Catalog: Estate Jewelry (157)

This very Victorian pin is gold fill set with two rose-cut red pastes and one cabochon ‘turquoise’. The pin is 1 ¼" wide with a central ball element that is 3/8" in diameter. Applied circles of wire rope ornament a vertical, rectangular bar. A hollow ball dangles from two chains; another chain connects the pin to the stickpin. This device preceded the safety catch to prevent loss of the pin. The C hinge and double C catch are replacements...

The Green man is an ancient symbol of nature, rebirth, spring, etc. These earrings are a vintage homage to the ancient legends, for someone who appreciates the unusual. Each earring is ~1" by 1". The age is unknown, probably 1940-50s.

This fascinating reliquary locket depicts a saint, probably St. Peter, holding a key (to the church? Or perhaps to heaven?), with a dove in the background. On the other side is a photograph of an ecclesiastical-looking person. It contains a touched relic (a bit of ribbon which has been touched to a saint’s bone or something worn by a saint); a tiny metal medal with Mary on one side, saying "Mary conceived without sin” and more Christian imagery on the other; and a wisp of cotton...

This striking white metal locket is engraved on the front in a stylized pattern. The back is plain. The inside has some scratches in the metal. The photo rings and celluloid are not present, but perhaps it was used for a lock of hair or other memento – that was a very popular tradition, back in the day. It measures 1-1/4” x 7/8" and the paperclip chain is a bit over 22". The back has a few dark marks which might clean up. Generally, a handsome Edwardian or Victorian piece...

Here is a petite pin which has a water lily or lotus motif, highlighted by a tiny seed pearl. (The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and purity, especially to Buddhists.) It is unmarked but tests as 10kt gold. It measures 1-1/8”, and weighs in at 0.04 oz. It would look lovely on a lapel or blouse. Circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included.

This beautifully simple stickpin is the perfect way to set off an elegant suit. The large agate cabochon is bezel set in 18 k gold and is a wonderful swirl on golden colors. The stone is 5/8" top to bottom and the overall length of the pin is 2 7/8". The age is uncertain, but the beauty is timeless.

This classic Art Nouveau stick pin is centered by a round amethyst, birthstone for February. (Back in the day, amethysts were thought to prevent inebriation, as well as being a cure for headaches – there’s a theme here!). There is a seed pearl above and one below, all mounted in a (marked and tested) 14kt “whiplash” frame (the whiplash motif was very popular with Nouveau designers). Measuring 1/2” x 2-1/4" long, it weighs 1.5g. It has an illegible maker’s mark...

Here is a coral garland (also referred to as “festoon” or “swag”) necklace, consisting of 8 coral cabuchons of graduated lengths and sizes. The three longest drops are on rigid bars. The coral is a lovely dark ox-blood red. Coral was believed to prevent bad luck, and to be an aid to meditation. The length is 15-1/4” (but it would be easy to get an extender if needed – we can help with that; just ask), and the decorated portion is 4-1/4” x 2-1/8” at the longest point...

This intriguing (and slightly strange!) pair of pins is from the Art Nouveau era. They feature a woman’s face flanked by flowers, and her hair is greenish – just a little scary! We have been unable to determine what the metal is, so assume it’s not precious. They measure 1-1/4” x 1/2”. The pin stem assemblies are old, but they may be replacements. Circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine carefully...

This pretty pin is in the style of Murrle, Bennett and Archibald Knox. The design is that of a heart interlaced with a navette-shaped frame (this interlace-type motif is also called “entrelac”). It is centered by an oval turquoise, and has a safety chain – always useful! Unsigned, and marked 9ct. It measures 1-1/2 x 3/4", and weighs 2.6g. The gold has a nice patina, and it is in excellent antique condition. Circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully...

This pretty pin is marked and tested as sterling silver. It features 5 rhinestones, and measures 1-3/4” x 1/2". It weighs 4.4g, and is in excellent condition. We believe it is from the 1970s, but it could be 80s. It would be great for wearing at a historical reenactment event! The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included.

This beautiful pendant/pin has a stylized floral motif, with enamel that shades from green to yellow, in a design reminiscent of a French fleur-de-lis. It is centered by a small diamond (approx. 5 points), surrounded by a pearl-set modified starburst which accents the enameled “petals.” In 14k rose gold, it measures 1” in diameter at the widest point...

Coral has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It has been called Sea Garden because of its resemblance to a plant. Coral is used as protection from negativity and evil, and to dispel feelings of inner weakness. This pin is 14k gold and holds a coral branch. It is Victorian in age and has maker's mark, BML. The pin is 2" X 1/2". Circa 1860.

This elegant stickpin features a stylized flower design, based on a Japanese family crest. It is marked “k20” on the back, and tests as a very strong 20kt, so it might be finer. The flower head measures 1/2 x 7/8”, and the whole pin is 2-1/2” long. It weighs 2.4g. The pin is a little bent, not surprisingly given the high gold content (please see photos), and course that can’t be seen when it’s worn, and could easily be straightened. Otherwise in excellent condition. Circa 1900. Japan...

These are very unusual! We have only seen one other pair with photos, and those were not gold. Each cuff link features a photograph of an elegant lady in a high-necked blouse with upswept hair. This pair was clearly worn a lot, based on the patina, but they still look great. The 10k marks are on the back of the fronts only, not on the “torpedo” ends. We don’t test torpedoes, so can’t promise that they are also 10k, but they certainly look it. The fronts measure 7/8” x 5/8”, the torpe...

This unusual enameled sterling pendant comes out of the Arts & Crafts movement, roughly 1880-1920 (it can be argued that it still continues!) The enamel colors are associated with the women’s suffrage movement in the UK: green (Give), white (Women the), and violet (Vote) – or at least, that’s the story! The free-standing wire work (so unusual!) interlaces around the body of the piece, and holds an oval of mother-of-pearl in place. Also unusual is the use of some brown enamel. There is a li...

This pin is unusual due to its length: it measures 2-1/4” x ½”. The fancy engraving is enhanced with black enamel, and the pin is centered by a faux pearl. The central element makes us think of a gear – this would be great to wear to a Steampunk event, or any event with a Victorian theme! It shows a little wear, but it’s still very pretty. The clasp might be a replacement. If so, it’s an old repair. The photos are part of the description. Please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipp...

This classic jewel consists of a circle of gold, enameled in cobalt blue, with gold highlights. A 3-looped bow is interlaced through it, decorated with tiny seed pearls, as are the bail and dropper. There are a couple very minor flaws in the enamel - invisible without magnification. It is stamped for 15kt gold, and the gold has that lovely rich color we rarely see these days. There is a place on the back where it looks as though someone made a repair, but of course it’s not visible when worn. ...