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That gemstones work for the betterment of one's life is a known fact and people have been wearing and carrying gems from time immemorial. Every gemstone is unique and represents [...]

You are showcasing two new collections, tell us about it. I visited Egypt last year and saw that there was a lot more than just pyramids that was attractive. Their [...]

SIR MICK JAGGER'S interest in Latin is generally thought to be confined to his choice of women - who have included Bianca Jagger, a Nicaraguan; Luciana Morad, a Brazilian; and […]

Nov. 23--The riches of King Tut are legendary, but folklore becomes fact when viewing the magnificent gold pieces displayed in 'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs' at the [...]

The article focuses on the challenges in gem trade, particularly blue gemstone called lapis lazuli, in Afghanistan.

The article offers information on the absence of blue color in prehistoric artworks worldwide. According to University of Zurich chemist Heinz Berke, the renowned paintings found in Lascaux lack shades of blue due to absences of methods to render it. Berke said that early human beings have no access to the shade of blue and first blue color used in ancient time was from the precious stone lapis lazuli.

JAMES de GIVENCHY intended to give his daughter, Stella, a 1940s candy-striped bracelet that he bought online. When the piece arrived, Mr. de Givenchy, a jeweler, was so taken with the quality of the plastic that he took it into in his workshop for further study, leaving it next to a pile of faceted lapis. The commingling was purely serendipitous. ''I thought it would be so much fun,'' Mr. de Givenchy said of the costume bauble turned fine jewelry. A very American transformation, don't you think? It's $10,000. Go to taffin.com or call (212) 421-6222 for an appointment. STEPHANIE LA CAVA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue is sometimes not an easy color to make. Blue pigments of the past have often been expensive (ultramarine blue was made from the gemstone lapis lazuli, ground up), poisonous (cobalt blue is a possible carcinogen and Prussian blue, another well-known pigment, can leach cyanide) or apt to fade (many of the organic ones fall apart when exposed to acid or heat). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Profiles Azza Fahmy, Egypt's most accomplished jewelry designer. Reinterpretation of classical Arab and Islamic folk motifs; Distinctive look of her creations; Intricate riffs of filigree and Arabic calligraphy often accented with amber, oral or lapis lazuli; Range from simple earrings for $50 to bridal gifts for $100,000.