Antique Tsarist Russian Milk & Honey Amber Beads c 1800
Catalogue:
Archives:
Estate Jewelry:
Strands:
Jewels:
Pre 1837 VR item# 476320
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
You'll feel like a czarina in this exquisite antique necklace of "milk and honey" amber - the rarest form and thus most prized. According to a specialist in decorative arts of that region, the amber is most likely of Siberian origin and the strand dates from around 1800. That's the era we associate with Late Georgian and Regency times in England and with France's First Empire period under Napoleon. Russia wasn't immune to the upheavals elsewhere, you'll remember. Napoleon suffered a crushing defeat there in 1812, when these lovely beads were new. Perhaps they were a celebratory gift bestowed by a hero on his lady. They would've been well worthy of the occasion, and not out of place at the court of Alexander I.
Priced far BELOW the value ascribed to it in 1991 by a leading gemologist (a president of their national association), the necklace is comprised of 40 well-matched, well-shaped and well-polished beads that taper smoothly in size toward a large central bead. The fish-hook clasp of sterling filigree in navette form was no doubt added later, at some time when the strand was restrung before I acquired it in the 1970s. Yes, this necklace has been in my personal collection for a very long time. I've decided to sell it on because I wear it so seldom. Frankly my skin is too rosy to look good with amber.
The irregularly shaped brooch that matches the beads so well is something I acquired about 15 years ago in England. I believe it to be genuine amber of the same type but, even if it's just a great pretender, these pieces belong together; the color likeness is uncanny. It will be my gift to the next owner of this splendid necklace. The purchaser will also receive a copy of the appraisal document showing replacement cost, new, as $1,650 (a figure that reflects no antique value at all, since gemologists know gems, not antiques).
Amber, BTW, has been associated with magical powers since the Stone Age. Roman soldiers wore amber into battle and Victorian mothers also pinned amber charms to their infants' clothing. So you just *might* get protection from evil spirits, in the bargain.
Thanks for looking!
|
|
Edwardian Branch Coral Earrings & Beads
Catalogue:
Archives:
Estate Jewelry:
Strands:
Jewels:
Pre 1910 item# 146793
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
Price of $195 includes insured shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Here's a demi-parure that's sure to focus all eyes on you. These gorgeous antique earscrews and necklace didn't begin life together, but are a fabulous match - of the same vintage, in the same luscious medium-red color characteristic of "noble coral" from Italy and in the same exceptionally fine condition. Apart from age-appropriate surface wear to the necklace clasp and earring backs, I can't find any flaws on this set.
From a long-time dealer's personal collection, the earrings date circa 1910 and are most usual - designed like flower baskets with wired bouquets of natural branch coral spilling out the tops. Among their beautiful details are gilded trellises upon which leaves climb the sides. Overall size is just shy of 1" x 1 1/2" and original screw-on backs are present.
Completing the demi-parure is a branch coral necklace that could be even older; it's of a style that grew popular in Victorian times. The pretty floral clasp of gilded brass was probably added later. No doubt the strand has been restrung several times through the past century. Its provenance is a Minnesota estate and it measures 18" long, incorporating coral branches of lengths varying to 1 1/2". None appear to be broken, as all the edges have a high polish.
We never charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is also free, whenever desired. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Art Deco White Coral Necklace - Tiffany
Catalogue:
Archives:
Estate Jewelry:
Strands:
Jewels:
Pre 1940 item# 22597
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
A full yard (36") of beautiful, graduated white coral beads form this flapper-length necklace, still in its original Tiffany pouch. A family heirloom not worn for 60 or 70 years, it finally emerged from the bank vault in mint condition. The strand is heavy and drapes with wonderful grace. As versatile as pearls, these are a lot less expensive!
Though this lovely necklace is gone now, many more exceptional antique and vintage jewels are here in our Trocadero catalog. Please have a look, or e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to discuss what you're hoping to find.
|
|
|
|
|
