THE EMDEN COLLECTION Catalogue - 888 Fortune Enterprise · Loose opals (56 stones) range in value from AUD80.00 - AUD1,200.00 Value of all loose opals: AUD18,185.00 Total value Opal

THE EMDEN COLLECTION

-PROVENANCE-

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CATALOGUE CONTENTS

2 Who was Hans Emden? 3 Opportunity to purchase 4 Coloured gemstone jewellery of distinction 5 Showcasing gemstones from Sri Lanka & beyond 6 Sri Lankan gem buying experiences 7 A tale of two matrix opal faces 8 Striking opal in Andamooka, Australia 9 Gemstone treasures from distant lands 10 A magnificent necklace destined to be lucky 12 A very special goldsmith 13 Beautiful unset gems from planet Earth 14 Loose solid & triplet opals curated for display 15 Loose coloured gemstones curated for display 16 Gold coins: 22ct proof & uncirculated condition 16 Why own THE EMDEN COLLECTION? 19 Gemmological qualifications: Hans & Carolyn Emden`

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Who was Hans Emden?

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OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THE EMDEN COLLECTION is an exclusive ‘boutique asset’ of appreciating value. It represents 35 years of passionate interest in natural (not synthetic or created) gemstones: their sources, identification and use in fine jewellery, as well as the use of gold for both adornment and investment. Assembled by Australian gemmologists Hans and Carolyn Emden, all items have been appraised by specialist (registered) valuers in Australia. Values represent 2015 AUD ‘fair retail values’. That is, values that could be considered very fair prices within quality retail settings. THE EMDEN COLLECTION is offered as one holding and comprises: 1. Coloured gemstone jewellery & gold chains

Coloured gemstone jewellery (23 items) ranges in value from AUD2,170.00 - AUD33.920.00 Value of all coloured gemstone jewellery: AUD234,380.00 Gold chains (11) range in value from AUD1,370.00 - AUD3,720.00 Value of all gold chains: AUD32,660

Total value Coloured gemstone jewellery & gold chains: AUD267,040.00

2. Opal jewellery & loose opals Opal jewellery (12 items) range in value from AUD300.00 - AUD3,500.00 Value of all opal jewellery: AUD15,850.00 Loose opals (56 stones) range in value from AUD80.00 - AUD1,200.00 Value of all loose opals: AUD18,185.00 Total value Opal jewellery & loose opals: AUD34,035.00

3. Loose coloured gemstones Loose coloured gemstones (177 - some in ‘lots’ of smaller stones). Varieties include Amethyst, Citrine, Aquamarine, Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Peridot, Spinel, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Topaz, Zircon, plus some unusual stones. Values range from under AUD10.00 (Garnet) to AUD3,442.00 (Sapphire) Total value Loose coloured gemstones: AUD42,222.00

4. Gold coins

Gold coins (22) are principally 22ct legal tender from Australia, Austria, Britain, British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Isle of Mann, Nepal, New Guinea, Trinidad, South Africa, USA, and Western Samoa. Values range from AUD330.00 - AUD1,527.00. Gold prices have in many instances overtaken collector values, thus affording collectors additional features such as proof finish and desirability. Total value Gold coins: AUD12,664.00

TOTAL VALUE OF THE EMDEN COLLECTION: AUD355,961.00 (sum subject to confirmation)

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PROVENANCE OF THE EMDEN COLLECTION

Contents of THE EMDEN COLLECTION are indicated in photographs throughout the Catalogue (not all items are featured and some appear as background images only). The gold chains are as distinctive as the jewellery items themselves: links are mostly of unusual pattern and several comprise two lengths, providing the option of wearing them longer or shorter (with the extra segment used as a hanging feature). Several are of both yellow and white gold. Most attract the valuer’s comment: “exact replacement may be improbable”, adding to investor desirability. The text accompanying the photographs relates some of Hans’ & Carolyn’s experiences as they travelled and collected together during their long partnership.

Coloured gemstone jewellery of distinction

I first sighted these three stones as they lay at chest level across a full body plaster cast – out of which peeped my husband. Hans had suffered multiple injuries in a fall en-route to Mt Everest Base Camp and we were in the Shanta Bhawan Missionary Hospital, Kathmandu. From inside his body cast, Hans was negotiating a swap of his professional films (no longer needed) for gemstones with the ex town mayor of Kathmandu turned gem merchant. The blue stone remained knotted in the corner of a handkerchief until, after months of rehabilitation, Hans eventually had it examined in Australia. “Come back in two hours” the gemmologist said (this being before we qualified in gemmology ourselves, we were very nervous). He held the stone with reverence: “You have a magnificent aquamarine of almost 30ct and finest cut”. Buoyed by this verdict and his recovery, Hans commissioned our German goldsmith, Manfred Lorenz, to design a pendant for it together with multiple diamonds and set in 18ct white gold. It remains a world class piece to this day, spontaneously drawing viewers to it. The 55ct citrine (pictured behind the aquamarine) is elegantly set in 18ct yellow and white gold (stunning worn on black) and the amethyst remains a joy to view and hold in its unadorned beauty. These three stones have never strayed far from me or from one another. They not only launched a lifelong love of gemstones, but together, they symbolize much good fortune in my life. May all three stones be destined to stay close!

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Showcasing gemstones from Sri Lanka & beyond

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Sri Lankan gem buying experiences Today Alex, your job is to stay behind and look after Carol, she’s not feeling well”. Such was our ruse to escape our overly inquisitive driver as we sought to go about our Sri Lankan gem buying (my post surgery partner was under ‘no driving’ orders). Despite looking after me as instructed, by day’s end Alex knew exactly where Hans had been and who he had consulted – and so it seemed futile to try conducting private business in Sri Lanka! Often termed the ‘treasure island’, Sri Lanka’s land mass comprises 90% gem bearing river gravels, yielding highest quality gemstones of all kinds and colors. Gem mining, cutting and trading - embracing both traditional and modern methods - are underway wherever one travels and are exceedingly interesting, but also challenging (especially when buying gems) given cultural and language differences. Nevertheless (and despite Alex) the fruits of our painstaking efforts over several weeks are now seen in many collection pieces featuring fine sapphire, ruby, spinel, chrysoberyl, moonstone and other gems.

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PROVENANCE OF THE EMDEN COLLECTION A tale of two matrix opal faces What is matrix opal? Most people know about solid opals (cut and polished material as found in the ground); opal doublets (a thin veneer of opal glued to black backing material to darken and magnify the many colours and patterns of opal; and opal triplets (similar to doublets but with an added dome of clear material that forms a protective cap). But what of matrix? Basically, it is a chalky form of opal with very little colour until treated - a process involving sugar that can reveal dazzlingly beautiful colours and patterns. Found only in limited supply in Andamooka, South Australia, to procure a large treated matrix cut and polished to reveal the same magnificent features on both sides is rare indeed. But with opal mining experience and contacts in the field, my partner achieved just this and commissioned a setting to show it off. The result is a magnificent pendant that can be worn either side: one 18 carat yellow gold and the other 18ct white gold and diamonds (stunning on any colour at night). The first time I wore the pendant (afternoon, yellow gold side showing on fine knitted cream sweater) I was approached by a European gentleman who produced a very large roll of notes indeed and said we could name our price! Needless to say we demurred and the piece has remained a firm collection favourite ever since.

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Striking opal in Andamooka, Australia “On no account go down until I call out ‘OK’” I was instructed. Hans was descending a 15 meter vertical mine shaft in Andamooka and I was to follow when he was safely down and away from any deadly rocks that might dislodge from above. But how could I witness my beloved disappearing into what seemed like the centre of the earth when all that separated us was a shaky ladder? I needed to get going! Lowering myself gingerly into the hole (seemingly not much wider than my body and set among a maze of similar holes in a waste land of white mullock heaps) I began my descent. As the sudden clatter of falling rocks mingled with howls of protest from below I realized the seriousness of my error. But once both safely down and me suitably contrite, the lure of a ‘find’ beckoned. Soon we were crawling along a drive shaft (small tunnel) guided only by candle light, seeking the tell tale signs of glistening color and the unmistakable ‘crunch’ of one’s knife striking an opal seam. Eventually back home, 600 km from the source of Australia’s finest gem stone, the exhilaration of finding opal was barely off-set by the terror of the descent and the almost unbearable claustrophobia of the drive shaft. I treasure my opal collection but I now leave mining to the professionals!

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Gemstone treasures from distant lands Europe’s top jewellery stores are utterly mesmerizing: rough gem material, cut and polished loose stones, and precious gems in unusual gold and silver settings all abound. One entire town in Germany (Pforzheim) has been devoted to jewellery manufacturing since 1767 (bemused by it’s labyrinth of streets and shop fronts, we became seriously disoriented despite a map!) while Ida-Oberstein (beguilingly perched over a river on a rocky escarpment) is known as the ‘gem capital’ of the world and shouldn’t be missed. Its famous jewellery museums and charming shopping alleys serve as a front to high security, multi-story buildings housing professional gem traders from around the world. With gemmological status, it wasn’t long before we gained access and acquired an exceptionally fiery 1.5ct sphene, a similarly sized red fluorite and a most unusually patterned sugilite cabochon. Treasures also emerge from unexpected sources; e.g. in the small picturesque town of Zell am See on one of Austria’s deepest lakes, I acquired a particularly beautiful 5ct ruby colored tourmaline pendant. All these items and many more, have become firm friends.

But the culmination of all our travels must surely be an 11.87ct deep blue tanzanite, acquired in the high security quarter of Dubai’s gold souks (I finally understood my partner’s gentle dissuasion from those gorgeous Italian sweaters). It was soon to be magnificently set with diamonds by Chris Hood of Hobart, Tasmania, and presented as a special birthday surprise to me by Hans (see next page).

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A magnificent necklace destined to be lucky

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A very special goldsmith Who is behind this exquisite jewellery? Many pieces have been handcrafted by Manfred Lorenz - a highly skilled German goldsmith who, luckily for Australia, made South Australia his home. Over many years my husband and I were fortunate to commission ongoing work by Manfred. We had acquired many high quality gemstones through our travels (and sometimes our own mining efforts) and when presented with these, Manfred would apply his exceptional skills with inspired enthusiasm. The resulting works of art invariably acquired nicknames; eg, ‘the book’; ‘the shell’; ‘the moon and the stars’. The stones sometimes posed particular problems that would defeat many jewellers, but not Manfred. For example, the 30ct aquamarine in the aquamarine and diamond pendant (p. 4) is a very large, deep stone that was especially challenging to set so that it would sit elegantly yet steadily when worn. The result is a very beautiful and classical item of jewellery that is always admired. No wonder Manfred is lauded by his peers and the recipient of jewellery design awards. Look for the distinctive Manfred Lorenz hallmark: LORENZ, LM , or simply M. His exquisite designs and striking gold work (as evidenced below) together with superior gemstones, ensure his creations are truly timeless treasures. As Manfred has now retired, his pieces are increasingly appreciated and sought after.

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Beautiful unset gems from planet Earth

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Loose solid and triplet opals curated for display

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Loose coloured gemstones curated for display

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Gold coins: 22ct proof and uncirculated condition

WHY OWN THE EMDEN COLLECTION?

THE EMDEN COLLECTION as an appreciating asset Beyond the historical fact that gold and gems appreciate in value, THE EMDEN COLLECTION’S various components (fine gold jewellery, chains & coins, plus loose gemstones) avoid the trap of “putting all one’s eggs in the same basket”. Risk, however minor, is thus spread across the different components. Importantly, THE EMDEN COLLECTION’S quality is exemplary: superior gems; 18ct & 22ct gold; outstanding craftsmanship (individuality of items means they can’t be replicated); plus the wide range of values, sizes and designs increases appeal. THE EMDEN COLLECTION is fully curated: its provenance and value is established, and it is attractively and conveniently presented for re-appraisal whenever wished. Years of work compiling it is complete - a big advantage for a busy investor. Besides owning THE EMDEN COLLECTION as an intact holding of appreciating value, there are also benefits of keeping it as a ‘store’ of deluxe items for personal access. For example, wearing a glorious piece of jewellery for a special occasion is a thrilling experience (as is loaning an item and witnessing another’s excitement), while gifting a special item (eg to a loved one, for a wedding or a bequest) can be exceedingly rewarding. Or, if an upward trajectory of a particular value (eg. of gold or a certain gem) is impossible to resist, you can reap the rewards of appreciation by disposing of THE EMDEN COLLECTION in part. You thus become a collector yourself and hold a repository of all things rare and beautiful! The loose gemstones especially, provide an exceptional opportunity to commission jewellery pieces of your own creative design, using as many differently coloured, sized and shaped stones as the imagination allows, for generations to come.

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WHY OWN THE EMDEN COLLECTION (cont)? THE EMDEN COLLECTION as a life enhancing influence The beguiling beauty of THE EMDEN COLLECTION will provide deep and lasting pleasure to its owner and all associated with it. I can speak personally to this: THE EMDEN COLLECTION has enriched my life and that of my late husband immeasurably, as well as friends, family and associates who have been part of its acquisition and changing composition. I attribute THE EMDEN COLLECTION’S life enhancing influence primarily to its origin in the natural world. As your love of gemstones and gold continues to grow, so will your happiness and deep satisfaction in owning THE EMDEN COLLECTION.

CONGRATULATIONS!

APPENDIX TO: WHY OWN THE EMDEN COLLECTION?

Some views on appreciation

• Brilliance in determining opal value: “Brilliance is the overall brightness and intensity of the play-of-colour. The more brilliant the flashes of colour, the more expensive it becomes. Examine brilliance both under a consistent light source and away from it. Stones that maintain their brightness away from bright light are more highly valued. Brilliance is one of the most important value factors.” (http://www.antiques-art-collectibles.com/jewelry/pal/investment.html, accessed 4/12/15)

• The price for “good quality blue/green/opal has doubled in the past five years” with “China becoming a keen buyer” (“Economic stars align to revive opal rush”, THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN, March 28-29, 2015)

• “Gems are highly portable, easy to store and always maintain their worth due to their intrinsic value. The supply of natural gemstones is always limited, in fact many mines have already been worked out. It's not surprising that the prices of many gemstones have been steadily appreciating.” (http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/gemstone-investing.php, accessed 4/12/15)

• “Gemstone investing is not for everyone. But for those who love fine gemstones and beautiful jewellery, rare gems have a good history of increasing in value over time. When the stock market is declining and currency is losing value, gemstones tend to be a reliable store of value that is also compact, portable and private.” (http://www.ajsgem.com/articles/top-10-investment-gems.html, accessed 4/12/15)

• “During difficult times, people look at alternative investments and at the moment there is a lot of talk about investing in gemstones. Many investors have left the usual paper investments alone and switched to hard assets. Having something real in your possession seems a much healthier and secure option than gambling on numbers and forecasts. Good quality coloured gemstones are hard to find and with supplies dwindling, they will only get rarer.” (http://www.gemselect.com/other-

info/investing-in-colored-gemstones.php, accessed 4/12/15) • “If you own gold jewellery, coins or bars, you can convert your gold to cash nearly anywhere in

the world. You simply go to a gold shop or gold trader who will test your gold, weigh it and pay you the standard price for it. Gold has excellent liquidity, better than nearly any other asset.” (http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/gemstone-investing.php, accessed 4/12/15)

• “Whether or not gold values soar in the future is another question. What is certain, though, is that gold will retain value no matter what happens. If inflation runs out of control, if currencies fail or if governments default, then gold will still mean something.” (KPRG “Is investing in gold still a good idea?” (http://www.kprg.org/is-investing-in-gold-still-a-good-idea, accessed 4/12/15)

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Gemmological qualifications: Hans & Carolyn Emden

Catalogue prepared by Carolyn Emden PhD FGAA, December 2015

Special thanks for advice and encouragement to: Graham McLean (Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences); Frankie Forsyth (CoacheStuff Mentoring Service); and Laurelle Grimley (Woodbridge on the Derwent).

And to my mother Grace, for bequeathing me beautiful items (white charger book end - cover pic).

Documents

THE EMDEN COLLECTION Catalogue - 888 Fortune Enterprise · Loose opals (56 stones) range in value from AUD80.00 - AUD1,200.00 Value of all loose opals: AUD18,185.00 Total value Opal