Fine Antique 1890s Arts and Crafts Cufflinks by GCH Co
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Arts and Crafts:
Pre 1900 item# 696863
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$125
(Free U.S. Priority Shipping
& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
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Here's an elegant pair of antique cufflinks perfect for gentlemen who prefer simpler jewelry. Their oval, slightly matte-finished faces, which measure 11/16" by 7/16", are adorned only by a refined cutwork edge showing clear Arts and Crafts influence.
We know these links are especially early, because of their "bean" backs typical of the late 19th century.
The metal appears to be either low-karat gold or high-quality rolled gold, since I can't see any surface losses that would indicate plating. In either case, they'd test at around 9k and I can't bring myself to damage them with a file and test acids. The only areas of discoloration are solder marks where the shanks join the backs of the faces. Overall condition is so fine that it's clear these have been worn very seldom. Thus, they'd make a fabulous gift -- and they offer plenty of space for adding monograms.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Arts and Crafts Moonstone Amethyst Brooch
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Arts and Crafts:
Pre 1920 item# 692412
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click for details
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
At auction to benefit Netroots Nation
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This charming antique Arts and Crafts brooch came from an estate in North Carolina, which produced lots of gemstones in the late 19th and very early 20th centuries. Hence, we see two truly gorgeous moonstones and a richly colored amethyst in a simple gilt pin that wasn't fashioned by a master. It may well be an apprentice piece made by a budding artisan not yet trusted with precious metals. That it's rustic but lavished with gems of good quality and size makes it one of the most fascinating brooches I've ever seen.
The Arts and Crafts movement celebrated hand-craftsmanship, in reaction to the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution. Ultimately it died of its emphasis on ultra-fine fabrication, which priced most people out of the market for the product lines of top A&C designers. Along the way, however, the movement had the happier result of inspiring creative efforts that resulted in one-of-a-kind treasures like this.
Dating most likely from the Edwardian era (1901 - 1910), based on its daintiness and the airy openwork, the brooch shows Art Nouveau influence in its curvy metalwork, which features a stylized flower centered on the outline of a leaf. It measures not quite 2" long and about 3/8" wide, with moonstones 1/4" round and the amethyst a little smaller. The stones are in beautiful condition and the gilt metal still glitters, showing age-appropriate loss of finish only under high magnification. All the irregularities of form appear original, since I can't find any dings that would have caused distortion. The fastening mechanism is likewise original and right for the period; there's an old open C clasp and the pinstem moves at the hinge with that wonderful side-to-side wobble indicative of great age.
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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