Group of Unmounted Gemstones and Specimen Stones

Description:

Group of Unmounted Gemstones and Specimen Stones, various cuts, including amethyst, garnet, star ruby and sapphire, sinhalite, topaz, citrine, and zircon, in specimen display boxes.

Note: The Gemstone Collection of Robert W. Thompson Jr., Gulfport, Mississippi.

R.W. "Bobby" Thompson (1901-1969) built a distinguished career as an attorney and partner at Mize, Thompson, Mize, arguing cases before the Mississippi State Supreme Court and advocating for working people and poor clients in the deep south. He was appointed as a judge to the Federal bench in the last year of his life.

Thompson was fueled by hobbies that required skill, rewarded knowledge, and satisfied his interest in collecting. He was an accomplished equestrian, enjoyed fox hunting, and kept a kennel of hounds. He traveled, studied the classics, and became expert in woodworking and jewelry-making. He graduated from Ole Miss, and was acquainted with the author William Faulkner.

Thompson began collecting gemstones in the 1940s. Over twenty-five years, he acquired gemstones from Brazil, Burma, Thailand, and across the United States, among other locales, selecting stones for their beauty and singularity. His goal was to accumulate "one of everything." The collection bears the imprint of his devotion to this goal, and to the connections he nurtured over decades that gave him access to fine and unusual specimens.

Mr. Thompson's heirs look forward to placing these gemstones with people who will continue to appreciate their beauty and value.



Estimate $400-600


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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