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 & 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
Makala ya wageni na Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
Kuhusu mwandishi:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho ni Mshauri wa Elimu ya Vito anayejulikana kama Gem, mwandishi, mtaalamu wa mafunzo ya sekta ya anasa na mhadhiri maarufu wa kimataifa kuhusu vito na historia ya vifaa vya vito. Katika uzoefu wake wa miaka 30 kama mtaalamu wa vito, Rui amesoma makusanyo muhimu katika makumbusho ya umma na ya kibinafsi, hasa Vito vya Taji vya Ureno.
Mwanzilishi wa mfululizo maarufu wa wavuti wa Home Gemmology uliozinduliwa wakati wa amri ya kutotoka nje ya COVID-19, Rui ana historia ndefu kama mzungumzaji wa vito, haswa kwenye mitandao ya kijamii ambapo yeye ni mtu maarufu.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho anapatikana kupitia tovuti yake:
