Stone Fruit

Happy Tuesday my friends!
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.
It was a busy one for us.
Mikayla's 9th birthday party was Saturday,
and every day this weekend and even yesterday
Bob and I have been working on our yard until dark.
Trying to get everything done before his surgery.

So today I decided to write a post about stone fruit.

Stone fruit is not made from stone as you may think.

It is actually made from Italian Carrara marble.

Early pieces began to appear in the Victorian Era.

These will be hand carved and muted with age.

Some are even pitted and may have lost some color.

Fruit was mainly carved, however there are some fine

examples of nuts that were made too!

Most made to size, while others a bit smaller.

Just remember the earlier pieces would have had a wood stem to them....

which most likely have been broken off.

Grapes would be hand wired together to the wood stem individually.

Cherries would also be wired together.

The main reason why it was called stone fruit is that when you
put it up to your cheek it will be cold to the touch.
I personally like to do the weight/ color test.
Heavy and muted.

My pear is a newer version as the stem is not wood.
Newer pieces are also brighter, lighter and air brushed
instead of being hand painted.
I don't mind purchasing the newer Italian made fruit,
however buyer beware as these are now made in China and Mexico.
The fakes as I call them are much bigger, and weigh less
than their Italian counterparts.
My reason for not purchasing online.

See the pitting on the apple to the left.
It is old compared to my pear on the right.

Again pear on the left...no stem old.
Red pear new.

Peach and banana old.

Put together however, they look like they are all the same era.
Remember the red pear on top is not old.
The black compote is from the 18th century.
I love the fruit inside.

Fruit slices such as peaches, watermelon and even plums are rare.
Because of this they can command high prices up to $1500.00 for one.
If I ever get my hands on one though, I would definitely keep it
for my newest collection.

Its been a dreary rainy day today.

Left work early for a dentist appt.

Finishing up 2 crowns...yes I did say two.

Its going to be a take out Chinese dinner tonight...

and no garden work as it is too wet outside.

Hope everyone enjoys their evening!

Stone Fruit Blessings To All!

Janice