Gershwins in the library

The Library of Congress in Washington, DC is probably the last place you would expect to find a fascinating collection of memorabilia relating to George and Ira Gershwin, but there it is, The George and Ira Gershwin Room. You don’t have to be a fan of these great American music makers to have a marvellous time...
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Fabulous Fabergé and the Imperial eggs

The Russian Imperial Court was legendary for extravagance and splendor. Inexhaustible wealth allowed the Tsars to indulge their passions and triumphs in unequalled splendour.  Opulent object d’art and stunning jewellery were commissioned as part of every day life. It all came to a crushing end with the Russian revolution in 1917, but not before the legendary...
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Gems unzipped

Founded in 1896, the French jewellery house, Van Cleef & Arpels, first came to prominence in the late 1920s.  It distinguishied itself through the technical creation of the ‘The Mystery Setting’ that enabled gemstones to be snugly set against each other, whilst concealing the setting beneath. The end result is one of unbroken colour without the...
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