Exploration in East Africa
The early part of 2007 saw the Flying Gemmologist in East Africa, one of the richest gem regions in the world. Interestingly, East Africa has a very similar geology to Brazil and Sri Lanka, and nearly all known species of important gems are found in this relatively untapped region. It is quickly becoming a major source of rubies and sapphires; emerald, alexandrite, garnet and tourmaline are all present in abundance and the Mwadui diamond mine is known for very fine, rare, pink diamonds.
I had a fascinating time exploring the landscape and rock formations of Mount Kenya and trawling the gemstone dealers in Nairobi in search of the beautiful green grossular garnet, Tsavorite. I came across some very fine 'malaya' garnets in lovely pinks, peaches and purple colours. Malaya is a pejorative term for a prostitute and these stones are so called because they were often rejected by the miners who were looking for the more precious green garnet.
I also picked up a couple of necklaces made by local artisans featuring Benin bronze, old Venetian glass and copper pennies which have been added to my growing collection of African artefacts, masks and tribal jewellery. Although not all made from what is traditionally called gem material, they are wonderful decorative pieces for display on the wall or even just placed on a coffee table which is very much my philosophy with the Rockpool Collections.
The Flying Gemmologist takes part in the 2007 Peking to Paris Endurance Rally
First driven by Prince Borghese and Luigi Barzini in 1907, this was the Centenary of the famous Peking to Paris rally and only the third time it has been done. We drove the 12,000 km in a 1941 Chevrolet with 130 other vintage and classic cars from Beijing to Paris starting at the Great Wall of China. We then headed north to Mongolia, across the Gobi Desert to Ulaan Bataar and then due west through the northern reaches of the Gobi to the Siberian border; across Russia and down through the Baltic to western Europe to a triumphant finish in the Place Vendome in Paris.
Given the epic distances involved and the need to press on to the next check-point over some appallingly rough terrain, this was not an obvious opportunity for gemmological research. I was intrigued to be offered large, rough crystals of pyrope/almandine garnet at the Chinese Mongolian border and was keen to check out the stone museum in Ekaterinburg. The Urals are a source area for many rare gemstones, notably alexandrite which changes colour from red to green in different lighting conditions and the exquisitely beautiful, green demantoid garnet, so called because of its diamond-like lustre and brilliant colour dispersion.
Malachite, with its distinctive swirling, emerald-green patterns, was much in evidence as were Faberge eggs but perhaps the highlight of the trip was viewing the Diamond Collection at the Kremlin. This features the great imperial jewel collections of the Romanov's: Catherine the Great's mother notoriously spent every last rouble from the state coffers on jewellery and jewel-encrusted carriages and virtually bankrupted the country in the process, but the result is one of the most spectacular displays of diamonds in the world. Click here for more pictures.
A photographic record of the rally can be found here
The Rockpool Peking to Paris Collection
To celebrate our Peking to Paris experience I have created two unique necklaces which are styled as long 'sautoirs' featuring beautiful stone wheels and rough crystals which capture something of the spirit of the enterprise and the culture and geology of the countries we visited. They are true collector's pieces and are both wearable as jewellery and ornamental.
Click the 'Peking to Paris Collection' button to view the Collection.
Rockpool Private Viewings
Tracey Curtis-Taylor is now available for private, pre-Christmas viewings of her Rockpool Collections. A Rockpool necklace makes a beautiful and memorable gift for that special occasion or treat yourself to something for the festive season.
Please ring for your private appointment on 07919 975 690
Add interest and value to your charity function. As a qualified Gemmologist, Tracey Curtis-Taylor is happy to give a brief talk for a small fee on the fascinating subject of Gemmology: an overview on the major gem species, the history and lore associated with some of the most famous (and infamous!) gems and the issue of modern treatments and simulants for the conscious consumer. Click here to see Tracey in action at a recent function. The Rockpool Collections are a vivid demonstration of the sheer wealth and variety of gem material beyond traditional 'precious' stones.