COLLECTION #85: Treasures of the King Tut Exhibit

In the Winter of 1978, my friend Sophie and I attended the King Tut exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We stood in line for hours waiting to get in, but it was so worth it! The artifacts were stunning, and the history was fascinating! You can read a little more about King Tut and this exhibit here: King Tut

 One of the things that enchanted me was the beautiful gold jewelry, much of it encrusted with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. I loved it so much, that a few months later when Bruce and I were married, I designed my wedding ring with lapis as the main stone. (You can read about THAT here!)

Although I didn't have enough money to buy all of the gorgeous books and reproductions that I would have liked, I did pick up a few treasures that make up my collection today: a book entitled Tutankhamun The Last Journey by William MacQuitty, the fabulous packet of stuff called Tutankhamun & The Discovery of the Tomb, a few souvenir postcards, and a little replica charm. This charm, which is still as bright and shiny as it was 33 years ago, represents a hieroglyph of a quail.  I still have the little shop bag and info sheet about the quail.

The packet of King Tut stuff, on the top right on the top photo, was filled with amazing treasures. Copies of the newspaper articles from the 1920s when the tomb was discovered. Drawings, letters, historical information, even a little punch out 'tomb' so a child or adult could make their own 3D model. Since that time I've occasionally seen books that have lots of little treasures packed inside, but back in 1978, this was a new concept to me.  You can see all the stuff in the photo below:

 I hope you enjoy my little collection of King Tutamabila! (Click on the pictures for a closer look!)

COLLECTION #54: Lapis Jewelry

It all started with King Tut. In early 1978, I visited the King Tut exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and was mesmerized by the stunning decorative accessories, jewelry, and sculpture. Much of it was decorated with lapis lazuli, a lovely blue marble-like stone from Asia.  At the time, I was recently engaged, and busy designing my own engagement ring. I loved signet rings, and so, with the inspiration from King Tut's Tomb, we purchased a lovely lapis stone, and I designed a ring around this stone.

From King Tut's Tomb

From King Tut's Tomb

My wedding ring, designed by me, 1978

After Bruce and I were married, acquiring lapis jewelry became an ongoing tradition- usually bought for an anniversary, birthday, or on a special vacation, my collection of lapis (and silver) jewelry has grown.  I have probably bought twice as many pairs of earrings as I have shown here, I've lost so many earrings through the years, but a few of those 'singles' I've kept for the sentimental value.

My most recent acquisition was the necklace in the center in the photo below. Bruce bought it for me for our 33rd anniversary this past July, in Ventura Harbor, California.