All Blog Posts (266)

I bought these beads that are in the photo of me were purchased from an African dealer for $200.00.  He said they could be found non that area just floating on the river.  Does any one have any more information?  They are a form of copal.

When visiting Hong Kong, a visit to the Jade Market on Kansu Street (near Tin Hau Temple) is highly recommended.  You will see a bit of local color and if you are not bothered by aggressive sales tactics, it is a fun outing. Yes, there are a lot of tourists, but local Hong Kong residents also buy here (although I…

When I lived in Tunisia, I frequented Monsieur Moncef Helioui's shop on many occassions.  He and his brother have a dusty, yet wonderful little shop on the Rue Jamiya Zetouna in the old Medina.  They are descendants of Ahmed Helioui, a well known 20th century silver smith in Tunis.

I have a number of items in my collection that were purchased from the Freres Helioui.  Shortly before I left Tunisia, Monsieur Moncef told me about a book that he was writing.  I was very delighted to come…

Next weekend: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Aug 25th, 26th, 27th- i'll have a stall in the Canopy Market behind Kings Cross -next to the big Waitrose and the Art College- selling mostly loose single decorative handmade glass beads from India, as well as fascinating and rare pendants, colourful embroidery beads, shell, stone, metal and wood beads, inexpensive necklaces, bracelets and tribal beaded dresses! and my book for bead collectors...

Stefany Tomalin, Beadtreasures, bead I.D.…

Article and great photos Berber facial tattoos

  i get this one online,i would like to know is it a old piece from 40s?i have no idea about idian jewelry,thax so much for your help.

Metal alloy, traditionally obtained by melting old jewelry and coins called in Afghanistan and Pakistan Alpaca (Alpaka) or Gillet (Gillit), consisting of Nickel, zinc, copper and tin in different proportions mixed with silver,

forging, cast, chasing, engraved Insert - carnelian…

Recently I learned that my favorite store in Greenwich Village has closed.  Along with the death of David Bowie, this was another cultural loss to mark the passing of my youth.  Back in the 1980s I sported spiked hair, purple lipstick and a pair of black shoes with silver skull buckles.  I always walked around with a…

When I visited Agadez in the Sahara a couple of years ago I brought some sketches from the wonderful study of Jewellery and Techniques of the Sahara by Jean Gabus 1939. I had these crosses made which were early variations on the theme of the Agadez cross. The maker came from a long line of cross makers and I watched fascinated as he formed the moulds in beeswax, heating the coals with his goatskin bellows, then sanding and smoothing it down afterwards and then finally etching the…

Professor Khalili is a world renowned scholar, collector, benefactor and philanthropist as well as a successful businessman. His collections, which consist of 35,000 items, include the arts of the Islamic World, Japanese art from the Meiji period, Swedish textiles, Spanish damascened metalwork and…

Bracelets, Dagestan, Kubachi, 19th century,

Silver, gilding, garnets, turquoise, carnelian

This post grew out of a rich discussion of a Bulgarian pendant posted by Cordelia Donahue and my own realisation that I needed a simple framework to help me think about the sources of ethnic silver. It is not meant to be authoritative but I hope it will be useful. Do please offer corrections and extensions.

Silver is classified as a noble or precious metal along with gold and platinum. All other metals, such…

Hello :)

Today we want to share with you some facts and info to help you understand the difference between  natural and synthetic gemstones.

Many people don't realize that majority of the natural gemstones are treated in the lab after they are mined. If you think about Tanzanite, for example, you will have an image of stunning purple-blue gemstone, but the truth is that this…

http://www.identecojewellery.com/single-post/2017/01/12/Armenian-symbol-of-eternity

 Traditional Armenian jewellery has centuries-long history. Armenian women always liked wearing a lot of jewellery to match their colourful Armenian folk costumes called “Taraz”. Most of the jewellery was handmade of silver, it is passed from generation to generation.

One of the essential items for an Armenian woman in ancient times was a silver belt. It was usually decorated by turquoise, coral, amber or other semi-precious stones. Some considered a belt…

Jewellery is deeply connected and an expression of a personality.

Nonetheless, whereas some of the carefully picked pieces may surely be timeless and close to one's heart, it certainly doesn't mean that every once in a while, one can't try something new. So, how about setting aside those traditional diamond or gold ornaments and go for some contemporary pieces that can add an extra something to your style…