ASJRA Jewelry Conference - Fall 2013

Crown of Margaret of York (1461-1474) - Now that's a crown!

I attended a wonderful, day-long jewelry conference  this month put on by the Association For The Study Of Jewelry And Related Arts (ASJRA).  Held at the majestic University Club on 5th Avenue with coffered ceilings, beautiful portraits and the air of another age.  A nice place to spend the day! 


-It was a full line up of speakers with subjects including: A History of Betrothal & Wedding Rings, Suffragist Jewelry, The British Crown Jewels, Hair Jewelry & Sentimentality, Jewelry Symbolism in a Medici Portrait, Highlights from the MFA Boston Collection & Jewels of an Ancient Egyptian Princess. There was more than that but I will just touch on one for now.

The British Crown Jewels
A great presentation by Curt DiCamillo on interesting stories, history & ownership of some of Britain's most famous jewels. Very dapper & funny, Mr. DiCamillo took us on a roller coaster ride of images & stories.  So much more interesting than the usual information out there about the jewels! Check out his website, above, to see all the fascinating things he's up to - including leading tours in Paris -  'Jewels & Ambassadors'.

Princess Anne

-Personal favorites of the Royals, such as Princess Anne's favorite Tiara. The Meander Tiara, of simple Greek key design, set completely with diamonds, a gift to Anne in 1972 from her mother Queen Elizabeth II.  The simple, more understated design suits Princess Anne perfectly.  It originally belonged to Princess Andrew of Greece & Denmark, the mother of Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and mother in law to Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips, wore the same tiara for her wedding to Mike Tindall in 2011.
  

The bejeweled cherub brooch, below, a favorite of Queen Victoria's. Set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires & diamonds, the design is based on the famous cherubs in the Sistine Madonna painting by Raphael.

QEII wearing George IV State Crown

-George IV State Crown History
The George IV State Crown was only worn once by the King, while walking the brief distance between Westminster Abbey where he was crowned and the coronation luncheon held just a few blocks away, in 1820. Made specifically for that short journey as a little something extra for the special day, he never wore it again. However, it has become one of the most recognized crowns in the world.  Not only was it worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra & the lovely Queen Elizabeth II, it also donned the first postage stamp back in 1840 and is featured on British coins & stamps still today.

Queen Victoria wearing George IV state crown

DiCamillo recommended a couple of books about Queen Elizabeth II that he thought we might enjoy. The Uncommon Reader (note the crown she's wearing on the cover :) & Dressing the Queen
I have not checked out either of these yet but plan to!

The conference was not only informative but fun and well run, in my opinion.  There were some top notch speakers, so many of which I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with!  My hat goes off to Yvonne Markowitz & Elyse Zorn Karlin for a job well done.  I will attend next year! Here is a list of the speakers.

I learned an incredible amount that day from all the presentations and will do future blogs on some of the subjects.