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Gold (38)
Period, Pre Victorian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Deco, Retro, Modernism, Designer Signed
Silver (65)
Period, Pre Victorian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Deco, Retro, Modernism, Mexican
Strands (16)
Jewels
Costume (79)
Bakelite, Clips, Designer, Rhinestone, Unsigned
Cufflinks and Accessories (16)
Gold, Silver
Ethnic (16)
Native American, Bedouin, Far Eastern
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Vintage Czech Bridal White Woven Bead Bracelet
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1950 item# 952045
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$45 SALE
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A wonderful match for our braided necklace of the same pattern, this lovely bracelet fresh from a Midwestern estate is comprised of tiny white glass beads, the kind often called "sugar crystals." Strands of them are intricately braided together to form it. Lots of work went into jewels of this type, most of which are of Czech origin and date from the 1930s or 1940s. (Braided and twisted designs were also popular in the 1950s, but those tended to be much larger and of mixed materials.)
The visible woven area is 7 inches long, to which the end caps and fastener add about another 3/4 inch. Width tapers subtly from half an inch to 3/8 inch at the ends. Condition is excellent; it takes high magnification even to notice surface wear on the end caps.
One of the bracelet's jump rings is marked Czechoslovak and the jump rings and clasp on the necklace are identical, so we feel confident both are Czech. The beads on the bracelet have a slight pearly iridescence, whereas the necklace is matte, but that small difference wouldn't be noticed when worn. If you're interested in both pieces, let us know and we'll work out special pricing. They're already on sale, but we can do even better on a combined purchase.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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His or Hers Signed Wide Modernist Pink Sapphire Ring
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Modernism:
Pre 1950 item# 951396
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$145 SALE (Was $195)
(Free U.S. Priority Delivery
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This splendid Modernist ring will delight any woman who enjoys bold mid-century studio silver -- or one of those exciting gentlemen so self-confident they aren't shy about pink.
Half an inch wide, it makes a powerful statement on the finger of either gender and its high quality is evident at a glance, without reference to the signature: an "R" within the outline of a gemstone. We haven't yet identified that mark, so please let us know if you recognize the maker.
From the Georgia estate of a couple with extensive World War II era collections, this is a serious designer jewel dating from that period or earlier (based both on style and its "sterling" hallmark, rather than the "925" stamp that came into increasing use between 1935 and 1950). Such simple, honest early modernist pieces are the most coveted by collectors and often command higher prices in silver than later items of gold.
That the stone is pink sapphire also adds value, since "fancy" colors (pinks, oranges, yellows, greens and purples) are generally prized above all but the finest blues. It could also be called a pastel ruby, since both sapphire and ruby belong to the same mineral family: corundum. Besides their beauty, these share high honors on the hardness scale, so provide generations of pleasure as heirlooms, given reasonable care.
Condition of the ring is great, with only minor age-appropriate surface wear, Currently about a US size 6.5, it could be stretched a bit easily or resized more significantly by an expert jeweler. Based on the "sterling" mark, its origin is most likely American, but it may well have been created by a European. Through the 1930s and 1940s, many Bauhaus and similar avant-garde artisans took flight from the advance of Nazi power, quickly popularizing the "industrial" look of Modernism.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. There's no charge for U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking!
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Stunning Antique Suffragette Earrings & Pendant / Pin
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Deco:
Pre 1930 item# 945464
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$185
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As you know if you collect Suffragette jewelry, it's extremely rare to find a set. So few were made that many years could pass before we have the opportunity to offer another demi-parure.
Fresh from a Long Island estate, this marvelous set shows both Edwardian and Art Deco influences: the former in the white-on-white shimmer of airy filigree blossoms overlapping plaques of mother-of-pearl; and the latter in its mesh tassel and the strong geometry of the faux amethysts and peridots.
Although American women won the vote in 1920, it took until 1928 for all women to be included in England, so Suffragette jewelry was produced through most of the decade. This set was probably among the last examples, despite its hint of Edwardiana. My dating is mainly based on the simplicity of the reverses. (Earlier pieces, even in the '20s, often had ornately patterned backs.)
The earrings measure about 7/8 of an inch tall and 3/4 of an inch wide, while the slightly domed brooch -- also fitted with a bail for use as a necklace pendant -- measures a bit more than an inch in each direction, plus nearly 1 1/2 inches for the tassel. All stones appear original and the silvery metal settings are evidently of rhodium or chromium -- one of those hard-wearing, tarnish-free cousins to platinum. The earring fasteners are screw-type, as is right for the period, but a good jeweler could easily change them to posts or wires. The condition of every piece is fantastic; they can't have been worn much and have been stored with great care.
This ususual color combination, as you probably know, held deep meaning among 19th century and early 20th century feminists, for whom 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.
Tucked away and forgotten for decades, Suffragette jewelry began rapidly gaining value when the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). We try our best to maintain a good selection, but demand keeps growing. At present, we have several necklaces, brooches and earring sets in stock, but this is the only matched set. If it strikes your fancy, please don't delay.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Gorgeous Antique Suffragette Earrings WW I Era
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Rhinestone:
Pre 1920 item# 945447
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$135
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The "Czecho" signature on these lovely Suffragette earrings lets us date them precisely to the first years of the Czech Republic (established in 1918). The region was previously known as Bohemia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I ended. Bohemian glass has been prized from medieval times and the stones here certainly live up to the area's reputation. Its enamelwork was admired, too, and that features here, as well.
Although the dating is technically transitional, falling between the death of King Edward and the period dominated by geometric Art Deco style, these earrings are extremely Edwardian in spirit, so would have been crafted soon after the war. The screw backs are also right for that period, when women found ear-piercing rather barbaric.
I especially love the fresh apple green of the emerald-cut faux peridots, which repeats in tiny round stones on both white-enameled blossoms. Stronger hues come into play, in accents of faux emerald and amethyst.
As you know if you collect Suffragette jewelry, this unusual color combination held deep meaning among 19th century and early 20th century feminists, for whom 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.
Measuring about 3/4 of an inch tall and a 5/8 of an inch wide, these are large enough to be noticed easily, but not overpowering. They reached us from a St. Louis estate in superb condition -- not unusual, because Suffragette jewels were worn typically for meetings and marches, rather than on an everyday basis. Assuming careful storage, the stones and even the gilt metal settings can look practically new. In this case, only the actual screws have darkened with age, since those weren't gilded.
Tucked away and forgotten for decades after women won the vote, Suffragette jewelry began rapidly gaining value when the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). We try our best to maintain a good selection, but demand keeps growing. If these strike your fancy, you'd better not delay.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Rare Antique Lincoln Imp Brooch Victorian or Older
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 942813
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$160
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The whimsical form of this delightful English brooch identifies it as a souvenir from Lincoln (county town of Lincolnshire). The original owner would have visited its famous cathedral, the world's tallest building from around 1300 to 1549 but far better known for a piece of stonework called the Lincoln Imp. According to legend, the little demon was sent by Satan to make mischief in medieval England and outdid himself here -- dancing on the altar, tripping up a Bishop, knocking over the Dean, smashing furniture and tormenting the choir. It's said he paused to gloat atop a column, whereupon the fed-up angels turned him to stone!
For centuries, Lincoln's imp has been admired by pilgrims and tourists, who took home keepsakes featuring his likeness. Most date from the Victorian era, when railways made travel widely affordable, but some are earlier -- made for well-heeled Brits whose usual Grand Touring was curtailed by wars in Continental Europe.
Whether Victorian or Georgian, the brooch is an exceptional find, since imp items are generally useful things. Door knockers, bells, tea caddy spoons and toasting forks turn up in antique shops and at auctions, but I've never even seen a pin before!
Highly dimensional and beautifully detailed, it's in such splendid condition that it can't have been worn much. Given its dainty size -- just an inch long, as was suitable for for a girl or teenager in days when large jewelry was considered vulgar except on married women -- the first owner probably tucked it carefully away with the other treasures of her youth, where it remained long forgotten.
Now it's ready to become your favorite conversation piece, after a light polish. (I strongly advise against dips that would
remove the patina of age and the darkness of the crevices.) The metal appears to be of a grade slightly sturdier than sterling, since it's simply stamped "silver," lacking the usual array of British hallmarks. It has the elongated pinstem and open C clasp indicative of great age, along with a large hand-made hinge. Provenance is a Midwestern estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos -- and, if you like this, please run a search to see our imp door knocker, too. Should you be interested in both, we can work out special pricing. Thanks for looking!
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Vintage Studio Sterling Earrings like O'Keeffe Flowers
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Modernism:
Pre 1950 item# 942105
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$150
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These spectacular hand-made sterling silver earrings always make me think of Georgia O'Keeffe's flower paintings. They have the same graceful, undulant lines -- and the same gigantically blown-up quality. At first I thought they look like irises, but now I'm thinking lilies or even bird-of-paradise blossoms.
While the curvy shapes are evocative of Art Nouveau, they've been interpreted by a master of early Modernism. Based on the abstract design and clip backs, I believe they date from the late 1930s or early 1940s. Pads were added more recently for comfort.
Despite their stupendous size, weight is relatively modest; they have to be hollow inside (which makes their fine condition all the more amazing).
The word Eleusinian is stamped in block letters, along with the 925 mark for sterling. An artist's signature also appears in script on one earring, but we haven't been able to decipher much of it; the last name might be Jacobo and the first name seems to start with T. If you recognize the maker or know anything about Eleusinian (other than the word's connection with ancient Orphic mysteries), please e-mail to let me know; I've searched the Web for many hours in vain.
A breathtaking addition to any collection of Modernist jewelry, these sculptural treasures are truly art to wear! They'd be stunning, even if they didn't measure a whopping 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" (but how wonderful that they do).
Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Lady Face Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Art Nouveau:
Pre 1940 item# 940568
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$170
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As you know if you collect Art Nouveau, authentic "lady portrait" jewels have become extremely hard to find. Even good reproductions from the 1960s and 1970s are rapidly gaining value, so you simply can't go wrong with these antique earrings for less than $200.
Based on age-appropriate surface wear and screw backs hallmarked "Sterling," the earrings date, I feel sure, from the early 20th century -- either from original Art Nouveau days circa 1900 or the first Revival period circa 1930. (Examples made after 1935 are generally stamped "925"; often bear a logo, as well; and feature every sort of fastener other than screws.) Unfortunately, they're been overcleaned by some misguided enthuasist who plunged them into silver dip, which stripped off the rich patina of age and what would otherwise be luscious darkness in all the heavily textured crevices created by sand-casting. Tanish will soon start accumulating again, but at the moment they look less valuable than they are and our price reflects this. They'd cost nearly twice as much, had they been left in original condition and polished only lightly by hand on the high points.
Size is about an inch long and provenance is a Chicago estate. Probably the earrings originated in Chicago, which was a hotbed of stylish metalwork a century ago. Your jeweler could very easily adapt them for post fasteners or wires, if you prefer.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Lovely Early Uncas Art Nouveau Sterling Floral Band
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Art Nouveau:
Pre 1920 item# 939314
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$95 SALE. Was $125.
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An enchanting sweetheart ring -- or wedding ring for those who prefer the simplicity of silver -- this antique Art Nouveau band from a Florida estate bears the first mark of the Rhode Island-based Uncas Manufacturing Company (a U between two arrows). It's also stamped "sterling," rather than the later 925.
Most likely created before or during World War I -- since Art Nouveau styling gave way to Art Deco after the war -- the ring is lavished with flower blossoms and scrolling leaf forms. The design is the work of a master: Vincent Sorrentino, one of the talented jewelers who arrived from Italy in the early 20th century and were instrumental in developing the American fine and costume jewelry industry.
About a US size 5.5 - 6 now, the ring could be professionally stretched a little, but not cut for major resizing without damage to the pattern, which extends all around and remains nicely crisp. Quite a bit of tarnish is present, which in deference to the purists among us I'll leave alone. You can easily polish the ring, if you like, but I recommend using a jeweler's cloth and a light hand, rather than dips that would brighten the background along with the details and strip off the rich patina of age.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Rare & Wonderful Old Natural Red Branch Coral Bracelet
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Strands:
Pre 1900 item# 939080
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$130
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This stunning bracelet we recently lucked upon is a great match for our extra-long, antique branch coral necklace. (To see it, just enter branch coral in the search box.) If interested in both pieces, please e-mail and we'll work out special pricing.
As you know if you collect coral jewelry, almost all newer examples are dyed (and look it), because sources of truly good coral are just about played out. To get the real thing, you have to go back into antique, or at least very seriously vintage. Here we have honest-to-Pete Mediterranean stuff, as is also true of our necklace. The bracelet hails from a California estate, but would have originated in Italy, where red coral was harvested in profusion in the 19th century and earlier.
Based on the clasp, a sterling swivel hook, the bracelet was restrung around 1950. Changing to a Victorian gilded "beehive" screw clasp or small fish-hook would be well worth doing. Otherwise, this bracelet is simply superb, with all spezzati (coral branches) intact and showing natural variations of hue. Length is about 7.75 inches now, too large for many women, but a significant amount of length is in the oversized clasp.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Ethereal Edwardian Ice Blue Glass Bead Necklace
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Strands:
Pre 1920 item# 939026
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$115
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Frosty whites and pastels captured the height of Edwardian refinement a hundred years ago. Not coincidentally, the Arts and Crafts movement had flourished for several decades by then, promoting excellence of design and workmanship, along with an artistic approach to selecting materials. This led to a passion for art glass that persisted from Late Victorian and Edwardian times through the transitional World War I period and the Art Deco 1920s.
Edwardians also adored daintiness and the shimmering beads here are as tiny as heishi, so they're light and comfortable to wear, despite the great number of strands and decorative orbs paved with them.
Condition of this necklace is simply superb. Without magnification, you can't notice any surface wear, even on the brilliantly gilded little tulip-shaped connectors. The clasp is of a slightly darker metal and may well be a replacement for an earlier fish-hook or barrel type; this could easily be changed, but you don't even need to use it. At about 30 inches long, the beads slip on and off over the head. The necklace reached us from a Pennsylvania estate and most likely originated in Bohemia, an area known for producing excellent glass for centuries. (Part of the old Austro-Hungarian empire, it became Czechoslovakia after WWWI).
This ultra-subtle blue looks beautiful with a wide range of colors, but I especially like it with the gray fashions so stylish today.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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