Enchanting Victorian Bridal White Woven Bead Choker

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: American Pre 1900: item #504277

I keep picturing this 19th century treasure with a Victorian wedding gown, but of course it would look divine with anything. Probably it's survived in such amazing condition because it was made for a bride and then carefully stored away until the next generation's weddings. Teensy-tiny white glass beads, the kind often called "sugar crystals," were strung and intricately braided together to form it. At some time in history, the original fastening -- likely ribbons or a fish-hook clasp -- was ... Click for details

Stunning Victorian Egyptian Revival Art Glass Brooch

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Continental Pre 1900: item #491077

Most of us know the discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 1920s led to a craze for Egyptian-styled jewelry. Fewer are aware there were earlier Egyptian crazes (circa 1800 and again in the 1860s, when the Suez Canal opened). Further, when Tut's treasures toured the world once more in the 1970s, it was "deja vu all over again." Because of this, you always have to look *very* carefully at jewels with an Egyptian motif, to determine when they were made. ... Click for details

Berlin Iron Brooch Rare Early 19th c Snowflake

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Continental Pre 1900: item #479343

Berlin iron jewelry, now rare and highly prized, was first made in support of the Prussian War of Liberation against Napoleon. Those who donated valuables to the cause received these in return and wore them with great pride. Cast of iron from models of silver or brass, then polished and lacquered to a matte black finish, most examples have very precise outlines joined together by wire links for an airy, intricate look. A snowflake shape such as this was perfect for the technique. ... Click for details

Early 20th c Italian Mosaic Parure: Bracelet, Pin, Ears

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Continental Pre 1920: item #471410

Acquired by some long-ago traveler on the Grand Tour or a Roman honeymoon, these flowers remain as lovely as when she picked them. As you know if you love mosaic jewelry, early 19th century pieces are worked in almost impossibly tiny tesserae. Those were micro-mosaics. Due to the rising cost of labor, they gradually evolved toward the much larger mosaic designs made in the latter half of the 20th century. These are in between, still showing very fine workmanship. Since the earrings are screw-b... Click for details

Signed Art Nouveau Jeweled Bronze Pendant Necklace

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: French Pre 1900: item #459828

I've never seen a more stunning Art Nouveau portrait head than the Victorian lady featured on this 1 3/8" medallion from the 1880s or 1890s. She's gorgeously detailed - and no mere cutie with flowing hair, but a woman of obvious strength and intelligence. The floral shapes of her bouquet are echoed in the lavaliere attachment, which is all flowers. Prong-set pastes, still diamond-bright, add sparkling highlights to this exquisite piece, which bears the title "FIORE" (flower) and the stamp of it... Click for details

Victorian Arts and Crafts Copper Chrysoprase Brooch

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: English Pre 1900: item #409860

Authentic Arts and Crafts jewels of distinguished quality are getting very hard to find, so we're delighted to present this remarkable large pin for your consideration. It's definitely a Power Jewel for a lady who's equally One of a Kind.

Almost 3 inches wide, it's hand-hammered and otherwise hand-wrought, accented with graceful cutwork ... Click for details

Large Finely Detailed Georgian Onyx Double Cameo Brooch

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Continental Pre 1900: item #405482

This exquisite double cameo shows the high quality and Neo-Classical subject matter we associate with the earliest years of the 19th century, so I believe it to be Late Georgian or Regency. Probable origin would be Italy, since the best carvers were there, though it reached us via a Massachusetts estate.

Double cameos are rare to begin w... Click for details

Edwardian Jeweled Lavaliere Chandelier Necklace

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Continental Pre 1910: item #404865

While the typical antique lavaliere is content to finish with a sweet little pearl drop, this one cuts loose with 2 1/2 inches worth of swaying sparkle! The longest of the three dangling drops has two faceted stones at the bottom; the others have one; and the lavaliere itself is set with four. I believe the jewels are Bohemian crystals - the name appied to Czech crystals before Czechoslovakia came into existence in 1918 - but there's a possibility they're small genuine amethysts. They flash yell... Click for details

Lovely Victorian Art Nouveau Lady Amid Flowers Buckle

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: French Pre 1900: item #379458

This highly ornate antique Victorian buckle is a showpiece of Art Nouveau design, featuring a beautiful lady amid and even crowned with flowers. There's elaborate scrollwork, too, and all the repousse work was done in very high relief to enrich the design further with shadows and highlights.
... Click for details

Victorian Japanned Bronze Egyptian Revival Snake Brooch

Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Costume Pre 1900: item #344079

While most of us know the discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 1920s led to a craze for Egyptian-inspired jewelry, fewer are aware there were earlier Egyptian crazes - circa 1800, prompted by Napoleon's campaign in Egypt; again during the 1860s, when the Suez Canal opened to great pomp and ceremony; and to a lesser extent in the closing decades of the 19th century, sparked by various archeological discoveries.
... Click for details