|
Antiques (76)
Furnishings, Decorative Art, Regional Art, Instruments and Implements
Vintage Arts (30)
Furnishings, Decorative Art, Instruments and Implements
Fine Art (12)
Prints
Estate Jewelry (232)
Gold, Silver, Other Metals, Enamel, Strands, Costume, Cufflinks and Accessories, Ethnic
Traditional Collectibles (16)
Books
Popular Collectibles (56)
Nostalgia, Dolls and Figures
Archives (339)
Furnishings, Decorative Art, Regional Art, Fine Art, Estate Jewelry, Collectibles, Lost Art
Join Mailing List
Specialties
Newsletter
Gift Certificates
Gift Wrapping
Privacy Policy
|
|
Vintage Whiting and Davis Silvertone Chain Necklace
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1950 item# 1008262
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$45
(Free U.S. Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
Striking and versatile, this long, graceful chain can be enjoyed as a necklace in its own right or used to show off your favorite pendants.
Created by Whiting & Davis, a firm legendary for top-quality jewelry and handbags through more than a century, the chain is signed on an oval plaque that doubles as the clasp catch. You won't need to bother unlatching the clasp, though, since the chain is slip-over length, a convenient 28 inches. It's a substantial 3/4 of an inch wide, yet as supple as snakes. Provenance is a New England estate, condition is lovely and the most likely dating would be 1940s, when the company produced an extensive line of fancy neck chains.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Antique Branch Coral Flower Basket Dangle Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 1008251
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$145
(Free U.S. Priority Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
Fashion loves coral as much now as when the Victorians went mad for it in the mid-19th century. Edwardians adored it, too, so antique coral jewels are hard to date - especially earrings, since it's so easy to change their fasteners. The drops on these earrings are probably Victorian, with their original hooks replaced by screw backs when ear piercing went out of style in the early 20th century.
Regardless of precise dating, these are assuredly antique and absolutely stunning - a giardinetto (little garden) design featuring flower baskets of gilt filigree, filled with spezzati (branch coral) wired together into bouquets. The coral is of a salmon-pink shade that will flatter any complexion and, given its great age, we can be certain the color is natural, not dyed. Total length from the earlobe is 1.5 inches.
Provenance of these charmers is an East Coast estate, but they almost certainly originated in Italy. The area around Naples was the world's leading source of coral until Mediterranean reefs played out and visitors from around the world collected the jewelry made by its talented craftsmen. By the time when these earrings were produced, filigree was no longer formed of individual wires, but an immense amount of handwork was still involved. Die-struck silhouettes were flat and solid, even after a filigree pattern was stamped on. Every element had to be meticulously pierced out, contoured and given definition by a skilled artisan.
Time's patina is evident on the ornate metalwork, but losses of gilding are hard to notice without magnification, as are the minor imperfections you'd expect after so long. There may be a few old repairs to the dainty chains, or perhaps they're bits of grunge. In deference to the purists among us, we haven't attempted to clean the earrings. How far to go with that process should be left up to the next owner.
If you're interested in an antique branch coral necklace or bracelet, too, please run a quick search for "coral" here and you'll be led to our other pieces. We can work out special pricing, if you want more than one.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Lovely Asian Vintage Boho Necklace, Long and Lacy
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Ethnic:
Far Eastern:
Pre 1970 item# 1008180
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
On hold; sale pending.
(Free U.S. Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
This necklace is one of those jewels that photos just can't capture fully. It's so gracefully fluid that it doesn't merely sway when you move; it dances! And it's airy-light, despite its "statement necklace" size.
The pendant section, 2.25 inches long, is comprised of multiple segments, each of which moves independently: Above the drop, a round of leafy cutwork, there's a pretty spiral form -- and, above that, two cutwork diamond shapes are joined by lengths of the same fancy-link chain that comprises the upper part of the necklace. The main chain, being 25 inches long, is easy to slide on and off (a feature you'll like if you share my impatience with clasps).
The catch of the clasp, which you won't bother using, is stamped Korea -- without reference to North or South. I believe the North/ South distinction would have been drawn vigorously in the 1950s, due to the war, which seems to date the piece either before or after. Based on the widespread popularity of Oriental motifs in the U.S. during the hippie era, my best guess about age would be late 1960s. It definitely has the flowery neo-romantic look and kinetic action that we hippie chicks loved. Provenance is a New England estate.
Although Korea was ruled by Japan from 1910 until the end of WWII in 1945, its history is more closely tied to China's and both those nations were long renowned for producing high-carat gold jewelry. I don't test metals, not wanting to mar the beauty of historic pieces with files and acids, so remote chance exists that this could be gold. In the absence of knowledge to the contrary, of course we've priced it as brass.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Stunning Vintage Faux Sapphire Cocktail Ring by Uncas
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1950 item# 1007974
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
On hold; sale pending.
|
Want a ring with bling? Here you go! This vintage beauty is a real show-stopper, with a setting that sparkles almost as much as the monster stone does.
The oval-cut glass sapphire is 3/4" tall and its highly detailed floral mounting is of high-shine rhodium or chromium (durable, tarnish-free metals in the platinum family). Probable dating is Retro (1935-1950); condition is lovely, with minimal surface wear; provenance is a New York estate; and size is about a 5 to 5.5. We usually state sizes as a range, because results from different types of measuring equipment can vary up to half a size, as our fingers also do with the time of day and temperature.
The Uncas maker mark in use since around 1920 -- a U with an arrow through it -- is stamped on the shank's interior. Earlier pieces feature the U between two arrows.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Exquisite Antique Victorian Enameled MOP Cufflinks
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Cufflinks and Accessories:
Pre 1900 item# 1007944
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
Sold; thank you! $235.
(Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
I don't know what's more astounding about these cufflinks -- their sheer beauty or the superb condition of such delicate surfaces after more than 100 years. You'll be equally amazed by both attributes, when you see these rare and gorgeous links in person. The sumptuous hand-enameled pattern suggesta Kashmir shawl, and that effect was no doubt intended, since the Victorians were so enchanted by those exotic, luxurious fabrics. Adding even more delight, the underlying mother-of-pearl iridesces beneath the paintwork for a lovely glow.
The octagonal faces measure 7/8" x 5/8" and the torpedo-shaped backs 7/8" long are attached by chains, a fastening system that's quintessentially Victorian. Provenance is a Midwestern estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Regency Era Mourning Locket of Enameled Silver c 1800
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Pre Victorian:
Pre 1837 VR item# 1007883
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$195 SALE. Was $255.
(Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
Extremely well-crafted diminutive lockets were a feature of Regency (Late Georgian) fashion, as were enamelwork, neo-classical patterns and plumes. All these design currents combine here, where a finely enameled Greek Key border surrounds an engraved peacock feather and eye motif at center. (The peacock was not only fashionable on headgear then, but also a symbol of eternal life.)
A very early dating is further indicated by the plain window of beveled crystal on the reverse, through which we glimpse black fabric or very tightly woven hair held by a gilt retaining band of rope-twist design. I see no way to open this without popping up the glass (which seems to have incurred a teensy chip from exactly that process). Later lockets, as we know, have separate metal compartments that open to view enclosures. From later examples, we'd also expect hallmarks on any piece that required so much intricate craftsmanship, whereas there's no stamp of any sort on this silver. It looks like sterling, but may be a somewhat lesser European grade. An interesting mystery is the presence of a small incised line on the front that isn't part of the design, but looks intentional. Perhaps it was meant as a mark of grief, detracting from perfection. Occasionally I get vibes off a piece of jewelry and this one is loaded with heart-felt emotion. I feel it was first worn as a memorial jewel either by the person who made it or someone else of the same family.
Measuring a dainty 1 inch by 1/2 inch, this rare beauty is in splendid condition, relative to age, and its provenance is a Florida estate. It was probably meant to be on a ribbon slide tied at choker length and would look lovely on a black silk ribbon or cord. It comes with this dainty vintage chain, silver in color but unmarked.
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!
|
|
Spectacular Vintage Pencil on a Chain Necklace
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Cufflinks and Accessories:
Pre 1930 item# 1007871
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$40 SALE. Was $55.
(Free U.S. Shipping
& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
|
Can't find a pencil when you need one? Try wearing it, as hard-working ladies often did in the Art Deco era!
This beautiful mechanical pencil has the look of patterned rosewood and it still works beautifully, too. Although it became separated at some time from its original chain, we found a lovely replacement -- possibly not as old as the pencil, which is now antique by American 75-year standards, but certainly vintage.
The chain measures about 24 inches long, so will slide easily over your head, and comes from a New England estate. The pencil, about 4 inches long, was a Texas estate find.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Antique Art Nouveau Uncas Sterling Marcasite Rose Ring
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Art Nouveau:
Pre 1920 item# 1007452
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
Sold; thank you! $140
|
If you don't mind being noticed (and envied), this large and spectacular antique ring is meant for you. It's a knuckle-covering 1 1/4 inches tall and 3/4 of an inch wide at leaf level.
The design, as you see, is enchanting. Marcasite "dewdrops" nestle among the rose petals and their shape is echoed by round embossing on the leaves. Edges and shoulders are lovingly detailed, as well. Naturally this was the creation of a master, namely Vincent Sorrentino, an Italian immigrant who formed Uncas Manufacturing Company in Rhode Island in 1911. The turn of the twentieth century in America attracted many talented artisans and jewelers from Italy, who were instrumental in the development of the American fine and costume jewelry industry. The Uncas "U" between two arrows (their earliest mark) appears inside the ring, along with the Sterling stamp. We occasionally see this ring with the later maker mark (a U with an arrow running through it), since the design's popularity lingered into the post-World War One era.
The rivoli-cut marcasites normally smooth after this long, but these are still sharply pointed for maximum dazzle. Overall condition is lovely -- as fine as our previous one like it, which sold within days -- so, if this strikes your fancy, it would be smart not to delay.
Present size (easily changed) is about a US 5.25 and provenance is a New York estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for international delivery) 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!
|
|
Vintage Rhinestone Harem Ring, 5 Bands in One
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Ethnic:
Bedouin:
Pre 1980 item# 1007448
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$65. Was $85.
(Free U.S. Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
Most harem rings are decidedly in the "fine jewelry" category -- made of high-carat gold and set with gemstones -- so it's quite unusual to find an affordable version. We got lucky and found two of them lately: a seven-ring stack of textured sterling bands and this beauty!
Here, diamond rhinestones not only ornament each of five bands joined at the back, but also fit together to form a lovely flower. The metal is silver in color, unmarked, and the faceted rhinestones are real dazzlers. Size is about a U.S. 8 -- on the large side, because such a wide ring looks good on the middle finger.
My best guess for dating would be 1970s, since harem rings were so trendy then, and provenance is a Pennsylvania estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Antique Arts and Crafts Carved MOP Cameo in Sterling
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 1007405
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$95 SALE. Was $125.
(Free US Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
|
This antique cameo pendant of shimmering mother of pearl is exquisitely hand-carved with the profile of a Victorian beauty whose hair is dressed in the style of the 1870s (caught back with a high bow). I believe the piece dates from around that period. Early Arts & Crafts influence is evident in both the fine workmanship and style of mounting. A simple and beautiful bezel setting is fitted around the cameo and finished with a fixed loop. It's hallmarked "Sterling" (rather than the later "925") which also suggests an early dating.
Total length is a bit more than an inch, condition is excellent and provenance is a Maine estate. This jewel would look superb on an ivory or black ribbon or your favorite antique chain. It comes with a vintage chain that suits its dainty scale and is nicely supple to drape prettily. The chain, about 15 inches long, is silver in color, but unmarked.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
|
|
|
