Gem Market of Izmir During the 19th Century

Year 2025, Volume: 1, 1 - 22, 15.04.2025

Gabriella Tassinari

Abstract

In the second half of the 18th and 19th centuries, Izmir was the major center for the trade in Classical antiquities; in particular, it was a capital of numismatics. But Izmir’s leading role in the market of gems, which were among the favorite souvenirs, has so far received little scholarly attention. In this study, we have gathered the illuminating information to fill this gap, to delineate a basic panorama of the local glyptic manufacture and engravers of classical and post-classical gemstones, as well as the dealers, collectors, connoisseurs, scholars, antiquarians, travelers, and forgers who were active engaged in the purchasing and selling process in Izmir. The results of this research provide new and unequivocal evidence both for the possibility of acquiring gems in Izmir from the city and neighboring sites, and that Izmir supplied gemstones to private and public collections, throughout Europe and America. The range is remarkable and varied, embracing all materials, themes, styles, qualities, sometimes su¬perlatives, and periods, from ancient to the post-classical age: scaraboids, intaglios, cameos, pastes, rings in gold, silver, bronze, iron, glass, even with decorated bezels. Several types are popular, other representations are less familiar or unica. It is a fascinating overview of the documentation of the engraved stones from Izmir: a worldwide circulation and distribution.

Keywords

Smyrna , Gems , Asia Minor

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