Fifty Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs were made between 1885 and 1917 and presented by the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. An additional two eggs were planned but not delivered in 1917. Seven eggs were also made for the Kelch family of Moscow. The document then lists each egg in chronological order, providing details on the year, name and design of each Imperial and Kelch Fabergé egg.
The document summarizes the tradition of Fabergé Easter eggs commissioned by Russian czars for their wives starting in 1885. The first egg commissioned by Czar Alexander III for his wife Maria was a jeweled white enamel egg containing a golden yolk inside which was a hen with ruby eyes containing a miniature imperial crown with an egg-shaped ruby. His wife was so pleased that Fabergé was appointed the royal jeweler and commissioned to create unique Easter eggs with surprises for subsequent czarinas until the tradition ended with the Russian Revolution and execution of the Romanov family in 1917.
The document describes different types of stools from various historical periods and regions including Egyptian, Roman, Italian, English, and 16th century styles. The stools range from basic foldable wood stools to ornate thrones made of wood like walnut and mahogany with designs featuring gold, fabrics, carvings, and enlayed features depicting animals and fleur patterns.
The renaissance comes to England in the form of architecture. A look at some of the new great houses and palaces as well as the houses of wealthier commoners.
This document lists various paintings by Edward P. Gau depicting interior scenes from notable Russian palaces and buildings, including the Small Hermitage, Winter Palace, Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, and New Hermitage. The paintings depict specific rooms, galleries, and areas within these historic sites, such as the Pavilion Hall and Romanovskaya Gallery in the Small Hermitage, the Military Gallery of 1812 and Boudoir of Empress Maria Alexandrovna in the Winter Palace, and the Turkish room and Cabinet of Italian Schools.
After the Neolithic period, ancient Chinese produced painted, black, and carved pottery. During the Han dynasty, China entered a new ceramic age due to advances in kiln firing techniques. While glazed pottery was produced as early as the Western Zhou dynasty, common production began in the Han dynasty. Production of blue and white porcelain declined in quality between the Yuan and Ming dynasties due to a cobalt shortage but improved under the Yung Lo reign with whiter bodies and richer blues. Dragon and phoenix motifs were most popular on Ming ceramics along with other decorations. The Qing dynasty saw further improvements in ceramic types including underglaze blue, polychrome, and monochrome glazes
Sworders Fine Interiors 4 - 5th December 2018Sworders
Sworders Fine Interiors 4 - 5th December 2018
FINE INTERIORS
at the Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms
ORDER OF SALE
Day One - Tuesday 4 December
Lots 1 - 224 The Tim Wonnacott Collection Part One
Silver and Plate
Feature ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’
Lots 225 - 290 Silver
10 minute break
Feature ‘Under the Tree…’
Lots 291 - 500 Works of Art to include
Feature ‘Let there be Light’
A Private Collection of Canton Ivory
Card Cases (Lots 404 - 415)
A Private Collection of Indian Paintings
on Mica (Lots 430 - 458)
Feature An interview with Catriona Smith,
Head of Sworders Jewellery
Department
Day Two - Wednesday 5 December
Lots 501 - 557 The Selected Contents of The Priory,
Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk
Feature ‘Eastern Promise’
Lots 561 - 590 Drawings, Watercolours and Prints
Lots 592 - 701 Oil Paintings
Lots 705 - 733 The Selected Contents of Foscote
Manor, Foscott, Buckinghamshire
Feature ‘The Christmas Table’
Lots 736 - 913 Furniture, Fire, Lighting and More
VIEWING TIMES
Friday 30 November 9am - 5pm
Saturday 1 December 10am - 1pm
Sunday 2 December 10am - 1pm
Monday 3 December 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 4 December From 9am
Wednesday 5 December From 9am
Fifty Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs were made between 1885 and 1917 and presented by the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. An additional two eggs were planned but not delivered in 1917. Seven eggs were also made for the Kelch family of Moscow. The document then lists each egg in chronological order, providing details on the year, name and design of each Imperial and Kelch Fabergé egg.
The document summarizes the tradition of Fabergé Easter eggs commissioned by Russian czars for their wives starting in 1885. The first egg commissioned by Czar Alexander III for his wife Maria was a jeweled white enamel egg containing a golden yolk inside which was a hen with ruby eyes containing a miniature imperial crown with an egg-shaped ruby. His wife was so pleased that Fabergé was appointed the royal jeweler and commissioned to create unique Easter eggs with surprises for subsequent czarinas until the tradition ended with the Russian Revolution and execution of the Romanov family in 1917.
The document describes different types of stools from various historical periods and regions including Egyptian, Roman, Italian, English, and 16th century styles. The stools range from basic foldable wood stools to ornate thrones made of wood like walnut and mahogany with designs featuring gold, fabrics, carvings, and enlayed features depicting animals and fleur patterns.
The renaissance comes to England in the form of architecture. A look at some of the new great houses and palaces as well as the houses of wealthier commoners.
This document lists various paintings by Edward P. Gau depicting interior scenes from notable Russian palaces and buildings, including the Small Hermitage, Winter Palace, Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, and New Hermitage. The paintings depict specific rooms, galleries, and areas within these historic sites, such as the Pavilion Hall and Romanovskaya Gallery in the Small Hermitage, the Military Gallery of 1812 and Boudoir of Empress Maria Alexandrovna in the Winter Palace, and the Turkish room and Cabinet of Italian Schools.
After the Neolithic period, ancient Chinese produced painted, black, and carved pottery. During the Han dynasty, China entered a new ceramic age due to advances in kiln firing techniques. While glazed pottery was produced as early as the Western Zhou dynasty, common production began in the Han dynasty. Production of blue and white porcelain declined in quality between the Yuan and Ming dynasties due to a cobalt shortage but improved under the Yung Lo reign with whiter bodies and richer blues. Dragon and phoenix motifs were most popular on Ming ceramics along with other decorations. The Qing dynasty saw further improvements in ceramic types including underglaze blue, polychrome, and monochrome glazes
Sworders Fine Interiors 4 - 5th December 2018Sworders
Sworders Fine Interiors 4 - 5th December 2018
FINE INTERIORS
at the Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms
ORDER OF SALE
Day One - Tuesday 4 December
Lots 1 - 224 The Tim Wonnacott Collection Part One
Silver and Plate
Feature ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’
Lots 225 - 290 Silver
10 minute break
Feature ‘Under the Tree…’
Lots 291 - 500 Works of Art to include
Feature ‘Let there be Light’
A Private Collection of Canton Ivory
Card Cases (Lots 404 - 415)
A Private Collection of Indian Paintings
on Mica (Lots 430 - 458)
Feature An interview with Catriona Smith,
Head of Sworders Jewellery
Department
Day Two - Wednesday 5 December
Lots 501 - 557 The Selected Contents of The Priory,
Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk
Feature ‘Eastern Promise’
Lots 561 - 590 Drawings, Watercolours and Prints
Lots 592 - 701 Oil Paintings
Lots 705 - 733 The Selected Contents of Foscote
Manor, Foscott, Buckinghamshire
Feature ‘The Christmas Table’
Lots 736 - 913 Furniture, Fire, Lighting and More
VIEWING TIMES
Friday 30 November 9am - 5pm
Saturday 1 December 10am - 1pm
Sunday 2 December 10am - 1pm
Monday 3 December 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 4 December From 9am
Wednesday 5 December From 9am
The document is a presentation about jewelry inspired by pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It features over 100 images of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and rings replicating designs from different time periods and cultures around the world, including Russian imperial pieces by Peter Carl Fabergé, Art Nouveau designs, and botanical-themed contemporary jewelry. The presentation provides a virtual tour of the wide variety of jewelry styles and designs represented in the Met's collection.
The document is a presentation about jewelry inspired by pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It features over 100 images of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and rings replicating designs from different time periods and cultures around the world, including Russian imperial pieces by Peter Carl Fabergé, Art Nouveau designs, and botanical-themed contemporary jewelry. The presentation provides a virtual tour of the wide variety of jewelry styles and designs represented in the Met's collection.
13. Dr Helen Geake - Mick and Metal-DetectingDigVentures
This document discusses the history and debates around metal detecting. It provides examples of significant archaeological finds made by metal detectorists in the UK, such as the Derrynaflan chalice from Ireland. It also discusses the legal framework for reporting treasure finds under the Treasure Act of 1996. Geophysics and excavations by groups like Time Team are shown to help better understand metal detected sites.
Sworders Instinct, Scholarship - Curiosity 9 November 2022.pdfSworders
Instinct, Scholarship & Curiosity THE JAN FINCH COLLECTION Wednesday 9 November
Viewing
LONDON GALLERY
17-21 October | 10.30am-5pm
22 October | 11am-4pm
Bidding
ATTEND THE LIVE AUCTION
ONLINE
Bid live at www.sworder.co.uk (0% surcharge)
Sworders’ Delivery Service
We provide a worldwide, bespoke, delivery service, provided on a
‘not for profit basis’. The cost will depend on the lot(s) purchased
and the delivery destination.
Browse The Full Catalogue
sworder.co.uk
Contact
auctions@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET SALEROOM
Sunday 6 November | 10am-1pm
Monday 7 November | 10am-5pm
Tuesday 8 November | 10am-5pm
Sworders Asian Art Friday 6 November, 10am
At the Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms
Viewing –
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms. However, due to current social distancing restrictions, we will be offering viewing by appointment only.
One hour time slots will be available from from Saturday 31 October - Thursday 5 November, 10am – 4pm.
Book Appointment
URL –
https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/search/?au=914
Unknown Fabergé: New Finds and Re-DiscoveriesMark Moehrke
An excerpt of the catalogue for the upcoming exhibition taking place at The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis, MN.
October 6, 2016 to February 24, 2017.
tmora.org
Revival jewels for the 21st century oscars and golden globesBorro
Jewels from the past took center stage during this year’s awards season as they were recreated in “new”jewelry designs.
The following slides show the jewels worn by stars at the 2016 Academy Awards and Golden Globes that were influenced by jewelry styles of the past.
The document discusses Gothic ivory carving from the 14th century. It provides context on the rise of Gothic art in France and importance of ivory material. Specifically, it summarizes that the piece is a carved ivory from Paris in the first third of the 14th century depicting mirror cases and courtly scenes. Ivory was a luxury material popular for secular objects like mirror cases during this time period, as shown by this piece from Paris in the early 14th century.
Several significant treasures have been discovered in Crimea throughout history. The Treasure of Neyzats was discovered in 1886 and contained over 400 silver coins and pieces of women's jewelry from the 14th century. In 2002, a cave containing a ceramic pot with 30 gold coins and over 4,000 silver coins from the 14th-15th centuries was found. In 2003, 99 gold coins from the 6th-5th centuries BC were uncovered during an excavation in Kerch at an ancient city. These treasures, along with others found in Mangup, Alushta, Feodosia and Simferopol provide insight into the history and wealth of Crimea.
The document summarizes several important archaeological treasures that have been discovered in Bulgaria, including a 2,400-year-old golden mask of a Thracian king, the Panagyurishte gold treasure consisting of objects depicting Thracian myths and life, and the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis containing over 3,000 golden objects dating back 6,000 years. It also mentions the Rogozen treasure of over 160 silver vessels and an antique theater built in the second century in Plovdiv that could seat 5,000-7,000 people.
This document provides an overview of the history of spectacle cases from the 14th century to present day. It discusses early examples of cases from the 1300s, materials used such as wood, ivory and tortoiseshell, and notable collections including Madame Alfred Heymann's extensive early case collection. The document also covers different types of historical cases and casemaking traditions from places like Scotland, China, and North America.
The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300's, it spread to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries during the 1400's and ending in the early 1600's. This movement was considered a rebirth of the ancient works of art, literature, and philosophy. The Europeans studied these three endeavors of ancient Greece and Rome following the great scholars and artists, becoming themselves great in continuing and even advancing these areas. This movement reached a height in the 1400's and the early 1500's when achievements had become some of the greatest in history.
During the Renaissance jewelers achieved breakthroughs in shop tools, working areas, methods, and advanced techniques. Successful artists came from serving in strict apprenticeships or grew up working with family or close friends in the trade. Black opal ring was in high demand during this period in history. In Florence, Italy there were over forty shops dedicated to producing the finest opal jewelry the world had yet ever seen. The style before the Renaissance was called Gothic which was thought to have expelled all of the possible works from it and had given in to the new more elaborate style.
This document provides an overview of the history and techniques of lusterware ceramics. It discusses how lusterware was invented to emulate silver using platinum or copper glazes fired onto ceramics. Key periods and regions of lusterware production included 9th century Persia, 16th century Italy and Spain, and 18th-19th century Britain. Techniques like silver resist and bat printing were used to apply decorative patterns. Many forms were produced including teawares, and lusterware became popular for collecting in the late 19th/early 20th century. The document aims to cover lusterware from its origins to present day in under 30 minutes.
The Incredible Rare Clock Collection of Dr. William Thomas will Headline Cott...associate14
Dr. Thomas’s outstanding collection showcases 50 of the finest examples of French and European clock masterpieces. The auction, at 12 Eastern time, contains 220 choice lots.
A jewellery historian chances upon a rare 100-year-old book by French artist Albert Charles Auguste Racinet called L'Ornement Polychrome containing 100 lithographic prints of ornamental motifs from various historical periods. The prints provide inspiration for reviving ancient techniques and styles. They lead the historian to explore jewellery archives and find pieces that embody the prints' patterns, including a 19th century Chinese hair ornament featuring kingfisher feathers transformed into a contemporary brooch. The historian is enthralled by the book and looks forward to gaining further inspiration from its remaining 97 prints depicting ornamentation from different eras.
Archaeologists, both professional and amateur ones, unearth wonders from tens of thousands of years past. Every once in a while, their discoveries are incredibly puzzling that they remain unexplained. These invaluable artifacts spark conversations and further discoveries in order to prove and explain their existence.
The document summarizes an exhibit at Burghley House that showcased unusual objects collected by the Earls of Exeter over time. It describes several interesting pieces in the exhibit including a model steam engine, scientific instruments, and a silver door lock originally from another estate. The exhibit provided insight into the earls' interests in science and technology and how they acquired unique items that enriched the collection at Burghley House.
This document summarizes four prehistoric works of art found in Germany: the Venus of Schelklingen figurine, the Nebra Sky Disk, the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt, and the Prince of Glauberg statue. The Venus of Schelklingen is a 6cm mammoth ivory figurine that is 35,000-40,000 years old. The Nebra Sky Disk is a bronze disc from around 1600 BC that is considered the oldest depiction of the cosmos. The Golden Hat of Schifferstadt is a 29.6cm gold hat from 1400 BC that may have been part of a sun cult headdress. The Prince of Glauberg is a life-size
The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300's, it spread to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries during the 1400's and ending in the early 1600's. This movement was considered a rebirth of the ancient works of art, literature, and philosophy. The Europeans studied these three endeavors of ancient Greece and Rome following the great scholars and artists, becoming themselves great in continuing and even advancing these areas. This movement reached a height in the 1400's and the early 1500's when achievements had become some of the greatest in history.
During the Renaissance jewelers achieved breakthroughs in shop tools, working areas, methods, and advanced techniques. Successful artists came from serving in strict apprenticeships or grew up working with family or close friends in the trade. Jewelry was in high demand during this period in history. In Florence, Italy there were over forty shops dedicated to producing the finest opal jewelry the world had yet ever seen. The style before the Renaissance was called Gothic which was thought to have expelled all of the possible works from it and had given in to the new more elaborate style.
The document is a presentation about jewelry inspired by pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It features over 100 images of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and rings replicating designs from different time periods and cultures around the world, including Russian imperial pieces by Peter Carl Fabergé, Art Nouveau designs, and botanical-themed contemporary jewelry. The presentation provides a virtual tour of the wide variety of jewelry styles and designs represented in the Met's collection.
The document is a presentation about jewelry inspired by pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It features over 100 images of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and rings replicating designs from different time periods and cultures around the world, including Russian imperial pieces by Peter Carl Fabergé, Art Nouveau designs, and botanical-themed contemporary jewelry. The presentation provides a virtual tour of the wide variety of jewelry styles and designs represented in the Met's collection.
13. Dr Helen Geake - Mick and Metal-DetectingDigVentures
This document discusses the history and debates around metal detecting. It provides examples of significant archaeological finds made by metal detectorists in the UK, such as the Derrynaflan chalice from Ireland. It also discusses the legal framework for reporting treasure finds under the Treasure Act of 1996. Geophysics and excavations by groups like Time Team are shown to help better understand metal detected sites.
Sworders Instinct, Scholarship - Curiosity 9 November 2022.pdfSworders
Instinct, Scholarship & Curiosity THE JAN FINCH COLLECTION Wednesday 9 November
Viewing
LONDON GALLERY
17-21 October | 10.30am-5pm
22 October | 11am-4pm
Bidding
ATTEND THE LIVE AUCTION
ONLINE
Bid live at www.sworder.co.uk (0% surcharge)
Sworders’ Delivery Service
We provide a worldwide, bespoke, delivery service, provided on a
‘not for profit basis’. The cost will depend on the lot(s) purchased
and the delivery destination.
Browse The Full Catalogue
sworder.co.uk
Contact
auctions@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET SALEROOM
Sunday 6 November | 10am-1pm
Monday 7 November | 10am-5pm
Tuesday 8 November | 10am-5pm
Sworders Asian Art Friday 6 November, 10am
At the Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms
Viewing –
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms. However, due to current social distancing restrictions, we will be offering viewing by appointment only.
One hour time slots will be available from from Saturday 31 October - Thursday 5 November, 10am – 4pm.
Book Appointment
URL –
https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/search/?au=914
Unknown Fabergé: New Finds and Re-DiscoveriesMark Moehrke
An excerpt of the catalogue for the upcoming exhibition taking place at The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis, MN.
October 6, 2016 to February 24, 2017.
tmora.org
Revival jewels for the 21st century oscars and golden globesBorro
Jewels from the past took center stage during this year’s awards season as they were recreated in “new”jewelry designs.
The following slides show the jewels worn by stars at the 2016 Academy Awards and Golden Globes that were influenced by jewelry styles of the past.
The document discusses Gothic ivory carving from the 14th century. It provides context on the rise of Gothic art in France and importance of ivory material. Specifically, it summarizes that the piece is a carved ivory from Paris in the first third of the 14th century depicting mirror cases and courtly scenes. Ivory was a luxury material popular for secular objects like mirror cases during this time period, as shown by this piece from Paris in the early 14th century.
Several significant treasures have been discovered in Crimea throughout history. The Treasure of Neyzats was discovered in 1886 and contained over 400 silver coins and pieces of women's jewelry from the 14th century. In 2002, a cave containing a ceramic pot with 30 gold coins and over 4,000 silver coins from the 14th-15th centuries was found. In 2003, 99 gold coins from the 6th-5th centuries BC were uncovered during an excavation in Kerch at an ancient city. These treasures, along with others found in Mangup, Alushta, Feodosia and Simferopol provide insight into the history and wealth of Crimea.
The document summarizes several important archaeological treasures that have been discovered in Bulgaria, including a 2,400-year-old golden mask of a Thracian king, the Panagyurishte gold treasure consisting of objects depicting Thracian myths and life, and the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis containing over 3,000 golden objects dating back 6,000 years. It also mentions the Rogozen treasure of over 160 silver vessels and an antique theater built in the second century in Plovdiv that could seat 5,000-7,000 people.
This document provides an overview of the history of spectacle cases from the 14th century to present day. It discusses early examples of cases from the 1300s, materials used such as wood, ivory and tortoiseshell, and notable collections including Madame Alfred Heymann's extensive early case collection. The document also covers different types of historical cases and casemaking traditions from places like Scotland, China, and North America.
The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300's, it spread to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries during the 1400's and ending in the early 1600's. This movement was considered a rebirth of the ancient works of art, literature, and philosophy. The Europeans studied these three endeavors of ancient Greece and Rome following the great scholars and artists, becoming themselves great in continuing and even advancing these areas. This movement reached a height in the 1400's and the early 1500's when achievements had become some of the greatest in history.
During the Renaissance jewelers achieved breakthroughs in shop tools, working areas, methods, and advanced techniques. Successful artists came from serving in strict apprenticeships or grew up working with family or close friends in the trade. Black opal ring was in high demand during this period in history. In Florence, Italy there were over forty shops dedicated to producing the finest opal jewelry the world had yet ever seen. The style before the Renaissance was called Gothic which was thought to have expelled all of the possible works from it and had given in to the new more elaborate style.
This document provides an overview of the history and techniques of lusterware ceramics. It discusses how lusterware was invented to emulate silver using platinum or copper glazes fired onto ceramics. Key periods and regions of lusterware production included 9th century Persia, 16th century Italy and Spain, and 18th-19th century Britain. Techniques like silver resist and bat printing were used to apply decorative patterns. Many forms were produced including teawares, and lusterware became popular for collecting in the late 19th/early 20th century. The document aims to cover lusterware from its origins to present day in under 30 minutes.
The Incredible Rare Clock Collection of Dr. William Thomas will Headline Cott...associate14
Dr. Thomas’s outstanding collection showcases 50 of the finest examples of French and European clock masterpieces. The auction, at 12 Eastern time, contains 220 choice lots.
A jewellery historian chances upon a rare 100-year-old book by French artist Albert Charles Auguste Racinet called L'Ornement Polychrome containing 100 lithographic prints of ornamental motifs from various historical periods. The prints provide inspiration for reviving ancient techniques and styles. They lead the historian to explore jewellery archives and find pieces that embody the prints' patterns, including a 19th century Chinese hair ornament featuring kingfisher feathers transformed into a contemporary brooch. The historian is enthralled by the book and looks forward to gaining further inspiration from its remaining 97 prints depicting ornamentation from different eras.
Archaeologists, both professional and amateur ones, unearth wonders from tens of thousands of years past. Every once in a while, their discoveries are incredibly puzzling that they remain unexplained. These invaluable artifacts spark conversations and further discoveries in order to prove and explain their existence.
The document summarizes an exhibit at Burghley House that showcased unusual objects collected by the Earls of Exeter over time. It describes several interesting pieces in the exhibit including a model steam engine, scientific instruments, and a silver door lock originally from another estate. The exhibit provided insight into the earls' interests in science and technology and how they acquired unique items that enriched the collection at Burghley House.
This document summarizes four prehistoric works of art found in Germany: the Venus of Schelklingen figurine, the Nebra Sky Disk, the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt, and the Prince of Glauberg statue. The Venus of Schelklingen is a 6cm mammoth ivory figurine that is 35,000-40,000 years old. The Nebra Sky Disk is a bronze disc from around 1600 BC that is considered the oldest depiction of the cosmos. The Golden Hat of Schifferstadt is a 29.6cm gold hat from 1400 BC that may have been part of a sun cult headdress. The Prince of Glauberg is a life-size
The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300's, it spread to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries during the 1400's and ending in the early 1600's. This movement was considered a rebirth of the ancient works of art, literature, and philosophy. The Europeans studied these three endeavors of ancient Greece and Rome following the great scholars and artists, becoming themselves great in continuing and even advancing these areas. This movement reached a height in the 1400's and the early 1500's when achievements had become some of the greatest in history.
During the Renaissance jewelers achieved breakthroughs in shop tools, working areas, methods, and advanced techniques. Successful artists came from serving in strict apprenticeships or grew up working with family or close friends in the trade. Jewelry was in high demand during this period in history. In Florence, Italy there were over forty shops dedicated to producing the finest opal jewelry the world had yet ever seen. The style before the Renaissance was called Gothic which was thought to have expelled all of the possible works from it and had given in to the new more elaborate style.