David's Blog

Tiny bottles from the Qing dynasty that became masterpieces of jade, glass, porcelain and silver: the story of Chinese snuff bottles and what to look for.

Tiny carved toggles from Japan's kimono days that became beloved works of art: what netsuke are, what they show, and how to recognize a real one.

In 1890s New Orleans, an old shopkeeper keeps a golden stone in his cash drawer and thanks it every night. The tale of citrine, the merchant's stone.

The merchant's stone, the lemon stone, 'Scotch topaz', Hollywood gold and a Bolivian princess's dowry: the legends of citrine.

Sailors' talismans, mermaids' treasure, the giant Dom Pedro, Eleanor Roosevelt's gift and a queen's coronation jewels: the legends of aquamarine.

A warship in Rio harbor, a 1,298-carat gift of friendship and the Art Deco box an apprentice helped to make. The story of Eleanor Roosevelt's aquamarine.

A giant crystal, a terrible accident and an artist who waited months to make the first cut. The story of the Dom Pedro, the largest cut aquamarine in the world.

An old sea captain tells his granddaughter about the pale blue stone that brought him home from every voyage: the legend of aquamarine, the sailors' stone.

A practical guide from David’s to choosing alexandrite, asking the right questions and caring for your piece.

A practical guide from David’s to choosing moonstone & labradorite, asking the right questions and caring for your piece.

A practical guide from David’s to choosing peridot, asking the right questions and caring for your piece.

A practical guide from David’s to choosing tourmaline, asking the right questions and caring for your piece.