European Collectible Jewelry
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Place of Origin: European
18kt Gold and Natural Diamonds "Zenith" Women
s Watch, Manual Winding, 1970s
By Zenith
Located in Palermo, IT
18kt Gold and Natural Diamonds "Zenith" Women's Watch, Manual Winding, 1970s
Very elegant, working clock.
18kt white gold and 0.64 ct natural diamonds.
The case has a diameter of 22m...
Category
1970s Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Silver Vintage Austrian Charivari Grandeln Lederhosen Octoberfest Hat Pin
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This curious Folk Art stick pin was probably worn by a man, in particular, a hunter, as a charm. They’re often found on the charm bracelets of hunters, ...
Category
Early 1900s Folk Art Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria.
Length including...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Cartier Art Deco, 18K Powder, Lipstick 4.365 Oz. Auction Prices exceeded $35000
By Cartier
Located in Soquel, CA
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Powder - Lipstick 4.365 oz., Art Deco, Rare - Paris
Rare and Precious Object from Cartier Paris, 1920-1925, .750-18KT yellow gold, carved antique Jade, 30 Ceylon sapphires, enamel. Please note the recent auction records prices reflect sales of $28,000-$40,000 for one of these compacts. The Jadeite Jade plate comes from the apprêts. The term apprêts referred to a stock of fragments from disassembled jewelry and other objects, including ancient items...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Jade, Gold
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Seahorse Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist seahorse keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped a...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Collectible Jewelry, Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin, France, circa 1950
By Line Vautrin
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A hanging articulate three-piece gilt bronze brooch "Purgatoire" also known as "Le Ciel, la Terre, et l'Enfer." by Line Vautrin. Each element with f...
Category
1960s Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Bronze
$2,394 Sale Price
20% Off
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
1930s Italian Petit Point Evening Bag Mother of Pearl
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Italian Petit Point Evening Bag with Mother of Pearl and Gold Tone Hardware
Fine needlepoint hand-stitched scenic tapestry embroidery
stamped made in Italy
gold car...
Category
Early 20th Century Victorian European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Dutch 19th Century Crystal and Gold Scent, Perfume Bottle, Ca 1860
Located in Delft, NL
A Dutch 19th century crystal and gold scent, perfume bottle, ca 1860
A Dutch scent or perfume bottle with crystal cut shaped body and gold (14 Carat, 585...
Category
19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, Gold
Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
By Cartier
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking.
Title:
Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow Cushion
Description:
This gem is a one-of-a-kind custom made luxury cushion (pillow) from an exquisite and rare vintage vintage pure silk Cartier fashion scarf...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Linen, Silk
Antique Victorian Bohemian Cocktail Ring With Garnet And Pearls
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Garnet and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring - Gold-Plated Silver, Floral Cluster Design
A dramatic and elegant vintage cocktail ring, this piece features a central deep red garnet en...
Category
Early 20th Century Victorian European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Ladies Wristwatch of 18k gold by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe for Georg Jensen
By Georg Jensen
Located in Berlin, BE
Ladies Wristwatch of 18k gold by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe for Georg Jensen, 1970s
Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe (1927–2004) was one of Sweden's most important 20th century silversmiths and the first female silversmith to attract international attention. She secured her first exhibition aged 21. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, she was part of the Paris art studio fraternity, counting Picasso and Billie Holiday as friends.?
Torun created the Vivianna watch in 1962, a spoon-shaped ‘never-ending’ bangle with a mirrored dial and simple hands but devoid of numerals. Originally commissioned for an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, she said her decision to leave out the hour markers suggested a kind of non-time, so that each time the wearer looked at the dial, the message that ‘life is now...
Category
1960s Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
1850 Austrian Enamel Coin Purse
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique little Biedermeier coin purse. Its case is made of brass covered in royal blue enamel. The lid displays an oval gold colored frame filled with white enamel with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Lorenz Pocket Watch and Chain, all in 18 kt Gold, gift never used, Italy, 1990
Located in Palermo, IT
Lorenz pocket watch and chain, all in 18 kt gold, gift never used, Italy/Switzerland, 1990
Total weight gr. 52.6.
Like new, always stored in a safe.
Swiss made quartz...
Category
1990s European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Elephant Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking.
Title:
Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Elephant Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Cushion Pillow
Description:
Large custom made one-of-a-kind luxury cushion (pillow) created from an exquisite rare vintage pure silk Cartier fashion scarf in a striking print named ‘La Route des Indes’, translating to English as ‘The India Road’. It illustrates exotic elephants in procession adorned with fabulous opulent jewels. They spiral around the square frame one behind the other whimsically ascending in scale. The most magnificent of all leading at the front in a statuesque pose and elaborate decoration. Their eyes are pave set with previous stones of emerald and amethyst and the gold elephants continue along the boarder as well.
Cartier is a luxury Parisian empire which originated in 1847 with Louis-François Cartier and is recognised all around the world for their high end creations. The lavishly bejewelled exotic oriental creatures appear to be a reference to the brand’s signature necklaces, bracelets and earrings; ‘Tanjore’, and ‘Djigar’ necklaces, “Rajastan’ bracelet and ‘Gupta’ brooch. This particular peachy coral pink with jade green accents and a glorious subtle sheen is one of the most spectacular examples we have come across.
The fabric was personally hand-picked by Katie at antiques market ‘Marche aux Puces Saint-Ouen’ on the outskirts of Paris.
On a sumptuous silk soft to the touch.
Backed in new 100% pure Irish linen, the aristocrat of textiles and certified by the Irish Linen Guild, lined in a layer of natural bamboo cloth...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Textile, Linen, Silk
Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870
Located in Queens, NY
Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870
Presenting a truly exceptional Victorian gold perfume bottle, crafted in England around 1870, and showcasing the distinctive "Scottish pebble" design. This exquisite piece is a masterpiece of Victorian artistry, blending luxurious materials with impeccable craftsmanship.
The perfume bottle is elegantly tapered and cylindrical in form, adorned with a stunning array of alternating lozenge, diagonal, and wavy band panels, meticulously inlaid with a rich selection of hardstones, including jasper, agate, and bloodstone. The intricate patterning of these precious stones creates a captivating visual display, embodying the refined taste of the Victorian era.
A touch of opulence is added by the hinged lid, crowned with a striking bloodstone, and the delicate pearl push-button release, which adds a subtle, yet luxurious detail. This beautiful piece is further complemented by its original fitted box, a rare find that enhances its historical value and desirability.
This Victorian perfume bottle...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Agate, Gold
Jewel walking stick, signed Lazarus Pozen Witwe, Germany end 19th century.
By Lazarus Posen Witwe
Located in Milan, IT
Walking stick: a jeweled stick with a tactile L-shaped handle, played on the contrasts of 800/1000 silver and vermeil. Wide stepped silver arches surround niches in openwork vermeil ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Vermeil, Silver
Christian Dior Signed 1960s Snake Chain Gold-Tone Metal Graceful Swag Belt
By Christian Dior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Christian Dior, France, a 1960s Era belt made of five gold-tone snake chains bound at three intervals with soldered rectangular stations. The chains hang in a graceful swag. The Christian Dior stamped...
Category
1660s Mid-Century Modern Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Metal
Jewel walking stick, signed Evald Nielsen, Copenhagen, Denmark 1920.
By Evald Nielsen
Located in Milan, IT
Walking stick: Art Nouveau jewel walking stick, smooth 925/1000 silver knob, pleasant to the touch, L-shaped with gold relief decorations, which delimit curved lines with semi-precio...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Stone, Metal, Silver
Jewel walking stick, handle with a clock. Signed Froment-Meurice, France 1849.
By Froment-Meurice
Located in Milan, IT
A jeweled walking stick made of silver and gold, designed and crafted by François-Désiré Froment-Meurice. The pommel features a French-made clock with exposed balance wheel, enclosed...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Agate, Metal, Gold, Silver
Carl Auböck Model #5663
Shell
Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #5663 'Shell' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass.
Price is per item...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Mint 1997 Omas “Return to the Motherland” limited edition 18k gold fountain pen
Located in Weesp, NL
1997 OMAS Return to the Motherland Limited Edition Fountain Pen
Solid 18K Gold · No. 063/200 · 123g · Mint Full Set w/ Original 1997 Red Ink
A rare and historically weighted masterpiece — this 1997 OMAS Return to the Motherland fountain pen was created to honor the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese governance, marking one of the most significant geopolitical transitions of the 20th century. Only 200 examples were produced worldwide, each individually numbered. This piece is No. 063/200, preserved in mint, uninked condition, and complete with every original component.
Crafted entirely in 18 karat gold and weighing an impressive 123 grams, the pen is sculpted in deep high-relief — a tactile narrative rendered directly into precious metal.
Sculptural
Symbolic Detail
• Imperial Dragon in full sculptural relief — symbol of prosperity, sovereignty and protection
• Flowing silk texture motifs — referencing millennia of Chinese heritage and continuity
• Engraved Great Wall — endurance, culture, identity, the spine of civilization
• Pink/White Dolphins — indigenous to Hong Kong waters, symbols of harmony, freedom, renewal
• Red lacquer grip and finial — the color of fortune, vitality and auspicious beginnings in Chinese culture
These elements are not printed — they are carved, dimensional and alive with symbolism.
A writing instrument that feels like a piece of sculpture.
Nib — Two-Tone Gold with Commemorative Engraving
The pen is fitted with a two-tone 18K gold nib — white finished (rhodium/platinum over 18K) with inlaid yellow-gold dragon details and engraved:
“HONG KONG 1997”
Also signed OMAS · 18K
This feature alone makes the edition unmistakable: culturally specific, commemorative, and produced at a level of craftsmanship few modern pens approach.
Complete, Original Presentation
✔ No. 063/200
✔ Inner and outer boxes (deep red, gold accents)
✔ Commemorative gold-plated display case...
Category
1990s Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Star Sea Star Starfish Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist star keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Ancient Bulgarian Belt Buckle, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Bulgarian Belt Buckle in silvered metal encrusted with mother-of-pearl reliefs, realized in 19th Century.
Excellent condition.
Category
19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Metal
Walking stick, rock crystal, by Leopold van Strydonk, Brussels, Belgium 1900.
By L. Van Strydonck
Located in Milan, IT
Walking stick: jewel walking stick, rock crystal knob, spherical in shape, caged by intertwined bands made of gilded silver with garnet cabochons. Rosewood shaft. Metal and iron fer...
Category
Early 20th Century European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Rock Crystal, Metal, Silver, Iron
Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Comb Made from Horn
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful half-moon shaped comb. The item was hand-crafted from horn and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It's a remarkable example of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Horn
Carl Auböck Model #5732
Hand
Brass Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5732 'Hand' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass.
Price is per item....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
$230 / item
Wonder Sapiens 10 Hand-Sculpted Ring, 24K Gold-Plated Bronze by Marion Fillancq
Located in Geneve, CH
Wonder Sapiens 10 Hand-Sculpted Ring, 24K Gold-Plated Bronze by Marion Fillancq
Dimensions: Ø 1,5 x H 1,5 cm.
Materials: 24k gold-plated bronze and mirror.
Available in different s...
Category
2010s Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Wonder Sapiens 11 Hand-Sculpted Ring, 24K Gold-Plated Bronze by Marion Fillancq
Located in Geneve, CH
Wonder Sapiens 11 Hand-Sculpted Ring, 24K Gold-Plated Bronze by Marion Fillancq
Dimensions: Ø 1,5 x H 1,5 cm.
Materials: 24k gold-plated bronze and mirror.
Available in different s...
Category
2010s Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Gold Vintage Cartier Panther Diamond Jewelry Silk Scarf Cushion Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
A stunning large custom made one-of-a-kind luxury cushion (pillow) created from a rare and exquisite vintage pure silk Cartier fashion scarf in a striki...
Category
20th Century European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Textile
Jugend Style Fork Bangle in Silver by Silversmith J. Thomsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Stylish and organically shaped fork bangle - bracelet made by the Danish Silversmith J. Thomsen. It splits is two half and features a practical loop-lock.
Fully hallmarked with 3 t...
Category
Early 20th Century Jugendstil European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Carl Auböck Model #5617
Peanut
Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5617 'Peanut' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass.
Price is per ite...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5600
Heart
Solid Brass Keyring w/ Signature
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5600 'Heart' Solid Brass Keyring w/ Signature. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Antique Victorian Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver, 43 cm, 31 gr, 1900s
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exquisite Victorian-era Bohemian garnet necklace, crafted in gilt silver and imported to Sweden by Connors for Mauritzons Nybro, bearing the distinctive “oval + tree crowns” hallm...
Category
Early 20th Century Victorian European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Antique Miniature Portrait Pendant Brooch in 800 Silver, France 1900s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Miniature Portrait Pendant Brooch in 800 Silver, Depicting Queen Marie de’ Medici
This exquisite antique miniature portrait pendant brooch is a fine example of 19th-century ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belle Époque European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Cartier Wrist Watch Art Deco Design Black Lacquered Storage Case Suede Inlay
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Black Lacquered Watch Box
With Three Watch Compartments Fitred With A Grey Suede Interior, Chromed Metal Hardware With Cartier Branding To The Top of The Lid
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Antique Ottoman Belt Buckle, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Antique gilded Ottoman Belt Buckle, with three red stones.
Very good condition.
Category
19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Metal
Ancient Bulgarian Belt Buckel, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Bulgarian Belt Buckel, 19th Century.
Gilded metal.
Category
19th Century Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Metal
Vintage 90
s Dolce
Gabbana 511S Black Frame
Rose Lenses Oval Fly Sunglasses
By Dolce
Gabbana
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fabulous 1990s Dolce & Gabbana designer women's Oval Fly Sunglasses with black frame & rose lenses. Marked on frames : Dolce & Gabbana 511S, Made in Italy.
Inside dims between ar...
Category
1990s Hollywood Regency European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Claude Lalanne, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Queens, NY
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) A rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985,
Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450.
Measures: 4" high x 3...
Category
20th Century Art Nouveau European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Modernist Matching Pair of Enamel Gents Cufflinks, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
Extremely stylish and totally original are these matching pair of English 1930s Art Deco modernist enamel gents cufflinks. Fabulous geometric patterning and color, with a slight mode...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Enamel, Silver Leaf
Mint C. and Large Antique Display Box w. Beveled Glass Top
Silver Spoons
Located in Lisse, NL
Fine quality and condition, 1860s box with perfect working silver lock and key.
This handcrafted spoon box is another one of our recent great finds. It comes with beautifully shaped...
Category
Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Antique European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Danish Modernist Ring, Pendant
Armring in Pewter
Pink Stones, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Art jewelry set consisting of a pink gem set bangle, ring and pendant in pewter. We recon that the pink stones is either rose quartz or moonstones. This set was handmade during the 1...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Modern Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Pewter
$212 Sale Price / set
47% Off
Art Deco Flapper Girl Pin Cushion Doll Made by Fasold
Stauch, c1930
s
By FASOLD
STAUCH
Located in Devon, England
This very charming flapper girl pin cushion doll has a real echo of Betty Boop about her. Lovely detailing, all hand painted and styling with her fur trim coat. The colours are brigh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Porcelain
Necklace compréssion by César Baldaccini, signed.
By César Baldaccini
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare pendentif dit coppression par César, signé.
« Ses parents, Omer et Lelia Baldaccini, italiens d’origine toscane, tenaient un bar à Marseille où César est né, avec sa sœur jumelle Amandine, en 1921 dans le quartier populaire de la Belle-de-Mai, au no 71 de la rue Loubon, dans le 3e arrondissement[1]. « Je suis fondamentalement un autodidacte absolu », dira-t-il[2]. À l'époque, il dessine et bricole des carrioles pour son petit frère avec des boîtes de conserve. Néanmoins, après avoir d'abord travaillé chez son père (il aide également un voisin charcutier pour un maigre salaire après avoir quitté l'école à douze ans), il va suivre de 1935 à 1939 les cours de l'École supérieure des beaux-arts de Marseille ; en 1937, il obtient trois prix, en gravure, en dessin et en architecture[3].
Non mobilisable pendant la guerre (il échappe également au STO), il vit d'arnaques avant de s'installer à Paris pour être admis, en 1943, à l'École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts avec Michel Guino, Albert Féraud, Daniel David, Eugène Dodeigne et Philippe Hiquily, comme lui dans l’atelier de Marcel Gimond. En 1945, il retourne à Marseille pour épouser Maria Astruc, avec qui il monte un commerce (ils divorceront en 1959). Il revient en 1946 à Paris où il occupe un atelier dans un ancien bordel au 21 rue de l'Échaudé, dont les chambres, à la suite de la loi Marthe Richard, avaient été attribuées à des étudiants[4]. Il y rencontre Émilenne Deschamps, qui deviendra par la suite une de ses égéries.
Devant l'impossibilité pour lui de travailler la pierre, en raison de son coût, il se tourne vers d'autres matériaux[3]. Dès 1947, il travaille le plâtre et le fer. En 1949, il est initié à la soudure à l'arc dans une menuiserie industrielle de Trans-en-Provence et utilise le plomb en feuilles repoussées et des fils de fer soudés. En 1951, il visite Pompéi et reste marqué par les moulages des corps des habitants pris dans la lave[3]. En 1952, il utilise des matériaux de récupération peu coûteux et réalise ses premières sculptures en ferrailles soudées : ses moyens sont alors toujours modestes. Ainsi, par manque d'argent et pour s'offrir du marbre, César va récupérer dans les décharges de ferraille les matériaux de ses premières sculptures : des tubes, des boulons, des vis qui deviennent des insectes ou se retrouvent dans les courbes puissantes de la Vénus de Villetaneuse (1962).
En 1954, il expose à la galerie Lucien Durand à Paris et obtient le prix « collabo » pour une sculpture intitulée Le Poisson[5], réalisée à Villetaneuse, ville où il travaillera une douzaine d'années grâce à l'aide d'un industriel local, Léon Jacques[6]. Il acquiert la célébrité lorsque son œuvre est achetée 100 000 francs en 1955 par l'État pour le musée national d'art moderne[7]. La même année, il expose au Salon de mai. L'année suivante, le MNAM achète Chauve-souris de 1954 et le musée d'art moderne de la ville de Paris Le scorpion de 1955. À partir de 1954 (Torse, MOMA), il réalise également des sculptures en métal soudé, puis en bronze partiellement poli, de femmes plantureuses (Ginette, 1958, Victoire de Villetaneuse, 1965).
En 1956, il participe à la Biennale de Venise puis à la Biennale de São Paulo et à la Documenta II en 1959. En 1958, il signe un contrat avec la galerie parisienne...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Bronze
Omega Jumbo Triple Date Moonphase Cosmic Vintage Watch 1952
By Omega
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Omega Triple Date Moonphase Cosmic Vintage Watch 1952
Ref. 2486-1, caliber 381 (Lemania 27DL)
Patinated silver dial, alternating applied Arabic numer...
Category
1950s Other Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Stainless Steel
$8,140 Sale Price
20% Off
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4500
Lucky Pig
Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4500 'Lucky Pig' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Walking stick, Duilio Cambellotti and Petocchi swallows cane, Rome, Italy 1910.
By Duilio Cambellotti
Located in Milan, IT
Art Nouveau walking stick: T shaped handle starts with a plane collar over which we see the Petochi maker’s mark (silversmith), the 800 hallmark (800/1000 silver) and the CD initials...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver, Brass, Iron
Vintage Georg Jensen Silver Ring No. 91 by Nanna Ditzel
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Nanna Ditzel for Georg Jensen sterling silver ring. Designed as a curved undulating sculptural form. It sits beautifully on the finger, catching light from different angles. The ri...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Sterling Silver
Carl Auböck Midcentury Very Large Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist XL Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Brass
Gem set Danish Silver Arts
Crafts Bookmark by Wilhelm Volck, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Wilhelm Volck, a renowned Copenhagen silversmith, made this small practical luxury bookmark page marker in 830/1000 silver. Finely engraved details and adorned with a small red cente...
Category
Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Rolex Chronometer "Northern Goldsmiths" – 1939 Vintage 9K Gold Manual-Wind Watch
Located in Encino, CA
A Rare Pre-WWII Rolex Chronometer with Co-Branded Dial and High-Precision 18-Jewel Movement
This is a highly collectible and historically significant 1939 R...
Category
1930s Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
A Bavarian Charivari from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historical Bavarian folk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Vintage Georg Jensen Twisted Silver Armring Bangle by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe
By Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe
Located in Esbjerg, DK
As modernist armring or bangle designed by the Swedish female iconic silversmith Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe during the late 1960s. It has a twisted shape with concave organic curves e...
Category
1960s Organic Modern Vintage European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
A Bavarian Charivari from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historical Bavarian folk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art European Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
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