Ricardo Criniti’s Post

Did you know that since the 1880s, opals have been known as the “lucky gem from the lucky country,” and are Australia’s National Gemstone? But their charm was recognized long before. In the first century A.D., the Roman author Pliny the Elder described opals in his Natural History, saying: "Made up of the glories of the most precious gems, to describe them is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. For there is amongst them the gentler fire of the ruby, there is the rich purple of the amethyst, there is the sea-green of the emerald, and all shining together in an indescribable union. Others, by an excessive heightening of their hues equal all the colours of the painter, others the flame of burning brimstone, or of a fire quickened by oil." Opals are not only beautiful but carry a rich legacy that continues to inspire the luxury and gemstone industries today. #Opal #QueenOfGems #Australia #GemstoneHistory #Luxury

Terracotta artifacts from Southern Italy, particularly those associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater, often showcase a rich blend of Greek and indigenous Italian artistic traditions. These terracotta pieces typically include decorative elements such as theatrical masks, satyrs, maenads, and scenes from Dionysian rituals and mythology. Southern Italy, especially regions like Apulia (ancient Apulia), was deeply influenced by Greek colonization, which began around the 8th century BCE. This influence is evident in various aspects of art, culture, and even language. Terracotta works from this region reflect this cultural fusion, with Greek mythological themes being depicted alongside local Italian motifs. The terracotta artifacts from this period are significant not only for their artistic merit but also for what they reveal about the cultural exchange and interaction between Greek colonizers and indigenous Italian populations. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs, social practices, and artistic tastes of ancient Southern Italy.

The use of precious metals, like gold and silver, and precious stones as materials in luxury objets d'art has been very popular throughout history. Jade has been one of such precious materials in the decorative arts, specially nephrite jade, that is the trade term used to describe the high-tenacity, typically translucent to opaque, massive microcrystalline to cryptocrystalline fibrous agglomerate composed essentially by amphiboles of the tremolite-actinolite series. This was the traditional jade material of the Chinese civilization crafted since the Neolithic, locally known as 玉 (yu), namely those found in very large blocks, boulders or pebbles in Xinjiang (Hetian, Manasi), Qinghai, Guizhou, Guangxi and Liaoning, in China. Although we usually think "green" when the word jade is mentioned, the most coveted variety in China has been the tremolite-rich white variety often known in the trade as "mutton fat jade". In the photo, white nephrite jade set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds in gold (20.9 x 8.8 x 2.0 cm), Mughal court, c. 1650-1700. © Victoria and Albert Museum #jade #luxury #gemstones #jewelry

Antiques Roadshow expert floored by guest's 'hated' antique as it's exposed as rare find WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow. An Antiques Road... Read More - https://lnkd.in/dSCjD6yK

Coral is a fascinating gemstone that has captivated civilizations for centuries. Unlike traditional gemstones that are mineral-based, coral is formed from the skeletons of marine polyps, making it a unique organic gem. Its vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to soft pinks and whites, have made it a prized material for jewelry and decorative objects. One of the most notable properties of coral is its durability. Despite being composed of calcium carbonate, the same material as pearls and seashells, coral is relatively hard and can be polished to a high luster. This, combined with its striking appearance, has made coral a popular choice for jewelry makers throughout history. Coral is primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters, where the conditions are optimal for the growth of marine polyps. The most prized and sought-after coral is known as precious coral, which is found at depths of 10 to 300 meters in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Italy and Spain. Other varieties of coral, such as bamboo coral and black coral, are found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Despite its popularity, coral faces numerous threats, primarily from human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change have all taken their toll on coral reefs around the world, leading to a decline in coral populations. As a result, there are now strict regulations in place to protect coral reefs and ensure their long-term survival. #coral #coralgemstone #Gemstone

Emeralds Gemstones. - The Advantage of Crystal Gemstones have the hexagonal design within the structure of the Gems done by nature that provides light reflection. Yet the Four Big Crystals are: The Four Big Crystals : A. Diamonds ( 10.0 Hardness ) B. Sapphires (9.0 Hardness) C. Rubies (9.0 Hardness) D. Emeralds (8.0 Hardness) - The World of Luxury - Gold Hardness is only between (2.5 to 3.5 ) ■CHANEL■III■BVLGARI■III■PIAGET■ [BAAGHIL 𝙻𝚄𝚇𝚄𝚁𝚈 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚜 ® All Our Gemstones are non - treated] .

💎 Unveiling the Fascinating History of Paraiba Gemstones 💎 Paraiba gemstones, renowned for their mesmerizing blue-green hues, have captivated gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. But beyond their stunning beauty lies a captivating history that traces back to the depths of Brazil's rich mineral wealth. Discovered in the late 1980s in the Brazilian state of Paraiba, these gems immediately garnered attention for their unique coloration, attributed to the presence of copper and manganese. Their rarity and distinctiveness quickly propelled Paraiba gemstones into the spotlight of the global gem trade. The journey of Paraiba gemstones reflects Brazil's legacy as a treasure trove of natural wonders. Mined primarily in the Paraiba region, these gems are a testament to the country's geological diversity and the skill of local artisans who unearth them from the earth's depths. Despite their relatively recent discovery, Paraiba gemstones have already left an indelible mark on the world of jewelry and gemology. Coveted by collectors and designers alike, these gems symbolize elegance, sophistication, and the allure of nature's wonders. As we admire the brilliance of Paraiba gemstones, let us also appreciate the labor and expertise that goes into their extraction and craftsmanship. May their beauty continue to inspire creativity and appreciation for the marvels of the natural world. #ParaibaGemstone #Brazil #Gemology #Jewelry #NaturalBeauty

Emerald is considered most beautiful for several reasons. One of the main reasons is its stunning green color, which is often described as rich, vibrant, and luxurious. The color is unique and easily recognizable, making emerald a highly coveted gemstone. In addition to its color, emerald is also valued for its rarity and durability. It is one of the most precious gemstones in the world, and high-quality emeralds can be quite valuable. The stone has been prized for centuries for its beauty and symbolism, with many cultures associating emeralds with qualities such as love, rebirth, and prosperity. Overall, the combination of emerald's captivating color, rarity, and cultural significance contributes to its reputation as a beautiful and valuable gemstone.

🌉 Margaret Bridge: A Timeless Gem of Budapest 🇭🇺 Built between 1872 and 1876, Margaret Bridge (Margit híd) is not just an engineering marvel but also a true work of art! The project was designed by French engineer Ernest Goüin, and the construction contract went to the renowned Société de Construction de Batignolles. But let's talk about the statues that adorn the bridge! 🤔 Did you know that the exact symbolism of the figures on the piers remains a mystery? According to a heritage conservation expert, these statues—created by French sculptor Adolphe Martial Thabard—were likely designed purely for decorative purposes, with no hidden meanings. During that era, "beauty was the primary consideration, not the modern trend of over-explaining". What is certain is that these sculptures resemble ship figureheads (gallion figures), inspired by ancient traditions. 🌊 In maritime mythology, such figures were believed to protect vessels from dangers during their journeys—a poetic connection to the flowing Danube below. So next time you cross this iconic bridge, take a moment to admire these timeless guardians of the Danube. 👉 What do you think: art for art's sake, or is there a deeper meaning behind these figures? Let me know your thoughts! #MargaretBridge #Budapest #RiverDanube #InspirationTravelHungary

The island of Sri Lanka is the most important historical source of sapphire since at least 300 BCE, producing occasional +100 ct high-quality gems, and has been known by many names, notably Ceylon, the former Portuguese name in colonial times that has been used in the trade as a classic origin descriptor, sometimes also as synonym of light-coloured blue sapphire. Blue sapphires from Sri Lanka’s gem gravels are also popular among mineral collectors, primarily the fine well-developed euhedral crystals like the one depicted here, a rare 5.1 cm-long specimen from Passara (Badulla, Uva) where the characteristic colour banding is evident in the hexagonal pyramidal forms revealing the mineral’s trigonal crystal structure. Other designations exalting the gem wealth of the country include Taprobane, Jazirat Kakut, Ratna Deepa, these two literally meaning “Island of Gems” in Arabic and Sinhalese, and Serendip. This last name has been the inspiration behind the name of a 422.66 ct fine sapphire reportedly cut from a 2.670 ct rough found in Sri Lanka in the early 20th century, dubbed “The Siren of Serendip”. This remarkable gemstone is mounted in platinum on a white gold necklace set along with 913 diamonds designed and crafted by Ingo Henn and is now on permanent display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Texas, USA. Photo © Houston Museum of Natural Science / Henn of London Ltd; sapphire mineral specimen © Heritage Auctions #sapphire #srilanka #jewelry #luxury