Join us as ASJH member, jewelry dealer, and leading expert of Russian decorative arts, Marie Betteley unveils her groundbreaking new book: Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry. Until now, the history of Russian jewels from the imperial era has been tied to only one name: Carl Fabergé. But Fabergé was only one of many extraordinary goldsmiths who plied the Romanovs with the opulent treasures they so fervently desired. In fact, long before Fabergé, and for some 200 years, St. Petersburg jewelers perfected their craft so that soon the quality of their jewels equaled if not surpassed the best that Europe’s capitals could offer. Marie will uncover for you the fascinating stories and splendid creations of talented jewelers like Pauzié, Bolin, Köchli, and others who helped make the Romanov court the richest in Europe. During these 45 minutes, you’ll discover many little known yet dazzling treasures, as well as their market and new information on the history of the Russian Crown Jewels.

Born in Paris, Marie Betteley grew up in a world of Russian treasures, having spent her teenage years on the grounds of Hillwood Museum in Washington, DC, as the director’s daughter. She majored in art history at university and went on to earn a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. Marie’s professional career began at Christie’s auction house in New York where she worked as a gemologist and eventually rose to head of the Russian Department. After ten years at Christie’s, she launched her own business trading in antique jewels.