Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art (314)

9K antique snake ring with the snake wrapped four times around and revealing a very cute snake expression and cute round diamond eyes encased in a carved setting. The ring is hallmarked Birmingham 1910. The snake with its tail in its mouth was popular as a symbol of eternal life and was popularized by Queen Victoria when she was given a snake ring as her engagement ring by Prince Albert...

Antique 18K and diamond-studded lover's knot ring with nice clear hallmarks for Chester, 1909. The knot motif is a Victorian symbol of love. It continued in popularity through WWI. Our knot ring has three old mine cut diamonds embedded securely within incised stars which are further placed in gold squares. The figural knot can be seen on the underside of the ring and is every bit as beautiful as the front. This ring is a size 6 3/4.

Antique 9K gold Victorian "message" ring, "Mizpah, symbolizing a bond between two people, comes from a bible quote in the book of Genesis, "The Lord watch between thee and me, when we are absent one from another". Mizpah is the Hebrew word for "Watchtower", a pillar of stones which symbolized the covenant between Jacob and Laban. Mizpah rings were often exchanged between two people in the hope of protecting the two during a period of separation, often by war.

These beautifully crafted Egyptian revival cufflinks of sterling silver scarab beetles are the creation of Herman and Eugene Unger, German immigrants who settled in Newark, NJ and were a part of the immensely creative Art Nouveau period at the turn of the nineteenth century. Herman was the silversmith while Eugene was the engraver...

A rare example of the remarkable talent behind the wonderful Austrian Bronze hand painted bronze miniature figurines which were made around the turn of the 20th century in foundries in Austria and Vienna following a period (mid nineteenth century) when realism and and naturalism were in vogue...

Stickpins, also known as tie pins, have been collected since the 18th century when neckwear for men came into fashion. They were made in all manner of styles well into the 20th century, with no limits to the imagination as the pursuit of novelty came into full swing. The sun moon and stars motif represents the flow of time as our world cycles through from day to night...

Stunning 18K gold and diamond cufflinks, c1900, depicting eagles, a great gift for that special French Cuff Guy. Stunning 18K gold and diamond cufflinks, c1900, depicting eagles. Eagles are often scene in mythological scenes w Zeus, the King of the gods, as a symbol of his strength and power. The cufflinks are hallmarked w the initials FC, referring to Frederick Courthope, a master goldsmith who worked in the Arts and Crafts tradition...

Sterling silver 62 inch hand forged watch chain with an unusual S shaped spiral link that mimics the neoclassical ornamental ironwork designs of the 19th century. The hand forged links are repeated all around the chain. This chain is completely made up of these neoclassical style links. It has a round bolt clip from which you can add a pendant. It can be worn with a suit or a tee shirt and will look terrific with either.

We love this pale pink coral carving of a classical maiden with the depiction of a maenad (maenads were female followers of the God Bacchus, Roman mythological god of wine) carved in 14K along the ring's shoulder and on the coral head of the ring. The gold shoulder carvings add to the allure. Coral has the hardness of agate but can be carved to a level of fine detail and precision...

This sterling pin cushion in the form of a swan, is hallmarked Chester, 1911.

Condition: excellent Height: 1.5 inches Width: 2 inches

Fabulous chunky 18K and diamond-studded lover's knot ring hallmarked London, 1919. Unusual knot ring with three gold diamond-shaped squares superimposed along the knot band and table-cut diamonds embedded securely within the incised stars on each square. The figural knot can be seen on the underside of the ring and is almost as beautiful as the front. The ring is a US size 8 and can be sized.

The Art Deco era ushered in a wave of exotic forms, of which our lizard ring is a superb example. Our 14K ring with an intricately carved reptile planted between 3 gemstones, a larger diamond on one side and a sapphire and smaller diamond on the other, is centered on historicism (as was the Art Deco period); reptiles date from ancient Rome and were a symbol of wedded bliss. The ring is sturdy and solid with its thick band, substantial face and firmly set gemstones...

Substantial 9k double headed snake ring featuring pink sapphire laden tops, carved gold eyes and a modern looking chic open work gold band. The ring is hallmarked "Chester", the most innovative of all the English guilds, and dates precisely to 1911. The intertwined serpents represent 2 lovers woven together for eternity and symbolize fertility and rebirth. The pink sapphires are unusual in a snake ring and the cool pink tones are a wonderful contrast to the rose gold band...

Pretty neoclassical style pendant drop earrings of gilt metal with faceted silver balls adorning the front surface and are hung from a matching faceted ball at the top. A single acanthus leaf adorns the very bottom of each earring with spirals flanking the upper sides of the leaf. The earrings hang from gold shepherd's hooks. Lightweight earrings that work for either work or play.

This fancy gold lined iron band reads "Gold Gab Ich Fur Eisen", meaning "I gave gold for iron", and was part of a patriotic effort to fund the Austro Hungarian War whereupon German citizens were asked to donate their gold jewelry and other gold articles and in return they would receive iron rings with these patriotic inscriptions...

We love this Antique 15k diamond, sapphire, ruby & pearl ring, circa 1910, for its strong combination of shapes and colors as well as its dynamic symmetry. The ring sits on the diagonal, in contrast to the more common linear arrangement. Studded with old mine cut diamonds, a sapphire and a ruby, the pearl provides balance to the strong color and rough texture of the gemstones...

Sentimental sterling bangle bracelet bearing the biblical Mizpah inscription, signifying an emotional bond between two people physically separated due to acts of war or other calamities. It would typically be given by a lover about to be parted from his beloved. The word "Mizpah" is in raised lettering while the engraved inscription "The Lord When Between We are Me & Absent One Thee From Another" is inscribed beneath...

Elegant five stone sapphire and diamond band ring shown with one of our gold Mitzvah bands. With its slender profile, this makes a wonderful ring stack. Stack 2, 3 or 4 other rings and you have a terrific look. This ring was made in the 1910's in the Victorian style. Shown in one photo with our Mizpah ring and in another photo, our diamond gypsy ring, available on First Dibs and Trocadero.