{"title":"The Magic of Opaque Stones","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eOpaque stones have been used in jewelry since approximately 5,000 BCE. Lapis lazuli was prized is ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia for its celestial blue, associated with divinity power. Turquoise was called “mefkat” by the ancient Egyptians, a word meaning “joy and delight”. Richly colored carnelian was fashioned into jewelry and seals by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Pliny The Elder described coral as a material between the fluidity of water and the permanence of stone—soft and pliable beneath the sea, yet hardening upon contact with human hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThese materials were carved, polished and worn as expressions of power, protection, symbolism and beauty. Ancient cultures valued them for their depth of color, distinctive surface hues, and natural patterning, qualities that conveyed meaning and beauty beyond optical brilliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eIn the 20th Century, opaque stones experienced a significant revival. Celebrated jewelry houses and designers including Tiffany \u0026amp; Co., Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels, and David Webb embraced these materials not merely as historical reference but as powerful elements in their own right. Lapis lazuli, coral, carnelian, tiger’s eye, turquoise and others became central to some of the period’s most imaginative creations. They were most often set with 18 karat yellow gold to intensify the natural colors and patterning, yielding a remarkable variety of optical effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eUnlike faceted gemstones, whose beauty is often measured by their ability to reflect and refract light, opaque stones possess a more intimate appeal. It is the color and surface patterning, often varying considerably from one stone to another within the same variety, that tantalizes and excites.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"aletto-brothers-lapis-lazuli-and-diamond-marine-link-necklace","title":"Aletto Brothers Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Marine Link Necklace","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLapis lazuli was prized in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia for its celestial blue\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ecolor that was associated with divinity and power. Its color was so prized that for centuries it was ground into ultramarine pigment worth more than gold during Renaissance Europe. It is one of the earliest gemstones ever used by humans with mining and trading going back to at least 7,000 BCE. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKnown for their lapidary skills and excellent craftsmanship, Aletto Brothers crafted this substantial gold necklace of double-sided lapis lazuli-set marine links, connected by round polished diamond encrusted circular links. Flecks of natural pyrite crystals appear sparingly and look like a scattering of stars in the night sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 31 inches in length and can be doubled around the neck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 8.55 (stamped)  carats of diamonds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeighs 208 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned Aletto Brothers, 750 for 18k gold and USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aletto Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33240147624022,"sku":"","price":50000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/products\/AlettoBros.LapisGoldDiamondLongChain-2.jpg?v=1770654727"},{"product_id":"tiffany-co-paloma-picasso-coral-and-diamond-earrings-1980","title":"Tiffany \u0026 Co., Paloma Picasso Coral and Diamond Earrings, 1980","description":"\u003cp\u003eRed coral has always been highly regarded in human societies and civilizations. The ancients believed that red coral had divine blood in it which brought numerous benefits. Red coral amulets were found in Neolithic graves in Switzerland dating back to 8000 BC. Jewelry items of red coral was found in tombs in pre historic European and Egyptian burial sites. It was thought to ward off evil. More recently, red coral has come to represent wisdom, happiness, modesty, and immortality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these earrings is made from a generous-sized deep red cabochon coral, imbedded at the center with a bright full-cut diamond, mounted in 18k yellow gold. This style known as “button earrings” is a classic thought to frame the smile. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned T \u0026amp; CO. 1980, Paloma Picasso\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.20 carats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClip backs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 7\/8” diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGross weight: 26.9 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tiffany \u0026 Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46878726979872,"sku":"","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/files\/98402_Close-Up.jpg?v=1792787260"},{"product_id":"van-cleef-arpels-coral-and-18k-hammered-gold-bracelet-circa-1970s","title":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels Coral and 18k Hammered Gold Bracelet Circa 1970s","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eDesigned by Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels Paris in the 1970s, this hinged bracelet is bombe in form with a field of bright and lively brilliant-cut  diamonds and an arched section of coral which is edged in double gold arcs. The hammered gold is an unusual feature for Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels but hints back to antiquity.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHammered gold has been used since antiquity as one of the earliest methods of shaping precious metal, long before casting or mechanical rolling existed. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman goldsmiths formed jewelry entirely by hand, hammering native gold into sheets and rounded forms, a process that naturally produced subtle surface irregularities and a luminous, living texture. This tactile finish was not decorative alone but structural, associated with permanence, ritual, and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003eIn the 1970s, Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels deliberately revived hammered gold in its bangles and cuffs as an intellectual reference to classical civilization and pre-industrial craftsmanship. The softly faceted surface breaks light in a manner reminiscent of ancient torch-lit gold, rejecting modern mirror polish in favor of weight, warmth, and timeless authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18k gold and platinum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e21 brilliant-cut VS diamonds \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximate total diamond weight is 0.85 carats \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal circumference is approximately 6.65 inches \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight is 40.5 grams \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels, 750 for 18k gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNumbered B 2175 K44\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakers mark for Georland Paris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrench Assay Marks \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51130186137888,"sku":null,"price":32000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/files\/53194.jpg?v=1771458014"},{"product_id":"tiffany-co-opaque-stone-and-18k-yellow-gold-bracelet","title":"Tiffany \u0026 Co. Opaque Stone and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eOur hard stone bracelet is beautifully crafted from  five large squares each of Heliotrope, Tiger’s Eye, Moss Agate, Carnelian and Iron Tiger’s Eye. The squares are connected by horizontal and verticals gold bars that give it a very refined and crisp appearance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSince 5000 BCE, well before transparent gems were known to men,  opaque stones such as these were used because of their sensational colors, surface patterns, and material presence. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIn the 20th century, David Webb, Tiffany and others brought back pieces celebrating opaque stones set in 18k yellow gold as modern design elements rather than as a throw back to antiquity. These pieces have an elevated aesthetic well-suited to daytime wear. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength is approximately 7 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth is approximately 1.20 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThickness is approximately 0.29 inches \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18k solid yellow gold \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned Tiffany \u0026amp; Co. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirca 2000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tiffany \u0026 Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51142067781920,"sku":null,"price":36000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/files\/Untitleddesign_3.jpg?v=1768954248"},{"product_id":"van-cleef-arpels-double-strand-angel-skin-coral-mother-of-pearl-and-18k-gold-necklace-circa-circa-1958-1963","title":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels Double-Strand Angel Skin Coral, Mother-of Pearl and 18k Gold Necklace Circa 1958-1963","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking double-stranded necklace is set with alternating bezel-set angel skin coral and white mother-of-pearl squares each separated by round open gold links. The interplay of the square and round links introduces a rhythmic sense of movement and continuity, allowing the necklace to transition seamlessly from tailored daytime wear to refined evening elegance. It is from a limited edition of hand-made pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis necklace fits into VCA’s quietly intellectual mid-century phase. The geometric, modular link architecture hints at near east inspiration. Its flat inlay design with restrained color combinations emphasizes elegance over the “Wild Pop of the following phase of jewelry that highlighted loud color combinations and high volume creations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVan Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels liked to use angel skin coral because it is of a color that reads like living skin and its deliberate contrast with yellow gold and diamonds. 1960-1970 was the pinnacle of VCA’s prominence in designing with angel skin.  It represented the “creative effervescence” of that time in the jeweler’s history. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAngel skin coral is a very rare soft pastel coral found in great depths in the Pacific Ocean and in ancient times was described by Pliny the Elder as something that “hardened when removed from the sea”—a liminal material between water and stone. It is a light pink variety of “Precious Coral”  from the genus of “Pleurocorallium”.  From antiquity throughout history, it was thought to offer protective energy without aggression, emotional balance and calm. It was often associated with children and infants signaling gentleness and purity rather than strength. In Christian symbolism, this pale coral was sometimes chosen for devotional objects meant to convey mercy, tenderness and spiritual refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAngel skin coral still exists in the wild but its harvesting is now extremely restricted and regulated. Worldwide coral reefs face threats from all kinds of things including pollution, overharvesting and climate change. We are fortunate to have this very special and beautiful necklace made from a material that is truly of extraordinary scarcity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength is 18 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth is approximately 1.75 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 square plaques each of bezel-set angle skin and mother-of-pearl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal weight is 214 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked VCA and 750\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbered BL 11482\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51160483463456,"sku":null,"price":45000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/files\/53182.jpg?v=1771457606"},{"product_id":"van-cleef-arpels-turquoise-and-diamond-ear-clips-circa-1950s","title":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Ear Clips Circa 1950s","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant pair of Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels ear clips reflects the maison’s enduring fascination with nature during the 1950s. Each large oval turquoise cabochon is framed by a graceful surround of tiny elongated yellow gold leaves, each delicately set with bright round brilliant diamonds. It was during this period that the Maison chose to use exposed yellow gold to highlight the creation rather than to hide the metal beneath the gemstones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oval turquoise stones are well-matched and a strong robin’s egg blue color with little to no matrix visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than enclosing the center stones with a ridged halo, the diamonds appear to bloom organically around the turquoise, while three round brilliant diamonds rising above the cabochon lend the composition upward movement. The elongated silhouette gives these ear clips a distinctly couture quality almost resembling embroidered leaves climbing along the lapel or bodice of an evening gown. Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels frequently looked to the world of haute couture for inspiration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharacteristic of Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels’ post war aesthetic, these ear clips unite sculptural yellow gold, luminous color and naturalistic design in a jewel of remarkable refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight is 1.25 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth at widest point is 0.875\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiamond total approximately 4 carats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight is 278 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned Van Cleef \u0026amp; Arpels NY\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked for 18k gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Van Cleef \u0026 Arpels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67590159302944,"sku":null,"price":68000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/9311\/0372\/files\/93163.jpg?v=1790615187"}],"url":"https:\/\/tiinasmithjewelry.com\/collections\/the-magic-of-opaque-stones.oembed","provider":"Tiina Smith Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}