Jade Collectibles and Curiosities

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...

Chinese 14-Karat Gold and Jade Buddha Necklace Pendant with Ruby

A monumental one-of-one fountain pen sculpted as a full three-dimensional imperial dragon, created by master lapidary Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio and retailed by S.T. Dupont, Ateli...

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 necklace, ring and earring set is signed by an unknown maker, and presumed to have originated from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export style...

Art Deco jeweled 14k gold, diamond, Jade and amethyst enameled and articulated bracelet in the form of a snake. 8 rose cut diamonds. Jade and amethyst cabochons with multicolored en...

Antique French style telephone. Decorated in the Asian style. Hand chased gilt brass. Inset with carved jade moth plaque. Bakelite and brass handset. Signed. Circa 1920's. Made by Be...

A thick jade pendant carved from Burmese Jade. It features a beautiful range of colors including icy-yellow, apple-green and pale-green jade. Weight: 34.20 ...

Antique Tibet Po Cha Religious Mug Silver finely engraved White Jade Coral , refined object of great class and history, in excellent condition.

Chinese agate, jade and rose quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 28cm, width 37cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this delicate fl...

Large 18k white gold, diamond and emerald floral form pin brooch with spinach Jade and rock crystal. Diamond and emerald centered above carved rock crystal petals and Jade leaves. 39...

Nicely carved Jade pendant. Weight: 29.13 grams. Jewelry / Necklace.

Chinese hardstone and cloisonné enamel flower tree model Chinese, 20th Century Height 54cm, width 42cm, depth 39cm Depicting a basket filled with a lavi...

Hand-carved of the highest quality jade, this 19th century Archer's ring was likely worn by a gentleman-scholar in Northern China. Traditionally, Chinese archers wore these rings to ...

This jade and yellow gold pendant is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, likely England, in circa 1965 in a Chinese inspir...

Round Art nouveau Vinaigrette, made of 18K gold. Configured as a pendant with safety lock.The lid of the box is in white jade with in the center several coiled snakes that also invad...

14 karat yellow gold floral form carved Jade and rock crystal pin brooch with two pearls and 10 rubies. Carved jade leaves and rock crystal flowers with pearls and rubies set in center.

Large Chinese hardstone model of a flower tree in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 48cm, width 39cm, depth 23cm Craf...

14k yellow gold brooch in the form of a floral grouping. Set with amethyst flowers, jade leaves and single cut diamonds. Marked 585 with makers mark. Weight 16.4g.

Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel flowerpot Chinese, 20th Century Height 18cm, width 11cm, depth 11cm This intricate flower model combines super cloisonné enamelling with several carved semi-precious stones, making it a highly collectable object. A metal trunk is set within the planter, treated with resin to evoke the natural texture of the bark. The trompe l’oeil illusion is continued via the branches, which are comprised of wire wrapped with brown thread. The branches are capped with a number of nephrite leaves and hardstone blooms, which contrast dark green shades with light red and pink flowers. The petals are carved from carnelian, rose quartz, and jade, and these hardstones can connote symbolic symbolism such as strength and healing. Each bloom is centred by a beaded stigma, the bright colours of which stand out against the hardstones. The cloisonné enamel planter...

Pair of Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower tree models Chinese, 20th Century Height 24cm, width 18cm, depth 10cm This pair of charming Chinese models depicts flower trees and is crafted from a large array of high quality materials. The flower trees are crafted from jade as well as other hardstones. The leaves are rendered from deep green jade, making the multi-coloured flowers beautifully stand out. The stigma on each flower is represented by several round beads. Some flowers also include additional twisted metal spring detailing. From the metal tree trunk extends a number of wire branches covered in thread. The execution of the models is outstanding as it creates a trompe l ‘oil effect tricking the observer into believing the model is real. Both models are displayed in vivid cloisonné enamel planters...

This beautiful antique silver necklace is adorned with an Asian style carved jade pendent. The handmade sterling chain has unusual links and jade beads th...

Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 20cm, width 16cm, depth 9cm Crafted in 20th century C...

This vintage tremolite jade necklace features a hand-carved openwork jade bead enclosed in its jade cage carving suspended from an intricate knotted silk cord with a traditional Chin...

Pair of Chinese hardstone and jade flower models Chinese, 20th Century Height 33cm, width 25cm, depth 17cm This superb pair of hardstone flower models are almost identical in design, comprising hardstone trees set within rectangular jade planters...

Chinese Black-and-White Jade Pebble Snuff Bottle, nephrite carved in the overall shape of a white peach of longevity with a black bat of happiness resting...

An elegant 18th–19th century Chinese jade chajuo (tea cup stand), carved in the form of a chrysanthemum flower—a traditional symbol of longevity and purity. The translucent celadon-green jade is finely worked with sixteen lobes radiating from a central circular recess designed to cradle a tea bowl during ceremonial service. Such stands were an essential element in refined Qing dynasty tea culture, used to elevate and stabilize precious teacups while enhancing the aesthetic harmony of the tea setting. The piece is presented on a custom-made wrought iron display stand...

With vintage charm and petite scale, this Chinese matchbox holder features an openwork jade lid carved to depict flowers and foliage in translucent green. The jade panel is removable...

Vintage jade & sterling silver Chinese necklace with happiness symbols pendant. Each block link is a different color of jade interspersed with various sterling discs. Marked 925. Tog...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A pair of highly stylized clip-on earrings made from 830/1000 silver and set with yellow jade stones. Anonymous French silversmith circa 1925 in the ...

A beautiful jade pendant featuring a monkey perched on a peach. The material is all natural white jadite jade with shades of green. The depiction of the monkey is vivid and adorable....

A Wonderful Carved Coral Flower Set With Diamonds On Stamped 750 (18K) White Gold Leading To An Oval Black Jadeite With Coral Center Dangle Chinoiserie Style Pair Of Vintage Earrings

Pair of large Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower models Chinese, 20th Century Height 39cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this pair of lar...

This antique necklace is signed by an unknown maker and originates from China, dating to approximately 1920 and done in the period Chinese Export style. The necklace is composed of 1...

This antique women's necklace is unsigned and unmarked but dates to approximately 1900 and presumed to originate from China and done in a period Chinoiserie style. The necklace is composed of 14 karat yellow gold with a thick robe chain and features and prong set hand-carved floral jade...

This charming, unusual Antique Chinese Carved Jade Cabbage is part of a pair and sold individually. Jade is a symbol of serenity and purity, signifying wisdom and tranquility. Jade c...

This charming, unusual Antique Chinese Carved Jade Cabbage is part of a pair and sold individually. Jade is a symbol of serenity and purity, signifying wisdom and tranquility. Jade c...

Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...

Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...

Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...

A small masterpiece. A carved bottle vial with lid carved of grey/brown jade and with decorations of ropes made of silver.

Seamlessly mixing influences from around the world, Werner works with oft-overlooked materials--including her signature black iron--to create bold pieces of striking beauty. "I am am...