When it comes to purveyors of fine jewelry, world-renowned Simon Teakle is one of the best in the industry. Fine jewelry is his passion, and nowhere is that more obvious than at his Greenwich, Conn., gallery, where visitors are surrounded by beauty and history.
Pair of Jade and spinel earrings by Simon Teakle
Teakle spent 20 years at auction giant Christie’s and spent a good part of his time running its esteemed New York jewelry department. Teakle has handled many famous gemstones and jewelry collections throughout his career, including The Agra Diamond and The Rockefeller Sapphire. He has also handled jewels belonging to Eva Peron, Doris Duke and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few.
Asscher cut diamond ring, by Raymond Yard
Teakle likes to focus on the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece, whether it be jewelry, silver objects or sculptures. He likes for jewelry to be relevant to today’s market and he deals in a wide variety of pieces, ranging from antique to Art Deco to modern, at his showroom.
Gold, citrine, sapphire and diamond bracelet, circa 1960
His pieces are truly works of art, from a ruby and diamond Tudor Rose ring from 1860 to an emerald and diamond necklace from 1900 to a heart-shaped Stuart crystal pendant, circa 1730. You can even find unusual items, such as a Lucite bass guitar from 1980 or an amethyst, diamond and gold perfume bottle from 1840. Visiting his gallery is both a shopping excursion and a walk through time.
Emerald and diamond necklace with matching earrings, by David Webb, circa 1970
Teakle also puts the spotlight on the jewelry of today. He recently hosted an exhibition of TAFFIN jewelry, designed by James de Givenchy, an old friend and colleague. TAFFIN pieces are contemporary and truly one of a kind. You can find such unique offering as a Venetian glass bead and sapphire ring or a pair of black onyx and white lacquer earrings.
Pair of morganite, orange sapphire and diamond earrings by Taffin