This magnificent Castellani jewel was made somewhere around 1870 and 1880 in, what is called, the Castellani's "Periodo Moderno", a period in which Castellani's master  More »

This magnificent Castellani jewel was made somewhere around 1870 and 1880 in, what is called, the Castellani's "Periodo Moderno", a period in which Castellani's master goldsmith and designer Michelangelo Caetani, was strongly focussed on designing micro mosaic jewelry with Greek and Latin text. Details: Country of origin: Italy Era/Period: Victorian, circa 1880s Condition: excellent condition Source of inspiration: Pompeii excavation - ancient city in southwestern Italy (destroyed in 79 A.D. by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius) Theme: EY - Although not obvious on first sight, these are not Latin but Greek letters. The letters EY stand for "good health" but one could also say it's the abbreviation for "Eternally Yours". Material: 18K yellow gold Monogram: Castellani (see pictures for the famous Castellani hallmark - two mirrored C's) Hallmarks: None, besides the Castellani sign Dimensions: diameter 0.94 inch Weight: 7.40 gram Reference Nº: 12131-0068 Fortunato Pio Castellani (6 May 1794 - 1 January 1865) was a 19th century Italian jeweller and founder of Castellani, an Italian jewellery company. Castellani opened his first shop in Rome in 1814. He specialised in recreating the jewellery of ancient craftsmen, particularly the Etruscans. Castellani based many of his designs directly on archaeological evidence and often incorporated intaglios, cameos and micromosaics into his jewellery. His work became very fashionable throughout 19th century Europe and his shop was frequented by grand tourists and aristocracy. The Castellani dynasty spanned three generations, and were also noted antiquarians.   « Less

A truly magnificent piece with royal pretentions. Set with exact one hunderd diamonds, one gigantic rose cut in the center of the pendant and 99 other rose cut diamonds  More »

A truly magnificent piece with royal pretentions. Set with exact one hunderd diamonds, one gigantic rose cut in the center of the pendant and 99 other rose cut diamonds around it. Reflecting the grandeur of the Grand Victorian Period at its best. This jewel can be worn in several manners, as brooch or as two types of pendants. When worn as pendant it can be either only with the loop ring attached to the oval pendant or with the bow between the loop ring and the oval pendant (see the pictures for this). When worn as a pendant, it is possible to easily unscrew the pin of the back of the brooch. And due to a charming hinge system the hook at the back of the oval (that holds the pin when worn as a brooch) can be smoothly clapped flat against the backside of the oval pendant, allowing the jewel to hang smoothly flat. Details: Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French or Belgian origin. Era: Victorian, The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901). We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period. This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period. Period: ca. 1870 Condition: excellent condition Theme: Multi layered oval dangling under a bow (a bow is an ornamental knot made out of a ribbon) Material: 18k red gold and silver Technique: The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality. Diamonds: One truly gigantic rose cut diamond. Though we do not have the weight of this diamond (which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts) we roughly estimate the weight of this carbuncle at an approximate 2,50 to 3,00 carat. The dimensions of this stone are approximately 1,30 cm (0,51 inch) x 0,95 cm (0,37 inch). The quality of this huge stone is high, close to perfect for a stone this age. With the bare eye its looks flawless but with a loupe (magnifying 10 times) one can see a small inclusion at 4 o'clock. The color of this stone is also in the higher whiter regions, but hard to determine because the stone is foil set (like all the stones in this jewel). A modern oval brilliant cut diamond of these dimensions would weigh an approximate 5.00 carat! The big stone is accompanied by no less than 99 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts. Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting. Dimensions: Total height when dangling under bow 5,78 cm (2,28 inch) Weight: 22,60 gram Reference Nº: 12297-0015   « Less

Actually it is both a necklace and tiara the same time. A tiara is a head ornament usualy worn by royal and noble ladies on formal occasions. Tiaras are usually a curved  More »

Actually it is both a necklace and tiara the same time. A tiara is a head ornament usualy worn by royal and noble ladies on formal occasions. Tiaras are usually a curved vertical band with a central peak, all encrusted with diamonds or other gemstones. In the Victorian era some tiaras were made so that the central part could be detached from its framework and worn as a necklace. Such is the case with this piece of high class antique jewelry. When it was offered to us, both the tiara's framework as well as the part that would close the tiara to make it into a necklace were missing. So we had to make the neck-part our selves. We did it in such a way that the original design was respected and in a reversable way. In the jewelbox, beneath the presentation part for the tiara, there is still in a special dedicated place the little screw driver and small gold screw that were used to fix the tiara to its frame. (see pictures) It comes in its original box from a jeweller to the Belgian Court (see pictures). The interior of the box reads in gold letters: Maison Jean Dufour Fres Auguste Dufour Joaillier de L.L.M.M. le Roi & la Reine 104 Rue Royale Bruxelles Details: Era: Victorian Period: ca. 1860 Condition: excellent condition Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K red gold Diamonds: 43 old brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 7.04 crt. and 291 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts. Total diamond weight: approx. 7.04 crt. (without the rose cut diamonds) Dimensions: Inner circumference 42,00 cm (16,54 inch), height in centerpiece 4,50 cm (1,77 inch) Weight: 76,50 gram Resizing: Resizing, larger and smaller, is possible. Please ask in advance. Reference Nº: 12202-0030   « Less

A truly magnificent Art Nouveau enamelled brooch. Most probably created in France at the end of the nineteenth century this brooch is made in rose coloured gold and has two  More »

A truly magnificent Art Nouveau enamelled brooch. Most probably created in France at the end of the nineteenth century this brooch is made in rose coloured gold and has two old mine cut brilliant diamonds of 0.15 carat, a rose cut diamond in the flower and a very nice hanging pearl. In a process known as plique a jour the translucent enamel is actually fired in between thin wires of gold, a process that has been masterfully used to dramatic effect on the delicately veined wings of this brooch. The subtle enamelling on the flower and the discreet colour transition behind the face make this sought-after jewel a true collectors item. Although plique a jour enamel is delicate by its very nature this piece is eminently wearable. Thanks to the later addition of a loop on the back it can be worn, either as a brooch or a pendant and in the right setting it would make a truly noble conversation piece. Thanks to a discreetly placed ring system in the back, this jewel can also be worn either as a brooch or as a pendant. A very similar jewel is depicted on picture # 30 in the book "Art Nouveau Jewelry" by Vivienne Becker (1985, Thames and Hudson, ISBN 0-525-24345-3) Brooch "Women with Wings" Ref.10280-4337 diamonds, pearl, enamel, 18ct yellow gold origin: France date: 1890-1900 style: Art Nouveau width 2.78 cm (1.09 inch) weight: 13.80 grams   « Less

What a bracelet we have here! Nine twirled links covered with diamonds and degrading from the center link in both directions towards the closure (the closure is hidden in the  More »

What a bracelet we have here! Nine twirled links covered with diamonds and degrading from the center link in both directions towards the closure (the closure is hidden in the smallest link). Platinum and a little bit of yellow gold that is used under the center stone of each link. Nine big old European cut diamonds with a total weight of 3.40 carats, 155 old European cut diamonds with a total weight of 3.80 carats and 124 rose cut diamonds. This very bracelet is depicted in the "Bible of Antique Jewelry" namely the English translation of Henri Vever's "French Jewelry of the Nineteenth Century" on page 1025 (see picture of the page). Bracelet Emile Olive ref.10278-4153 platinum, gold, diamonds Designer: Emile Olive (1853-1902). Jewelry house: Maison Fonsèque et Olive date: 1890-1900 origin: France length: 18.00 cm (7.09 inch) weight: 35.00 grams   « Less

Object d'art - French antique Victorian object depicting Aesop's fable... Every now and then we run into a piece that is the cherry on our antique jewelry cake. Such is the  More »

Object d'art - French antique Victorian object depicting Aesop's fable... Every now and then we run into a piece that is the cherry on our antique jewelry cake. Such is the case with this piece. So much to see, the story behind it, so much to find out about and the pleasure of holding something in your hands showing such high level of craftsmanship.... one of the true pleasures in our trade. We hope you will enjoy looking and learning about this piece as much as we did! Details of this Stork ring: Country of origin: France Era/Period: Victorian, ca. 1850-1870 Condition: excellent condition, no trace of wear Technique: The stork is skillfully modeled and engraved in silver that has been richly and yet tastefully embellished with gold accents. See the stork's crest, beak, claws, tale, and the outlines of the wings. Material: 18k yellow gold and silver Hallmarks: The ring is hallmarked with the French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838. We couldn't find any hallmarks on the stork. Master goldsmith: Although we couldn't find any master mark in the stork, it is because of the level of craftsmanship that we think that this could have been made by the house Froment-Meurice. Precious stones: One big baroque pearl used as the jar that the stork is holding, one seed pearl at the outside of the bottom of the "jar". Two little cabochon cut stones, one onyx and one turquoise Dimensions: 1.46 inch Ring size US: 6¾ (free re-sizing) Weight: 17.30 gram It is almost certain that this piece of art started as a decoration for another, even more, impressive piece. The way the ring to hold it, looks rather simple on first sight but we fully understand and support the way of thinking of the goldsmith who made it. It respects the original piece of art by a master goldsmith and does not alter it in any way. That is why we decided to offer it in the same manner as we found it. Aesop's fable: "The Fox and the Stork": At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke put nothing before her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long bill in it, and left the meal as hungry as when she began. "I am sorry," said the Fox, "the soup is not to your liking." "Pray do not apologize," said the Stork. "I hope you will return this visit, and come and dine with me soon." So a day was appointed when the Fox should visit the Stork; but when they were seated at table all that was for their dinner was contained in a very long-necked jar with a narrow mouth, in which the Fox could not insert his snout, so all he could manage to do was to lick the outside of the jar. "I will not apologize for the dinner," said the Stork: "One bad turn deserves another."   « Less

Antique French brooch, high quality craftsmanship, enamel swan bird on a diamonds lake, reemace or cattail motifs and floral pattern. Fine three-dimensional work in 18 carat  More »

Antique French brooch, high quality craftsmanship, enamel swan bird on a diamonds lake, reemace or cattail motifs and floral pattern. Fine three-dimensional work in 18 carat yellow gold, the diamonds are set in silver to render the true beauty of the precious stones. The brooch is set with no less than 66 rose cut diamonds. The jewel in excellent condition, pin and security system work perfectly, the enamel presents some tiny minutes when looking very close; we decided to leave it that way to preserve this true piece of art. 19th century jewellery and artists had used nature as inspiration for designs. Their interpretations of animals in jewels are based on an almost impressionistic view of the colours and lines in realistic detail. The French were undoubtedly unrivalled in the design of jewellery during this period with a deep understanding for the gems and materials used. It is in French jewellery that the most stunning art nouveau motifs can be found. These 19th century realism jewelry in diamonds, of course, can be very expensive. With careful and imaginative taste, the flowers and swan act as a fascinating theme to link your choice of romantic, symbolic and above all, decorative jewel. French brooch "Swan on diamonds lake" Ref.11054-0021 diamonds, enamel, silver, 18kt yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark date: 1880-1890 origin: France, Paris width: 3.02 cm (1.19 inch) weight: 14.40 grams Our comment: What a beautiful brooch! Upon the sight of this brooch we all turned instantly happy. What a pretty piece of Applied Art. Charming, touching, cute, top notch work and design... One of the very nicest pieces we have had in many many years. And it stays nice... everytime we look at it we are in awe of the quality and its positive impact to our mood.   « Less

Without a doubt this must be the nicest pair of filigree earrings we ever had. Hard to tell exactly when they were made but we think somewhere between 1861 and 1886. We do  More »

Without a doubt this must be the nicest pair of filigree earrings we ever had. Hard to tell exactly when they were made but we think somewhere between 1861 and 1886. We do think so because we found some hallmarks that most probably are from the master goldsmith A. Friederichs, who worked between 1861 and 1886 in Oudenbosch, the Netherlands. Clearly visible we see sevEral motives like the Cornucopia (horn of plenty), bird's feathers and per earring five dangling motives that with some imagination could be hanging birds. This jewel features a filigree decoration, which is in fact thin golden wire twisted into refined motifs, in this case elegant little balls. You can also notice the use of granulation on this piece. Granulation is a technique where the goldsmith uses very small balls (granules) of metal, which are not soldered to the piece but welded. Both techniques demand very high skills and precision from the maker. The combination of the quality of the craftmanship, the extraordinary length, the splendour of design, and their prestine condition make these earrings so special. Earrings Friederichs ref.10165-4281 14 carats yellow/red gold date: 1861-1886 origin: Netherlands heigth: 10.75 cm (4.23 inch) weight: 19.20 grams   « Less

We hardly ever have ancient jewelry at this museum quality level and we are very proud to present it here. Although this jewel does not have any hallmark, the granules  More »

We hardly ever have ancient jewelry at this museum quality level and we are very proud to present it here. Although this jewel does not have any hallmark, the granules techniques (the field and cluster granulation in pyramidal shapes) and the style indicates a typical Caucasian origin. A similar ear pendant is in the collection of the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim (museum of jewelry in Pforzheim, Germany) with inventory number 1957/4. Details Period : between the 4th Century and 7th Century A.D. Material : yellow gold, at least 18K Condition : Extremely good condition considering its age Dimensions : length approx. 7.00 cm (2.76 inch) Weight : 8.20 gram Ref.02157-3022   « Less

One of a kind magnificent Edwardian platinum lace diamond pearl pendant necklace. There is antique jewelry and there is antique jewelry but this is one of the nicest pieces  More »

One of a kind magnificent Edwardian platinum lace diamond pearl pendant necklace. There is antique jewelry and there is antique jewelry but this is one of the nicest pieces of craftsmanship we have seen so far. A beautiful pendant made (sawn) out of one piece of platinum and set with no less then 124 diamonds in various cuts and 60 real pearls, real natural orient pearls that is. The refinement of this piece, both front and back, is a joy for the eye. A fully diamond set closure makes it complete. Details: Country of origin: France Era/Period: Edwardian, circa 1910 Precious Materials: Pendant and closure are platinum and chain is 18K white gold (chain is of later date) Hallmarks: The French control mark representing an rhinoceros' head that was in use in France from about 1847. Precious Stones: 60 natural orient pearls, 87 old European cut diamonds (86 in pendant and one in closure) with a total estimated weight of approx. 3.00 crt. and 37 rose cut diamonds (nine in pendant and 28 in closure). Dimensions: height pendant 2.52 inch, length chain 16.54 inch Weight: 23.40 grams Item ID: 10278-0001   « Less