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Period: 20th Century
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Teacups And Plates Denmark Hand Painted Wildflowers
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

Danish Contemporary 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Antique Edwardian William B Kerr Sterling Silver Purse or Lady s Evening Bag
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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...
Category

American Edwardian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Whiting Davis Mesh Purse Bag
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
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...
Category

American 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Other

Boucheron Paris 1940s Art Deco Sterling Gold Ruby Necklace Compact
Located in University City, MO
Boucheron Paris 1940s Art Deco sterling, gold & ruby jeweled compact - necklace The exquisite Boucheron compact is designed with a beautiful gold pie...
Category

French Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver

Betony Vernon "Leather Whip Necklace" Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
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 ...
Category

Italian Contemporary 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hattie Carnegie Whimsical "Insect" with Movable Wings Gilded Hardware Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Hattie Carnegie wonderfully whimsical etched gilded gold vermeil hardware "Insect" brooch is accented with movable wings as if in flight whether being worn or just simply plac...
Category

American Baroque Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Snuff Box, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Mother of Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
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...
Category

French Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Telescopic Pencil
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Telescopic Pencil- This elegant piece features a telescopic pencil that opens to 110 mm. Case has hanging ring to attach to chain or fob...
Category

20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris
Located in Bilbao, ES
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...
Category

American Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This unique and wonderful Cartier Paris Pendant-Watch necklace was manufactured ca. 1920 with the dial movement and case signed Cartier. The original guilloche dial has enamel roman numerals and fine enamel minute bars on the perimeter. The watch crystal is held within a fine gold ring...
Category

French Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Emile Galle Art Deco Vase
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Emile Galle Art Deco Vase Beautiful Art Deco piece that was made in France in the 1930s An overlaid and etched glass vase, cameo signature G...
Category

French Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Vintage Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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 ...
Category

Unknown Modern 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fabergé 18 Kt Gold Egg Red Enamel with Gold Stand, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds
Located in BARI, IT
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...
Category

European 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Enamel

Cigarette or Card Case 20th Century.
Located in Paris, FR
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...
Category

Unknown Neoclassical 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Dagger/Knife Stick Pin with Ruby and Rose Cut Diamonds in 18 Carat Gold
Located in London, GB
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,...
Category

British Edwardian Antique 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold

Navajo Needlepoint Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
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...
Category

American Native American Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Cartier Paris Retro Ruby and Sapphire Gold Double Lipstick
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

French Artist 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Hermès Paris Sterling Silver Bolide Bag Pill Box Charm Pendant
Located in New York City, NY
Fine sterling silver pill box in the likeness of an Hermes Bolide bag, by Hermes. The box can be used in a multitude of ways: as a standard pillbox, a pendant, or as a charm. Almost 2 inches wide and approx. 30 grams in weight. This Hermes pill box is a unique and luxurious accessory that pays homage to the iconic Hermes Bolide bag. Shaped like a miniature version of the famous Hermes Bolide bag, which is celebrated for its structured silhouette and distinctive closure. Hermes itself is a renowned French luxury brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs. This particular piece, designed primarily as a pill box, can be used as a charm or pendant as well. It is crafted from sterling silver, which is highly prized for its durability and lustrous appearance. The sterling silver material provides a sleek and elegant backdrop for the intricate details of the Bolide bag pill box charm...
Category

20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category

American Contemporary 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Three Big Golden Eggs with Diamonds Emeralds and Rubies in 18K yellow gold
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
This beautiful set of three ornamental gold egg boxes are truly novel and symbolise good fortune, prosperity and love. Each egg was fine crafted in 18K gold with screw fittings in th...
Category

British 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Andre Schwob, Retro Gilded Metal and Sapphires Minaudiere, Boucheron Model, 1935
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Beautiful and Rare Andre Schwob Retro Minaudière, Circa 1935. The Model was created by Schwob for Boucheron....
Category

French Retro Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gilt Metal

Navajo Turquoise, Coral and Bear Claw Belt Buckle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo Kingman turquoise and bear claw buckle with small nugget of red coral. Stones and claw set in sterling silver surrounded by leaves, scrolls and beads....
Category

American Native American Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Coral, Sterling Silver

Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Edwardian Faberge Chalcedony Enamel Gold Bell Push
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge chalcedony, gold and enamel bell push, enamelled translucent blush and pearl grey with sunburst guilloche background, with circular cabo...
Category

Edwardian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Chalcedony, Yellow Gold

Montegrappa Sterling Silver Gold Tone Finish Fountain Pen with 18 Karat Gold Nib
Located in Braintree, GB
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...
Category

Italian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Two 100 Gold Austrian Corona from 1915
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

Austrian Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

"Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 and continues to seduce BV collectors today. Fabricated using multiple l...
Category

Italian Contemporary 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

British 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Cartier Paris Diamond Gold Evening Purse
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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...
Category

French Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Cartier Art Deco Platinum Carved Sapphire Emerald Diamond Evening Clutch Bag
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Cartier evening clutch bag, with platinum clasp, decorated with carved sapphires and emeralds, with diamonds. Clasp measures 30mm x 18mm. Bag measures 7" x 5.5". With gold...
Category

French Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond Compact
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...
Category

French Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier, Paris 18 Karat Gold Evening Minaudière
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

French Artist 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Gold and Enamel, Diamond Pills Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
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, ...
Category

French Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Magnificent French Retro Sapphire Gold Box
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent retro sapphire gold box. Sapphires are perfectly set in graduation with total weight of 25 carats The box has the maker's mark RL & numbe...
Category

French Retro Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category

Ethiopian Modern 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Opal

Buccellati Sterling Silver Dominoes Set
Located in New York City, NY
Elevate game night with this exquisite vintage Buccellati sterling silver dominoes set. Crafted with the renowned Italian jeweler's signatur...
Category

Italian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Stick/Tie Pin, Fox Head with Ruby Eyes set in 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Sweet, edgy, and boho pin, creative and fun to wear, charming with this 9 carat yellow gold pin in fox head design. The fox head itself has incredible details, from its whiskers to i...
Category

British Retro Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Antique Whiting Sterling Silver Whist Game Counters or Markers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Whist game counters or markers. Made by Whiting and retailed by Bailey, Banks, and Biddle. In sterling silver. Each with sealed wheel co...
Category

American Edwardian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handcraft 925 Thousandths Silver Bag
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Category

Italian Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Carved Rock Crystal Fish Desk Objects by Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Carved Rock Crystal Fish Desk Objects by Boucheron A pair of rock crystal and gem set table ornaments, circa 1970 Designed as a rock crystal carp upon a jasp...
Category

French Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Navajo Turquoise and Gold Bracelet, Ring, Bolo and Buckle Set
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: bracelet, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...
Category

American Native American Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

Tiffany Co. Retro 14 Karat Gold Shoehorn
Located in New York City, NY
Chic and unusual 14K yellow gold shoehorn by Tiffany & Co. It features a ribbed design to both sides of the handle with initials on bottom. A handsome g...
Category

20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold

Sterling Art Deco Enameled Hat Pins
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco pair of sterling and enamel hat pins. Of opal white engine turned enamel with incised flower head motifs. Hallmarked, sterling silver. Excellen...
Category

Unknown Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Steel

10 Karat Yellow Gold Mechanical Pencil
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Mechanical Pencil- This lovely piece features a mechanical pencil with a beautifully engraved 10K case and clear stone acc...
Category

20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Art Deco Natural Pearl Onyx Diamond Platinum Compact
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite!! Art Deco! Natural pearl, mother of pearl diamond and onyx compact, circa 1920's. Here is when we say and Picture Is Worth Thousand Words Estimated diamond weight...
Category

Unknown Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Onyx, Platinum

Rare English Silver-Gilt Book-Form Chess and Backgammon Game Board, circa 1976
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare English silver-gilt book-form chess and backgammon game board, circa 1976. This exceptional and rare solid silver chess board converts into a backgammon board and can also be placed in a bookshelf to add more opulence. (3 in 1). This was most definitely a private commissioned piece by the House of Garrard...
Category

British 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Silver Table Garden Fountain
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
For any inquiries,please contact the seller through the message center. A touch of greek mythology for this table silver fountain. the top of the fountain there is a male character ...
Category

Italian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock is of French Origin, and dates back to the 1980s. SKU#W-00755
Category

French Retro Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal

Ruser solid Gold Framed Evening Bag Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Ruser 14K yellow Gold Evening Bag Mirror, 2 sided with a beveled Mirror and a very cute, figural and detailed baby, a Ruser trade mark looking at his own reflection in th...
Category

American Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold

Jocelyn Burton Seashell and Moonstone Encrusted Sterling Silver Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine cylindrical sterling silver box by Jocelyn Burton. The box's lid is richly encrusted with miniature silver sea shells and bezel set with 2 ...
Category

British Modern Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Moonstone, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen - 017
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen. The simple & sleek design is functional and stylish. This piece has a twist retractable closure and a...
Category

North American Contemporary 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Emile Galle Art Deco Vase
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Beautiful Art Deco piece that was made in France in the 1930s An overlaid and etched glass vase, cameo signature Gallé. Beautiful orange and red colors combining a special ombre loo...
Category

French Art Deco Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Cartier Paris 1950 Mid-Century Bamboo Mechanical Pencil in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Bamboo pencil designed by Cartier. Very unusual and useful luxury piece, created in Paris France by the iconic house of Cartier, during the mid century period, back in the 1950's. T...
Category

French Post-War Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in Long Island City, 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

French 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

18K Gold, Diamonds, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Bloodstone, and Jasper Toucan Bird
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Long Island City, NY
An 18K gold, diamonds, amethyst, tourmaline, bloodstone, carved emerald, opal and jasper toucan bird resting on a gold tree branch, mounted on a carved malachite base. A very rare and unique gold-mounted jeweled object...
Category

Italian 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Jasper, 18k Gold

Large Art Deco La Pierre Babylonian Mixed Metals Sterling Silver Copper Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Art Deco mixed metals vase. From the La Pierre Manufacturing Company's 'Babylonian' line. In sterling silver and copper. Consisting of a copper body with a wide sterling silver neck and rim and a sterling silver ferrule. With a lovely burnt red-orange patina to the copper. Founded in 1885 in New York City by Frank H. LaPierre, the LaPierre Manufacturing Company were makers of high quality sterling silver wares...
Category

American Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper, Mixed Metal

H A Cary Figural Orientalist One Hump Camel Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful figural sterling silver letter in the form of a one hump camel. The camel wears a wry expression on its face and has a finely detailed, sculptural quality. This is...
Category

American Egyptian Revival 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Van Cleef Arpels 2 in 1 Lipstick Holder and Pocket Watch, Malachite and Onyx
Located in Berlin, DE
Fabulous and extreme rare Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 accessory. Lipstick Holder and Ladies Pocket Watch. Malachite and Onyx Case. Movement: mechanical manual winding. A unique coll...
Category

Art Deco 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Malachite, Onyx

Schlumberger Gold Poodle Lighter
Located in New York, NY
Schlumberger Gold Poodle Lighter , 18k carved gold with ruby eyes .Circa 1950 Measurements: 5.5 x 3.3 x 2.1 cm Gram Weight: 47.3 grams Gold Type: 1...
Category

French Vintage 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 14k Yellow Gold Lighter
Located in Montreal, QC
Antique used 14k yellow gold lighter, good condition (missing fuel), not clearly marked. Acid tested 14k. Measures 50mm x 11mm in diameter. In good condit...
Category

Unknown 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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