Serena Kutchinsky: The Golden Egg That Changed Everything - Antique Jewellery Historian

Welcome to the very first full episode of Antique Jewellery Historian – The Podcast! For this rather special first conversation, I'm joined by journalist and author Serena Kutchinsky, whose family name was once synonymous with some of London's most extraordinary jewellery. At the heart of her story is an astonishing creation: a magnificent golden egg, decorated with rare pink diamonds, commissioned by her father, Paul Kutchinsky, in an attempt to rival the masterpieces of Fabergé. But what began as an extraordinary dream became a story of ambition, obsession, family heartbreak and a mystery that would take decades to unravel. We explore the fascinating history of the House of Kutchinsky, the family's Jewish heritage, diamonds, tiaras and the remarkable people behind the jewels. We also discuss Serena's wonderful book, Kutchinsky's Egg: A Family Story of Love, Loss and Obsession, and what it meant to uncover the extraordinary story of her own family. It's a conversation about far more than jewellery. It's about family, identity, extraordinary craftsmanship and the stories that objects carry through generations. I do hope you enjoy our very first episode! Because, after all, jewellery is just the beginning. With love, Zuleika x READ SERENA'S BOOK Kutchinsky's Egg: A Family Story of Love, Loss and Obsession by Serena Kutchinsky. Discover the extraordinary true story of a magnificent jewelled egg, a family jewellery dynasty, and the ambition that changed their lives forever. Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1398532843 Amazon USA / International: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668079097 ABOUT THE PODCAST Antique Jewellery Historian – The Podcast is hosted by Zuleika Gerrish, jewellery historian, qualified gemmologist and co-founder of Parkin & Gerrish. Follow along on Instagram: @antiquejewelleryhistorian Discover our antique and vintage jewellery: https://www.parkinandgerrish.com 00:00:00 Introducing Serena Kutchinsky 00:01:42 From Poland to London's East End 00:07:05 Building a jewellery business on trust 00:10:48 Growing up among precious stones 00:14:34 Writing honestly about her father 00:21:48 Argyle pink diamonds and the golden egg 00:26:25 Publicity, pricing and the unsold egg 00:29:47 Why the egg's mechanism failed 00:32:53 Gold figurines and customs scrapes 00:37:41 A princess's tiara in five days