Large Art Nouveau Repousse Filigree Heart Pin Pendant
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Pre 1910 item# 727477
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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This exceptionally beautiful antique necklace pendant, also wearable as a brooch, was obviously hand-crafted. The wax around which the domed front with its intricate repousse details was formed remains in place (as with those fine silver hairbrushes and hand-mirrors of the same period); you can see it through the pretty pierced back. Heavily gilded, the jewel is in marvelous condition - showing the rich patina of age and only minor losses of finish (most on reverse). It measures about 2 1/4 inches by 2 inches, so is a highly impressive, can't-miss-it piece.
Dating is a bit uncertain, since the design says 1885-1900, but this type of safety clasp wasn't introduced until a little later. The pinstem appears to have been shortened (as was common for safety's sake) and the present clasp may have been added at that time. Whether this is Late Victorian or Edwardian, it's a true antique and a rare treasure. Provenance is a West Coast estate.
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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Lovely Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Roses Necklace
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Pre 1900 item# 646441
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Authentic Art Nouveau necklaces are getting very thin on the ground, as you've probably noticed. It's even harder to find one in original condition, complete with its chain, so this is quite a rarity. Of important scale, it features two big repousse roses linked together. Given the Victorian penchant for symbolism, it was almost surely an anniversary present or some other gift from a gentleman to his wife. All roses symbolized love to the Victorians, and the full-blown form also symbolized love's reward. Too, a jewel this large would have been considered unsuitable for an unmarried woman.
Hidden meanings aside, this is a spectacular example of Art Nouveau, given the curvy, swirling lines of these luscious flowers and the detailed edging around them. The medallions, each 1.75 inches round, are highly dimensional. The 20-inch chain is splendid, too: Worth a good deal in its own right, it alternates finely worked bookchain links with open ones and is undoubtedly original.
Certainly dating from the 1880s or 1890s, the necklace is in superb condition. I find no dents at all, just a little age-appropriate surface wear on close inspection. Despite the massive appearance, it's surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.
Very interestingly, we recently discovered - from a different source - a buckle that's indentical to this gilt brass necklace, except that it's surfaced with silver or a silver-colored metal. If you had them finished to match, you'd have an astounding set.
There's no charge for insured Priority U.S. shipping and gift wrap is alway free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos Thanks for looking!
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Ornate Antique Victorian Suffragette Necklace c 1890s
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Pre 1900 item# 619600
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Just in from England, this wonderful antique Suffragette necklace is loaded with Bohemian glass emeralds, amethysts and pearls in an openwork gilt setting of paisley-like Art Nouveau curves.
I've never seen a more ornate or beautifully preserved example of 19th century Suffragette costume jewelry. Obviously, every bit of it is original, since all the many stones are perfectly matched. Even the gold foil at the back of the emerald-cut green crystals is fully intact and the snake chain finishes with its original filigree box clasp. This was certainly a jewel prized by its first owner and it's been equally cherished by her heirs. Overall length is 16.5 inches.
As you know if you collect jewelry of this type, the unusual color combination had great meaning for early feminists. Green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. All this seems cryptic now, but was clearly understood by everyone in an era when messages were also communicated by which flowers you sent, how you held your fan and which corner of a calling card you folded down, if any. To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928.
Although forgotten for many years, these jewels have been rapidly gaining value since the star-studded TV movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find. We're very fortunate in being able to offer you this splendid piece from an English estate.
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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Choice Antique Art Nouveau Lady Portrait Stickpin
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Art Nouveau:
Pre 1900 item# 601376
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Authentic Victorian Art Nouveau "lady portrait" jewels like this antique stickpin have become extremely scarce. Even well-made replicas are soaring in value, since so many people crave the look. So here's a rare chance to get the genuine article at an affordable price.
The lovely head of this stickpin is made in two parts. The front is a gleaming medallion executed in high relief and both rose and yellow gold. It depicts in great detail a pre-Raphaelite beauty with flowing hair caught by the breeze, framed by an exquistely scrolled border. It would be criminal to attack this work of art with files and test acids so, in the absence of markings, we can't determine the precise material. However, there's nothing to suggest it's plated.
The back and stock to which the medallion is affixed may be of a less precious substance, but even here a lot of gold remains. Perhaps these are rolled gold. Regardless of composition, the real merit and value of the jewel reside in its high quality portraiture, excellent condition and age.
The spiral pattern midway down the stock (provided to secure the pin in place) tells us it's certainly 19th century, most likely from the 1880s or early 1890s. Overall length is 2.75 inches, origin is most likely French or Belgian and provenance is a New York estate.
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1890s Art Nouveau Carnelian & Rose Gold Ring, Signed
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Pre 1900 item# 567470
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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The delightful color harmony of carnelian and pink gold makes this a truly stunning ring. So does the very dramatic cabochon-cut stone, which holds swirls of varying color and is much larger than most carnelians: 3/4" tall and 1/2" wide. The ornate setting, open at the back to admit light, wraps the gem with four petal-scalloped prongs and has scrolling openwork bows at the shoulders. Slight variations of form that indicate hand-craftsmanship are evident on the prongs and the engraved decoration of the reverse.
Current size is about a US 7, easily altered since the bank of the shank is plain. Interior markings identify the material as 10k gold-filled and the maker as Clark & Coombs. The firm began business in 1872 and used this mark (two Cs in triangles around the ampersand) until 1915. The gold-fill process, as you probably know, is far superior to plating and results in a much more durable finish. It's still brilliant here, although the ring most likely dates from the 1890s. Rose gold was particularly popular in Late Victorian times.
There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority 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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Rare Amazing Victorian Art Nouveau Kangaroo Brooch
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Pre 1900 item# 344077
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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The Victorians were great fans of world travel, as you know, so this endearing antique brooch is most likely a memento of a visit Down Under during the 1890s or so. It reached us from a Florida estate in cherished condition and brings a grin to my face, every time I look at it.
As you see, it's gorgeously made. The kanga resides amid a bounty of applied leaves and tendrils, all worked in repousse and lavishly textured, and the gilding appears to be very high carat gold. All fittings are original and perfectly right for the 19th century dating; notice the open C clasp and elongated pinstem. Size is about 1 3/8" x 1 1/8".
I've never before seen anything remotely like this darling and doubt that another will come along soon, if at all. If you love Art Nouveau, it could well be the star of your collection.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking!
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Exquisite Art Nouveau Lady Pendant w/ Pink Stones
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Pre 1910 item# 339863
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
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This enchanting vermeil necklace pendant features one of the loveliest "lady" portraits I've ever seen. The gorgeous lady wears a strand of rosy rhinestones or pink tourmaline chips, and grapes and grape leaves adorn her hair drawn up in romantic Gibson Girl style.
Measuring about an inch round and quite weighty for its size, the pendant is hallmarked for 800 silver (which, as you know, indicates European provenance) and surfaced with high carat gold. To match, we've added a dainty 18-inch vermeil chain. The jewel would also look magnificent on a black or pink ribbon.
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Circa 1920 Antique BELAIS WG Filigree & Topaz Ring
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Pre 1920 item# 158946
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Layaway terms available.
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"The best substitutes are but poor imitations," Broadway theatre-goers were counseled by a program ad the Belais brothers placed circa 1920. History proved them absolutely right. Their process for creating white gold jewelry was so far superior to others' that the patent held for many years. When you own an antique jewel marked BELAIS, you own the best of the best.
This ring is a particularly affordable example not because of any compromise in the intricate metalwork, but because the beautifully faceted topaz stone has been through the wars a bit. Its table (top surface) needs repolishing, or you might want to replace it with something more precious. Either way, this is an investment-quality piece dating from the very early 20th century, probably the Edwardian or transitional period before Deco design became dominant. As you see, a hint of Art Nouveau lingers here. At our price, you're really paying only for the setting and getting a great deal on that. Even narrow Belais wedding bands with no stones sell for more.
Still with wonderfully crisp filigree, this ring comes from a Texas estate and is currently about a U.S. size 5 1/2 (easily adjusted by your jeweler, since the back of the shank isn't ornamented). The ring's oval face measures a showy 5/8" x 3/8" and the famous hallmark BELAIS - accompanied by the 10K stamp, in this case - can still be read easily.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos of this and/or our other fabulous BELAIS pieces - including dinner rings, wedding bands and cufflinks. Thanks for looking!
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Rare & Graceful Art Nouveau Sash Pin c 1900
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Pre 1910 item# 140153
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Imagine this holding the sash of your favorite ball gown or cocktail dress! So very feminine and finely hand-made, our antique sash pin has the graceful shape of a leaf and is ornamented with flower and leaf forms, some in delicate cutwork. Showing Arts & Crafts influence, along with Art Nouveau, the piece dates from 1890 - 1910, so is either Late Victorian or Edwardian.
Very old, it's also very large, measuring a spectacular 3 ¼” x 2 ¾”. You'll find its inverted triangular form quite slimming when worn at the waistline. Of course it can also be worn conventionally as a brooch and would be stunning on a hat. The metal, unmarked, is very sturdy - appearing to be pewter or pot metal beneath a rose gold wash. Original C clasp and pin are present - without an elongated pinstem in this case, or it would be wickedly painful at the waistline! Condition is simply superb (almost as if never used) and provenance is an estate collection in New Orleans, where ladies certainly *do* know how to dress up.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is also free if desired. Thanks for looking!
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