V.O Curations, which offers affordable studio spaces, was not able to find a replacement building in time to accommodate all the displaced artists
Author Archives: artNews
V.O Curations, which offers affordable studio spaces, was not able to find a replacement building in time to accommodate all the displaced artists
A group of London shows, performances and events organised around the pioneering artist sees her extend her legacy
Fruits et pot de gingembre, one of three Cézanne paintings included in the sale, was found to have been sold under duress after the Nazis took power in Germany
The participants invited this year call for "transparent forms of communication"—the biennial foundation says dialogue channels are still open
But some critics are arguing that Migrant Child, which has been slowly deteriorating since it first appeared in 2019, should be left alone
Black and white animal effigy was a gift for courteous couple
The Museo de Bellas Artes de València celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Spanish Academy in Rome
From 26 October 2023 to 11 February 2024, the Museo de Bellas Artes de València presents an exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Spanish Academy in Rome.
Source: Museo de Bellas Artes de València · Image: José Benlliure Ortiz, “View of Rome from the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts”. Oil on canvas. Fine Arts Museum of Valencia.
In 2023 it will be 150 years since, on 8 August 1973, the government of the First Spanish Republic published in the “Gaceta de Madrid” the decree of creation and the first regulations of the School of Fine Arts in Rome, which shortly afterwards would be renamed the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. From the outset, the aim was to support artistic training by giving official backing to the historic presence of Spanish artists in Rome, a city whose cultural impact remained strong even when Paris, Berlin, Vienna, London and New York emerged as other possible references.
In this history of the Academy, the presence of important names in Valencian culture stands out, and to celebrate this anniversary the Museo de Bellas Artes de València is hosting an exhibition that traces the history of the Academy, whose unusual continuity allows us to understand from a privileged perspective not only the history of Spain during those 150 years, but also the changes produced in the connection of the Spanish State with artistic promotion or relations with Italy and, by extension, with Europe.
The exhibition is divided into seven thematic sections that cover, separately and together, the entire time span from 1873 to the present day, and which bring together pieces produced at the Academy or in relation to it, together with contextual material.
This exceptional brooch, adorned with rubies, natural pearls, and diamonds, once part of the vast jewel collection belonging to Empress Eugénie, the last Empress of France, was sold in late September to an anonymous buyer. Regrettably, this exquisite item will not be on display.
In its 7th edition, GemGenève proudly presents a poetic exhibition titled “The Pearl Odyssey.” This extraordinary showcase features over thirty exquisite jewels and outstanding pieces, embodying the show’s unwavering dedication to promoting the artistry of jewelry. Collaborating in this unprecedented venture, Chaumet, the Flee Project collective, a significant private collector, and various partner exhibitors have united to display their most magnificent items.
The exhibition, with its immersive ambiance, delves into the enchanting world of pearl divers in the Persian Gulf and beyond. The journey continues into a realm of creativity, unveiling imperial jewels, exceptional pearls, and exclusive historic pieces from esteemed private collections. These treasures reflect the diverse styles and fashions that have prevailed throughout the ages. The exhibition culminates in a scientific exploration, presenting the history of pearl study since the last century, organized with the support of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF). This segment focuses on the vital distinctions between natural and cultured pearls, providing a comprehensive overview of the expert techniques employed to assess the quality and origin of pearls from around the globe.
As Ronny Totah, an enthusiast and specialist in natural pearls, aptly puts it, “The perfect nature of natural pearls lies in their inherent imperfection, making each pearl unique, with its distinct size, shape, color, and sheen. From round to tear-shaped, pearls exhibit a mesmerizing array of hues, from pure white to dark black, including shades like pink, champagne, and iridescent blue-green reminiscent of insects’ wings.”
Pearls, once considered outdated and too traditional, have made a remarkable resurgence in the world of jewelry in recent years. Symbolizing wealth, prestige, and femininity, pearl jewels have transcended ages, fashions, and styles with unparalleled elegance. Constantly elevated by daring jewelers, pearls hold a special place in the history of jewelry. “The Pearl Odyssey” retraces the captivating story of pearls and their enduring tradition. Through a carefully curated selection of thirty outstanding pieces from esteemed private and heritage collections, alongside previously unseen projects and archival materials, visitors can explore the creativity and expertise developed around the world’s oldest jewel and delve into the science of pearls.
The Miracle of Pearls
This striking Devant-de-corsage ornament brooch, created by Vever in 1900, is a remarkable piece from the Faerber Collection. The photograph is credited to Katharina Faerber, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and timeless elegance of this extraordinary jewelry item.
Pearls are as marvelous as they are enigmatic. Whether through miracle or accident, a pearl-producing shellfish forms a tiny concretion that it envelops with thin layers of mother-of-pearl. Eventually, a natural pearl emerges, displaying colors ranging from bright white to dark black or shades of grey, blue, green, or purple. Oceans worldwide, from Japan to South America, Australia to Sri Lanka, and through the Mozambique Channel, have served as vital grounds for pearl diving throughout history. These marine gems have been sought after and admired for their beauty for millennia.
The oldest pearl harvested by humans, over 8,500 years old, was discovered in Mexico. In ancient China, pearls were offered to gods and sovereigns, captivating imaginations with their mysterious origins. From mermaids’ tears to dragon’s spit, the origins of pearls have inspired legends across cultures. During the Roman Empire, pearls symbolized luxury and fortune, experiencing their first golden age as the preferred jewel among the elite. For centuries, pearl divers risked their lives, diving up to forty meters deep in the Persian Gulf region, forming a rich heritage inseparable from the history of pearl farming.
Pearls in the History of Jewelry
Noble and elegant, pearls have fascinated jewelers across civilizations. The oldest piece of pearl jewelry, a three-row necklace of 216 pearls, was discovered in Iran in 1901, belonging to a Persian princess who lived over 2,500 years ago. From Catherine de Medici to Empress Eugénie, natural pearls have adorned powerful and influential women. The Renaissance marked a golden age of pearls, gracing jewelry sets, crowns, and embroidered garments.
In the nineteenth century, pearls experienced a renaissance, with mother-of-pearl elegance prized more than the sparkle of diamonds. Fabulous jewels emerged, featuring oversized versions of iconic pearl necklaces. Pearl jewelry underwent a renaissance, with renowned houses like Chaumet, Cartier, and Vever exploring creative avenues. Baroque pearls inspired extravagant designs, becoming limitless sources of inspiration for jewelers. Throughout Art Nouveau, the Roaring Twenties, and Art Deco eras, pearls adapted to the times, sublimated in daring and imaginative ways by jewelers.
Intriguing, timeless, and elegantly mysterious, pearls have truly stood the test of time, captivating hearts and minds across centuries. “The Pearl Odyssey” invites you to embark on this enchanting journey through the ages, appreciating the unique allure and enduring beauty of pearls in the world of jewelry.
The Science of Pearls
The origins of cultured pearls trace back to the late nineteenth century in Japan, marking a pivotal moment in the world of jewelry. While William Saville-Kent cultivated a pearl in Australia, it was Kokichi Mikimoto who intentionally introduced a foreign body into an oyster, stimulating the secretion of mother-of-pearl around it, creating the first cultured pearl in 1893. By 1905, a method for producing perfectly spherical cultured pearls was developed, revolutionizing pearl farming.
This breakthrough, however, raised intriguing questions. Did cultured pearls possess all the qualities of their natural counterparts, formed without human intervention? Joseph Chaumet, a pioneer in gemmology, examined these new pearls in his lab in 1922. His research laid the foundation for pearl classification, differentiating between natural and cultured pearls. Over time, this expertise evolved, leading to the formalization of recognized terminology for classifying pearl-forming shellfish and their production. Today, laboratory analysis plays a vital role in assessing pearl quality and determining their origins.
The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) stands as a global benchmarking laboratory for this specialized field since 1972. It is dedicated to research, education, and training of leading experts. SSEF offers training courses open to professionals and enthusiasts seeking to specialize in expert appraisals of natural pearls, cultured pearls, and freshwater pearls. The exhibition owes its existence to the support of Chaumet, the Flee Project collective, SSEF, a private collection, and collaborative efforts with partner exhibitors like Joseph Gad, Faerber Collection, Horovitz & Totah, Ocean Flame, Nicolas Torroni, among others. Special thanks are extended to Autre Idée design agency, Lumens8, Ferrari, Anglo-belge, and Hofer Antikschmuck for their valuable partnerships.
About GemGenève
GemGenève stands as a unique hub where jewelry designers, precious stone dealers, retailers, collectors, and enthusiasts converge. Over four days, it provides a platform to acquire exceptional pieces and be inspired by a community of gemmology and jewelry specialists. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a laboratory of creativity and innovation, a space where recognized designers and emerging talents unite. GemGenève is a world of design, rare gems, and antique and contemporary jewelry.
Created by exhibitors, GemGenève fosters expression and exchange, encompassing passion, expertise, and education. It brings together the finest in the world of gemstones and jewelry, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of craftsmanship and artistry.
Event Details
Place | Date | Opening Hours:
Address: Palexpo Hall 6, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 – Le Grand-Saconnex GE, Switzerland (Ten minutes’ walk from Geneva Airport)
Dates: November 2 to 5, 2023
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Cash desk closes at 5.30 p.m., Sunday, November 5)
Admission: CHF 50.00 (Valid for the entire duration of the exhibition; free admission for under-18s and students with a valid student card)
Pre-Event Schedule (Wednesday, November 1, 2023):
- Guided Tour for Journalists: 10 a.m.
- Press Conference: 11 a.m.
- Preview: 2 p.m.
- Opening Night: 6 p.m.
GemGenève invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of pearls, where history, artistry, and science converge in a celebration of one of nature’s most captivating treasures.
This exquisite Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, a creation by Cartier from 1962, is a stunning piece from the Faerber Collection. The photograph is credited to Katharina Faerber, capturing the timeless beauty and elegance of this remarkable bracelet.
Also Read
GemGenève 7th Edition: International Show Dedicated to Jewellery Professionals
Story submitted by Agence PUR PR. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are only an opinion. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News