New York - Figurines and Sculptures

THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE BERGMAN AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A GREEN PARROT OR LOVEBIRD. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Br...

THIS IS A SUPERB BERGMAN AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF TWO PARAKEET BIRDS ON A BRANCH. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Bronze...

Collector Edition Infinity Gauntlet — #100 of 200 Set with 6 Authentic Infinity Gems Marvel Official Collectible Certified by AGL An extraordinary opportunity to own #100 of just ...

THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A CAT OR KITTEN ON A SPOOL OF THREAD. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted ...

THIS IS A RARE MONKEY BAND WITH NINE PLAYERS AND CONDUCTORS. THE MONKEY MUSICIANS ARE ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZES. THE BAND INCLUDES THE CONDUCTOR WITH MUSIC STAND, DRUM, VIOLIN, TRUMPET, CELLO OR BASE, CYMBALS, FRENCH HORN OR TUBA AND FLUTE. These wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronzes (Bronze de Vienne...

Playful Companions: A Rare Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Sculpture of Mice on Desert Rose Crystal Base. This exceptional and rare Buccellati sculpture features nine meticulously ...

This one-of-a-kind ring was inspired by Empress Wu, a 7th century ruler of China. She was the only female ruler of China to refer to herself as “Emperor” during her reign — historians changed it to “Empress” later. She was labeled a “Dragon Lady...

The Following Item we are Offering is a Rare Estate Museum Quality Large and very elaborately openwork carved, Hand Carved Green and Lavender Jadeite group, intricately carved as a c...

Rare Buccellati Italy Silver Sculpture of the Three Wise Monkeys A remarkable Buccellati sterling silver sculpture of the iconic Three Wise Mon...

A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this mo...

THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF TWO BUNNY RABBITS HOLDING A CARROT. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, W...

23 grams of 18K yellow, & white gold, satin finish. 92 yellow diamonds, totaling 0.59 carats. 92 white diamonds, totaling 0.46 carats. 130 black diamonds, totaling 1.04 carats. 2 sma...

Boucheron Rock Crystal Heron A heron sculpture crafted from carved rock crystal set in yellow gold. The base is adorned with a cabochon chalce...

THIS IS A SUPERB SIGNED FRANZ BERGMANN ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A STANDING DACHSHUND DOG. The Bergmann Dachshund is one of the finest cold painted Austrian Bronzes you wil...

Superb Museum-Quality Late 19th Century Chinese Carved Coral Ship. A breathtaking masterpiece of Qing Dynasty craftsmanship, this late 19th-century Chinese carved coral ship is an ex...

We are are offering this Large Outstanding Monumental Signed Original 19th Century Dresden Figural Group Showcasing 2 Couples. German porcelain figural court scene grouping, with blu...

A Rare Buccellati Italy Sterling Silver Model of a Bull, Numbered 7 An impressive and finely detailed sterling silver model of a bull by Buccellati, Italy, numbered 7. Exquisitely h...

The Following Item we are Offering is a Lovely Museum Quality Large and very elaborately openwork carved in an Exceptional even White Stone. Beautifully carved as a standing figure o...

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...

THIS IS A SUPERB SIGNED FRANZ BERGMANN ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A CAT NURSE DELIVERING A NEWBORN KITTEN TO THE WAITING MOTHER IN HER HOSPITAL BED. THE BRONZE DATES TO THE L...

The Following Item we are Offering is A Spectacular and Outstanding RARE MUSEUM QUALITY AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN DORE BRONZE & MALACHITE TABLE. The Round Malachite Top with banded edge s...

This is a superb antique Bronze Tray in the form of a Leaf with a Bunny Rabbit. The fabulous bronze has exquisite details throughout the leaf and ...

A rare carved Hawk's Eye agate tiger on a 14k gold mounted rock crystal base, circa 1960. "A Jeweled Sculpture" An incredible carved tiger made fro...

Collectors item Vintage Wedding / Charm Bell open to see the two married miniature couple holding a diamond diamonds also on the outside all made from 14k yellow gold circa 1940's pr...

A Whimsical Family of Three Buccellati Sterling Silver Ducks A delightful and finely crafted set of three sterling silver “furry” ducks by Buccellati, Italy. Each naturalistically modeled and intricately hand-chased to create the lifelike texture of soft feathers, a signature technique of Buccellati’s master silversmiths. The ducks vary in size, forming an endearing family grouping that perfectly captures the maison’s celebrated blend of artistry, charm, and realism. Renowned for their exceptional silverwork, Buccellati is especially admired for these whimsical animal sculptures...

Agate Nursing Nereid Cane A late 19th century cane featuring a carved agate nereid nursing a baby with a white guilloché enamel collar, gold bands and a stained wood shaft with a m...

THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A CAT OR KITTEN MUSICIAN PLAYING A CELLO OR BASE. THE BRONZE DATES TO THE LATE 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY AND IS A MASTERPIECE OF ...

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...

An Ancient Egyptian funerary figurine made of faience in a modern gold pendant mounting.

THIS IS A SUPERB SIGNED HERMANN HEUBACH GESCHUTZT AUSTRIA ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A FROG IN BED WITH A BANDAGED HEAD AND LEG AND A CHAMBER POT BESIDE THE BED. THE BRONZE D...

An 18K Gold and Gem Set Bust of a King, by George Weil London, circa 1970 This magnificent 18K gold and gem-set bust of a king, crafted by George Weil in London, stands as an embodi...

An Adorable Family of Six Italian Buccellati Sterling Silver Furry Chicks Resting on a Petrified Wood Base, Milan 20th Century This enchanting creation by the renowned Italian silve...

THIS IS A SUPERB AND VERY RARE TRIO OF THREE VICTORIAN - EDWARDIAN GENTLEMEN. THE BRONZE SCULPTURES ARE CHARMING ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE. THE THREE MEN LOUNGE AS IF IN A PAR...

A Timeless Expression of Faith and Heritage Enhance your home or collection with this Sterling Silver Mezuzah, crafted in Israel and marked with “ST .925 Made in Israel.” While the ...

THIS IS A VERY RARE SIGNED GESCHUTZT AUSTRIA ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE SCENE OF A CAT OR KITTEN THIEF CRACKING A SAFE AND BEING CAUGHT FROM BEHIND BY A PUG DOG POLICE MAN AS A M...

This Ancient Roman Military Bronze eagle and stag, dating from the 1st to 2nd century AD, stands at a modest yet captivating 3 1/8 inches in height. The finely cast bronze sculpture ...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. 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" high x 9" 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 dazzling and whimsical owl brooch features a nacreous mollusk body adorned with six Campari hued garnet "buttons" descending vertically down its front; the crown of eight garnet...

Buccellati Silver Dragon Designed as a fire-breathing dragon, towering over a gilded, pillared building, perched on a hardstone and set upon a scrolled base. Engraved: "Boy I'll b...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV 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 12" high x 8" 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...

A Beautiful and Rare French Gilt Bronze and Marble Sculpture, Alfred Boucher, Late 19th/ Early 20th Century, depicting a female figure inscribing on a grey marble wall reading...

THIS IS A SUPERB AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A PARAKEET BIRD ON A BRANCH SIGNED WITH THE BERGMAN MARK. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, C...

THIS IS A SUPERB PAIR OF BERGMAN AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE PARAKEET BIRDS IN BLUE AND YELLOW GREEN PLUMAGE. This wonderful pair of antique Austrian Vienna Bronzes (Bronze de Vienne, Wie...

The Following Item we are offering is An Outstanding Rare Important Fine Impressive 19th Century Estate Marble and Alabaster Figure of a Beautiful Gorgeous Young Woman Holding a Wate...

Mario Buccellati, A Rare and Exceptional Italian Silver Goat circa 1940. Made in Milan Italy. Very fine quality and workmanship and very large in size. Measures: 12" high x 14" w...

Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Snake Belt Buckle Cabochon Rubies 31 grams W 81.06mm H 41mm Made in France 19th Century

Objets d'Art wearable sculpture on your hand, an organically unique carved abalone shell ring featuring a tear drop shape in peacock color. Tahitian Pea...

A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Lobster Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this model features exquisite detailing and lifelike real...

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...

Gianmaria Buccellati, a rare and exceptional Italian silver bobcat circa 1990s. Made in Milan Italy. Retail price in the Buccellati Boutique was $72,000 USD + Tax. Very fin...

Chinese carved coral dragon figure Very finely hand-carved. Circa 20th Century, China Weight: With Stand approximately 345.1, Without Stand appr...

The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal and Bronze Mantle Cherub 3 Pc Clock Set, circular white enamel dial with Floral Wreaths and Numbers enc...

A Magnificent 18th Century English Gilt Bronze and White Marble Clock. Clock is Beautifully Comprised with a Bird Form Finial over the Circular dial with Arabic Numerals, flanked by ...

Mario Buccellati Life Size Silver Yorkshirre Terrier Dog. A life-size silver dog crafted with a technique know as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique invo...

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...

An Exquisite 14K Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Semi Precious Stone Mounted Rhodonite Camel. Circa 1970, Italy A very good quality and unusual gold mounted jeweled object...

An Elegant Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Duck Perched on an Amethyst Base, Milan, 20th Century This exquisite creation epitomizes the craftsmanship and luxury for which Mario Buc...

A rare 18K gold, enamel and diamond mounted carved labradorite turkey bird sculpture on a petrified wood base, attributed to Manfred Wild, Idar-Oberstein, ...

An Exquisite and Beautiful Museum Quality Estate Bronze boy holding monkey. The Bronze with a mid brown patina, depicting the young boy with the monkey hanging from his shirt, on cir...

Mario Buccellati Large Size Silver Parrot A life-size silver parrot crafted with a technique known as ‘lavorazione a pelo’ or ‘hair-like workmanship. This technique involved infini...