Provenance: Relates to a particular history or source of a gemstone or jewellery article. For instance, the Hope Diamond has internationally recognized provenance.
Why is provenance so important?
The quality and effectiveness of many abstract pieces don't stand up over the years, without knowing the history. A good, unsigned work may sell for $100 at auction, but sign it, and it will sell for $1,000.
It has a very wide provenance, being found wherever there is quartz.
Industrial Minerals
Stones ...
The chapter titled "Smuggling, Heat Treatment, and Provenance of Burma Rubies" presents some stories that are quite amusing, including how the 496.
When this jewelry began appearing in European collectors' markets in the 1980s, not only was its provenance questionable, but it was also presented as 'manufacturer unknown' in the literature when it did appear.
Gems whose provenance can be ascertained always have collectors. Red spinels that are deep red, large and relatively free of inclusions are also highly desired.
" Daniela Mascetti, Sotheby's jewelry specialist is quoted in The New York Times as saying "The provenance of a gem is important in ways that are not true of other things.
Collectors should note that numerous "old classic" specimens,
from both Leadhills and Wanlockhead, do not always bear their precise mine provenance. Unfortunately, this information
may frequently be of a generalized nature.
Provenance plays a major role in added value, e.g., a brooch worn by Martha Washington would have historical importance; a brooch worn by Martha Washington featured in a famous painting would have even more.
Clearly, antique ivory objects, under conditions where they can be legally traded, are valued based on the rarity of the materials, their age, provenance, and the artistry of their fashioning.
Stokes; The Glass and Glazing Handbook; Standards Australia; SAA HB125-1998
Brugmann, Birte. Glass Beads from Anglo-Saxon Graves: A Study on the Provenance and Chronology of Glass Beads from Anglo-Saxon Graves, Based on Visual Examination.
Sea glass is found upon the shoreline, and may have originated from a piece of jetsam dropped into the sea centuries ago (certain colours of glass indicate an historic provenance - i.e. black glass from 18th century gin, wine and beer bottles).
The document should state the type of article and it's style, design, motif, method of construction, type of metal, quantity of gemstones with sizes and qualities, provenance, and historical significance when applicable.
Stones of famous provenance are more prized than those lacking in personal history.
 See also: Antique, Stone, Import, Color, Jewel
  
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