Alex

28 Articles

Antique teaware: Japan

Antiques & Collectables
by  on November 17, 2016

The Japanese inherited tea from the ancient empire of China. There the art of tea was already ages old, a gentle pleasure that ran back to antiquity. It is perhaps fitting that tea arrived in Japan in 805, the same century that saw the writing of the Cha …

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Antique teaware: China

Antiques & Collectables
by  on October 13, 2016

"A cup of tea is a cup of peace." Soshitsu Sen XV   Tea is for some a repast and for others a religion.  It entered history as a medicinal brew during the Han dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD), although folk tales mention tea being drunk …

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Royal Doulton porcelain

Antiques & Collectables
by  on October 12, 2015

The secret of porcelain was closely guarded by the Chinese for generations. The method of its manufacture was highly coveted by Europe and when the Europeans finally learned the arcana of porcelain in the 18th century, a thriving industry immediately came …

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Porcelain – China’s gift to the world

Antiques & Collectables
by  on March 16, 2015

China is country of many firsts. It could even be said the much of mankind's history is the history of China. The Chinese invented what many historians consider to be most ground breaking inventions in world history: Gunpowder, Paper, Printing and the …

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The most valuable teas in the world

Antiques & Collectables, General
by  on January 30, 2015

In the East tea is treated with the same veneration and sophistication as Europe affords the ruby vintages of its vineyards. In the West a cup of tea is merely a soothing end to a long days work, or a wonderful way to spruce up a delicious breakfast; here …

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Gemstone spotlight: Pearls

Gems
by  on November 5, 2014

Moh Hardness Scale: 2.5 to 4.5 Specific Gravity: 2.6 - 2.85 Refractive Index: 1.52 - 1.69 Colour: White, pink, yellow, silver, black, blue, green   Pearls are some of the oldest of all gemstones, perhaps the oldest. Valued since ancient …

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Our picks of rare finds on bidorbuy this November!

Top Rare Finds
by  on November 4, 2014

There is no shortage of interesting collectable objects and antiques on bidorbuy this November!   First of all, if you are looking to tie the knot, then consider this 2.24 ct internally flawless, G colour diamond. Certified fully by the world’s …

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Rare finds for October

Top Rare Finds
by  on October 8, 2014

Porcelain Collectors of English porcelain will rejoice at this beautiful and rare 1940 Royal Albert Rosedrop Bone China set of six tea cups and saucers.     If your fancy is tickled by the classic porcelain ware of the East, then …

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Spotted on bidorbuy in September!

Top Rare Finds
by  on September 4, 2014

bidorbuy is the number one spot on the net to find treasures of all types, including collectible coins, militaria, porcelain, stamps and cut gemstones. Here we showcase some of the coolest, rarest items that are currently available on …

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The rarest gemstones you’ve never heard of

Gems
by  on June 30, 2014

Since ancient times men have coveted the mineral riches of the earth. Iron, tin, copper, silver and gold have been valued since antiquity, alongside the various gems with which they share the dark rock.   The Ancient Greeks were the first to …

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