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Superb Victorian Gothic Revival Brooch w Fitted Case
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Pre 1900 item# 1114824
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$350 SALE. Was $450.
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We were so impressed by this astonishing mid-19th century Danish jewel that we brought it in all the way from Australia, where it had somehow migrated. It's simply breathtaking. When you're anywhere near it, you can scarcely take your eyes away.
Here the design perfectly captures the opulence of the Gothic and Renaissance Revival period and also shows Etruscan influence in the granulated scrollwork that surrounds the central cross on each dome. Further indicating great age are the large open C clasp; the early T hinge, which wobbles from side to side as they do; and the extreme length of the pinstem, shortened from even greater length at some time for safety's sake.
Adding even more to the rarity of this treasure, it comes with its original box of issue, shaped and sized to fit it, which strongly suggests that the jewel is one of a kind, hand-crafted for a particular customer. The box, a red oval with touches of gold and green, measures 2,75 inches by 1.75 inches by almost an inch deep and remains in reasonably good condition. Scrolling Victorian letters on the cover read: "Guldsmed Karl B. Kragh, Pilestraede 42" -- an address that still exists in Oslo (and remains in the city's most fashionable shopping district, as in the time of the goldsmith Kragh).
Condition of the brooch is exquisite. It shows only slight loss of gilding on high points under strong magnification, as one would expect after so long. The underlying metal looks dark with tarnish, so is almost certainly silver. I can’t say whether it’s sterling or a slightly lower grade chosen for greater durability, because attacking a piece of this rare beauty with files and test acids is simply out of the question. As far as I'm concerned, that would be tantamount to axe-murder. Size is about 2.25 inches by 1.5 inches, but its highly dimensional form makes this brooch seem monumental.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery, and beautiful 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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Rare Pre-Columbian Tumbaga Gold Frog Pendant
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Latin American:
Pre 1492 item# 1114513
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$700 SALE. Was $850.
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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This unusually large and ornate frog effigy, if not reconditioned as a pendant, would be a museum-piece. It was found circa 1950, with normal and natural wear, then cleaned and polished, fitted with a bale and probably gold-dipped to restore its original appearance.
Looking at the result, I find it hard to regret the changes, even though a lot of value was lost. Now we're free to enjoy it as a jewel, not just admire it in a public display case.
Tumbaga gold, if the term is unfamiliar, refers to a copper and gold alloy used in pre-Columbian Central America. Pieces cast of this material were treated with plant acids to leach out the copper and the remaining gold surface was then burnished. Sometimes they were also gilded with higher quality gold.
In the culture where it originated, the frog was the traditional symbol for power and fruitfulness. Similar pieces -- smaller and less intricate but left in as-found condition -- are selling online for $1500 to $2000.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for our international customers) 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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Antique Art Deco Watch BELAIS 18k White Gold Sapphires
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Deco:
Pre 1930 item# 1113520
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$1,100 SALE. Was $1,500.
(Free Insured Delivery Anywhere We Ship
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This breathtaking antique white gold watch from a Miami estate is an excellent example of why the Belais Brothers' work was so esteemed. For spectacular design, refined craftsmanship and the excellence of their patented white gold, they surpassed all others in the late 19th and early 20th century. Notice the rich detail of the case. Not just the front but also the sides and back are intricately ornamented.
This watch would be gorgeous, even without its vivid sapphire accents. With their added opulence, it's sheer dynamite. The stones may be natural or the Verneuil synthetics which appeared so often in fine jewelry of this era. They're cut in fancy shapes, not flat, and aren't abraded, which rules out glass. The hands on the watch are sapphire blue, too, as are the beautifully enameled numerals.
The case measures 16mm wide and 44mm from lug to lug and bears the initials of the original owner, CDC, on reverse. It contains a movement marked Perla Watch Co, which has 17 jewels and 2 adjustments, and was recently overhauled. Though the watch is in running condition now, we can't promise that a little tweaking won't be needed on arrival. Of course we'll pack with utmost care, but antique watches are temperamental about transport.
The jeweled filigree bracelet, a glorious color match both for metal and stones, is marked "Bates & B" for Bates and Bacon. Based in Attleborough, MA, the company operated from 1856 through the 1930s and was known for producing excellent gold and gold-filled jewelry. Other marks present are the brand-name "Clasper" and "Pat'd. 2-7-22". We didn't find a stamp for metal content, but slight surface wear suggests it's gold-filled. It doesn't have the hard white sheen of rhodium plating, nor the tarnish you'd expect of silver. The four sapphire blue stones here show some wear under high magnification, so are probably Czech crystals, but their dainty size makes them persuasive pretenders. The bracelet, which will unhook at either end, can be easily shortened from its present length of 6 inches. I expect a good jeweler could also find a way to lengthen it.
Both watch and bracelet date from early in the Art Deco era, based on the Edwardian delicacy of the filigree and engraving. The bracelet, like the watch, is beautifully detailed on the back and edges, as well as the front.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Early Belais Snowflake Motif White Gold Cufflinks
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Edwardian:
Pre 1910 item# 1113492
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$185
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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Even if you already have a pair of wonderful antique white gold cufflinks by the legendary Belais Brothers, you may need these, too. Most Belais jewels are Art Deco, but these are earlier examples dating from before World War I. Certainly no later than Edwardian, they could be Victorian, based on the link connectors, as well as the design.
Each octagonal face bears a profusion of intricate engraving that shows both Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau influences. Against a spiral background, the central motif is a stylized snowflake bordered by rows of tiny zigzags symbolizing thunderbolts -- and all this glory is set within an ornate border of curvy scrollwork! The remarkable design repeats four times as usual, since Belais links are double-ended.
Measuring 5/8 of an inch in each direction, these reached us from a Midwestern estate. Their condition is very nice, requiring high magnification to notice age-appropriate surface wear, and all four reverses are clearly stamped "Belais 14k White Gold Front". When you possess a piece bearing this name, quite simply you own the best, because the Belais brothers were the *gods* of white gold jewelry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Now that so many people have discovered the beauty and quality of Belais jewels, it's become terribly hard to keep pieces in stock. At the moment, we're fortunate enough to have three sets of Belais cufflinks. Even on eBay, some sellers are pricing these in the $300 range, whereas we like to offer them at much more sensible rates and keep looking until we find reasonable deals.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. There's no charge for insured US shipping, with an equivalent discount for international delivery, and we're always happy to gift-wrap free on request. Thanks for looking!
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Rare Georgian Gilt Bronze Stickpin Depicting Hermes
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Pre Victorian:
Pre 1837 VR item# 1113367
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$210 SALE. Was $260.
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This remarkable antique stickpin features the head of the god Mercury (Hermes in Greek parlance), who wore a winged hat and served as messenger of the gods, bringer of dreams and patron of travelers.
Items with themes from Greco-Roman mythology are tricky to date, since there have been several major Classical Revivals in the past few hundred years. Because the god's image isn't idealized in the Victorian manner and the pin's construction suggests an early dating, I've concluded it's Georgian (and more likely 18th than early 19th century). The stylized profile anticipates Art Deco, but the pin's construction isn't right for that dating, nor is the scale. It's less than an inch tall and its head measures about 15mm (5/8") round. (I say "about", because it isn't a perfect circle, being hand-wrought.)
The material appears to be gilt bronze and the detailing is marvelous. Condition, as you see, is exceptional relative to age. While its original owner would have been a gentleman, who needed pins to secure the voluminous neckcloths that protected shirts not washed often, this jewel is suitable for either a man or a women today and will add a striking note of antiquity to any lapel, necktie ot scarf.
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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Signed Victorian Gold Stickpin with Pearls, His or Hers
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1910 item# 1113328
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$145 SALE. Was $175.
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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Add a touch of quiet opulence to your lapel, or to a scarf or necktie, with this superb antique stickpin. It takes the quintessentially Victorian form of a star-like flower and is in exquisite condition, retaining all of its many seed pearls. Twelve grays, nicely matched for color, surround a larger, whiter central stone. These would be natural sea pearls, since cultured pearls weren't yet cultivated.
Both maker-marked (R & N) and hallmarked, the pin is of 10k gold -- a smart choice for sturdiness, when crafting jewels that must withstand a lot of handling. It measures about 2.25 inches tall with a head half an inch round and reached us from a Chicago area estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery, and elegant 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 Art Nouveau Gold and Amethyst Heart Stickpin
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Art Nouveau:
Pre 1910 item# 1113311
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$120 SALE. Was $150.
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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The gracefully stylized heart form of this lovely stickpin, with its slight asymmetry, dates it firmly to the Art Nouveau era -- and it's almost certain to be a Victorian jewel, since it isn't marked but tests as 10k gold. (Hallmarks weren't mandated in the U.S. until the Edwardian era.)
The almandine-shaped stone of rich purple is gorgeously faceted and appears to be genuine amethyst. After a century, glass would be abraded, whereas the gem shows hardly any wear, even under high magnification. As the stone's setting is open at the back, we know the color is natural, without foil enhancement.
Length of the pin is 2 1/4 inches and the heart measures about 5/8 inch by half an inch. Condition, as you see, is lovely in every way. Even the stock shows no waviness, which is quite rare. Provenance of this treasure is a Midwestern estate.
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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Antique Belais White Gold Cufflinks World War I Era
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Arts and Crafts:
Pre 1920 item# 1109681
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$185
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(& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
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In the "Nick" of time for holiday gifting, we've been lucky enough to enlarge our selection of cufflinks by the legendary Belais brothers. Replenishing this stock has become terribly hard to do, now that so many more people have discovered the beauty and quality of Belais white gold. Some sellers even on eBay are pricing these in the $300 range now, whereas we like to offer them at much more reasonable cost.
Having gotten a nice deal on this pair of beauties from a Wisconsin estate, we can pass savings along to you -- as well as an unusual and charming design. The intricately engraved pattern on each of the four faces suggests a pinwheel made of feathers or perhaps a burst of fireworks, within two rings of zig-zags of the sort that represent lightning in the symbology of the Arts & Crafts movement. Motifs of this sort tend to figure in Belais links that pre-date World War I, after which patterns became more classically geometric in line with the Art Deco sensibility. In my opinion, however, these are a little later (transitional rather than Edwardian), since the fasteners have a streamlined look and the stamping isn't quirky; "Belais 14K White Gold Front" appears on each reverse. Size is 3/4" round and condition, as you see, is excellent.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. There's no charge for insured US shipping, with an equivalent discount for international delivery, and we're always happy to gift-wrap free on request. Thanks for looking!
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Gold Filigree Sweetheart Ring or Wedding Band 1930s
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Deco:
Pre 1940 item# 1043712
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
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This gracefully shaped filigree ring of yellow gold has an Edwardian delicacy, but most likely dates from around 1930-1935, still in the the Art Deco era but after the crash of 1929.
"Depression Deco" jewels are less lavish than styles from the 1920s, but they can be very pretty, indeed. Piercework and textures were used artfully to make the most of less gold and provide sparkle without gemstones. This is a refreshing look today, when many of us also crave elegant simplicity instead of extravagance.
Marked 10K, this beauty from a Midwestern estate also bears the letters AF JC - probably the initials of bride and groom but possibly a maker's stamp. Currently a U.S. size 6, it's in splendid condition, ready to celebrate its next love story.
BTW, wedding rings of this chevron shape, which dips below the base of the finger, are particularly pretty on small hands - creating the illusion of greater finger length. When worn with an engagement ring, the solitaire can sit lower on the knuckle, being nestled into the band's scalloped top.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Stunning Victorian 14k Gold Angelskin Coral Stickpin
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Victorian:
Pre 1900 item# 1038012
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$185 SALE. Was $275.
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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This gorgeous antique pin made of 14K gold (tested) is set with a luscious large cabochon of angelskin coral, the most precious type. A stunning adornment for your lapel, scarf or hat, it dates circa 1870 and measures slightly more than 2 5/8 inches long. The gold frame that surrounds the stone has a lovely hand-chased edge and measures a little more than 5/8 of an inch tall by half an inch at the widest. Probable origin would be American (most likely New York, given the quality), since European gold usually has a phalanx of hallmarks.
As you see, the pin is in superb condition. It even comes with an antique fastener of the same period, although we can't be sure it's original to the jewel. The locking neb slide, which appears to be made of gilt brass, bears its manufacturer's name, HOLD-ON, along with the Patent number 3009. Assuming this is an U.S. design patent, the number dates it to 1868. (As a standard American patent, that number would date it to 1843, which seems a bit too early.) The mechanism is self-locking; you need to pull on the small end piece in order to slide it off, so you can enjoy this treasure without worry about losing it.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery, and gift wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos.
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