This page will reflect updates on gemstones, gem art and at times natural history auctions (such as mineral collections).
Update November 5, 2009
Upcoming Bonhams auction which will include Lapidary art, December 2009.
Update June 16, 2009
The most recent auction was Bonhams Natural History auction with a large collection of gem art, gemstones and a range of jewelry and mineral specimens and which took place in LA, San Francisco, NY on June 1st.
Mixed sales results Several of the high quality pieces produced by Wild firm out of Idar Oberstein and which command a premium compared to e.g. Brazilian, Thai or Chinese material that were also up for auction. Wild in fact does not produce most of their own work but work with a group of artists as well as collaborate with external artists who produce gem carvings for Wild on an occasional basis.
Brazil lower though improved standing The Brazilian material is considered of somewhat lesser quality as e.g. in the case of birds the wings are often separately made and then assembled into the main body. The gem art form Idar Oberstein is mostly (if not always) made out of one, single piece.
Lately several other countries have emerged, which have always had a strong local tradition in gem carving: Thailand and China. Some of the buddha's were from Thailand.
China emerging top quality material The Chinese material is altogether very unique for several reasons. A Brazilian studio actually ships (close to) optical grade quartz to China and let a group of highly talented Chinese carvers create whatever comes to mind, and in the time frame they choose. That has resulted in an amazing combination of art work in the best possible Brazilian material. Definitely an initiative to continue to follow for several reasons:
Quality standards in craftmanship
Each piece is unique and cannot be reproduced
Quality standards in the use of material
Time allowed to be creative
We tip this as a high potential for the future.
View highlights below and click on "view details" in each image for an extensive description.
