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Ceramics (2)
English, Eastern Europe
Jewelry (28)
American, English, French, Continental, Costume
Metals (14)
Bronze, Copper, Iron, Silver
Textiles (12)
Accessories, Apparel, Linens and Lace
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Edwardian Jeweled Lavaliere Chandelier Necklace
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Antiques:
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Continental:
Pre 1910 item# 404865
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$125
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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 yellow, as well as purple, in certain lights and amethyst and citrine are chemically the same stone.
Dating of this gorgeous necklace is definitely Late Victorian or Edwardian. Most likely it was made circa 1905-1910, since the delicacy and refinement of Edwardian design are very much in evidence. The curvy shape of the 1/2-inch x 1/2-inch lavaliere also shows strong Art Nouveau influence. The metal, gilt brass, has acquired a lovely patina over the past 100 years, but could be polished more brightly if you prefer that look. Age-appropriate surface wear is of course apparent under high magnification.
The basic chain is 14 inches long, but an extra 2 inches of larger chain allow the wearable length to be as much as 16 inches (plus lavaliere and drops). An early lobster clasp, the earliest I've ever seen, is present. I'd consider it a later addition, except that it's the same color and it shows the same wear.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Fascinating Antique Egyptian Revival Beaded Bag
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Pre 1900 item# 403013
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$169 Free U.S. Priority Shipping (& Gift Wrap if Desired)
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Layaway terms are available for all our items priced over $150. Just e-mail and we'll arrange a schedule that works well for you.
Glancing at this marvelous hand-made bag, one first thinks "Art Deco" because of the Egyptian design motif - but another Egyptian Revival took place decades earlier in Victorian times (prompted by the opening of the Suez Canal). I'm much inclined to believe the purse is 19th century. One detail that persuades me is the diagonal chain. It's attached to both sides, not just one, and it isn't ornamental; it was undoubtedly covered with fabric or ribbon originally. Too, the dainty floral pattern of the frame looks Victorian, without a hint of Deco geometry, and it has holes through which the bag was stitched directly onto the frame. The wide frou-frou edges of the bright red-orange lining aren't at all characteristic of the Deco period, either. Remember, major manufacturers had long been in operation by the mid-1920s, when the discovery of Tut's tomb started that Egyptian craze. Their production standards were as high as any the world has ever seen - whereas this bag is unlabeled and, by 20th century standards, primitive. By Victorian standards, however, it's quite grand and well worthy of all the handwork that went into it.
Setting age considerations aside, what we have here is a very heavily beaded bag with a lovely soft drape, rich colors and no major losses. On one side, a few small areas need rebeading - fortunately with simple clear glass beads that aren't hard to come by. The lining is not only intact, but unstained. Condition is impressive, even if we were talking about a bag from the 1920s, rather than a rare example from the 1860s or 1870s. It was purchased in England and very probably made there. Definitely it's one of a kind and thus extremely special.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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2 Antique Cherub Sterling Button Hooks 1885 and 1906
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Antiques:
Decorative Art:
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Silver:
Sterling:
Pre 1900 item# 401252
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$215. Free U.S. Priority Shipping (& Gift Wrap if Desired) Layaway Terms Available
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A matching pair of antique buttonhooks in this much-coveted cherub design can take ages to find, so we're offering them together (but will consider selling separately, if you prefer). Both are hallmarked for Birmingham. The smaller (7 3/4" to hook clothing and gloves) was made in 1895 and maker-marked C or G, while the larger (11" to hook shoes and boots) was made in 1906 and maker-marked H M.
Their elaborate repousse sterling handles formed over wax have taken a few small dings over the past 100-120 years, but thankfully nothing serious. Each side is identical, apart from the direction in which the hooks face. Catalog photo is a montage including views all around. Naturally the shank and hook portions are of fine English steel hallmarked as such.
As you know if you collect Victorian and Edwardian vanity silver, items patterned with cherubs (or angels, if you prefer) are the most desired.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Exquisite English Edwardian Rhinestone Clasp Bag
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Pre 1910 item# 348366
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
On hold; sale pending. $135 SALE Was $175.
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This enchanting antique English purse revives Georgian neo-classicism, adding the airy elegance of Edwardian design. It has the most gorgeous clasp I've ever seen, shimmering with brilliant old paste rhinestones. The oval wreath shape - an inch tall and almost that wide - frames a central flower amid graceful leaves and is beautifully detailed with beaded edges. The pale white metal has the look of platinum, so is probably rhodium or chromium, which come from the same family).
Many things tell us this bag has seen very little use: the positive action of the clasp, the spring that remains in the elasticated inner pocket and, of course, the flawless condition of the fabric. Even the handle isn't worn. Finding a bag this old in such superb condition is almost miraculous, frankly. Size is about 5" tall (or 9" including handle) and width is 7 1/2" at the bottom. The tag inside had a logo including the letters G, F and R, along with the words "Made in England".
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Victorian Japanned Bronze Egyptian Revival Snake Brooch
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Antiques:
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Costume:
Pre 1900 item# 344079
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$125 Free U.S. Priority Shipping (& Gift Wrap if Desired)
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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.
This particular jewel, based on its style and details of fabrication (such as the tube hinge and safety pin clasp), has to be from the Late Victorian era, likely circa 1880. It's a rare example of a decidedly Egyptian motif on a bar pin. Quite heavy for its size (about 2" x 3/8"), it seems to be of bronze rather than brass and has a japanned (blackened) background and reverse. Upraised in relief and brightly polished, the serpentine motif is as trendy now as when the Victorians fell in love with it. To them, the snake signified eternity and worn often in sentimental contexts; Queen Victoria's wedding ring, for instance, was of serpent form. The use of black suggests this could have been a mourning jewel.
Given its stylized simplicity of design and indications of hand-craftsmanship, Arts and Crafts influence on this brooch is strong. It was probably made in Europe - England would be my best guess - but reached us from a Florida estate. Condition is lovely, all original except that the pinstem was at some point snipped (not a bad idea, since those extra-long ones could easily draw blood). The pinstem shows a slight crimp, too, indicating that someone tried first to shorten it by this means for greater comfort.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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English Medieval Gilt Bronze Buckle Great as Pendant
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Bronze:
Pre 1492 item# 328178
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$40 SALE (Reduced from $60)
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This medieval buckle was quite a fancy one in its day (the 1300s or 1400s). You can still see vestiges of glittering gold around its holes -- and notice how artistically made it is. I love the scalloped edge and there's even a groove formed in that section, into which the witchy gothic prong settles safely. No doubt that's why its pointed tip is still intact after so many centuries.
Beautifully patinated by time and measuring about 1" by 1 1/8", this treasure remains quite sturdy enough to enjoy as a necklace pendant. You'll be the envy of all when you wear something so exceptional. Just tie on a leather thong or cord - or maybe a ribbon to match your outfit.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Very Fine Gilt Bronze Buckle from 1300s or 1400s
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Decorative Art:
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Bronze:
Pre 1492 item# 327871
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$49
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This opulent and extremely refined medieval bronze buckle was without any doubt handcrafted for an aristocrat. Its shape is lyrical and vestiges of gilding remain strongly present on the plate, still attached to one side of the buckle, showing that very pure gold was originally applied overall.
This is more a display piece than for use as a jewel, although you could carefully wear it on a ribbon or cord for special occasions. While the remaining attachment of plate to buckle seems sturdy, you wouldn't want to risk losing that incredible plate that's still *glittering* under the lamp as I write this. It's truly astounding that this delicate treasure has survived six or seven centuries in such remarkable condition. Size is about 1 1/4" by 7/8" and provenance is our favorite antiquities dealer in England.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Ancient Bronze Buckle and Plate Pendant 14th-15th c
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Bronze:
Pre 1700 item# 327868
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$49
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Ancient bronze buckles make great conversation-piece pendants for both men and women, so we acquired quite a few from our English antiquities dealer. Most are medieval, but a few are Tudor (English Renaissance) or Georgian. The one shown here dates from the 14th or 15th century. With both plate and pin intact intact (which is rare), it's large - measuring more than 2 inches by about 1 1/4" - and so beautifully patinated that its touch is like silk.
It's still quite sturdy enough to enjoy as a necklace pendant and you'll be the envy of all when you wear something so exceptional. Just tie on a cord or ribbon to match your outfit and you're good to go! To see more photos of this buckle - or pictures of some others, priced from around $40 to $65 - please e-mail. Thanks for looking!
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Lovely Antique Hand-Painted Oriental Folding Fan
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Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Pre 1910 item# 306348
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$85
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From the very early 20th century or possibly earlier, this gorgeous folding fan is elaborately painted. Chrysanthemums touched with snow are in the foreground, backed by a winter mountain landscape. Some accents are impasto and others shimmer with metallic silver and gold. Even the sticks are ornamented.
Measuring 9 5/8" tall, the fan opens to about 15”. It's in very good condition, showing just one small hole in the paper and minor wear, both difficult to notice. The original carrying handle remains in place. Provenance is an English antiques shop near Cambridge.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Victorian Art Nouveau Cast Iron Jewelry Stand
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Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Metals:
Iron:
Pre 1900 item# 159235
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$75
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I've never before seen anything exactly like this, but assume it's a stand for hatpins, stickpins and such. Obviously it dates from the Art Nouveau period (probably the 1880s or 1890s), given its ornate scrollwork and other ornaments. I particularly enjoy the lion-like gargoyle figures at the corners of the base. The piece is about 3" wide and 6 1/2" tall, including the budlike finial on top which unscrews for some reason. Quite heavy for its size, it can hold a LOT of jewelry and remain stable. Present color is matte black, but it's just a spritz away from being any color you like. Past shades visible inside the base are fern green and cinnabar red.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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