Monthly Archives: June 2015

Constantinople, standing at the crossroads of continents, always had access to imported gemstones. But Northern Europe depended mainly (and for a long time) on its native gems. Chief among them: amber, traded since the Stone Age. Amber was cut, polished … Continue reading →

Jewelry illustrates one of the fundamental problems with historical artifacts: some were targeted for destruction and only survived in small numbers through unusual circumstances. Jewelry is wearable wealth; the fashion for wearing it changes, but the wealth is conserved. Gold … Continue reading →

Constantinople’s greatest industry in jewelry was the making of elaborate head-pieces for royalty and other aristocracy. We tend to take “crowns” for granted now, as part of the whole history/fantasy landscape. Crowns, gowns, horses, lances, etc. But crowns, like anything … Continue reading →

The word “jewel” first came into use without any reference to personal adornment. The jouel, or joyau, was the golden centerpiece on a king’s feast table. The word didn’t apply to gold and gems fastened onto clothing and hair until … Continue reading →