The Pearl Society

Miners Discover 'Nesting Doll' Diamond

If you receive our e-mails, you may remember our story about a brand new mineral found inside a diamond this fall. Diamonds and pearls have incredible stories to tell, if we choose to listen closely. Goldschmidtite, spotted by a Canadian grad student, is now recognized by the International Mineral Association. Little information about it is available outside of academic papers. It may take years to learn what this unusual material has to offer.

As the global leader in diamond mining by volume, Alrosa would certainly know when something is one-of-a-kind. Alrosa is located in Russia, where approximately 40,000 carats of diamonds are mined each year.
Since then gemologists have made another exciting discovery. Diamond mining giant Alrosa was sorting through their newly acquired stones when they found a diamond with a smaller diamond rattling in its belly. This is the first of its kind, called “a unique creation of nature” by an Alrosa director.

The most unusual feature of this diamond is the pocket of air inside, large enough to carry the 2/3 carat inner stone. Diamonds form under immense pressure in the Earth’s mantle, making empty spaces impossible. The cavity must have once contained another mineral which dissolved as it rose closer to the Earth’s surface. Researchers are currently investigating how this may have happened. The discovery is a great opportunity to learn more about natural gem formation.

One prevailing theory suggests the ‘baby’ stone formed first, then the mystery mineral around it, and finally the outer diamond casing. This one of a kind stone, with its many interlocking layers, has been nicknamed Matryoshka or Nesting Doll.

 This isn’t the first unusual find from Alrosa. The company has also unearthed diamonds in the shapes of hearts, skulls, fish, and soccer balls, all at opportune times of year. Diamonds, especially small ones, are more common than you may think. Nature does a great job of surprising us with breathtaking variety. This is especially evident in nature's beautiful array of pearls and diamonds. 

Each diamond is groundbreaking in its own way. Treasure yours and remember its incredible history in the earth. Who knows what discoveries are just around the corner? For an ancient mineral, diamonds have a lot of new information to teach us about our environment about our environment.

 

Caravans of Gold and the Ever-changing Story of Africa

By Ann Covode

Enjoy a day with Eve Alfillé as she guides you through the Block Museum’s Caravans of Gold exhibit. A former archeologist, she will accompany you along routes crossing the Sahara Desert to a time when West African gold fueled expansive trade and drove the movement of people, culture, and religious beliefs. Caravans of Gold is the first major exhibition addressing the scope of Saharan trade and the shared history of West Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe from the eighth to sixteenth centuries.

Weaving stories about interconnected histories, the exhibition showcases the objects and ideas that connected at the crossroads of the medieval Sahara and celebrates West Africa’s historic and under recognized global significance. Caravans of Gold draws on recent archaeological discoveries, including rare fragments from major medieval African trading centers like Sijilmasa, Gao, and Tadmekka. These “fragments in time” are seen alongside works of art that invite us to imagine them as they once were. They are the starting point for a new understanding of the medieval past and for seeing the present in a new light.

For milleniums, trade in Africa spread the availability of gold throughout the Middle East and Africa. Design trends grew and the demand for foreign objects and materials multiplied. Medieval gold is abundantly on display in Caravans of Gold. Exhibition treasures include a page from the celebrated Blue Qu’ran, loaned by the Brooklyn Museum of Art, as well as clothing embroidered in gold-wrapped silk thread, golden jewelry, coins minted in North Africa and Europe and paintings and art objects embellished with gold. Other objects include African trading beads and ivory objects carved using ivory found in Africa.

Eve has always been fascinated with ancient objects and cultures and the passage of time. She travels back in time with her work in gold at Eve J Alfillé Gallery in Evanston. In her early career she explored the Greeks and such icons as Alexander the Great in her “Antiquities” Series.

Pictured at the left is a late 18th century carving that exemplifies the use of African ivory in French formal figure carving. This piece is part of the gallery’s collection.

Next to that are the “Alexander the Great” earrings 18 karat green gold from Eve’s Antiquities Series. $1710.

She studies the designs of ancient cultures to create something old yet new. Enchantingly irresistible like the songs that emanated from Pan’s fabled pipe! Three fancy diamonds gleam on this “Pan pipe” ring, one at the end of each 18 karat peach gold pipe; an irradiated 0.35 carat yellow diamond, a 0.20 carat yellow-orange diamond and an 0.76 carat champagne diamond. Set in the richly detailed carvings are a multitude of magically colored diamonds; 11 diamonds totaling 0.05 carats , 11 champagne diamonds total 0.12 carats and 6 pale yellow diamonds total 0.04 cts. This fanciful ring is a Gallery favorite – come in and see for yourself! $4570

This 18 karat gold bracelet with an oval diamond totaling 0.07 carats is another example of the detailed design found in antiquities. $3330

 

She is inspired by both Greek and Roman civilizations in her designs. She created these “Classic Palmetto” Earrings in her Antiquities Series with14 karat gold and two champagne diamonds. $1270. “The Classics have Endured” drops with 2 Onyx rectangles, 2 black diamonds in 18 karat gold. $2225

In Eve’s “Signs of Civilization” Series Eve created a ring with delicate gold work similar to the objects found in the exhibition. In 14 karat gold and 24 karat plated gold she incorporates 8 yellow sapphires in this very intricate design. $1480 

The gloriously detailed “Open Castle in the Woods” ring with from Eve’s “Antiquities” series is like a castle surrounded, a 0.50 carat diamond sits above two small bezel set diamonds totalling 0.04 carats. Open-work leaf carvings give this ring enduring appeal in 18 karat gold. $3025. A complimentary wedding band in 18 karat gold with 5 diamonds totaling 0.04 in 18 karat gold. $1385.

Her stylish “Treasure Chest”18 karat gold earrings with 10 diamonds feature Palmetto designs as well. Measuring 23.5 mm across, these earrings have Eve’s hooks to allow for removable drops. $2575 In Eve’s “Signs of Civilization” Series Eve created a ring with delicate gold work similar to the objects found in the exhibition. In 14 karat gold and 24 karat plated gold she incorporates 8 yellow sapphires in this very intricate design. $1480 For years, Eve has been examining the significance of art objects in ancient cultures.

For years, Eve has been examining the significance of art objects in ancient cultures. Please join Eve for a fascinating afternoon at the Block Museum on July 14th at 1 p.m.

Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio announces the opening of the new "Sacred Geometries" series of fine art jewelry on Saturday October 27th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., 623 Grove Street, Evanston. Tel. 847-869-7920.

Eve, a French-born artist, archeologist and gem expert has been designing unique jewelry for over 40 years. Her new series draws inspiration from age-old shapes and beliefs dating back to prehistoric times. Influenced by the "Heavenly Bodies" exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which examined fashion's engagement with the traditional practices of Catholicism, Eve has explored that idea much further with shapes and traditions of the Celtic World, Islam, Japan, of medieval alchemy and magic as well as Stone Age cultures. “Geometry’s use is to describe the world. When we feel awe at nature and the Creation, geometry becomes sacred. “States Eve as she describes her work.

She playfully intertwines basic circles, squares and triangles with sapphires, diamonds, garnets and rubies, creating at once modern and ancient jewels that would not be out of place in a ‘Game of Thrones’ universe. “What I design is wearable art, but I want each piece to tell a story, and if you see yourself in that story, it makes me immensely happy” says Alfillé.

Co-sponsored by Chicago Magazine, this event features a raffle for a Chopping Block Gift Basket valued at $200 and an Eve Alfillé “Sacred Geometries” necklace.

Please join us for a glass of wine, snacks and immersion into a mystical world.
About Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio
French-born, artist, archeologist and gem expert, Eve J. Alfille opened her Evanston, IL-based gallery and studio in 1987. The Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio creates one-of-a-kind, art-inspired jewelry hand-crafted at the Gallery. Eve is also the founder of The Pearl Society and an officer of the International Pearl Association. Visit our website at www.evejewelry.com or Eve’s blog at www.pearlsociety.typepad.com .

The Pearl Society Presents: Pearls of Faith, Fashion and Folly

When: September 16, 3-5pm

Where: The Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, 623 Grove Street, Evanston, 60201

Join us as Eve Alfillé presents “Pearls of Faith: Fashion & Folly” based on her recent trip to the New York Metropolitan Museum’s special exhibit: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." Shortly after the gala opening of the Met's famed exhibit, Alfillé decided to document the exhibit to present to The Pearl Society.

Beginning with the opulent collection of vestments and papal jewels loaned by the Vatican, the splendid showing went on to present sometimes over-the-top fashions inspired by the Church. You will recognize all the celebrated designers – Lanvin, Chanel, Dior, McQueen – but so unexpected, if not outrageous, are the Church-inspired fashions that you might be totally incredulous!

Pearls are present, among other embellishments; feathers, glass, wire, even metallic plaques depicting a foot, a hand, the faithful's ex-votos to be hung on a church's walls.

Truly an incredible undertaking, the show will be reflected in Alfillé's words and pictures during the next meeting of the Pearl Society.

 

Light nibbles and beverages will be served to compliment the thirst for knowledge! 

Reserve now by contacting us at 847-869-7920 or evealfille@aol.com.

 

Belle Epoque Pearls

The Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio and The Pearl Society cordially invite you to join us on a private, guided tour of the Driehaus Museum, a Gilded Age museum and historic mansion in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

This tour will take an intimate look into the beautiful jewelry of the Belle Epoque period as depicted in poster form in the new exhibit: 'L'Affichomania the Passion for French Posters.' The tour will be followed by a brief Q&A.

When: Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Where: The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 East Erie Street, Chicago

Reserve your place now as space is limited to only 10 lucky attendees! Call 847-869-7920 to pay by credit card, or stop by the Gallery to pay in person. Private tour cost is $21/person (non-refundable) which is required at the time you reserve your place.

Please make checks payable to Eve J. Alfillé Gallery.

Please note: We will meet at the museum at 12:00 pm. Parking is available for $15.00/car with museum validation at ROW Self-Park, 50 East Ohio, Chicago.