The Philadelphia Show Opens With Four Centuries Of Historic Jewels

A handful of internationally renowned jewelry dealers are presenting items spanning from the 18th to the 21st century at The Philadelphia Show, which opens its doors to the public on Friday (today) and runs till Sunday. They all brought impressive pieces with them, including items that are being presented for the first time.

For the second consecutive year, the art, design and antique fair is being held inside a tent on the East Terrace of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, overlooking the picturesque Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The location presents a unique environment, mixing well-dressed collectors entering the tent with tourists running up the “Rocky Steps.” The three-day event attracts a diverse mix of regional, national and international dealers, some of whom exhibit at much larger shows around the world. This four-day event allows collectors a chance to view items and have frank discussions with dealers in a more intimate environment.

Inside the tent, an hour before the Thursday preview began, the exhibitor spaces were ready to go (which is rare) and the dealers were in good spirits. For years the fair was held at the Philadelphia Navy Yard at the southern end of the city. The new location is unanimously supported by the exhibitors. “It’s much better,” said one jewelry dealer who is a regular exhibitor at the show. “The navy yard was not a draw for us or our clients. I don’t remember anybody dying to go to the navy yard.”

“It’s a beautiful show,” added Peter Schaffer, one of the family members that owns the historic art and antique house, A La Vieille Russie, which specializes in Fabergé and Russian pieces. However, like all the jewelry exhibitors, their inventory covers all art and design periods and are quite extensive in European jewels. The New York firm is active in the larger art fairs around the world but it’s the first time they’re exhibiting at this show.

They brought some special items with them, including a necklace made in England, circa 1780, woven with curved engraved yellow gold links and an engraved gold clasp. Another significant necklace is an English Art Deco coral and rose-cut diamond necklace suspending a coral and diamond cross pendant, set in platinum, circa 1925.

Another piece from the 18th century was from New York jewelry dealer, James Robinson. A silver necklace made in France, circa 1790, with 59 rose cut diamonds displayed in clusters in its original box. A second piece in their display that caught my attention is a Tiffany & Co 14k gold bangle bracelet in archaeological revival style, circa 1860, in its original box.

The brother sister team of Carrie Matthew Imberman of Kentshire, once again left their space on the 7th floor of New York’s Bergdorf Goodman to exhibit at the Philadelphia Show. It’s their sixth year here and their showcases were filled with exceptional pieces. Among them, an elaborate and colorful Georgian Swiss enamel, gold, and multi-gemstone necklace with pendant elements, set with topaz, peridots, garnets, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, in 18k gold.

In addition, they had an historic French Legion of Honor medal that was given to a U.S. diplomat.

Among the items at New York dealer, S.J. Shrubsole’s exhibition space, was a pair of carved jade earrings by Bulgari. Ladybug brooches by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and a pair nut and bolt 18k yellow gold cufflinks by jewelry artist, Paul Flato.

The Philadelphia Show will run till Sunday, April 30. For more information, visit the show’s website.