Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry
The book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry, by Marie Betteley and David Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, is a comprehensive survey of the jewelry created for the Russian imperial family from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. The book covers a wide range of jewelry, from the iconic works of Peter Carl Fabergé to the more obscure pieces created by lesser-known jewelers.
One of the topics that is discussed in the book is the use of lab-grown diamonds in Russian jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds were first created in Russia in the early 1920s, and they were quickly adopted by jewelers who were looking for a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds.
The book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry provides a comprehensive overview of the jewelry created for the Russian imperial family, including the use of lab-grown diamonds. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Russian jewelry or who is considering using lab-grown diamonds in their own jewelry designs.
The History of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Russia
The first lab-grown diamonds were created in Russia in the early 1920s by a team of scientists led by Vladimir Vernadsky. Vernadsky was a professor of geology at Moscow State University, and he was interested in the possibility of creating diamonds artificially.
Vernadsky’s team used a process called high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis to create diamonds. HPHT synthesis involves heating and compressing carbon atoms under very high pressure and temperature. This creates a diamond that is chemically and physically identical to a natural diamond.
The first lab-grown diamonds created by Vernadsky’s team were small and brown in color. However, the technology improved over time, and by the 1930s, lab-grown diamonds were being produced in a variety of sizes and colors.
The Use of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Russian Jewelry
Lab-grown diamonds were quickly adopted by jewelers in Russia. They were seen as a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds, and they could be used to create jewelry that was just as beautiful and luxurious.
Some of the most famous examples of Russian jewelry that feature lab-grown diamonds include:
The Orlov Diamond Tiara: This tiara was created in the early 1900s by the House of Fabergé. It features a central diamond that is believed to be a lab grown diamond.
The Romanov Necklace: This necklace was created in the late 19th century. It features a series of large, pear-shaped diamonds, some of which are believed to be lab-grown diamonds.
The Mikhailovsky Palace Parure: This parure was created in the early 20th century. It features a variety of jewelry pieces, including a tiara, a necklace, and a bracelet. Some of the diamonds in this parure are believed to be lab-grown diamonds.
The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Russia
The use of lab-grown diamonds in Russian jewelry is likely to continue to grow in the future. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more affordable, and they are now available in a wide range of sizes and colors. This makes them a more versatile option for jewelers, and it is likely that they will become increasingly popular in the Russian jewelry market.
Conclusion
The book Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry provides a comprehensive overview of the jewelry created for the Russian imperial family, including the use of lab-grown diamonds. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Russian jewelry or who is considering using lab-grown diamonds in their own jewelry designs.