The Arts Society Brussels lecture: Sparkling History of Diamonds from the Renaissance to Today

The Arts Society Brussels organizes the lecture with a special lecturer John C Benjamin, who is well-known from the BBC Antiques Roadshow programme. He will be giving a lecture titled Sparkling History of Diamonds from the Renaissance to Today. The lecture will be followed by a mini valuation surgery during which 20 members will have one item of jewellery identified and appraised.

From the most basic table-cuts to the perfectly proportioned round brilliants of today, this presentation traces how man has mastered the technique of cutting and polishing the hardest substance on earth. Fully illustrated with historical slides, the various styles of cutting are discussed including lasqué, point-cut, rose-cut, old-mine and modern brilliants of the 20th century. The second part of the presentation covers diamond jewellery through history, the use of silver, gold and platinum and their impact on design, the diamond today and how it is identified and assessed, the role of the diamond laboratories and the potential repercussions of imitations and synthetics. The final part of the presentation discusses fancy diamonds and famous diamonds through history.

Here are some independent testimonials from the attendees of his previous lectures:

Your lecture was OUTSTANDING (Warwick Arts Society).

Your lecture on Fabergé was the most interesting and wonderfully presented (Stamford Antique and Collectors’ Club), The history of jewelry was so interesting and your slides quite stunning, added to this, your enthusiasm and humour made it a very special day (Goring Arts Society).

Your wit, erudition and charm had us all on the edges of our chairs and not a snore in the house! (Gloucestershire Arts Society).

The Arts Society Brussels was founded in 1985 with the aim of enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in their many forms. We organize lectures by leading experts, guided tours to exhibitions, museums and galleries.

Event info: Wednesday, January 16th, 2019. More info on Facebook.
Woluwe-St-Lambert Town Hall Ave Paul Hymans 2 (metro Tomberg)