10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SPECIMENS AVAILABLE NOW
As we begin our week of Beautiful Specimens, we set out to find the most beautiful mineral, animal, and plant specimens available to buy right now. Some are antiques that once graced the popular Victorian display known as Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities. Some are newer discoveries. All are fascinating.
1. SPECIMEN LAPIS
This astonishingly blue, beautifully veined specimen of lapis lazuli (above) is graced by a gilt sterling silver octopus, created by Italian artisan jeweler Eduardo Pestelli. Circa 2000.
Available at 1st Dibs.
2. SPECIMEN GORGONIAN
This big beautiful natural specimen of gorgonian, known as Horny Coral, from Italy is held up on display by a carved olive wood plinth. Circa 1800.
Available at 1st Dibs.
3. SPECIMEN SCALLOP
These Mediterranean Pecten Jacobeaus scallop specimens are pretty in pink. They sit atop early carved wood plinths, with attached candle holders so you can illuminate the shells from behind. Circa 1880. Italy.
Available at 1st Dibs.
4. SPECIMEN NAUTILUS
This gorgeous specimen of Nautilus Pompilius once graced a Victorian era Wunderkammer. It is engraved with a helmet and armor image and mounted on a brass base. Made in Italy. Circa 1880.
Available at 1st Dibs.
5. SPECIMEN BEETLES
Seven magnificent black and white specimen beetles are displayed, mounted on steel rods under a classic Victorian glass dome.
Available at 1st Dibs.
6. SPECIMEN BUTTERFLIES
This antique Wunderkammer diorama is a joy. Magnificent butterfly specimens are mounted amidst leaves and branches, in a fantasy still life, all within a glass showcase. Made in Italy. Circa 1880.
Available at 1st Dibs.
7. SPECIMEN ATLANTIC HORSESHOE CRAB
This Limulus Polyphemus specimen is perfectly mounted on its carved wood base. Circa 1880. Italy.
Available at 1st Dibs.
8. SPECIMEN CALCITE
This rare giant piece of Mexican Mariposa (Butterfly) calcite weighs over 50 pounds. The mine from which it came is now underwater and no longer in use. It’s gorgeous scalenohedral crystal habit sparkles like crazy.
Available at 1st Dibs.
9. SPECIMEN AMETHYST
At almost 30” high, this sliced geode amethyst specimen from Brazil is a dazzler. Rich purple hues line its heart. It sits atop an ebonized wood base.
Available at 1st Dibs.
10. SPECIMEN CORAL
It is almost impossible anymore to find red coral like this in the sea. These two large branches are antique specimens. Display them on a shelf in loose form, as they are sold, or give them a beautiful mounting. They would be spectacular on silver or ebony pedestals.
Available from 1st Dibs.
Read more about Beautiful Specimens, as they relate to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact.
Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Specimens in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 10.19.14. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!
Photo Credits:f
- Photo: Courtesy of Historical Design, Inc. Specimen Lapis Lazuli with Silver Octopus.
- Photo: Courtesy of Historical Design, Inc. Specimen Lapis Lazuli with Silver Octopus.
- Photo: Courtesy of Il Segno Del Tempo Srl. Big Horny Coral Branch.
- Photo: Courtesy of Il Segno Del Tempo Srl. Pair of Mediterranean Scallop Shells.
- Photo: Courtesy of Il Segno Del Tempo Srl. Nautilus Pompilius specimen.
- Photo: Courtesy of Jon Vaccari Designs. Specimen Beetles Under Glass Dome.
- Photo: Courtesy of Il Segno Del Tempo Srl. Wunderkammer Diorama with Butterflies Leaned over Flowers.
- Photo: Courtesy of Il Segno Del Tempo Srl. Atlantic Horse Shoe Crab Limulus Polyphemus specimen.
- Photo: Courtesy of Bridges over Time. Rare Large Specimen of Mariposa (Butterfly) Calcite.
- Photo: Courtesy of High Style Deco. Monumental Sliced Geode Amethyst Crystal Mineral Specimen.
- Photo: Courtesy of Lawton Mull. Antique Red Coral Branches.
