Hardstone Portrait Cameo signet ring of a gentleman in profile. The ring was likely commissioned by a wealthy individual or statesman as a self portrait. The ring has a maker's mark for Henry Griffith & Sons, is hallmarked for the year 1852, Birmingham and stamped for 18ct...
This spectacular mourning band is of black enamel with accents of white enamel and bordered in gold accents. With its breathtaking miniature painting of a young girl, this ring is a fine example of the neoclassical influences of the Georgian period on mourning jewelry. The heavy graphic representations of death so prevalent before this time no longer suited the lightness of the Georgian era...
A most interesting mourning ring style of the period; the two sided mourning ring with a swivel bezel. One side has a lock of hair under crystal and is bordered with pearls, representing tears, in a pinched gold setting. The other side is a black enamel rectangle inscribed with Mark Hodgson ESQ died 12 July 1810 aged 52 in gold letters...
18K Late Victorian five stone diamond ring, also known as half hoops, set a jour, with no foiling and open in the back to reflect light and air. The five stone was a classic late 19th century pattern, for good reason; it was great design then and still is today. The generous amount of gold means it can be worn next to other rings without fear of damage to the stones...
15K Rare Georgian diamond cluster ring consisting of 6 large stones cut en cabochon (no facets and polished smooth) and set in a radial pattern around a large center diamond. 6 smaller stones are set along the border. The border is crimped, a feature of hand wrought gold-work of this period. The diamonds are set in silver. There is nary a claw in sight as the Georgians believed claws detracted from the beauty of the diamonds...
Substantial 18K C1840 diamond cluster ring with 8 round diamonds in a crimped collet setting surrounding a central natural gem, sherry brown topaz and hand set with a decorative band with carved flourishes along the shoulders...
Stylized Flower Band ring of 18K and platinum with an individual flower stem adorned with hand carved leaves emerging from a gold vertical strip on each side of the band and circling in 2 directions to reach the single flower 180 degrees around the ring. The leaves and flower have small diamonds that give it a touch of elegance.
One thing to note is how different the ring looks from different angles, yet another reason we adore this ring...
William Spratling sterling and ebony necklace
Mexico
1930s
Wearable length - 16 1/2" long
Weight - 30 grams
Hallmarked
Very good vintage condition
This pretty and detailed pin might depict St. Catherine (patroness of young maidens and female scholars – we like her!). There is a wheel in the background (possibly a “Catherine Wheel,” but it could also just be a ship's wheel or a spinning wheel), and a flower in the foreground. Her clothing looks very Renaissance-era to us. Marked “SILVER” on the C-clasp, with an illegible maker’s mark, the metal tests as sterling, and she’s a dainty 7/8” in diameter. 2.5g...
Vintage Indian “paizbh”, girls chainmail anklet with leaf and flower shaped links, 125 grams, may be worn as a bracelet. Inner diameter 16cm. Good silver with screw in fastener.
Pair of high content silver, pre-owned, Turkmen forearm cuffs, with inset carnelians. Very heavy, these are 310 grams each or 620 grams total. Inner circumference sizes are: 17.2cm and 19cm on and 17.9m and 20cm on the other. These can be presumably be adjusted silversmith or someone with just a good grip!
Vintage sterling Georg Jensen pin no. 366 designed by Nanna Ditzel. This pin is not often seen and I love the simplicity of the design. Measuring 1 3/4" by 1 1/4" and weighing 18 grams, it is in fine original condition. Signed as shown. Elegant mid-century modern
design.
This pretty navette-shaped pin is from the Arts & Crafts era. It measures 2-1/8 x 7/16”. It has a leaf and berry motif, centered by a deep purple amethyst. (Amethysts are thought to bring calmness and clarity to the mind.) It is marked STERLING, and the pin-stem assembly is original. The silver has a nice patina. In excellent condition, and circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! We do lay-away...
A classic Mexican Deco jewelry design element silver repousse semi-spheres were used by well-known designers like Fred Davis and anonymous Taxco maestros alike. They come in all sizes and combinations, in all-silver or adorned with stones and glass, and they unfailingly make for stunning jewelry. In this hinged bangle bracelet they are clustered together in fours to create little florets with bezel-set amethyst centers. In the back, they are simply stacked in rows...
An inspired lapidary and an ingenious designer Felipe Martinez opened his workshop “Piedra y Plata” in 1950. His work is a testament to his exceptional talent and his commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and the use of choice materials. I love all his jewelry but I believe that he was at its best working within the confines of modernism which he enriched with references to Mexico’s archeological past. Piedra y plata, silver and stone, come together here in perfect union, the soft glow of...
A sterling silver modernist bracelet with nine disks and offset orbs by Danish silversmith, Niels Erik (NE) From. This example is not signed. However it is the same design and measures exactly the same as a signed example. Not sure how that occurred. Priced accordingly.
Measures about 7 1/4" long and 5/8" wide.
Leaf shaped toggle clasp holds securely. The bracelet is in fine condition with a little tarnish.
Classic N E From design.
This Victorian-style ring has a Gothic design sensibility. The elaborate prongs set off the large iolite (approx. 2 ct.) very nicely, and it includes 4 small single cut accent diamonds. The setting measures 7/8” north to south, and 3/4” east to west. Approximately size 8-1/2. It is marked 14k, the setting is rose gold and the shank is yellow gold. The stones are in excellent condition. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! We do lay-away. Shipping, ...
A mid century modernist pendant reminiscent of the designs of American studio jewelers, Betty Cooke or Frances Holmes Boothby. This piece depicts three cut out birds on a round satin finished sterling disk.
The pendant measures 1 1/2" in diameter. Marked Sterling on the back. Has a little tarnish and a few minor surface scratches.
Suspended from a 19" sterling chain that has a secure spring clasp. Marked 925 on the clasp.
Striking design.
This pretty ring is composed of a cluster of 7 amethysts, birthstone for February (and in legend, thought to guard against poison and drunkenness) and on either side of the cluster, a bezel-set accent diamond and one tiny half seed pearl. The ring is approximately size 6.5, and would be easy to re-size. It is marked 10K and signed “ECI”. In excellent condition, with just a bit of patina. The gold is yellow, despite looking rosy in the photos. The photos are part of the description; please e...
Authentic Victorian 15K Albert Link Chain with original T BAR and dog clips from which to attach your favorite locket or pendant. The chain is stamped on every link with the 15Ct 625, indicating English heritage, and is 17.8" long. The T bar and dog clips are stamped the same. Alberts are named for Prince Albert who popularized the wearing of a vest with pocket watch and a fob on a chain, the watch in the vest pocket, with fob and T-Bar dangling. Our chain combines two important Victorian motifs...
Our C1790 ring is an 18th century glass intaglio of an ancient signed gem depicting the head of a laughing satyr, or faun (a young satyr). Such carvings were called Tassies (explained further down). "Gems" in this case refers not to precious stones, but to ancient classical Greek carvings, highly valued miniature works of art.
Our glass intaglio is signed in Greek for Ammonioy, meaning "by Ammonios". It is not clear that the signature stood for any particular gem engraver; however there are...
This is an unusual ring that is a crossover between American Colonial and English Victorian. The ring has as its face an actual $2.50 Liberty coin from 1861 but is wrapped in a polished 18K English mount. Minted from 1840 - 1907, our American Liberty coin ring with the authentic gold USA Gold Quarter Eagle was originally legal tender worth $2.50. This was a substantial amount of money at the time of minting in 1861. The USA Liberty Gold Coin is 90% pure gold and weighs 0.1209 troy ounce.
Th...
One of the most energetic Taxco modernists, Sigi Pineda enjoyed a long, creative career. Prolific and ever “on the move”, he was at his best working within the confines of minimalist design. Sigi rarely used “unnecessary” ornamentation, depending more on fluidity of lines to imply motion, colored stones to impart texture, oxidation to add dimension to what are mostly flat surfaces in his jewelry. The floral brooch at hand provides a good illustration of the above. There is nothing excess...
Seamlessly marrying sterling silver and stone, Enrique Ledesma created some of Taxco’s classiest modernist jewelry. The specific bracelet with its curved, sculptural “cut pyramid” links is set with warm, mossy azur-malachite in which browns and greens are prevalent. Perfect for the season the bracelet measures 6 1/2” in inner circumference (clasped) and it's 15/16” wide. It weighs 51.9 grams and is marked with maker’s signature as shown as well as “PLATERIA CORTES”, “HECHO EN ...
This adorable puppy stick pin is unmarked, but the gold tests at about 12kt. The total length is 2-1/8”, the dog’s face is 1/2” x 7/16”, and it weighs 0.9g. He may be a Weimaraner. They were bred as hunting dogs in the early 1800s in Germany, and were named after the Grand Duke Weimar. In real life they are a silvery color, but this guy is made from a nice warm gold. Wikipedia says: “The Weimaraner is loyal and loving to his family, an incredible hunter, and a fearless guardian of his ...
This fascinating ring consists of strands of rose gold tied in a knot, and studded with gold spheres. One sphere is missing, which makes it interestingly asymmetrical. The decorated area measures 5/8 x 1/2” and the shank measures 3/16”. The ring has a maker’s mark (“J.M”), the anchor for Birmingham, the date mark for 1903-4, “9”, and “375”, however it tests as 10k (That is not unusual). It’s approximately size 7 (it could be sized), and weighs 5.2g. In places the gold looks y...
This striking white metal locket is engraved on the front in a stylized pattern. The back is plain. The inside has some scratches in the metal. The photo rings and celluloid are not present, but perhaps it was used for a lock of hair or other memento – that was a very popular tradition, back in the day. It measures 1-1/4” x 7/8" and the paperclip chain is a bit over 22". The back has a few dark marks which might clean up. Generally, a handsome Edwardian or Victorian piece. The photos are par...
This maple leave pin consists of plique a jour enamel in a sterling silver setting. This lovely pin is highlighted with paste accent stones along the main leaf veins. The green plique is a very nice rich color. The pin seems to be missing one leaf, however, someone filled in the space with a pretty drop made of green agate, so the loss is hardly noticeable. It is centered by a faux pearl. The enamel itself is in good shape, with only a few hairline cracks - normal in all but the very best pieces...
A modernist sterling silver brooch with a black orb by Sigi Pineda. The orb may be onyx.
Measures 2 7/8" long and almost 1/2" at the widest. Marked on the back Sigi Tasco, Hecho en Mexico, Sterling, 81, and Eagle #3. Also marked with what looks like design number 304.
Safety rollover clasp holds securely. In very nice condition. Has a little tarnish and minor surface scratches.
A rare example.
This elegant pin was made by the very collectible Bippart, Griscomb & Osborn Co. of Newark, NJ (an important hub of Art Nouveau jewelry making c. 1900). It is centered by a turquoise cab, with two freshwater pearls on each side (4 in total), framed by a twisted ribbon of 14kt gold. It has the BG&O maker’s mark and is stamped 14kt (the marks were hard to photograph). 1-3/4” x 5/16” at the widest points, it weighs 3.2g. The photos are part of the description. Please examine them carefully. ...
Modernist cufflinks made up of eight little geometrically arranged cylinders. Made by Isaac Cohen, Stockholm and marked ICO, S:t Erik’s head (the hallmark for Stockholm), R9 = year mark for 1967, three crowns and S indicating the Swedish silver standard of the time = 830/1000. Width "1 / 2.8 cm. Condition: fine.
Beautiful and unusual Victorian gold tone hoop earrings, a spring ring clasp design
with an engraved leaf. English or French, probably from the 1870s. Diameter "1/2 / 1.8 cm. Condition: fine.
Deco period dangle earrings, mother of pearl, Rhinestone and silvered metal. Around 1930, American? Length in total "1 ½ / 4 cm. Condition: fine.
Drop earrings made of emerald-green and white enamel on copper, fixed onto brass. The old technique of cloisonné has been used for the little stars of which one is seen falling, one rising. Length "1 ¾ / 4.7 cm. Condition: rim frits to one earring (cf. pics).
Clip earrings, flowers made of red lacquered gilt metal and small glass beads. Bohemian, early 1950’s with impressed mark Czechoslovakia. Diameter c "1/ 2.5 cm. Condition: fine.
Pair of cast bronze clip-on earrings, vintage from the 1930’s. Sculptural design, unsigned but probably French. Height "7/8 / 2.3 cm. Condition: fine.
A wide 18k gold fancy link bracelet marked 750 along with another mark that has been rubbed. It measures 7-1/2" x 1-1/8"and weighs 37.81gr.
A vintage modernist sterling silver textured pendant with a contrasting polished surface by the well known Danish silversmith Jane Wiberg.
The pendant measures almost 2" across and 1 7/8" high. Marked Sterling, 353 and Jane Wiberg. Marked Jane and Finn on the large bale which is hidden behind the pendant. The brooch is 3 dimensional and is almost half of a sphere. The two textured areas curve in for contrast.
Currently suspended from an 18" chain that is marked sterling on the secure...
This dainty pin was made by Hermann & Speck, well-known jewelers of Pforzheim in Germany in the years around the turn of the last century. It is centered by a blue sapphire, and it has a pearl dangle. It is marked 333 for 8kt gold, but when we tested it, it held for 10k (this is not unusual; however we had never seen a mark for 8kt gold before! Very unusual!). It is also marked “Depose,” which roughly translates as “patent.” Measuring 1-7/16” x 1" including the pearl dangle, it weighs ...
This sparkling stunner has 2 big rhinestones (7/16”), 2 smaller ones (1/4”), and 8 small accent stones (there should be 9. One is missing, but it’s really hard to tell, due to all that sparkle), set in white metal. The whole thing measures 2” x 9/16” at the widest points. Stamped “Czechoslov” on the back, it is in overall good condition: the stones have a couple chips, and a little abrasion, but the stones are so sparkly it’s hard to spot these. The clasp is a little bent, but st...
Matching the impressive pendant necklace by the same maker that is also available in my store, the "warrior" bracelet presented here was wrought by maestro Anton in the "mozaico Azteca" style that the Los Castillo workshop revived in Taxco's "golden Deco" years. The profile of the warrior, carefully cut out of sterling silver sheet, and the eagle that accompanies it, is set in a sea of azur-malachite. The links, graduated in size, have geometric silver inlay surrounded by blue, green, brown and ...
This pretty pendant features a large amethyst, measuring approximately 10mm across. It is set in a framework of bright gold leaves, which is very much in the Arts and Crafts style. There is another leaf on the bale, and a fringe of tiny seed pearls dangling below – so sweet! From the top of the bale to the bottom of the fringe it measures 1-1/2”, and from side to side it is 3/4” at the widest point. It is marked and tested 14k gold and weighs 1.8g. We believe it was made during the 1960s,...
A vintage sterling silver heavy brooch by Artemio Navarrete. Navarrete helped William Spratling open his Taller de Las Delicias in 1931. He opened his own workshop in 1936.
This example is signed with the conjoined AN, Taxco and 940 for better than sterling silver. Pre Eagle, (pre 1949).
Measures 1 7/8" across and 2" high. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds securely. The brooch has some minor tarnish and surface scratches.
Thick and solid, weighs 38 Gr.
Classic Early Taxco des...
This yellow gold necklace is centered by a dark red garnet (probably a spessartite). Garnets are the birthstone for January, and were traditionally thought to keep travelers safe. The dangle is set with a blister pearl which has a mellow off-white color. There are 3 tiny seed pearls in the main setting. It is hallmarked “9ct”, and the attached chain is marked “375 9k.” The pendant measures 1-5/16" x 7/8", and the total wearable length is 16-3/4" (we have extenders available). The piece i...
A vintage hand made pendant with an agate like stone held in place by tentacles reminiscent of the work of Carl Tasha or Richard Kaish in bronze or brass.
The pendant measures 2 7/8" long and 1 3/8" at the widest. It has lots of detail. Has a pale grey striated jewel in the center. Not sure if it is agate or art glass.
Currently suspended from a neck ring that measures about 15" around with a secure hook. It could also be worn on a thick chain or cord due to the large bale.
An exceptional vintage sterling and turquoise full body Kachina bolo. There is a hallmark on the reverse but I have not been able to identify it so unclear if this bolo is Hopi or Navajo. The bolo hangs 20" long when on the neck. The slide is 4" long and the tips are 2 1/2" long. Total weight is 60 grams. Beautiful stones free of chips or cracks. The cord has minor wear. Hallmarked as shown. Do let me know if you identify the makers mark. A marvelous example of a kachina bolo.
Wrought in .900 silver which Matilde Poulat used in the early period of her career this stunning silver repousse brooch develops around a carved black onyx “mask”. Matl’s work is always impressive - no one could ever blame her creations for timidity - but it seems to me that the repoussage of her first years is even bolder. One would think that the combination of exuberant silver-work, cleverly applied oxidation and the patina of time would clash with the austere minimalism of the carved p...
This sweet lady is made of 18kt (tested) yellow gold. Sprinkled with 8 tiny diamonds (the birthstone for April), and with her hair swept up into a bun with whispy tendrils of hair around her ears, she is so charming! She measures 1” x 1” at the widest points, and weighs 2.5g. The gold is a little worn at the high points, and we had the jump ring strengthened, as it was worn very thin – someone clearly loved this piece a lot! On the back, it looks as though a groove was made for testing the...
A vintage hand made large pendant of a nude woman reminiscent of the work of Carl Tasha or Richard Kaish in bronze or brass.
The pendant measures 4" long and 3" at the widest. It has lots of detail.
Currently suspended from a neck ring that measures about 18" around with an opening of 1". There is some flexibility to adjust the size. The neck ring has light hammering and a bronze colored wash. It could also be worn on a thick chain or cord due to the large bale.
The pendant ha...
These fun collar tips feature an Art Nouveau-style design of a lady (or possibly a fairy?) in profile with flowers in her hair. She looks very serene. They are silver plated, and the mounts are made out of white metal. They are in good used condition, and we believe they’re vintage. Measuring 1-3/8” x 1-1/8”, they weigh 18.5g. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included.
A large vintage cross pendant in Sterling Silver with Coral, Amethyst and Turquoise designed by Matilde Poulat and executed by her nephew, Ricardo Salas. Marked with both the Salas and Eagle #129 marks which is unusual.
Cross measures 3 1/4" tall including the small bale and 2 1/4" wide.
Marked MATL Mexico, 925 and Salas. Also marked MREG 142093 and Eagle #129.
Amethyst stones are pyramid shaped and have natural occlusions. Some of the coral stones are different thicknesses. There a...
This beautiful old miniature depicts a lovely lady, hand painted, in an asymmetrical frame set with seed pearls. It is a watch pin, meaning that there is a hook on the back (invisible from the front) for hanging a dainty watch or some other dangle – or not, if you don’t wish it. It measures 1-3/8 x 1-1/4”. It is unmarked, but has a French/Art Nouveau flavor, and tests 90-100% silver. I have done a little bit of gentle cleaning of the seed pearls and the silver, but the new owner might choo...
Navajo silversmith Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) was an early innovator and leader in Navajo modern jewelry design. He is known for his clean, bold, modern designs while still influenced by his traditional background. This pair of sterling cuff bracelets are a perfect example. One of the bracelets measures 5 1/8" around in the inside with a 1 1/2" opening and the other measures 5" around in the inside with a 1 1/2" opening. They are both 1/4" wide and weigh 78 grams total. They are in fine original ...
A very fine, large vintage silver knifewing pin with multi stone inlay of spiny oyster, turquoise, jet and mother of pearl, circa 1940. Knifewing represents the Zuni god of war. This symbol was worn by warriors to protect them in battle, but also represents courage, honor, wisdom and strength. The pin measures 3 1/8" by 2 3/4" and weighs 35 grams. It is in fine original condition. The stones are free of chips or cracks. A beautiful example of vintage Zuni lapidary work.
Based on one of Spratling's early designs, this "ring with three cascabeles" was also made in Taxco and wrought in high purity, .980 silver. I believe the motif is the same here as that in the renowned maestro’s tortoise shell and silver "snake" box - the more I look at it, the more I think of writhing serpents with spotted skins. And having sold Spratling’s original in the past, I can assure you the ring at hand is a worthy, very well made alternative. Measuring a snug sz 6 US (difficult to...
This interesting beetle stick pin harkens back to the Egyptian revivals (early 1800s, and then again in the 1920s). Perfect for your lapel, the beetle is in very good condition (the pin is slightly bent, as is usual with gold stick pins), and is set in unmarked but tested 14k rose gold. The beetle itself is 9/16” x 7/16” at the widest points, and is held firmly in place by 4 prongs. The whole thing is 2-3/4” long. The Victorians loved to use organic things in their jewelry, and this partic...
This is a Vintage 14K bracelet in like new condition. It sat in a safe for decades. It's stamped 14K but because of the rich color it looks like it could be 18k. Has a second stamp we don't recognize (see image). There is an appraisal from 1997 when gold was $350 an oz., that gives it a value of $814. Weighs 18.5 grams and is 7 in length.
This is a Vintage Tricolor Bracelet in like new condition. It sat in a safe for decades. Has a Harp Israel Stamp and is stamped 14K. Also has a second designer stamp we don't recognize. There is an appraisal from 1997 that gives it a value of $1900.00. Weighs 31.5 grams and is about 7 or 7.5 inches in length.
A vintage floral Arts and Crafts sterling silver bracelet by Peter Traphagen from Pasadena, California.
This hand wrought bracelet measures 7 1/2" long and 7/8" wide. Has a secure hook clasp.
Signed with a partial Traphagen on the back of each flower.
Fine condition, warm patina.
Classic design. Circa 1950s.
A modernist pendant in 830 silver designed by Jorma Laine for Kultateollisuus, Ky of Turku Finland.
This large reticulated pendant measures 3 1/8" long and 2" wide. It is hinged at the top for lots of movement. Has a large bail so could be worn on a thick chain or neck ring.
Currently suspended from a sterling snake chain that measures 20" long and has a secure spring clasp.
Pendant is marked 830S for the Finnish silver standard, and Finland. Documented Jorma Laine for Kultateollisuu...