Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection

For those who follow our blog & our passion for antique jewelry, consider this. If you find yourself in New York City from Oct 30 - Dec 6th, make room in your schedule for a visit to Les Eluminures. Titled, 'Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection' - this exhibition collects over 40 exceptional museum-quality rings selected from the private collection of one of the world's leading gem dealers, experts, and connoisseurs. These will be on  public view together for the first time - the collection spans from 3rd century A.D. through to the later part of the 19th century (*see examples below). Not to be missed! See you there.

 

 

From the Catalog : Since his first purchase in 1970, Benjamin Zucker has assembled one of the largest collections of marriage rings in private hands and a collection of diamond jewellery that is unrivalled, even by De Beers. With each ring selected for its exceptional quality of stones, rarity, and level of artistry, the collection features many fine examples of signet rings ranging from the 3rd to the 17th century; ancient Roman friendship and engagement rings; medieval posy rings; Renaissance and Baroque wedding rings; Jewish marriage rings, and memorial and death’s head memento mori rings from the 17th to the 19th century. They include a significant grouping of precious diamond-set rings. Many boast provenances dating back generations to Europe’s most prominent collecting families, including the de Clercqs and the Rothschilds. Ultimately, these exquisite jewels – many of which have been the subject of national and international museum exhibitions, loans, and publications – form a remarkable testament to a discerning eye.

Lockets

Often the most personal of adornments, a new batch of vintage lockets just came in. As they sat next to each other on a tray in the studio waiting to be revived, we couldn't help be struck by their gorgeous yet subtle variations of form & design. When the engravings, stones & enamels are all cleaned up they'll begin again - ready to acquire a new history.

 

Oct 10-13 : Antique Sale

 

* in store only

Transformation

Things have been busy! As you can see from the pics below we've had a considerable upgrade in our Cambridge store - a beautiful new floor along with elegant new cases. When we opened two years ago we had inherited the existing displays and did our best to improvise & make things work. While they looked ok, lighting & proper presentation were an ongoing issue. No longer! These new custom fabricated cases have bright lights to illuminate every gem stone, engagement ring & antique on offer. Northampton has a new look as well which we'll show off soon once we get more pics - stop by & check it out for yourself!