Layers of deeply textured silver cascade in a vine-like pattern on these long Georgian silver earrings. Narrow at the very top near the wire, the earrings gently broaden to their widest where you see a small seashell, four small flowers and even greater texture. They culminate in a shape that resembles an ice cream cone with sprinkles. In the era of George 3rd and George 4th, marvelous elongated ear drops known as torpedo earrings feminized the ladies who donned upswept hair styles. These earrings were made by a master of engraving using the repousse method, bringing volume to the engraved surface..The silver is luscious and dense. The torpedo design, more often found in gold, is rarely seen in silver. I have not found a pair in silver in over twenty years. The earwires may have been replaced somewhere in time, though I bought them as you see them. The value is not affected by this fact. Georgian earrings were often inserted into the ear from the back to the front. Many later generations wanted that reversed to shepherds hooks. These are gorgeous chandelier earrings that are a pleasure to own. Length 3 1/4 in. including wire, width 1/16th of an in. widening to 1/2 of an inch. English. c1790-1820.

High karat gold and foiled old cut diamonds will cause an immediate stir when these Georgian, Iberian earrings are worn. The color combination is gleaming while soft. This is a variation of a form that was used frequently in the late 18th century in Spain and Portugal. It is graceful and feminine with a round surmount centered with a diamond. A gold bow is suspended below and is encrusted with more diamonds. Below the bow hangs an oval drop, jeweled with an oval diamond. There is movement in each section of the earrings. The settings known as rubbed over settings are found in Georgian gem jewelry. Pierced gold and punched out repousse work bring the skill of the 18th century goldsmith and give the earrings elegance and texture. Added is just a touch of a frill on top and at the bottom of the earring. They are extremely comfortable on the ear as the backs at top have been changed accommodate shepherds hooks. Length is 1 3/4 in. The width is a touch over 3/4's of an inch. Condition is fine. For examples of Iberian earrings see Daniele Mascetti and Amanda Triossi, "Earrings", page 54.

These Georgian foiled garnet earrings will be a love token from the person who gives them their lady love or great friend. They bring the message "thinking of you" inherent in the language of flowers. The little flower with a powerful message is the Forget-Me Not. The form can be found in Georgian and Victorian jewelry, the eras when flowers spoke volumes in their code which was widely understood. These beauties are 18kt gold. They are original other than the shepherd hook ear wires which were changed during their long travel through time. The garnets are lively and glow with the color of red wine in the light. Condition is excellent.

A three dimensional flower is at the center of the neckline in this garland of iron. Alternate links are rosettes, and vines. Berlin Iron jewelry is a prized possession and has been since early 1800. It is light on the body, delicate in appearance, yet strong, This necklace was made of iron when Napoleon's persistence to expand his empire, drove the German treasury to ask citizens to turn in their gold for iron bringing money to the treasury to continue the war effort. Berlin Iron Jewelry brings us the history and lost art from a period over 200 years ago. Patriotic citizens gave gold for iron to support the integrity of their nation. Today it is a rare collectors item for museums and followers of historic jewelry. Excellent condition.

From my personal collection this is, no doubt, one of the most wondrous examples of the lost art of woven seed pearl jewelry. The design incorporates flowers, flourish, a bow, a knot and a lyre form in the center of the upper section. Symbolizing innocence, seed pearl jewelry was considered jewelry for a bride or bride to be. This grand brooch is multi-layered consisting of tiny pearls graduating to pearls ten times their size. All layers are woven and stitched to a mother of pearl back in which small holes were drilled for the thread to pass and fasten the ornament securely. All this is handwork done pearl by pearl, which makes it more the treasure. Excellent Condition

The subject is romantic. The pendant is extremely beautiful Surrounded by rhythmic garlands of natural pearls and a gold oval frame is a portrait on ivory that is curved in the Georgian manner. In sepia, a dreamy young woman with long curly hair sits beside a brook in smiling reverie. She is clothed in a floor length dress, her feet on a stepping stone. Her pet spaniel is by her side. Hand on her face, arm on her knee she catches the moment in pleasant thought. Five will get you twenty that her thoughts are on her lover. The reverse of this pendant is 15kt gold with a closed back that protects the miniature. Ages ago, this was a slide or clasp for a bracelet or necklace. The bale, a later addition, was very well supplied. As jewelry travels on over hundreds of years, it is often modified to be more wearable to a later owner. Beautiful, heart warming, and in excellent condition, this pendant will always remind you of your romance.

Where to begin describing an object so beautiful, and wearable at that? Wider than Berlin Iron bracelets I have found, this gothic lace cuff has an eight petal flower at the clasp, the back of which has the Geiss mark. All of the iron work is made of flower forms. Each link has a rosette at center from which long petals radiate north and south. Vines and leaves grow in the spaces of open worked iron. Small crosses of different styles can be seen here and there. A marvel of texture in lace like black, this bracelet was made during the period of the Napoleonic takeover attempt of Germany. Aristocracy gave gold jewelry to be melted by the treasury and received iron jewels as reward for their patriotism which was much needed to support the war. Berlin Iron jewelry was always prized. Originally European upper class women wanted a piece brought to them from a duke or count traveling to Germany. Now the finest European museums hold collections and collectors of historic objects and antique jewelry lovers covet iron jewelry in fine condition. This bracelet is excellent in every way. It is the epitome of beauty and fine condition. next

At its finest, antique paste jewelry was made treating the pastes like gemstones. This was a venerated art form, its beauty and workmanship admired and collected by royalty and the wealthy in its own right, not as an imitation. Note the fineness of the silver design, like a snowflake in its delicacy. Turn the cross over. Old paste is entirely made by hand. Each section that holds a stone is round and smooth. Worn backwards, it would still be beautiful. The pastes have been expertly set. No element of deterioration has occurred due to the tight closure of the silver around the stones. Each stone is underlined with a thin foil of metal to enhance capturing candle glow. The stones are different cuts and different sizes. Attention like this was rarely given to individual stones in 20th century paste other than perhaps French Art Deco pieces. This is a case of the more you know, the more you will appreciate, even love, a museum quality example such as this Croix d' Saint Lo. Perfect Condition

Voluptuous chandelier earrings c.1830 were high style in the Georgian era in England. They were light in weight and intricate in design. The elongated teardrop is known as a torpedo earring. Three stems, each minutely engraved with crosshatching, (enlarge the photo to see detail), converge and meet a floral ending with appliquéd flowers on each side. The tops are original. The ear wires, now comfortable, long shepherds hooks, were likely changed as they passed through time. Their length serves to prevent loss of the earring. The condition is gleaming and excellent.

Rivers and crescents twinkle with antique foiled diamonds in the cascades of these graceful chandelier earrings from 1800 or earlier. The form and design are prominent with well matched early cut diamonds used as an accent. The charm is that this pair of romantic chandelier earrings is wearable for informal attire or for holiday festivities. Four articulated sections make for feminine appeal as the earrings sway. They are getting older but better by the year. Excellent condition.

An extremely rare, dense Berlin Iron Chain c.1800 suspends a large cross of twists and loops. In the chain, the iron is woven or knit into strong, mesh. There is a similar example of this chain in Anne Clifford "Cut Steel and Berlin Iron" page 81. Berlin Iron, a scarce commodity, is one of our specialties. It originates from Germany when the treasury was low and money was needed for the war. Aristocrats, the only citizens who had gold jewelry, were asked to turn in their gold for iron. There followed acts of patriotism when the wealthy stepped forward and gave their gold jewelry for the nation's need. This giving of gold for iron was repeated during World War 1. Most Berlin Iron jewelry is in European museums. This example is in excellent condition and in its original black color. The chain measures 41 inches long. The magnificent cross adds 3 1/4 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches in width. It is suspended by a split ring and can be removed and worn alone.

The high value of cut steel jewelry from its beginnings is attributed to customers living in the Georgian and Victorian ages who understood and valued the intensive effort made to bring the beauty of such jewels to their conclusion. Mirrors and tiny faceted steel bits formed into floral shapes were riveted to back plates with rivets the size of pin heads. No glue was used. Gold washed steel or brass was favored for the backs. The rivets, used in the 19th century hand made steel jewelry can be seen in image 7. The workmanship was time intensive as you can imagine from the photographs, each bit being cut and polished and set by hand. The bright light of the camera enhances the brass tone from the back that is barely visible to the eye. To imagine the context in which this necklace was worn, picture the open necklines and upswept hairstyles of the early 19th century. This cut steel jewel was without fabric or hair to hide its diamond-like glimmer from reflecting the candlelight. Each bit was placed stratigically to catch available light. The original studded clasp remains on the necklace. The necklace is in excellent condition. It has kept its brightness and has no rust. The length is 17 inches. The pendant drops 1 1/2 inches from the center.

This gleaming group of golden intaglios came to me as a collection held together by their Georgian split ring. I immediately began to research the inscriptions. They take you deeper and deeper into unforseen places and meaning. They are not only gorgeous as a necklace on a long chain but will bring more attention to the owner than will Match.com. Tactile to the hand (you can't keep from holding them) each fob is unique and a marvel of gold smithing and engraving. There is a carnelian inscribed with a deer eating from a tree with a wide winged bird companion, an amethyst stone with the word "amam" meaning honest, faithful, to believe in or in Hindi, peace. There is a hexogonal bloodstone generously flecked with red, chalcedony engraved with two clasped hands, a carnelion with a wild boar carved into the surface, another chalcedony with a compass showing direction points, an amethyst inscribed with a Scottish clan brooch in a garter form, antlered moose atop and the words "si je puis" meaning "if I can". These words are the motto of a Scottish clan that lived on the west shore of Loch Lomand. It is exciting and satisfying to search for the meanings of lost time and unknown people. The gift of antique objects such as these urge us to do so. Press the intaglio into the flat surface of silly putty and you will clearly see the inscription on it. That unleashes the secret each fob holds. The possibilites for wear are many. The group can be linked to a watch chain or bracelet. I love it as shown: a necklace in the length to be chosen by you. All in marvelous condition. 15kt gold The chain shown is sold separately and is Victorian with a hand clasp

A clear (though photograph looks dark) and unblemished rock crystal orb is wrapped in a hammock of substantial silver bands which have been hand decorated with a wheat pattern. Engraved flowers are at top and bottom poles. This is a tactile pendant, one that gives pleasure to the senses when touched. Rock crystal has been prized since antiquity for bringing the wearer its prophylactic qualities. This would have been worn and handled for protection against ailments of the body. Measurements: 1 2/3 in. including suspension loop. 1 1/8 inches across the front. Circumference is 3 inches. Sold without the chain.

Cannetile gold work in the shapes of spirals and flowers hold precious Persian turquoise that accent the irridescence of the Blue Morpho butterfly wing enclosed the crystal of this Georgian pendant. The goldsmith made the back and front of this jewel duplicate each other. The metalic glimmer of the butterfly from South America has always seduced nature lovers. It is a breathtaking glowing blue, one that is close to being magical. Blue Morpho butterflies can be three inches in wingspan up to eight inches. Once on the neck, the delicacy of this piece is overwhelmed by the irresistable color.