Enamel & Yellow Gold. Circa 1970’s. $12,500Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Agate Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold 50’s-60’sFrench “Wise Owl” Gem Set Brooch Clip. France, 1960sGolden Boy Riding on a Dolphin Brooch. ca. 1950sVan Cleef amp Arpels emerald and pearl necklace“The big bouquet”. Diamonds, emeralds, gold, silver. About 1760Yellow Diamond Leopard Brooch, European, ContemporaryDavid Webb Double Leopard Flexible Bangle. USA, 1990Fantastic double leopard flexible bracelet of black enamel scales. Very rare David Webb modelMask pendant. Diamond, Ruby, Emerald & Yellow Gold by Wander. France, Circa 1970’s. $7,500Underwood Emerald Crystal, Diamond, Gold Pendant-EnhancerRetro Carved Ivory, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold Jewelry SuiteCirca 1970. Schepps 18K Gold, Rock Crystal, Emerald & Diamond ClipColombian Emerald Ring. French circa 1910. (approx. 3.2 cts) diamond ring, in platinum. Price $145,000Lizard Gem-set and diamond brooch, Early 20th Century 1940Diamond, emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold NecklaceArt Nouveau Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold Bracelet, Lebolt & CoExquisite floral design brooch