GEMSTONES

CARVINGS

There is more in determining value of a gemstone carving than the material itself.  Its attractiveness is aided and abetted by the artistry employed in the use of the material and the integration of the swirls of color into the design.  There is added value if more than one material has been used, maybe the eyes in an animal or beak of a bird or something like watermelon tourmaline in an eagle in which the red has been used as the head, the white as the collar and the green as the body. Another important element is the amount of detail and quality of the polish in the piece.  Although not as important, the base may be the matrix of the gem material and consideration to its beauty and the size ratio of it to the carving itself.  Age may not be significant, particularly in ivory unless there is provenance, i.e., documented authentication of it being of the Ming Dynasty.


Most of the finest gem carvings in the world have been created in Idar-Oberstein, Germany.  In recent times, the Brazilians have improved their quality to compete with the Germans and are far less expensive.  Hong Kong is a strong contributor to the carving arena as well.  The Italians in Naples have a renowned stature in the carving of coral and cameos.  The more important cameos are those made from hard gemstones, which are considerably more valuable.