Unusual Early 19th c Pin Crescent and Vines Motif
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1900 item# 126603
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$129 SALE
(Reduced from $149)
Free 1st Class U.S. Shipping
& Gift Wrap if Desired
|
This enchanting antique Victorian pin from a Philadelphia estate features a crescent moon embellished with an elaborate floral design and wreathed in twining vines with fabulously detailed tiny leaves. Its romantic style, restrained size (1" x 1 1/4") and layered "architectural" construction lead me to believe it's Early Victorian or perhaps even older. Further, based on a few areas with deep green patination, the metal beneath the gold surface appears to be bronze, which also suggests great age.
The only thing that keeps me from declaring this brooch Regency or even 18th century Georgian is the hinge; it isn't an old T and is probably original. Obviously the present safety clasp of silver metal was a 20th century addition, and the pinstem was shortened to fit the new catch (not a bad idea, since very old ones were so long they can easily draw blood). These changes aren't apparent when worn and make the jewel more secure and comfortable, but our price reflects them as imperfections. There's also age-appropriate loss of the gold finish here and there, but most can't be seen without extreme magnification. In fact, the brooch still glitters like the dickens. This is a fascinating, high-quality jewel that's without a doubt hand-crafted.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Pretty Vintage Carved Shell Cameo Earrings
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1910 item# 126270
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$55 SALE
(Reduced from $85)
Free U.S. Shipping
& Gift Wrap if Desired
|
Cameos, like pearls, are classics that always look elegant. Vintage cameo earrings are much harder to find than brooches and necklaces, so we're lucky to have this pair. Being individually hand-crafted, cameo portraits in earrings normally vary quite a lot in form and color. (Prices rise greatly, when they're more alike.) Here the cameos, carved from shell with fairly nice detail, do show differences. Most likely carved in the 1920s or earlier, they're in lovely condition. Although their fancy twisted frames of gilt brass fit well, they probably aren't original. I think they date from the 1930s. The backs are open, as they should be to let light pass through the shells, and fastenings are screw-on type. Cameos are about 1/2" tall and overall size of the earrings is approximately 3/4" x 5/8". Provenance is a California estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos of this and/or our other cameo items. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Victorian Art Nouveau Buckle Cupid or Cherub Motif
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1920 item# 125600
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$95 SALE
(Reduced from $135)
Free Insured U.S. Shipping
& Gift Wrap if Desired
|
This ultra-romantic antique buckle is exquisitely detailed and large enough to make a major fashion statement. Closed, it measures a spectacular 4 1/2" wide. This jewel would do a lot for your favorite little black dress - and just imagine it holding a sash at the waist of a prom gown, or perhaps a wedding dress.
Decorative metal plaques featuring seated cupids or cherubs in repousse are framed by the actual buckles - made of black early plastic, perhaps celluloid. The jewel dates from the late 19th or very early 20th century, but its condition is wonderful. There are no dents at all and surface wear is very minor. The only flaws are area of slight discoloration on the back; these may polish out and in any case would never be seen in use. You could also polish the front, if you prefer a brighter look.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Charming Antique Edwardian Lovebirds Mesh Choker c1905
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1910 item# 117900
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$130 SALE
(Reduced from $150)
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
& Gift Wrap if Desired
|
Featuring a sweet pair of lovebirds gracefully posed on the central medallion - within an ornate wreath that shows clear Art Nouveau influence - this fine and rare antique choker necklace has an adjustable chain closure of fancy links that finish with a sturdy hook and large dangling ball.
As you may know, the choker or "dog collar" necklace was popularized in Victorian and Edwardian times by Princess (later Queen) Alexandra, who loved them for covering a small scar on her neck. Today's top designers love them, too. A jewel like this will be perfect with the season's historically -inspired fashions - and, since ours is made of airy mesh, you'll be comfortable wearing it even in warm weather.
In excellent condition, it's has been beautifully cared for during the past 100 years. I notice no flaws apart from age-appropriate surface wear. The birds' wings and heads are slightly more reddish in color than the rest of the necklace, though it has a ruddy cast overall. The medallion may be of unmarked rose gold, although our price assumes gilt brass overall. Whatever it's made of, this is a highly ornamental and unusual jewel appropriate for wear both day and night. It will fit neck sizes up to 16".
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Rare Victorian Double Cherub Pin w/ Triple Chain Swag
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1910 item# 111261
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$119
Free 1st Class U.S. Shipping
(& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
|
Wouldn't this two-part antique pin set would look marvelous on your favorite cardigan or shawl? Actually, I'm told it probably served to hold a Victorian lady's train -- gathering it to the side or into a bustle for dancing. It might also have been a chatelaine, from which various articles in frequent use were suspended at the waistline(keys, sewing bits, a lorgnette and so forth).
Whatever tricks it performed in the 19th century, it's a marvelous treasure today. Of silvered brass, showing only minor plating losses, the jewel features two adorable repousse cherubs or angels, each with the good old open C clasps indicative of great age. The larger figure is 2 1/2 inches tall, while the smaller one is an inch tall. They're joined by three 8-inch chains.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
|
|
|
