Necklet by Natalie Vardey’, 1996
We’re pleased to be welcoming Ruth Davis to the Art Gallery on 25 April. Ruth is Head of Jewellery for Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers and she’ll be talking about pearls - “the Queen of the gems”. To coincide with Ruth’s talk we're preparing a small display of some exquisite pearl and mother-of-pearl items from the collection.
Pearls can be found in oysters and molluscs. Molluscs form a hard shell of biomineral to protect their bodies and defend against outside enemies. Sometimes, by chance or outside cause, a sphere of biomineral is formed by the mollusc's body and this is a pearl.
Sentimental Hairwork Picture, 1800-1899
The pearls in this sentimental hairwork and pearl picture have been used to denote tears. Keeping a physical memento of a deceased person was very popular in the 19th century.
Pendant by Aberdeen’s Jamieson and Carry, 1975
Pearls are used in more contemporary pieces too. Jamieson and Carry of Aberdeen made the 9ct gold, heart-shaped citrine and pearl pendant with coronet.
Natalie Vardey made an intricate necklet in 1996 that was purchased for the contemporary jewellery collection. It is made of “knitted” finely spun metal wire and pearls (see image at top - Necklet by Natalie Vardey’, 1996).
We have exquisite examples of mother of pearl, including a cigar holder, a penknife and opera glasses. Mother of pearl is an iridescent layer found on the inner surface of mollusc shells. It’s made in the same way as pearls, and like pearls, is used in various decorative items and jewellery.
If you have pearls, or other treasures, you’d like to find out more about, bring them along on Saturday 26 April and have them valued free of charge by experts from Lyon & Turnbull, one of the country’s longest established fine art and antiques auction houses.
Information
Talk: Pearls – The Queen of the Gems by Ruth Davis, Head of Jewellery for Lyon & Turnbull in Scotland, Friday 25 April, Art Gallery (Cowdray Hall), 19:00, ticketed, pay what you can to support our programme. Click here to book tickets.
Lyon & Turnbull public valuation day, Aberdeen Art Gallery (Cowdray Hall)
Saturday 26 April 11:00-16:00, pay what you can
A maximum of three hand-carry items per party please. Advance enquiries should be sent to info@lyonandturnbull.com.
