Gem Lore

Romanov Jewelry After Revolution: Fate & Dispersal

Romanov Jewelry After Revolution: Fate & Dispersal

The 1917 Russian Revolution brought catastrophic disruption to the Romanov jewelry collection — the imperial family's personal gems were confiscated, the state collection was partially sold by the Soviet government,...

Romanov Jewelry After Revolution: Fate & Dispersal

The 1917 Russian Revolution brought catastrophic disruption to the Romanov jewelry collection — the imperial family's personal gems were confiscated, the state collection was partially sold by the Soviet government,...

Amber Room: Lost Russian Imperial Treasure

Amber Room: Lost Russian Imperial Treasure

The Amber Room of Catherine Palace — six tons of amber mosaic panels creating a room of overwhelming golden splendor, called the Eighth Wonder of the World — was stolen...

Amber Room: Lost Russian Imperial Treasure

The Amber Room of Catherine Palace — six tons of amber mosaic panels creating a room of overwhelming golden splendor, called the Eighth Wonder of the World — was stolen...

Russian Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic Gem

Russian Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic Gem

Baltic amber — the fossilized resin of ancient forests, washed ashore on the Baltic coast — held a unique place in Russian imperial culture as a decorative material of extraordinary...

Russian Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic Gem

Baltic amber — the fossilized resin of ancient forests, washed ashore on the Baltic coast — held a unique place in Russian imperial culture as a decorative material of extraordinary...

Russian Imperial Pearl Traditions: Most Prized Gem

Russian Imperial Pearl Traditions: Most Prized Gem

Natural pearls were among the most personally beloved gems of the Russian imperial court — worn by every Russian empress from Catherine the Great to Alexandra Feodorovna as symbols of...

Russian Imperial Pearl Traditions: Most Prized Gem

Natural pearls were among the most personally beloved gems of the Russian imperial court — worn by every Russian empress from Catherine the Great to Alexandra Feodorovna as symbols of...

Russian Imperial Demantoid: Ural Garnet Traditions

Russian Imperial Demantoid: Ural Garnet Traditions

Demantoid garnet — found only in Russia's Ural Mountains and possessing greater brilliance than diamond — was one of the most prized gems of the late 19th century, beloved by...

Russian Imperial Demantoid: Ural Garnet Traditions

Demantoid garnet — found only in Russia's Ural Mountains and possessing greater brilliance than diamond — was one of the most prized gems of the late 19th century, beloved by...

Russian Imperial Alexandrite: Ural Discovery 1830

Russian Imperial Alexandrite: Ural Discovery 1830

Alexandrite — discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 and named for the future Tsar Alexander II — is the most distinctively Russian gemstone in the world, its extraordinary color...

Russian Imperial Alexandrite: Ural Discovery 1830

Alexandrite — discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 and named for the future Tsar Alexander II — is the most distinctively Russian gemstone in the world, its extraordinary color...