Turning toward the camera - a selection of self-portraits by Van Leo, circa 1939-1945

 

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Van Leo (born Levon Alexander Boyadjian; 20 November 1921, Jihane, Turkey - 18 March 2002, Cairo, Egypt), Armenian-Egyptian photographer. A prolific portrait photographer - many of his sitters were contemporary celebrities - he is now perhaps better remembered for his hundreds of imaginative self-portraits. 

You can read more about him on his Wikipedia entry and at this website and at this.

Circa 1996.

Precious and pale pink - vintage and royal pink topaz jewelry

 

While a large percentage of these pink stones may look decidedly purple... they are... pink. You'll just have to trust me.

The Swedish pink topaz and diamond demi-parure. (Two images.)

Part of the Württemberg pink topaz and diamond parure. (Four images.)

Early nineteenth century French necklace. (Two images.)

 Pink topaz diadem of Queen Louise of Prussia.

From the collection of Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy.

Brooch formerly in the collection of the princely house of Thurn und Taxis. (Two images.)

(To the best of my knowledge, these are all pink topazes. But the internet being what it is, there may be a few imposters: tourmalines, pink sapphires, etc.)