|
|
Signed Pair of 2 Superb c1800-30 Bracelets, Very Rare
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Pre Victorian:
Pre 1837 VR item# 352023
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$365
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& GIft Wrap if Desired)
|
Layaway terms are available for all our items priced over $150.
These exquisite matching antique bracelets were sold to me as mid-Victorian "wedding bracelets," but the extreme simplicity of their closure argues for a pre-Victorian dating - perhaps even 18th century Georgian, and certainly no later than Regency or William IV. In fact matching bracelets were extremely popular between 1800 and 1830. In the case of these, the "mechanism" is obviously early - consisting only of three keyhole-shaped slots and a teensy but powerful prong, with a slide that adds extra security. Frankly, I've never before seen one of these prong-type bracelets with its slide still in place, let alone TWO of them!
The charming decorative motif, as you see, is an intricate floral and foliate design. The slightly rosy golden metal appears to be gold-filled (thus far more durable than if it were merely gilded). Because the bracelets adjust to fit three positions, they'd be a marvelous gift for a girl who's still growing - something she could enjoy now and forever. They're pleasantly lightweight and easy for anyone to wear. At their smallest, they'd fit child-sized wrists and, when fastened in the outer slot, most small- to average-sized women would be able to wear them.
From a Boston area estate, these bracelets are in astounding condition relative to age. Width is about 7/8" inches and the shape is slightly oval, which is really far more suitable to the human arm than round. Not only wonderfully wearable, these are true investment jewels you'll never regret owning, especially at this incredibly low price for a such a rare matching pair. They're even signed, BTW, bearing the mark "W G W & Co" -- but unfortunately I haven't yet been able to find out anything about the maker. We recently offered a single bracelet very much like these at $225 and it didn't have a slide, so our price for this pair is an exceptional value.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Victorian Rose Gold Hairpin w/ Necklace Length Chain
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1910 item# 324143
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$79
Free 1st Class U.S. Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
The fine Victorian chain is a major part of this item's value, since antique chains are scarce and this one measures slightly more than 14 inches - long enough to be fitted with a clasp and used for a necklace pendant. In its present form, it's attached to a hairpin a bit longer than 1 1/2", with lovely twisted prongs. The material hasn't been tested, but looks to be rose gold, which was commonly used for the purpose and very popular in the 1890s. Pretty hairpins with so-called "keeper chains" developed then, because those sturdy "Gibson Girl" pompadour hairstyles favored in late Victorian and Edwardian times were well-suited to serve as hold-alls. Small items fastened to the hook end of a chain anchored by a hairpin were kept readily at hand. Optical equipment was a popular example, as you know if you've seen our 1902 spectacles (which reached us with a matching keeper chain), but it's easy to imagine them holding a key, a pencil with a hanging loop and so forth.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Rare c1800 Regency Cameo & Gilt Silver Filigree Pendant
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Pre Victorian:
Pre 1837 VR item# 196003
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
Free Insured Delivery to Any Country Where We Ship
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
This extraordinary hand-crafted jewel apparently dates from the Regency period. Technically, perhaps it's Late Georgian, since the Regency didn't officially begin until 1811; however, the era is generally considered to span 1790-1830. This was a time of youth and gaiety - when George IV, while still Prince of Wales, built his fabulous palace at Brighton. Both the timeframe and styles closely paralleled those of the French Empire period and this jewel could be from either side of the Channel. A hallmark is present, but no longer legible.
The first shell cameos were carved circa 1805, during these halcyon days described by Austen and Thackeray. In 1806. the appearance in London of the Elgin Marbles touched off a Grecian craze. I see that influence strongly in this cameo. Notice the classical hairstyle and head-dress so typical of Regency portraits, as well as the relative severity of the profile (nothing at all like the pert little noses seen in post-1850 cameos).
Regency dating is suggested to me not only by the cameo's subject, probably meant to represent an ancient queen or goddess, but also its unusual and elaborate framing in a paisley-like teardrop shape showing the Orientalist influence pervasive after Napoleon's Egyptian campaign of 1802. The metalwork, of vermeil (gilded silver) filigree, is almost as beautiful on the back as the front and silver content tested high, a clear indication of quality when we remember gold was extremely scarce until after the 1849 discoveries. Vermeil wirework was particularly popular in 18th century France, then banned in the early 19th century upon discovery that mercury used in the process of creating "silver gilt" caused craftsmen to go blind. A safer technique was developed much later.
Measuring about 1 5/8" by 7/8" and in remarkable condition - showing age-appropriate surface wear but no evident damage, despite the delicacy of its construction - this jewel is like nothing I've ever seen before. I doubt we'll see another like it soon.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Stunning BELAIS White Gold Filigree Cobalt Glass Ring
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Edwardian:
Pre 1920 item# 158954
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$255
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
Layaway terms available.
|
This ring of gold filigree by the legendary Belais Brothers features a wonderful fancy-cut cobalt blue glass gem that's bluer than sapphires. With a highly dimensional domed shape that's exquisitely faceted, it shows only slight wear under high magnification, which is very rare for glass of this age. In gorgeous condition, with crisp gold filigree, the ring comes from a New England estate and is currently about a U.S. size 5 (easily adjusted by your jeweler, since the back of the shank isn't ornamented). Its oval face measures about 1/2" x 1/2". The famous hallmark BELAIS - accompanied by the 10K stamp, in this case - can still be read quite easily.
When you own an antique jewel marked BELAIS, quite simply you own the best of the best. Their process for creating white gold jewelry was so far superior to others' that the patent held for many years. This ring is a particularly affordable example of their artistry. If it held a precious stone, of course the cost would be enormously higher - and you might consider replacing it with something natural.
This is an investment-quality piece dating from circa 1920 and, at our price, you're really paying only for the beautiful Belais gold setting. Even unsigned sterling and crystal rings of this age sell elsewhere online in the $225 - $345 range.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos of this and/or our other fine BELAIS pieces - including cufflinks, a breathtaking watch and several rings. There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Rare 1910 Halley's Comet Pearl & Gold Stickpin Signed
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1910 item# 156543
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$159
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
Comet jewels are scarce and highly collectible, and this antique comet stickpin is a particularly elegant example. One of the finest stickpins we've ever offered, it's every inch 14k gold (hallmarked) and the beautiful head is set with a central half pearl of good size plus six more lustrous seed pearls. These would be genuine sea pearls and probably natural, since the process of culturing pearls had barely begun then.
To the modern eye, the head suggests a flower with a stem, but pieces like this were in fact intended to represent comets (the "stem" portion being the comet's tail, while the "petals" form a star). It was an approach typical since Georgian times, and indeed the pin could conceivably have commemorated a much earlier comet -- even Halley's passage in 1835, rather than 1910. The look wouldn't have differed.
I'm opting for the later date, mainly because of the 14k gold stamp, maker mark and excellence of construction associated with Edwardian times. Here the goldsmith managed to attach the stock with no visible solder marks; it actually appears to be all of one piece! The maker's stamp, resembling a cross or bird within an oval cartouche, is unknown to me, so please tell me if you can identify it.
In superb condition, showing no damage to either gold or pearls, the pin measures about 1 13/16 inches long and 5/16 of an inch at its widest. Provenance is a Boston area estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Huge Luxurious 14k Gold Domed Ring with Opal
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Period:
Pre 1970 item# 153076
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$385 (Reduced from $465)
Free insured delivery to any country where we ship
(& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
Layaway terms available.
|
Looking like it belongs in a Renaissance portrait, this gold ring is rich with granulated detail and has extra-long talonlike prongs that hold the fiery opal cabochon. It isn't just highly-dimensional but towering! It rises a full half an inch above the finger - besides measuring a knuckle-covering 3/4" wide and tall. Naturally its size means this dazzler is heavy, containing a lot of gold. The stone, 5mm x 4 mm, is well worthy of its setting; it's loaded with color - showing flashes of green, rose and bright blue against a softer blue background. Such a jewel simply must have been custom-crafted, perhaps during the Renaissance Revival of the 19th century but more likely in the early 20th century Victorian Revival period, given its remarkably fine condition. Regardless of dating, this is a ring that exudes opulence, power and mystery.
Current size is a U.S. 6 - 6 1/2, easily adjusted by your jeweler since the ring's shank isn't ornamented, and provenance is a Texas estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Victorian 14K Diamond Lovers Knot Stickpin
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 148663
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$139
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
This 19th century jewel from a Philadelphia area estate features the classic lovers' knot form and is one of our finest antique stick pins. It's hand-made of unmarked but tested 14k gold and the stone looks to be a nicely fiery little diamond - prong-set and open at the back for maximal brilliance.
Probable dating is circa 1880 and, despite great age, the piece is in extremely good condition - showing only light surface wear under high magnification and the predictable slight bend of its pinstem. The head measures about 3/8" x 3/8", total length is 2" and weight is 1.4 grams. American origin is likely, because an English pin of comparable vintage and excellence would have the usual phalanx of hallmarks.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Fine Antique Victorian Gold Stickpin w/ Pearls
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 145893
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$149
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
This quintessentially Victorian antique stick pin takes the form of a star-like flower and is in exquisite condition, retaining all of its many seed pearls. These would be natural sea pearls, since cultured pearls weren't yet being formed
An extremely high-quality piece, this jewel is not only hallmarked 10K but maker-marked (R & N). This is a pin you can wear with anything: the utmost in versatility, being set only with pearls. Overall length is 2 1/8 inches and provenance is a Chicago area estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Victorian 1902 Gold Lorgnette Glasses + Case and Pin
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1910 item# 132526
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$90 SALE
(Reduced from $135)
Free 1st Class U.S. Shipping
& Gift Wrap if Desired
|
These fine antique lorgnette glasses of 14k rose gold are not only in pristine condition but dated and maker-marked (Fox Pat. Jan. 7, 02). Not only do the spectacles have their lovely velvet-lined leather case, but *it's* dated, too (Pat. Mar 02, 1902) - AND there's a matching hairpin with keeper chain. Late Victorian and Edwardian ladies' sturdy "Gibson Girl" hairstyles were well-suited to performing the task for which we now use leash cords.
Spectacles measure 4" from lens to lens, case is a bit larger and the pin is 2 1/2" long, with 10" of fine chain and a 1/2" hook. The hairpin and chain haven't been tested, but also look to be rose gold.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
BELAIS Antique 18K White Gold Wedding Band, Size 6
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Edwardian:
Pre 1920 item# 132163
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
On hold; sale pending. $245
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
|
If you love antique white gold jewelry, you probably know the signature BELAIS on a piece means it's the ultimate. For beautiful design and refined craftsmanship, the Belais Brothers surpassed all others working in white gold during the early 20th century.
This lovely wedding ring from a Chicago area estate is an excellent example of why their jewelry was so esteemed. The band's intricate pattern, executed in high relief, is a fascinating foliate motif that looks to me like interlocking leaves of elongated heart shape. Probable dating is Edwardian circa 1905-1910. Other marks, besides the legendary Belais name, are 18K and the initials MG.
In excellent condition, showing minimal wear, the ring has exceptionally good weight (more than you'd expect of such a dainty item), which is why it costs a bit more than our others. Its size is about a US 6, measuring 5/8" in interior diameter and about 1/8" tall. (I always say "about" because different types of measuring equipment vary somewhat, as does the size of our fingers with season and time of day.) If your finger measures anywhere between 5.75 and 6.25, this should fit. Any of our Belais bands, BTW, could easily be modifed to become an engagement ring with the addition of prongs and whatever stone you like. I don't normally recommend adapting antique jewelry, but just saw online an alleged "Belais Solitaire" that certainly didn't begin life that way; it has a honking big modern diamond in long prongs and a pricetag of $9250 (gasp). Little delicate prongs and a diamond in proper scale could actually be very pretty, though.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more pictures of this or our other Belais wedding ring. Thanks for looking!
|
|
|
|
|
