Fine Jewelry More Objets d Art and Vertu

Elegant, rare, and dating to the late Qing period (circa 1890s), this hand-carved nearly colorless white nephrite plaque has been etched on both sides. One one, the Chinese mythological figure known as Zhang Guo Lao is depicted riding a mule. On the opposite side, a magpie sits on a branch of cherry blossoms. The magpie is associated with intelligence. The carving is breathlessly simple and excellent; the work executed -of course- without the aid of electricity or modern tools. Measuring 42.54mm x 29.92mm, the plaque has a hole drilled through the center, which is original to the piece. A silver bail is threaded through the hole and a pair of beads -black jade and coral- reside at the bottom. The jade plaque hands from a 1920s silver chain that is 32" in length. Prior to the discovery of and appreciation for the very fine green jadeite from Burma, colorless, opaque, pure white nephrite jade from the Northern mountains of China was the most revered jade; the original "imperial jade, as only members of the royal court could wear or even touch it. Most of what is commercially sold today as "mutton fat...

The "Leather Whip Necklace" was designed in 1997 by Betony Vernon. The "body" of the whip is made of handwoven leather. The empowering unisex necklace is ...

Pure luxury and uniqueness in this Malachite and Brass combination Vase. Malachite is a precious stone which is usually found in small quantities and is formed over thousands of year...

This rare and most unusual cast iron plaque with the portrait in profile of Hercules dates from the first or second decade of the 19th century. It is a typical example of the work of Prussian Iron...

Exceptional quality antique Russian vermeil silver and shaded enamel Pan-Slavic Style tea strainer by Nikolai Alekseyev. The handle decorated in dove grey...

Exceptionally rare 18th century diamond set calcedony intaglio pendant depicting the famed Roman marble Bocca della Verita, the Mouth of Truth. The eni...

Alex Jona, hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver money clip. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design, but also for the careful attention given to details duri...

New, in its original box with tags, Antique Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse / Bag. Includes original care instructions from the maker. Popular in the 1920s & ear...

A fine antique Edwardian purse or evening bag. In sterling silver. By William B. Kerr & Co. The purse has a small chain and opens with a button. The interior has two pockets on ei...

Exceptionally rare antique Russian Icon of Saint Tryphon, the Patron Saint of wine growers, restauranteurs, falconers. Saint Tryphon's saint day is February 14th, according to the Old Calendar, which is the time for wine growers to prune their grape vines for an abundant harvest in the fall. This day became a wine festival celebrated with much drinking to toast the upcoming growing season, particularly in Greece, Macedonia and the surrounding Balkan Countries where wine is an important source of income. By extension, Saint Tryphon also came to be revered as the Patron Saint of restauranteurs and bar keepers. A Russian legend relating to Saint Tryphon is that Tsar Ivan the Terrible...

Five agate intaglios of varying size and age have been mounted in 18 karat gold settings. The settings are connected by golden balls made out of 18karat . They are threaded on a foxt...

From the personal collection of style icon Iris Apfel we have her Set of Six Hand Painted Danish Teacups and Dessert Plates with images of Wildflowers in the style of Royal Copenhage...

This finely modelled and extremely rare French Art Nouveau ring features two entwined irises and two flower buds surrounding a fine white orien...

Fine antique 19th century Qing Dynasty celadon jade pendant plaque of rectangular form, exceptionally well carved on both sides. On one side, a b...

The wonderful carved Essex Chrystal stickpin of a pug is mounted in gold. The reverse carved ad painted crystal has been executed in England in 1865 ca. The pug wears a collar with a...

Large Art Deco period lorgnette with a long, elegant reticulated 14K white gold handle accented by two diamonds and three sapphires set in a stylized geometrical and scrolled design ...

A very fine Tiffany and Co. key holder in sterling silver. With an unengraved pendant tag. A great Tiffany everyday piece! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall ...

Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated Sterling Silver money clip. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality, but also for ...

The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...

ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris with box Dimensions Height: 6cm / 2,36 inches Width: 3,5cm / 1,37 inches Depth: . 1 cm / 0...

A special piece made in Cartier's Paris workshops, a diamond studded gold evening purse. In excellent condition, this purse opens to reveal a mirror...

Perfume box with six blown and cut opaline crystal flasks set in an open, gilt bronze box. The pink, “pigeon throat” opaline is cut in a gadrooned pattern, and the removable stoppers...

The foremost game of strategy unfolds between the most fantastic cast of characters with this unique and stunning handmade, custom designed chess set. Consider first the sheer weight...

A Viennese miniature gold zappler carriage clock probably by Carl Wurm, with a repoussé, chased and engraved case, designed as a small bracket clock, with the front face finely chase...

This exceptional boulder Koroit Opal is a true masterpiece of nature, showcasing a captivating array of colors and patterns. Mined from the Australian outb...

Antique Silver Card Case in form of purse, Birmingham 1910, Adie & Lovekin Ltd. The case of hinge and thumb piece design, richly engraved scro...

One of the finest game boxes we've had the pleasure of offering, classic Regency Style, the case beautifully constructed of rare, dramatically figured Coromandel wood, lift top with front panel doors opening to reveal a hand carved chess set...

Rare Fabergé gold egg with its gold stand. It is decorated with red guilloche enamel and precious stones: emeralds (0.40 carats), sapphires (3.15 carats), d...

Large rectangular case in enameled gold. The panels of the case are embellished with translucent, royal blue enamel that reveals the intricate wave pattern in the gold underneath. Ea...

French tri-colored, red, green and yellow 18Kt gold pencil case decorated with applied classical lobes, swags and festoons of flowers. French rubbed mark, circa 1810 Width: 12 mm H...

Dragonets are baby dragons, and this white nephrite pi disk features a pair of them. Flawlessly carved by a skilled lapidary artist more than 100 years ago, this white nephrite pi disk is a superior example of a late Ming...

18kt solid yellow gold piston fountain pen with diamonds and mother of pearl, and 18kt gold nib, fully hallmarked. Limited edition number 792 of 888. The retractable Au 750 solid gold nib is adorned with the engraving of a sugar cane plant...

Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder ashtray With copy of Cartier sketch Measurements: Leng...

An archaeological-revival coral and gold Spartan diadem, in the form of a gold band with seven concave discs each set with a cabochon coral, alternating with eight floral motifs each set with a small cabochon coral, all with gold wirework decorations of Etruscan style, made in Naples circa 1840, bearing gold hallmarks N3 with the profile of Parthenope, gross weight 94 grams. A gorgeous and sumptuous Spartan diadem, made in the mid-nineteenth century in Italy. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, jewellery inspired by the Ancient World became very popular. This diadem is made from bright yellow gold in which is set seven glowing orange cabochon-cut coral stones within carved gold discs. Further gold wirework and smaller coral stones add to the beauty of this piece, which is simple and bold. By family repute, this diadem, purchased in England during the early part of the 20th century, was once owned by Empress Eugénie of France. Winterhalter's portrait of the Empress in 1864 depicts her wearing a gold diadem similar in design to this one. Eugénie loved jewels and as well as enjoying the sumptuous French crown jewels...

Navajo needlepoint concho belt. Signed LMB, marked sterling. 11 conchos total. Exceptional design on each concho, featuring floral style center with complementary scalloped silverwork and final layer of turquoise framing concho. Old Pawn. Acquired from a Navajo trader. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total Belt Length 62 1/2" Leather; conchos 2 1/4"D The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies and sometimes turquoise would be from the early 1900s – 1930s. The timelines may slightly differentiate depending upon who you ask. Natives first had concho belts for personal use only, but around the turn of the last century, tourist demand had kicked in and a new outlet emerged. belts & buckles jewelry silver belts conchos navajo needlepoint southwest turquoise...

Beautiful Prayer Beads for the traditional and stylish man. Consists of 33 Akoya Light Gray Pearls. Very hard to find Color. Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold w...

Cartier Woven Two tone 18k Gold Purse. This purse has a woven design of 18k yellow and white gold with a twisted rope chain (length 14 inches). Inside th...

Antique Mughal Indian Enamel and Diamond Cup Saucer & Spoon Set A 200+ year old masterpiece: Incredible enamel on gold tea cup, saucer, and spoon. Set w...

Detailed out of the ordinary antique yellow gold pin, with an edgy dagger sweet motif of a sharp yellow gold dagger sleek and smooth. The handles are crafted with such consideration,...

This beautiful cameo brooch/ pendant depicts the Last Supper in great detail. A true cameo is a miniature sculpture in relief, carved from a single shell. Travelers touring Europe he...

A set of two 100 corona gold coins from Austria, marked 1915. The front of each gold coin features the right-profile bust of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the crowned King of Hungary and E...

Enveloped in a sea of 60.26 carats of fancy vivid yellow diamonds is this tour de force of jewelry craftsmanship from the collaboration of jewelry legends Fred Leighton and Carvin French. Made for Patricia Kluge...

Very elegant VCA 18kts woven Yellow Gold brocaded pattern Compact. Made in the 1960 - when all you needed was your compact and your jewels. The opening spans the compact and is...

Rectangular box with three tones of gold and royal blue enamel. The hinged lid is embellished with a multicolored gold medallion in relief featuring a bouquet of roses and tulips, se...

Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel, silver texted fur with glass eyes, enamel nose and gilt acorns. Signed on one leaf Mario Buccellati, 925, and 15-MI M...

Brand: Cartier Condition: Excellent Total weight: 135.5 g SKU#O-00626

A fine antique English sterling silver perfume flask. With a tapered spiral form body and a conforming lid. Made by Gourdel, Vales, & C...

An important Faberge chalcedony, gold and enamel bell push, enamelled translucent blush and pearl grey with sunburst guilloche background, with circular cabo...

A stunning vintage, Art Deco snuff box. Beautifully crafted from pretty panels of lustrous Mother of Pearl in an oval shape, it has an 18 karat yellow gold rim, marked and tested. The top is set with a gorgeous silver cobweb design setting which houses over 1.2ct of rose cut and round cut diamonds and a fine rich deep green octagonal cut emerald. The edge of the box has a small lip...

This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...

Cartier Double Headed Lipstick Holder This accessory has two heads that can hold lipstick and 2 carved gemstones (ruby and sapphire) all set in 1...

This exquisite desk object was crafted in France during the early 20th Century and would have been an impressive object to own. The desk seal is crafted from a cigar shaped piece of black onyx which features a diamond set collar to one end and a monogram intaglio 'seal' to the other, all circa 1915. The monogram is 'AMF' which has been beautifully engraved into the underside of the seal. The piece retains its original Morocco leather fitted box signed 'Appay', a French manufacturer, and embossed 'AMF' to the top of the lid. The firm Appay were retailing at 24 Rue De La Paix in Paris which is close-by the Place Vendome and also the Opera, however little information is known about the business. The hinge on the Morocco leather box...

Amythest and 18k Tri Color Gold Sulphide Cameo Scent Bottle on Stand, early 19th Century, possibly by Baccarat. A custom made period stand in sterling allows the bottle to be display...

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 unique and extremely rare antique purse is made out of fire gilt metal. The pouch is decorated with six oval and one round painting on glass imitating Roman micro...

Montegrappa - Sterling silver gold tone finish fountain pen with 18k yellow gold nib. Made in Italy Circa 1993. Fully hallmarked. Dimensions - Pen Length x Width : 13 x 1.4 cm Wei...

Enamelled gold handbag box in the shape of a shell. The finely chased gold is adorned with geometric guilloché and enhanced with translucent opalescent white and royal blue enamels, ...

Micro Mosaic Gold Snuff Box An 18 karat gold snuff box accented with blue enamel set with a micro mosaic of dogs hunting a deer Circa 1850's Dimensi...

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Beautiful and Rare Andre Schwob Retro Minaudière, Circa 1935. The Model was created by Schwob for Boucheron....