The Art of Hardstones: From Antiquity to Today
- Date
- 20 Jan 2025 · 6:00PM - 7:00PM
- Price
- Pay what you can (£5 or £10)
- Venue
- Online (via Zoom), UK time
- Programme type
- Talks
Some of the most beautiful and valued jewellery has been set with engraved hardstones. The art of stone carving goes back to the classical world, where these gemstones functioned as signets and seals and were presented as offerings to the Gods in Ancient Greece. The Renaissance saw a revival in antiquities and a passion for collecting intaglios was born. The cameo was at the height of fashion during the 19th century and designers today continue to explore the ancient techniques of stone carving to push the boundaries of their jewellery practice. From the contemporary to the historic, these intricate works of art continue to be collected and appreciated to this day.
Join Rachel Church for this online talk exploring how precious and semi-precious stones have been carved and used by jewellers and how this tradition is being reinvented by contemporary makers. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and join in the conversation.
Image credit: Carnelian Ring Stone, ca. 1st–3rd century CE. Courtesy The Met Collection, Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881.
FAQs:
We run our events in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and online, so that as many of our community as possible can exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and form valuable connections across the UK. We do not record these events, or broadcast them, to encourage the open sharing of ideas and experiences and preserve confidentiality. Popular topics will be repeated over time.
Who is the speaker?
Rachel Church has written and lectured widely on jewellery history and design. She is the author of 'Rings' (V&A/ Thames and Hudson 2011 and 2017) and 'Brooches and Badges' (V&A/ Thames and Hudson 2019). She has worked as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum and was part of the team which redeveloped the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery.