Jewelry Confidential with Neil Marrs

Happy holidays from Jewelry Confidential! 'Tis the season to share a few amusing anecdotes about holiday gift giving! Have you ever heard of a toe present? Neither had I!We all experience jewelry differently and I feel it's refreshing to see and hear about jewelry in new ways. There's something special about listening and learning at the hands of a trusted advisor whispering in your ear. Intimate and engaging, don't you think?There's still time to identify the perfect Christmas jewel (or two)! Get in touch if you need a little professional advise on style as well as good value when buying vintage and estate pieces this time of year.CDB Holiday Series collaboration-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Did you know that the daily quest for knowledge doesn't always have to be so very serious? During this holiday season, I think it's wise to come prepared to the office Christmas party armed with a slew of fun facts and trivial tidbits which can make an otherwise dreary evening memorable! A shahtoosh? Why yes, the luxurious but illegal shawl woven from the fine wool of an endangered Tibetan antelope...Let's do this!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Mother Nature rewards us this time every year with glorious fall foliage in rich reds, oranges and yellows! Designers--and jewelry designers in particular--have long been inspired by leaves, their fragile beauty and symbolism! So think laurel leaf crowns and think Edwardian garland style jewels! Let's explore LEAVES together as we discuss a few favorite examples of leaf motif jewels this week on Jewelry Confidential!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

I did it before and I'll do it again, because we had so much fun the first time and we learned a good deal, too! The alphabet provides a framework here to explore some common jewelry industry terms in a playful way like a game--feel free to listen and enjoy with your peers. There are jewelry designers, stones, materials and techniques. You will impress your neighbors and friends with new vocabulary and employ catchy phrases afterwards such as, "Now isn't that an exquisite Art Deco lorgnette!" and "I collect Angela Cummings but especially jewels inlaid with jasper and hematite!" -----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

We'll pull back the curtain today and go "Behind the Scenes" on Jewelry Confidential to reveal the human element in our trade! Technology allows us to spend our days examining and exchanging photos of fine jewelry whether we're shopping online or promoting special pieces of estate jewelry to our private customers. I can't stress enough, though, the importance of handling that piece of jewelry in person, trying it on and getting a sense of the jewel as worn on the body. You'll enjoy this collection of true stories which give a sense of some of the ups and downs we jewelers face when working with vintage pieces and precious stones!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Natural coral--in all its glorious color variations--is today's hot topic on Jewelry Confidential with Neil Marrs! There's white coral, angel skin coral, orange coral, red coral and oxblood coral (which is considered the most valuable.) We'll discuss pieces of coral jewelry I've handled and sold over the years both signed and not and why they are memorable. Finally, a frank discussion of global warming and how it's adversely affected the delicate marine ecosystems which produce coral and rendered it an endangered species.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

I'm a fan of the printed word and obsessed by books! Jewelry books form an important part of my business library at the office, but  I'm also interested in books about fashion, interiors and society whose cast of characters often wears and collects fine jewelry. Join me as I suggest a few of my own personal favorites, drawn from creative fields such as these!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Let's talk about everyday essentials in 18kt yellow gold as you build a jewelry wardrobe! Whether you're starting from scratch or already a seasoned collector, we'll identify four easy pieces which work well together and will form a solid foundation: gold hoop earrings, a great gold link bracelet, a 32 inch gold chain and a stylish gold and diamond ring (or chunky stack of gold rings)!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

It's always a good time to talk about David Webb and David Webb jewelry, so let's revisit the Gifts of State commissioned in 1962 for the Kennedy White House from Webb by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as well as the jeweled objects designed and manufactured in 1966 for exhibition and sale to benefit The Hospital for Special Surgery through Texas socialite and philanthropist Mildred Hilson. -----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Let's talk about Style--style with a capital S--as I introduce three stylish American women with a point of view: couture client and medical philanthropist Deeda Blair, online fashion entrepreneur and young mother Lauren Santo Domingo then Standard Oil heiress Millicent Rogers. We'll also talk jewelry and  examine how each puts her own personal spin on classic American style! -----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

The French workshop of Georges Lenfant is having a major moment among vintage jewelry collectors. Although they've been registered in Paris since the turn of the 20th Century, Lenfant and their intricate woven gold jewels of the 1960s and 1970s have recently captured the eyes of stylish private women worldwide. We'll explore together some iconic pieces in the firm's repertoire and how highly unusual it is for an atelier--normally hidden behind the scenes--to share center stage with the international brands for whom they manufacture (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Hermès.) Everyone wants Lenfant!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

The jewelry of Marguerite Stix--not her artwork--is the topic of this week's briefing on Jewelry Confidential. Made from colorful natural seashells by hand in her Greenwich Village studio, these playful jewels were more original but less important than shell jewels designed by her contemporaries Seaman Schepps and Verdura, both larger firms with retail salons. Her oeuvre as a 20th Century artist, sculptor and ceramicist is impressive but rather heavy and dark in character, a product of her personal history. What you'll see in her jewels however is the creative freedom allowed by a late-in-life project where beauty and whimsy prevail!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Three tall tales--each entertaining and all of them true--keep the content lively as we explore a summer trunk show, a last-minute international transaction and a big birthday party gone awry! You'll get a better sense of what we jewelers see and experience on a daily basis from the mundane to the extraordinary (and of course I prefer the extraordinary)! Enjoy!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

French marks, Italian marks and English marks were established long ago for the protection of the jewelry consumer. There are all kinds of marks--maker's marks, country of origin, year of manufacture. These systems are rarely thorough or comprehensive, though, and I'll illustrate my point with examples of "ones that got away" where I frankly didn't know the marks, misread the marks, or was confused by multiple marks for more than one country on one diamond pin! No one ever said it would be easy; I think you'll enjoy this one and (hopefully) learn a thing or two!----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/----------As promised, here's a short bibliography of jewelry reference books on marks:Dictionnaire des Poinçons BIJOUTERIEPoinçons de BijouterieDictionnaire édité par Paris Bijoux S.A.62, rue Beaubourg - 75003 Paris(In French)Dizionario del Gioiello Italiano del XIX E XX Secolodi Lia Lenti e Maria Cristina BergesioUmberto Allemandi & C.Torino(In Italian)WORLD HALLMARKS Volume 1Europe 19th to 21st CenturiesBy William B. Whetstone, Danusia V. Niklewicz, Lindy L. Matula(In English)Dictionnaire des joailliers, bijoutiers et orfèvresen France de 1850 à nos joursRémi VerletL'Ecole des Arts Joailliers (avec le soutien de Van Cleef & Arpels)(In French)

"Jewelry Confidential with Neil Marrs" is keeping the content lively, introducing today our first in-person interview featuring New York estate jewelry dealer Gus Davis of Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd.! In this briefing, you'll be "Getting to Know" Gus better as we discuss current trends in jewelry, iconic designers, Elizabeth Taylor and bringing back the brooch! Enjoy!----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Jewelers never know who we'll run into in an elevator--especially if it's a gorgeous Art Deco elevator in one of Rockefeller Center's landmark buildings--and what treasures he or she may have in his/her pocket! This week's briefing focuses on two memorable "Elevator Encounters" drawn from my own personal experiences over the years. I believe it's important to take an hour every day and get out of the office for lunch. There's the prospect of some much needed human interaction, but more importantly the chance that you'll come across someone special with something special for sale (even in the elevator)...-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

In "Estate Jewelry From A to Z" this week's topic on Jewelry Confidential, we'll use the alphabet as a framework to increase your vocabulary with some unusual materials and techniques, gemstones, designer names and other fun facts (impress your neighbors and friends)! Game night may never be the same!A is for AspreyB is for BandeauC is for Chatoyant...-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Inspired this week by "A History of The World in 100 Objects" by Neil MacGregor, I've chosen five unusual jeweled objects from different eras to determine what they reveal about their particular time and place: the étui, the lorgnette, the minaudière, the gem-set lighter and the gold and diamond evening bag! A fascinating exploration into the world of precious objects!-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

The time I spend in Hong Kong--since my first trip in 1987-- is consistently fascinating and makes for an entertaining episode! Whether it's for pleasure or for work at the international jewelry shows, there's never a dull moment!  Join me this week for a selection of insights and memorable tales--Hong Kong Stories--about my adventures as an American doing business in China.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

This week I introduce a new series entitled  "What I Like" focused on a jeweler whose work I admire. I'll choose niche designers of special merit you may want to further explore.  Our first installment today illustrates the creative genius of Jean Mahie and their handmade 22kt gold sculptures, each one-of-a-kind, known for dramatic link chains, cuff bracelets and statement earrings. They've built a cult following over the past fifty years with an exclusive arrangement with Neiman Marcus in a field where it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

High & Low:The glamorous world of estate jewelry isn't always so glamorous...Join me for three colorful tales drawn from twenty five years in the business illustrating how today it's often a mix of the high with the low!Segment 1: Neil showing vintage David Webb jewelry in a New York City parking lotSegment 2: Neil finding a fabulous lot of signed pieces only to discover a dramatic twistSegment 3: Neil offering pro tips how to mix fine estate pieces into our modern lifestyles-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Two entire books have been written on the life of American copper heiress Huguette Clark, Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and The Phantom of Fifth Avenue by Meryl Gordon, but I provide my professional input on her exceptional collection of Art Deco jewelry as well as candid comments on her real estate holdings and unusual, long life.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Always in search of "distinctive" items for private clients--regardless of value--my eagle eye spots one unusual jewel, a solid gold cookie pendant by none other than Van Cleef & Arpels. Because of its novelty and provenance, it finds its way to the Heritage Collection of the firm, their own corporate Archive and Museum of memorable creations. Now isn't that a delicious tale?-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

Wealthy private individuals often have valuable collections of estate jewelry locked away, no longer worn nor enjoyed. FAMILY JEWELS. In this briefing we'll discuss how one client of Neil's addressed the issue and suggest some viable options collectors may consider to reevaluate and refresh their investments.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/

In our first briefing we discuss the exciting rediscovery of an important 1930s René Boivin necklace with historic provenance. A rare and impressive cabochon sapphire and diamond collar, It had disappeared for approximately fifty years before reappearing at auction in 2002.-----------website: https://www.neilmarrs.comemail: neil@neilmarrs.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmarrs/linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarrs/