#smithsonian collection

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16th century bronze box in the shape of a crab, Italian

[imitationcrabs]

16th century bronze sculpture of a crab on a toad, Italian

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam - End

Marie-Louise’s Diadem

Gifted to Empress Marie-Louise by her husband on the occasion of their marriage, this diadem was originally set with emeralds and was part of a parure (the remaining pieces of which are now on display at the Louvre).  Van Cleef & Arpels later acquired the tiara and removed the emeralds, all of which were sold off individually.  The diadem was then reset with Persian turquoise.

The diadem encircles most of the head, and while it appears very heavy, it also looks rather flexible.  The scrolling design of diamonds and turquoise have lyre motifs inter-spaced with palmettes.

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam

Victoria-Transvaal Diamond Necklace

This yellow diamond necklace features a large central pear shaped pendant, and is accompanied by five smaller pear and marquise diamonds on either side.  The chain is formed by round brilliants.

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam

Chalk Emerald Ring

Jewels are hard to trace, but this one is believed to have been once owned by a Maharani of Baroda.  The square step cut emerald is today set in yellow gold with 60 pear cut diamonds.

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam

Cullinan Blue Diamond

Gifted by Thomas Cullinan to his wife in celebration of the discovery of the Cullinan diamond, which was given to King Edward VII of Britain.  The Edwardian necklace features a double bow from which is suspended the 9 carat Cullinan blue diamond.  The bow can be detached from the necklace and can presumably be used as a brooch.

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam

White Quartz Pendant

This 136.34 carat rock crystal is set in a gold, vaguely antler-shaped setting with a golden tassel at the bottom.

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Smithsonian Jewels Spam

Spencer Opal

Mined in Spencer, Idaho, this enormous opal triplet is set it an organic golden necklace setting with a Figaro chain, named “Majestic Northern Lights”.

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