Catalog (6)

The Deco year saw an influx of gorgeous jewelry out of China in which, more often than not, contemporary silver work was combined with antique elements like carved semi-precious stone buttons, medallions and even mah-jhong and other game pieces. The ring I am presenting here is an immigrant of that era. Delicate silver vermeil adjustable shank and an old amethyst "button" with a lotus flower carving come together in an understated, classically elegant combination. And did you note the little det...

Meticulously worked and perfectly finished this antique silver repousse cuff bracelet is obviously of Asian origin but I am not quite sure of its exact provenance. I don’t profess any kind of deeper knowledge in the world of Asian jewelry and the existence of cross-pollination and diasporic artisan communities throughout the region (the Indian and Chinese being prominent among them) make its identification a challenge for me. Yet whatever its birthplace might be, this cuff is a little gem of r...

The busy, ever-changing worlds of the bottom of the sea and the shores of tranquil lakes unfold themselves in the carefully worked repousse silver frames surrounding the chunky turquoise "rocks" that adorn this early 20th c. Chinese necklace and earrings set. I never cease to be amazed at the amount of minute detail Chinese silversmiths were able to condense into such small spaces without ever losing the crispness of each motif. It is very difficult to create jewelry so generously embellished wi...

Created using the shadowbox technique a row of silver flowers and leaves elegantly circles the wrist in this early 20th c. Chinese bangle bracelet. The floral and foliate motifs are set against a dramatically oxidized background visible through the openings in the cut-work and they are enhanced with hand-etched details. Quite often antique hollow bangles make it to us scarred with the experiences of a long life but the example at hand is unscathed, its beauty glowing with the patina of time and ...

Three old jade medallions carved in the shape of a butterfly and lotus flowers and set in silver adorn this beautiful Chinese brooch. Definitely an early 20th c. piece as attested to by the clasp's pin that protrudes beyond the sterling frame, this is a delightfully airy pin, its delicate lightness enhanced by the subtle colors in the stones and the winged creature it represents. If you love classy, elegant jewelry, this brooch is for you. It measures 2 5/8" long by 1" wide and weighs 15.2 grams...

A symbol of good luck, abundance and contentment the “laughing Buddha” medallions adorning the links of this Chinese silver bracelet are carved out of turquoise and have rich detail. Slightly graduated in size the are held against classic Deco tight mesh panels overlaid with filigree tendrils, tiny beading and delicate plants in full bloom. The stone’s blueish green hue soothes the eye and its natural matrix enhances the medallions’ sculpturality. The bracelet has an inner circumference ...