Local Jeweler Debuts Rare 19th Century Ivory Carving

Paul Haig, owner of , has debuted a new acquisition – a finely carved 19th-century Continental ivory featuring the Greek myth “The Judgment of Paris” in New York.  The exquisite museum-quality piece dates to 1860 and is nearly two feet high.

Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry presented the piece at one of the premier antique shows in the country -- the New York Pier Antiques Show.

The story of the “Judgment of Paris” centers on a beauty contest between the goddesses Athena, Aphrodite and Hera. The prettiest would win a golden apple. When the god Zeus could not decide which of the goddesses was more beautiful, he let a local Trojan shepherd named Paris make the decision. Paris awarded the prize to Aphrodite after she promised to make the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy, his wife. The abduction of Helen from her husband, the Greek King Menelaus, was the mythological origins of the Trojan War.

“This piece is incredible and must be looked at in person to appreciate the carving’s intricate style and details,” said Haig. “The figures are gorgeous and the story of the Judgment of Paris is told beautifully in this rare piece. We are delighted to bring it to New York this weekend to show such a fabulous piece of art and art history.”