Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry (234)

Late 18th century Portuguese tiered cluster rock crystal ring with 2 concentric rows of bright crystals, each approximately 3mm in diameter, surrounding a larger central stone, approximately 39 stones in all. This substantial ring covers the finger from joint to knuckle. The cut down bezel features a rose gold beaded trim, another feature of rings from the era. The polished rose gold closed back molds ergonomically to the finger...

This romantic amethyst 18k necklace has a smooth and sultry snake chain that feels as good as it looks. The glittering large five amethysts fall symmetrically about the chain and always fall perfectly on the neck, with the central largest amethyst positioned exactly at the center. The clasp is hidden in the chain and remarkably easy to attach as it slides right in and holds firmly and securely. The necklace can easily be clasped by the wearer...

With a Latin inscription translated as "Under a clear sky France suffers", this 18K Carnelian fob seal depicts an African slave in profile, carved atop a family crest, all shown above a ribbon banner reading "PURUM PATIENTIA FRANCE". Notwithstanding the word "France" in the inscription, our wax seal fob is English. The seal harkens back to the British abolitionist movement in France, during which time the British people actively sought to pressure the French to abolish slavery...

This amethyst ring is a striking example of gold-work decoration that became popular in the second decade of the 19th century. A type of filigree work known as "cannetile" and named for the gold embroideries of the Napoleonic years, cannetile work made the most of a small amount of gold and required highly skilled goldsmiths. The amethyst stone is particularly eye-catching. The combination of the cannetile work next to the amethyst makes this an extraordinary ring. The ring is a US size 6.

Fabulous Berlin iron ring decorated with symbols associated with faith (dove) love (heart) and loyalty (dog). The heart is surrounded by a leafy wreath and surmounted by the dog and the dove. The band has a floral motif, probably laurel leaves. The band has a floral motif. Berlin Iron jewelry was popular in the early 1800's...

This wonderful 18K Scottish fob features an imposing tower, the symbol for the Mason family crest. The fob is carved with a motto which reads "Demeure Par La Verite" and translates to "Keep Fast By the Truth". Keep fast by the truth is rooted in the bible: from the Gospel of John, it means remain faithful to the word of God and one will be rewarded with a fruitful life. Our fob is 1.5" tall and just shy of 1.5" wide...

A lovely pair of white paste earrings closed back set in silver gilt. Approximately 18 MM or .7 inches in width, these well scaled earrings can be dressed up or down. Made of "paste", a special glass and lead formula originating from George Ravenscroft, a London glassmaker, during the 17th century and perfected by a French jeweler Georges Strass in the 18th century. Each "paste" was handcarved to fit the setting. Paste has become very collectible and desirable and can no longer be made today...

Dainty Georgian pansy pin set with amethysts and citrines in 18K gold. Pansy pins were often given as a gift from a loved as the sound of the word pansy was similar to the French "pense", meaning "think, remember me". Time to continue the tradition.

Georgian chased fob of 15K in the shape of a stirrup cup with a chased built in bale for hanging from your favorite pendant. The fob is filled with clear unadorned citrine. With the gold-work chased on every surface, this is a fob to behold. A nice hefty size, this Georgian fob is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite gold chain.

Georgian 18K gold cannetille work ring set with a carved turquoise in the shape of a pair of clasped hands, a symbol of friendship. On either side there are set an opal and a garnet. This is truly an unusual and rare ring. It is a size 7 and measures a bit over 1/4" at its widest.

Dramatic 18K gold marquis shaped ring in royal blue and white enameling surrounded by pearls and centered with a pearl pansy. This distinctly English style of enameling on jewelry was invented in 1775 and became popular with royalty and is often seen on jewelry displaying royal crowns.

This romantic Georgian Natural Pearl Forget Me not Ring would have been given as a love ring back in its day. It evokes the forget-me-not with its 5 well matched pearls radiating about a central diamond. Besides the forget me not arrangement of the pearls, a coiled serpent curls around each side of the ring, the snake's head appearing at the bottom of the ring on one side and at the top of the ring on the other. A small diamond resides at the center of the pearls in a cut down collet setting...

Flat cut almandine garnets were the most popular gemstone of the Georgian period shown here in a rarely found naturalistic floral and leaf design necklace set in 18K gold. The pansy shaped flowers represent remembrance.

Georgian agate bracelet of various colors and patterns makes a wonderful and wearable piece of jewelry. Turn it around and have a different view to suit your attire. The agates are set in gold and the bracelet measures 6 1/4" long. Each agate measures 1" wide by 1 1/2" high.

Colorful depiction of a peasant girl graces this micromosaic brooch purchased during the Grand Tour and brought back to England to be set in an elaborate 18K bezel decorated with grapes and leaves. The glass tesserae are set in malachite.

Early 19th century Berlin Iron bracelets with a floral motif and cameo clasps of Psyche and Cupid. Berlin Iron jewelry is highly prized for is intricate work and rarity. During the Napoleonic Wars wealthy Germans gave their precious jewels for the war effort and substituted them with iron jewelry. Some of the pieces were inscribed "Gold gab ich fur Eisen" meaning "I gave gold for iron". Today these pieces are as desirable as in the early 1800's...

Three inch long day-night earrings with a lovely rococo design that incorporates foliate and shell motifs set with Persian turquoise and enlivened by the two-color 15K gold. The earrings have a secure hook on the back of the drop part of the earring, not typically seen on Georgian day-night earrings. This enables enabling them to easily be separated and worn with just the tops (for day), or both top and bottom (at night). The mechanism attaching the two pieces can be viewed in the photos.

Fantastic Georgian 18K gold cuff bracelet with an elaborate woven band and ornate central motif. Beautiful to wear on the most elegant of occasions. Be prepared for an avalanche of compliments. The bracelet measures 7 1/2" long and 2" at its widest.