Shell Decorative Objects

A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone stamp box By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 2.13"D x 1.25"H. Good orig...

Beautiful Large Natural Highly Decorative Sea Shell. Great for decorating! I purchased a collection of Sea Shells from a antique store in Newport.

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...

A fine and elegant Korean black lacquer and abalone mother of pearl inlay "longevity" box, circa 1930s, Korea. The box, most likely used to sto...

Rare black coral on a pyrite crystal base with a fossilized seashell. Black coral is a unique and extremely slow growing coral typically found at extreme depths. The piece was put ...

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...

A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...

An exquisite pair of floral dioramas, crafted with a meticulous composition of seashells, conch shells, and mother-of-pearl, arranged in the form of three-dimensional floral bouquets...

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...

Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.

Inlaid with floral sprays of engraved mother of pearl and brass From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this William IV Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box. The Sewing Box ...

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...

1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass) Shell with crack in it (as shown) Stand not sold with frame Hinged arm missing from back of frame

This resplendent rectangular Judaica jewelry box is a true celebration of traditional craftsmanship and refined artistry, entirely veneered in lustrous...

A metal magnifying glass with seashell handle, circa early to mid-20th century. Piece has a metal frame with what appears to be a 'Richer's amalda' seashell, a rare deepwater species...

10.75" Polished Ammonite Shell Fossil Cleoniceras Species, Over 100 Million Years Old. A truly spectacular ammonite in both size and appearance. Weighing almost 8 pounds, with subtle...

Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, with some accents of rock Crystal and citrine crystal . Come in ...

A fine vintage silvered sea shell. Comprising a high spire sea shell with silver overlay throughout. In the style of Ruzzetti & Gow or Buccellati. The ...

Large Ammonite, Rare Pachylytoceras Dilicidum Species, 190-200 Million Years Old apx. This is a beautiful, multicolor fossil specimen, probably found in France. The leafy patterns an...

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 ...

This is a very stylish tessellated pen shell, bone and wood box most likely by Maitland Smith and made in the Philippines. This long, slender beauty measures 15 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 2.75"...

Large Ammonite Fossil Natural Specimen, Mortoniceras Drakeoceras Maximum. About 110 million years old. At nearly eleven inches, this is a substantial and beautiful fossil ammonite. ...

Large Fossil Ammonite Natural Specimen, Mortoniceras on Artistic Display Matrix. About 110 million years old. This is a lovely display ammonite nicely recovered and given an aestheti...

There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...

Firmly Attributed to Hausburg From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Victorian Writing Box attributed to ...

In Renaissance Style with various shaped applied stones and strap-like figures in front and back, the silver lid opens as box.

Mexican silver box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay. Lid opens to a wood lined interior. Very nicely done and a really beautiful object!

Lovely Assortment of Decorative Shells of all species including Queen, spider conchs, brain and branch coral, all great for decorative use. Small natural losses but overall very nice...

Transporting vintage Moroccan ostrich eggs hand decorated with figures, animals and trees executed in classic Moorish style and presented on lucite bases. On stand: H: 7 DM: 5 Off S...

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, ...

A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...

There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on onyx base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fine qual...

As found Beautiful Mother of Pearl Irredescent Large Mussel Clam Half Shell , circa 1970's nice condition can be used as soap or candy dish.

18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also sterling silver.This piece would have originally been dressed in an elaborate gown and would have been changed into different attire depending on the holy season. Extremely detailed and the carving is exceptional. this piece came from a very reputable merchant in Verona, I did inherit it from my mother in Law...

A vintage black lacquered lidded circular box with mother or pearl floral inlaid décor. This vintage Chinese black lacquered box is a testame...

This refined cigar case is executed in richly figured tortoiseshell, shaped in a gently contoured rectangular form with softly rounded ends, the exterior polished to a deep transluce...

A stunning vintage plaster bust. A chic Shell encrusted man with all large and interesting shells. Sure to be the focal point of any space. With a plinth for extra drama.

A beautiful natural seashell from the sea, circa ealry-20th century or earlier. Shell appears to be what is called a 'great rapa chank', with origin off the cost of Sri Lanka. A beau...

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...

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

18th century Italian "Florence Fragment" candlestick base mounted and adorned with quartz crystals and topped with an ammonite. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and saved from the historic Florence Flood of 1966. It is part of the The Florence Fragment Collection which is exhibiting with Museo de’ Medici in Florence, Italy this fall. This is a collection of historical fragment...

With a figure of Neptune holding aloft a beautiful iridescent shell enclosed by three strap-work figures. The cover surmounted by three sea horses and...

Impressive branch and cauliflower coral assemblage hand crafted in specimens with mother nature's sea inspired colors and forms. Presented on a lucite base to enhance its sculptural ...

Victorian Period, sterling silver-mounted (unmarked, but tested) Cowrie shell snuff box with hinged lid, England, Ca. 1840's. Measures 3 inches long x 2 inches deep x almost 2 inches high. Sterling silver mount is engraved Mrs. Margaret Burke...

This Vide poche is a shell, in white color.

Mid century Italian nautilus shell enhanced with silver plate overlay and presented on a silvered faux rock base. Signed Ruzzetti & Gow on the bottom.

Antique organic natural specimens brunch coral on a marble and wood stand. Great natural light pink color. Great condition.

Organically formed Agatized fossil coral with unusual and rare coloring. As Florida's state stone, Agatized Coral is the product of a 20-30 million year process through which the co...

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

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...

This is a wonderful Gigas Tridacna also known as clam shell from the ocean in great condition

Sculptural 17th century hand-carved Florence Fragment mounted with a fossil shell with barnacles and adorned with crystals. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found ...

An early twentieth century shell spoon, comprised of two shells and supported on a metal stand. The handle is delicately carved from a singular shell, with...

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...

Beautiful Atlantic trumpet seashell professionally mounted on genuine sea coral base, artistically embedded with exceptional crystal quartz stone, and citrine crystal quartz stone to...

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

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...

20th Century African Cameroon Namji Doll for Prosperity, Health & Fertility Offered for sale in a 20th-century African Namji doll from the Namji tribe of ...

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 ...