Friday, 28th April 2006 (3202 views)

An exhibition entitled "Pearls, Opulence and Obsession" is currently running at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

The unique presentation features a brooch that belonged to Queen Victoria, given to her by her husband, Prince Albert. It is made with natural pearls, amethysts, garnets and chrysoberyls, encasing a decorative gold centre.

Another highlight of the exhibition is a rare, rose-coloured Paspaley pearl, harvested from the pearl farm in the seas off the northwestern coast of Australia in 2003, on show for the first time.

Gemmologist Gayle Webb said of the collection: "Probably they will never be seen again in one exhibition.

She was particularly full of praise for the rose-hued pearl.

"The Paspaley pearl is outstanding, not only for its size but also for its beautiful lustre," she commented.

The exhibition will continue until August at the museum and features many other items of jewellery mentioned here, including a prototype of the pearl and gold necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

 

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