Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd
Gemstones have been historically and traditionally used in the decorative arts, from jewellery, the most obvious, to marquetry, interior decoration (in floor tiles), sculpture, and even in architecture (like in the Taj Mahal).
In a broader sense of the creative arts, other contemporary vehicles for art expression have also been using precious stones as materials.
Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd
Let’s illustrate this with a sculpture by famous British contemporary artist Damien Hirst, a member of the Young British Artists movement, unveiled in 2007, entitled “For the Love of God”, a 2.156 kg work of art in platinum, produced at the Bentley et Skinner workshop in London, based on a real 18th-century skull.
It features a staggering number of 8,601 cut diamonds totalling 1,106.18 carats that cover the outside and inside of the 32 precious metal plaques that build up the skull.
The central gem is the pear-shaped 52.40 ct Fancy pink “Skull Star Diamond” surrounded by 14 D-colour diamonds (37,81 ct in total weight).
With an estimated production cost of £13 million, it was reportedly sold for £50 million in 2008.
It is impossible to remain indifferent to this impressive and impactful jewelled piece of art, if not for its always debatable beauty and artistic merits among the experts, at least from a gemmological and craftsmanship point of view. Absolutely unique.
Photo Prudence Cuming Associates © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd
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https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
À propos de l'auteur:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho Rui est un consultant indépendant renommé en formation gemmologique, auteur, expert en formation pour l'industrie du luxe et conférencier international prisé en gemmologie et en histoire des pierres précieuses. Fort de 30 ans d'expérience en tant que gemmologue, il a étudié d'importantes collections dans des musées publics et privés, notamment les joyaux de la Couronne portugaise.
Fondateur de la populaire série de webinaires Home Gemmology lancée pendant le confinement lié à la COVID-19, Rui a une longue expérience en tant que communicateur en gemmologie, notamment sur les réseaux sociaux où il est une figure populaire.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho peut être contacté via son site web :
