"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Gold has always been one of the most sought-after finishes. For thousands of years, the precious metal ...

In the 1700s, there were about 300 artisans making gold leaf in the city. Now there is just Marino Menegazzo, who is also one of very few remaining in Europe. Marino Menegazzo held an ingot of gold.

“People used to scoff at wood or glass or bronze in fine jewelry, but now it’s more accepted,” one gallerist said. By Sarah Royce-Greensill As creative director of the Parisian jewelry house Boucheron ...