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Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

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Material: Mother-of-Pearl
Art Deco English Tortoise Shell Mother of Pearl Box, circa 1920
Located in Pearland, TX
A stylish antique Art Deco English tortoise shell and mother of pearl tessellated box with a hinged lid and brass interior, circa 1920. A fabulous accent piece for any room! Dimens...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century Walnut Box With Bone and Mother Of Pearl Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century walnut box with bone and mother of pearl inlay, whaler made. This beautifully hand crafted box would have been made during the long voyage of a whaling ship. The star in...
Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

English Mother-of-Pearl inlaid Rosewood Box , Campaign Desk
Located in Wichita, KS
An elegant 19th-century English Regency rosewood writing slope and campaign desk, exquisitely decorated with mother-of-pearl scrolling foliate inlay and refined silver-toned metal st...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Moorish Inlaid Marquetry Mosaic Jewelry Box with Geometric and Floral Patterns
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This is a Moorish-style jewelry box adorned with inlaid marquetry work, featuring a mosaic of geometric and floral patterns. The design is highly detailed, with small pieces of wood,...
Category

1940s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood

R and Y Augousti Shagreen and Mother-of-Pearl Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
R&Y Augousti shagreen and mother-of-pearl vase, Paris, 21st Century. In great vintage condition.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Shagreen, Mother-of-Pearl

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond shaped rippling clock frame of ebony painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in differently stained m...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood, Mahogany

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning 19th century wall clock, diamond in shape, with rippling clock frame of ebony-painted wood. mother of pearl astral and filigree designs is inlaid in differently stained ma...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Denmark, 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Rectangular Empire Mahogany Jewelry Box On Brass Ball Feet with Mother of Pearl Inlay With Mirror, 1825. This small period trinket box in veneered mahogany and brass panels on...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Empire Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Mother of Pearl Inlaid Lacquer Elephant Motif Tissue Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite mother of pearl inlaid lacquer elephant motif tissue box, Intricately inlaid all over with numerous elephants in landscape. Fitted with a si...
Category

20th Century Anglo-Indian Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Large White Crystal Geode with a Natural Baroque Pearl
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Large white crystal quartz geode with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. 28lbs. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava flow weathers away to leave the quartz geode buried deep in the Moroccan desert. This was dug by hand and includes druzy white crystal formations. This is a large geode specimen...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Moroccan Prehistoric Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Antique Three Perfumes Scent Bottles In Mother of Pearl and Silver Metal Heart
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage Set of 3 Perfume / Snuff Bottles – Handmade Seashell with Silver Inlay, Mother of Pearl Finish This exquisite set of three vintage perfume or snuff bottles is a rare and unique collectible, beautifully handcrafted from natural seashell with a lustrous mother of pearl finish. Each bottle is adorned with intricate silver metalwork, showcasing ornate patterns and decorative detailing that transform these bottles into true works of art. The bottles are not only decorative but also functional, as they have been tested and confirmed to be waterproof. Their heart-shaped and rounded forms combined with the shimmering pearlescent shell make them an eye-catching display piece, ideal for collectors of antique perfume bottles, vintage snuff boxes, or mother of pearl collectibles. In very good vintage condition, this handmade shell and silver bottle set makes a striking addition to any antique collection, home décor, or gift for a collector of unique treasures. Perfect for display in a curio cabinet, vanity table, or as part of a vintage perfume bottle collection. vintage perfume bottles, antique snuff bottles, seashell bottles, mother of pearl perfume...
Category

1880s Spanish Arts and Crafts Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

English Mother of Pearl carved casket box with abalone inlay
Located in Winnetka, IL
English MOP carved casket box with abalone inlay. Velvet lining on 4 bracket feet
Category

Early 20th Century English Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Inlaid Table Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
Inlaid table cabinet with six compartments and two handles. This is a beautifully decorated crafted box reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural influences of Goa during the colonia...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Middle Eastern Moorish Jewelry Box
Located in Delray Beach, FL
exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box. This box is intricately inlaid with Moorish motif designs which have been uniquely inlaid with bone, mother of pearl and f...
Category

20th Century Asian Islamic Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Sandalwood

Antique Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Jewelry Inlaid Sadeli Footed Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 19th century Anglo-Indian jewelry, trinket footed box, inlay with ebony, mosaic marquetry Sadeli work and a carved Hindu scene on top. The box case is made from sandalwood wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Featuring Alternating Panels From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this fine Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rect...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Mother-of-Pearl Mexican Silver Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mexican silver box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay. Lid opens to a wood lined interior. Very nicely done and a really beautiful object!
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond-shaped, rippling clock frame of ebony-painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in the stained mahogany...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century Coffret with Mother of Pearl
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a low wooden coffret, whose surface is covered with diamond-shaped mother of pearl tiles. This item is from Q3 of the 19th century. The mother of pearl is made of two types of seashell. Furthermore, the inside is lined with claret velvet. The frames of the lid and base are made of ivory. Presented item is in good condition. Some mother of pearls tiles...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Plastic

A shell and carved wooden box in the style of Alexandre Noll, France, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Hand-carved wooden box, attributed to Alexandre Noll, France, 1950s. Made from high-quality dark wood, it features sleek, organic lines. Its unique lid is a genuine polished shell, r...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

19th Century Walnut and Brass Dome-Top Wood English Sewing Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
English walnut and brass dome-top box with Mother-of-Pearl, ca. 1860. With 6 sewing tools, 4 have mother of pearl handles, 7 pieces of circular fabric sam...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Decorative Jewellery Case, Japanese, Lacquer, Box, Art Deco, Circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an vintage decorative jewellery case. A Japanese, lacquer and Mother of Pearl lidded box in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Appealing example o...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Gorgeous Pair of Rare Estate Bronze and Mother of Pearl Life Size Parrot Birds
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering are a Rare Pair of Large Original Maitland Smith Impressive Cast Bronze and Patinated Parrots resting on Tree Stumps, their wing and tail feathers...
Category

20th Century French Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Continental Silver, Mother-of-Pearl and Jeweled Fantastical Bird, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
In Renaissance Style with various shaped applied stones and strap-like figures in front and back, the silver lid opens as box.
Category

1870s Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver

Wai Hing Clocks Co. Chinoiserie Lacquer German Tempus Fugit Grandfather Clock
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Wai Hing Clocks Co. Chinossorie Black Lacquer Hand-Painted Mother of Pearl inlaid German Movement Tempus Fugit Grandfather Clock This black lacquer grandfather clock...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century Beautiful and useful 20th century. Chinese lacquer box of circular shape, the domed cover with flora...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

A Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box, Judaica
Located in New York, NY
This resplendent rectangular Judaica jewelry box is a true celebration of traditional craftsmanship and refined artistry, entirely veneered in lustrous...
Category

20th Century Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Felt, Wood

Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Box from Ryukyu Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...
Category

18th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Ruler Selenite with an 18th Century Italian Fragment Baroque Pearls on Lucite
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf fragment and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spar. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece and the period shows that the Italian fragment is originally 18th century. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rare Georgian Engine Turned Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Rare Engine Turned Design The Sewing Box of slight sarcophagus shape stood upon four turned ribbed feet. The Sewing Box tapers up to the convex raised lid and features scrolling fl...
Category

Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table Cabinet Jewelry Box with Lap Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Japanese Mother of Pearl inlaid jewelry box w lap desk This item includes restricted materials and can not be sold outside of the contiguous United States. Additional i...
Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Palais Royal French Ormolu Mounted Desk Writing Set with Pen
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made antique French Palais Royal ormolu mounted mother of pearl desk stand with pen dating from around 1900. The stand comprises of an ornate looped wire work carrying handle with a candle holder mounted on a shaped metal body embossed and engraved with floral designs and with a coiled pen support one with a snake head terminal and other with a flower with a polished mother of pearl bowl...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Chinese Mother of Pearl Mounted Box with Four Boxes and Counters, 18th Century
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and rare Chinese mother of pearl mounted games box with four matching interior boxes containing gaming counters and dating from the 18th century. The rectangular shape...
Category

1770s Chinese Qing Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Large Moorish Arabesque Inlaid Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning vintage Moorish arabesque inlaid table box, 20th century, high quality rectangular box with hinged lid, featuring contrasting mother of pearl, exotic hardwood, and bone marquetry inlay arranged in geometric patterns, opening to red fabric lined interior. Dimensions: (approx) 3" High, 16.75" Wide, 6 1/8" Deep; 3.2lbs As warm and attractive as it is functional, having the ideal large size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including concealing a remote control on your coffee table or sofa table, or as a jewelry casket, trinket case...
Category

20th Century Moorish Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood, Ebony, Rosewood, Tulipwood

Jewelry Box by Cathrine Horsbøl — Denmark’s First Female Designer, circa 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Cathrine Horsbøl (1873–1947) Jewelry box in solid mahogany with inlays of lighter woods and mother-of-pearl forming an abstract facial motif, reminiscent of a stylized ape. Denmark, ...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany

19th Century French Gold Mounted Mother of Pearl Etui Set, c.1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French gold mounted on mother of pearl, extensive traveling etui set, of elongated octagonal form, the gold mounted with polished mother of pearl panels and the lid applied with cast and enamelled floral decoration, the lid opens with a push-button. Inside enclosing the original gold and steel implements:, scissors, pen knife...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP (Mother of Pearl) Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box from circa 1875-85. Gorgeously detailed and hand-crafted ‘sadeli mosaic’ inlay, from the Bombay Area, with deep greens with silver, pewter, mother of pearl, bone and ebony in geometric patterns. The box case, is made of sandalwood but completely covered in MOP, bone, faux ivory, ebony and mosaic inlay. Edged with faux ivory and banded with a different pattern of sadeli mosaic. Some minor damage to the top (repair is obvious in pics) and ivorine replacements to some edging, but it still a BEAUTIFUL BOX and of real QUALITY! The mosaic work is FABULOUS! Box opens to reveal its original blue velvet lining. It sits on 4 (recently added) silvered button feet. SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully crafted mother of pearl tea caddy from circa 1860 is a true testament to English craftsmanship and elegance. The exterior glows wi...
Category

1860s French Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Middle Eastern Moorish Handcrafted Mosaic Decorative Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern mosaic marquetry inlaid walnut wood box. Small box intricately decorated with Moorish motif designs which h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood, Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl
Located in Dallas, TX
Tortoiseshell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl from England. Metal lined under two lids.  Excellent condition, circa 1860.
Category

1860s English Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Antique English Mother of Pearl Rosewood Writing Box Hausburg
By F.L. Hausburg
Located in Northampton, GB
Firmly Attributed to Hausburg From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Victorian Writing Box attributed to ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

A pair of branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum), Sicily 1790
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of large branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum). Gilt bronze bases with phytomorphic calyx stem. Connection with an oval element in Lapis Lazuli and two spirals ...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Marble Picture Frame, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A neutral tan marble picture frame with brass and mother of pearl accents, in the Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Picture area: 3.19" Width x 5.13"...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Black Lacquered Lidded Circular Box with Mother of Pearl Floral Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage black lacquered lidded circular box with mother or pearl floral inlaid décor. This vintage Chinese black lacquered box is a testame...
Category

20th Century Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Large Holy Land Mother-of-pearl, Abalone Shell and Olive Wood Icon
Located in London, GB
A large Holy Land mother-of-pearl, abalone shell and olive wood icon Jerusalem, early 20th century Icon: height 55.5cm, width 52cm, depth 18cm Case: height 15.5cm, width 61.5cm, depth 57.5cm In fitted case, presented by the President of the Senate...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Olive

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in Queens, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver

English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a silver badge. English, circa 1870.
Category

1870s English Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Ruler Selenite with an 18th Century Italian Fragment Baroque Pearls on Lucite
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf fragment. Mica, and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spar. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece but the Italian fragment is originally 18th century. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
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21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Organic Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire
Located in New Orleans, LA
This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a remov...
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19th Century French Other Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

George III Sterling Silver-Mounted Etched Mother-of-pearl Snuff Box
Located in New York, NY
Georgian (George III) Period, sterling silver-mounted etched mother-of-pearl octagonal snuff box with hinged lid, London, year-hallmarked for 1803. The iridescent mother-of-pearl lid...
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Early 1800s English George III Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Ruler Selenite on Lucite Bases
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
A pair of ruler selenite on lucite bases. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is a crystallized form of gypsum and is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spare. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Period French Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry Boxes
Located in Roma, IT
A splendid and rare jewellery box completely covered in mother-of-pearl. On the top is an antique hand-painted miniature with a bucolic subject by a follower of François Boucher. The...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet

English Petite Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century English trinket box has an elegant design of lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay. The inlaid decoration depicts a spray of various flowers which ...
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Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

18th Century Italian Cross on a Pink Hematoid Quartz Heart with Aurora Crystals
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
18th century Italian cross mounted on a polished pink hematite quartz heart and adorned with aurora (sunset) quartz and a natural-forming cross shaped baroque pearl. The 18th centu...
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18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf

Large Chinese Lacquer Vase From the 1960s-1970s With Mother-Of-Pearl Inlays
Located in Opole, PL
Large Chinese Lacquer Vase From the 1960s-1970s With Mother-Of-Pearl Inlays A large Chinese lacquer vase on a five-legged base, decorated with...
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Late 20th Century Asian Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl

VERGER FRERES 1905 Paris Edwardian Card Case Box In Sterling And White Nacre
By Verger Frères
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian cased-box designed by Verger Frères. This is a beautiful rectangular pocket case-box for cards, created in Paris France during the Edwardian period, back in the 1905. T...
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Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Mughal Style Pietra Dura Marble Bowl with Stone Inlay, India, Mid-20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Mughal style pietra dura marble bowl - hand made - featuring a floral design with lapis lazuli, malachite, mother-of-pearl and turquoise inlay - unsigned - India - mid 20th century. ...
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Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble

French Ormolu Mother of Pearl Egg Shaped Enamel Perfume Bottles in Box
Located in Delft, NL
French 19th century Ormolu mother of pearl egg shaped perfume box on foot A beautiful egg shaped perfume bottle box, with interior of 2 perfume bottles wh...
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19th Century French Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Portal clock Vienna around 1825 with integrated musical mechanism Signed: A.O.
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Portal clock Vienna around 1825 with integrated musical mechanism Signed: “A.Olbrich in Wien” and number 215719157. Alabaster columns, blackened wood, gilded carving in the form of...
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1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Metal

Chinese Large Mother of Pearl Mounted Armorial Tea Caddy for MacPherson
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare, incredible and large antique Chinese carved mother of pearl mounted tea caddy with armorial for MacPherson and dating from circa...
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1770s Chinese Qing Antique Mother-of-Pearl Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl