Thanks for visiting Diana’s blog. Here’s where we share all sorts of fun things for fervent jewelry fans (otherwise known as aficionados) –trends, interesting gemstones (ever seen a Burma Ruby?), how to care for fine jewelry and lots more.
Chain Chain Chain
In a jewelry wardrobe, good chains are a must. They add texture, style, and security to treasured pendants. As necklaces or bracelets, a richly woven or hand-crafted chain is a stand-alone statement. Layers of thinner chains delight the eye with multiple textures or colors. I’m a chain addict from way
Clasps: Secure or Fragile?
If you are a bracelet girl like me, you want to wear all of them all the time. Over many years, I’ve made and repaired so many bracelets I can’t even count them. The single biggest weak spot on any bracelet is the clasp, as you might figure, so I
The Treasure from Sutton Hoo
We recently watched a Netflix film called “The Dig” because I love archaeology and we both love Ralph Fiennes, who stars as a local “amateur” excavator who unearths one of the most exciting finds ever in Britain: the boat and gold “hoard” under a burial mound on an estate in
Cookie Monster’s Gem Debut
Jewelry is a serious business because we deal with high value, very personal merchandise. But sometimes, nature makes us laugh. Herewith, a natural agate geode, which when split, revealed Cookie Monster, who is apparently thousands of years old although his fur is only 47 years old. Someone offered $10,000 for
Tutti Frutti
In the years following World War I, the use of airplanes for commercial travel opened up the frontiers of the jewelry world. Famous makers like Louis-Francois Cartier and Frederic Boucheron realized they could reach far-flung destinations like India. Through his purchases of thousands of semi-precious and precious colored stones from
Taking Stock
It’s been a challenging year for all of us on so many levels that sometimes I find myself without words. However, I’m hearing from many of you and I know from my own life that we have all found creative ways to manage, new interests, and, for many, a clarification
When you Need an Expert, Hire an Expert
Appraisals are a combination of art and science. A worthwhile appraiser has a longstanding expertise in a particular field (the science), and a well-trained appraiser uses professional methodology (the art) to provide reliable results. Appraisals are the opinion of value based on both expertise and methodology, time spent in considering
Not All Appraisals Are Really Appraisals
Most people receive a piece of paper when they make a large jewelry purchase that has a pre-printed form that says “Appraisal.” On that form, the seller often writes an inflated price for the item you just bought. That makes us feel good, as though we just snagged a “deal.”
Got Buried Treasure?
What’s hiding in those old velvet bags from Mom’s old jeweler? Were you lucky enough to inherit a beloved Aunt’s jewelry? You might have a hidden gem in there that’s jumbled up with a bunch of odd stuff. Think Antiques Road Show. You’ve been meaning to sort through it but
Only a Phone Call Away
Dear Wonderful, Supportive Client-Friends: I’m still working hard despite this pandemic. I’ve missed seeing you at my annual summer shows, but I’ve been getting calls from some of you who see me every year. So, here’s a gentle reminder that you can reach me any time at 312-346-2363 or diana@dianawidman.com
From Under the Sea to Under the Sun
While sheltering in place, I’m taking the opportunity to learn something new every day. Yesterday, I spent an hour on a Zoom conference with one of the world experts on coral, Enzo Liverino, from Torre del Greco, Italy. This town, near Naples, was the center of coral harvesting in Italy
Tura Mali: Stone of Mixed Colors
Many areas in the world have tourmaline deposits including the United States, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Africa, and, most plentifully in Brazil. In the early 1500s, a Portuguese explorer searching Brazil for emerald found an abundant deep green stone there. For 300 years, people thought these were emeralds until modern mineralogists
Seeing Red
Many of you already love colored gems but for those who are unfamiliar with Nature’s gem bounty, I introduce the Fire Opal. This gem material is mined primarily, but not exclusively in Mexico, giving it the name “Mexican ” Fire Opal. Unlike its cousin, the Australian opals with play of
Di Sua Mano (By His Hand)
Di Sua Mano (By His Hand): Michelangelo and His Early Works The Italians call him “Il Divino” for good reason. A recent show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City offered an astounding look into the early works of this Renaissance Master, including a sampling of early sculpture,