Trials of Magic Magic has been a subject of intrigue and fascination for centuries. It is an art that dates back to ancient civilizations and continues to captivate people's imaginations to this day. However, with the allure of magic comes the trials and challenges that practitioners must face. One of the first trials of magic is the acquisition of knowledge. The study of magic requires immense dedication and a thirst for understanding. It involves delving into ancient texts, deciphering cryptic symbols, and grasping complex concepts.
It involves delving into ancient texts, deciphering cryptic symbols, and grasping complex concepts. Magic is not easily learned, and the trial of acquiring knowledge is a significant hurdle that aspiring magicians must overcome. Another trial of magic is the control of power.
Behind the Gavel: Uni Kim
The first Korean auctioneer at Sotheby’s as well as one of its youngest, Uni Kim is passionate about jewelry history, from ancient gemstones to non-fungible token (NFT) jewels. The graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is also a jewelry designer and illustrator who has garnered a global audience of over 60,000 followers across her various social media platforms. Hong Kong-based Kim joined the auction house’s jewelry department and its Sotheby’s Diamonds division in 2016.
Uni Kim’s Instagram account. (Uni Kim)How did you start your career as an auctioneer?
When I first joined Sotheby’s as a cataloguer, I had the opportunity to travel to Seoul to work on an exhibition project alongside the Contemporary Art Department — this was three weeks into the job. I was asked to read the press release as the emcee at the time, as I was fluent in Korean, and although I was really nervous, I ended up calm and composed on stage. After that event, my supervisors told me that I would make a good auctioneer based on my reactions on the podium in an event that had a lot of press coverage and also involved a K-pop idol I’d been a fan of since I was young. Years later, as I learned more about the auction industry, my supervisors vouched for me to be trained as an auctioneer. Since then, I have learned so much from my mentor Ian McGinlay, as well as my peers throughout this journey. I’m proud to be the first Korean auctioneer here, as well as the first female auctioneer to achieve a white-glove sale at Sotheby’s in Asia.
What was the first piece of jewelry you brought the gavel down on?
The first piece I hammered was a seahorse-themed brooch designed by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. I remembered reading the book Jewels of Jean Schlumberger by [Chantal] Bizot and colleagues, and seeing the design sketch while I was researching the piece, so it was a fabulous brooch to [have as] the first item I auctioned. I remember clients sitting in the room bidding, as well as phone and online bidders competing for it, as it was the first lot of our Magnificent Jewels sale series. It was a very unusual season, as that was also the same year we had two massive typhoons hit during auction week in Hong Kong. To commemorate this, I named my gavel after the name of the typhoon.
Who has been the biggest source of inspiration in your career?
This may be a strange response — not so much if you follow me on social media — but I would have to say it’s Steven Stone. He’s one of the champions from the Pokémon game series when they were first named after gemstones — ruby, sapphire and emerald — and his character has an unyielding passion for rare stones. Through a series of significant events, I also became extremely interested in gemstones, which ultimately brought me to study gemology after doing my degree in business and economics. Perhaps because my source of inspiration was originally from a place of fiction, I continue to see gemstones in their idealized manners and have emotional connections to these incredible displays of natural wonder and human ingenuity.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
I genuinely enjoy doing research for the special auctions that we have each year, as that is when we showcase one or two key lots for the season. This gives me more time to get close to one object, dig deep into its story, and get to know it intimately. Until the jewel finds a new owner, I have the amazing privilege to appreciate some of the most fantastic jewels in the world in a deeply personal manner. I still miss some of the jewels that have been auctioned, and I hope to see them again sometime in the future. Some of the most memorable jewels that I had the pleasure of researching included the CTF Pink Star, the Williamson Pink Star, and the Woolworth-Yard jadeite bead necklace. This season, it was the Infinite Blue, which is an extraordinary fancy-vivid-blue diamond from the Cullinan mine that weighs over 11 carats.
Which is your favorite era of jewelry and why?
I love ancient and antique jewelry very much, so it is not easy to pinpoint a specific era. I am a huge fan of Egyptomania pieces from the Art Deco times. My father was huge on archaeology and Egyptian history, so I grew up being accustomed to those aesthetics, and came to love how it had been interpreted by various cultures. My favorite signed jewels are from the 1920s, when Cartier brought back ancient faience carvings and amulets that were thousands of years old from Egypt to create modern pieces: brooches, pendants, earrings and even hat pins.
In terms of ancient pieces, I have a love for the gold jewels of the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla, created during the fifth to seventh centuries, and their usage of carved gokok — comma-shaped jade — as adornments. The most magnificent examples can be seen through their crowns, and my favorite is the gold crown from Hwangnam Daechong.
How has social media impacted your job?
I have lived most of my life on the internet, as is normal of my generation, and it’s very much a part of how we relate to each other. Information travels extremely fast on social media, and while it can be overwhelming at times, with moderation, it’s a very effective impact maker. I like connecting with people in this way and have met many people inside and outside of the industry — some who have even become my closest friends. I mainly interact with others through Instagram and Twitter (now X), and it’s interesting to note how each community has its own communication cultures and styles.
What extraordinary jewel do you wish you could buy, if money were no object?
It would be a micro-ivory carved ring depicting the crucifixion of Christ that is currently in the Albion Art Jewellery Institute collection. This ring was created in the early 17th century, and the magnificent detail preserved in the carved ivory never fails to amaze me; I have been obsessed with it for years, and it has always remained, to me, one of the best pieces of jewelry that I would like to own. I recently heard that this might be one of the favorite pieces of Kazumi Arikawa, the president of Albion Art, in the collection as well, though. I guess it will be on my wish list forever!
What advice would you give to an aspiring auctioneer?
I once asked Henry Howard-Sneyd — chairman of Asian art, Europe and Americas at Sotheby’s, [as well as] the global lead auctioneer in Asian art — how I could become a great auctioneer. He simply replied, “Be a good person.” I didn’t quite understand the advice in the beginning, but as I have grown in doing more auctions, I began to realize that great auctioneering requires us to be sensitive and to look after the competing interests of many parties and people in a manner that is fair and upstanding. I offer, then, that same advice to aspiring auctioneers: Be a good person.
Main image: Uni Kim. (Sotheby’s)
Magic is a potent force that can be unpredictable and dangerous if mishandled. Practitioners must learn to harness their power and use it responsibly. It requires discipline, self-control, and an understanding of the consequences of one's actions. The trial of mastering power is essential to ensure that magic is used for the greater good and not for personal gain or harm. Furthermore, the trial of ethics is a crucial aspect of magic. Magic has the potential to manipulate and influence the world around us. It grants practitioners the ability to alter reality, change destinies, and even control minds. Therefore, it is essential for magicians to navigate the moral dilemmas that arise from their magical abilities. They must question the limits of their power and consider the ethical implications of their actions. The trial of ethics challenges magicians to make choices that align with their values and uphold the greater good. Lastly, the trial of acceptance is a significant obstacle for magicians. Throughout history, magic has been met with skepticism, fear, and persecution. It is often seen as unnatural or even evil. This trial forces practitioners to confront societal biases and overcome the fear of rejection. They must find the strength to embrace their magical abilities and stand proud in the face of adversity. In conclusion, the trials of magic are diverse and demanding. From acquiring knowledge to mastering power, navigating ethics to seeking acceptance, magicians are faced with numerous challenges along their journey. However, it is through these trials that they grow, learn, and ultimately become the skilled and responsible magicians that captivate our imaginations..
Reviews for "Trials of Mabic: The Ultimate Challenge for Magicians"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I found "Trials of mabic" to be quite underwhelming. The storyline was disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow and engage with the characters. Additionally, the gameplay mechanics felt clunky and unresponsive, which significantly hindered my overall enjoyment of the game. I was also disappointed with the lack of variety in quests and missions, as it quickly became repetitive and monotonous. Overall, I would not recommend "Trials of mabic" to others as there are far better options available in the market.
2. John - 1/5
"Trials of mabic" was a complete letdown for me. The graphics were outdated and lacked any real detail, making the game visually unappealing. Furthermore, I experienced numerous glitches and bugs throughout my playtime, which disrupted the gameplay and made it incredibly frustrating to progress. The combat system was clunky and uninspired, lacking any real depth or strategy. Overall, "Trials of mabic" felt like a lazy attempt at creating a captivating gaming experience and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable gaming experience.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Trials of mabic" based on the promotional material, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The character development was lacking, as I struggled to connect with any of the protagonists on an emotional level. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to become invested in the game's narrative. Additionally, the leveling system seemed unbalanced, with certain enemies being either too easy or too difficult to defeat, resulting in an inconsistent and frustrating gameplay experience. Ultimately, "Trials of mabic" failed to captivate me and I would not recommend it to others.