Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry will present the piece at one of the premier antique shows in the country — the New York Pier Antiques Show, Nov. 19-20 in New York City. 

The story of the “Judgment of Paris” centers on a beauty contest between the goddesses Athena, Aphrodite and Hera. The prettiest would win a golden apple. When the god Zeus could not decide which of the goddesses was more beautiful, he let a local Trojan shepherd named Paris make the decision. Paris awarded the prize to Aphrodite after she promised to make the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy, his wife. The abduction of Helen from her husband, the Greek King Menelaus, was the mythological origins of the Trojan War. 

“This piece is incredible and must be looked at in person to appreciate the carving’s intricate style and details,” said Haig. “The figures are gorgeous and the story of the Judgment of Paris is told beautifully in this rare piece. We are delighted to bring it to New York this weekend to show such a fabulous piece of art and art history.”

The creation of naming a stone for each month as one’s “birth stone” most likely originated with George F. Kunz, chief gemologist for Tiffany & Co. at the turn of the 20th century. Kunz researched the history and lore behind gemstones and published his report, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, in 1912. To help create an awareness about colored gemstones to sell more of them, Kunz wrote poems to educate prospective buyers about the gems. His poem for November reads:

Who first comes to this world below / With drear November’s fog and snow / Should prize the topaz’s amber hue / Emblem of friends and lovers true.
Firm friendship is November’s, and she bears / True love beneath the topaz that she wears.

Come in and see our selection of topaz for all those November babies you know! Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry is open Monday through Saturday and 24/7 online!

Why does my white gold ring look yellow?

Why does 14K gold give me a rash?

Individuals react differently to the nickel in the 14K gold (both yellow and white). An allergy can develop over time and acid in skin can cause a reaction, as well. Rhodium plating will put a layer between skin and metal and stop the allergic reaction you are experiencing. You may also switch to platinum, which is naturally hypoallergenic. Nickel-free white gold is now available, too. You can also coat the metal with clear nail polish to protect your skin from the allergen.

What makes gold gold?

14K and 18K yellow = gold+copper+silver+zinc. 14K and 18K white gold = gold+copper+nickel+zinc. Rose gold = gold+copper.

Early 20th Cent. Philippine takaan (wood paper mache mold)

Masks have been used by primitive and tribal cultures all over the world for thousands of years. Traditionally, masks were used to try and ward off illness, evil spirits and famine, as well as to entertain and to commemorate weddings, births and deaths. Most masks were hand carved from wood, but were also made and decorated using local natural resources. Each mask or series of masks is a piece of art, reflecting the maker’s beliefs, life experiences and skills. Some of the tools used to make masks are also considered works of art.

Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry has antique masks, including an early 20th century Philippine takaan – a wood and paper mache mask mold. To create the mold, mask makers hand carved hardwood sculptures into wooden molds or takaans. The fronts and backs of these molds were covered with paper soaked in rice starch and left to dry. Once dried, the paper formed a hard shell and was cut away from the mold. The two halves of the shell were fused together with paper. The result was a light-weight paper mache casting that was decorated and protected with paint.

The birthstone idea most likely originated with George Kunz, chief gemologist for Tiffany & Co. Kunz researched the history behind gemstones and published his findings in The Curious Lore of Precious Stones in 1912. To help create an awareness about colored gemstones and, thus, sell more of them, Kunz wrote poems to educate prospective buyers about the gems. His poem for September, however, didn’t mention sapphire. Instead, he chose the yellow-green chrysolite – a peridot. The poem read:

A maiden born when September leaves
Are rustling in the autumn breeze,
A chrysolite on her brow should bind –
‘Twill cure diseases of the mind.
If chrysolite upon her brow is laid,
Follies and dark delusions flee afraid.

We love September at Haig’s – especially in Rochester – and we love our sapphires and peridots alike! Come in and see our selection of sapphires and peridots set in rings, earrings, and pendants. We offer the best value in fine jewelry – no gimmicks, no sales push, just a pure love of jewelry and art. Find us on Main Street in downtown Rochester or online, where we have a beautiful sapphire ring as one of our featured pieces of jewelry this month!

The thicker the nacre and the higher its quality is, the more lustrous and iridescent is the pearl. These are the two primary qualities that pearl lovers should take into consideration when making a purchase. Pearls with thick nacre also tend to last longer.

Long ago, pearls were important financial assets, comparable to real estate, as thousands of oysters had to be collected to find just one pearl. They were rare because they were created only by chance.

Create a truly unique custom piece of jewelry by trading in and recycling your old jewelry. Gold, platinum and jewelry with gemstones can be turned into new and exciting pieces you’ll want to wear again and again. Selling your gold and old jewelry can bring some quick cash, but you can often receive a higher amount with in-store credit if you reuse your old jewelry. You’ll save a lot of money and the Earth’s resources by using the precious metals you already own. Turn an old pair of earrings into a beautiful pendant. Melt down engagement or wedding rings and turn them into a fabulous new ring or a pair of earrings!