Catalog: Estate Jewelry: Gold (95)

This lovely garland or festoon necklace is from the Edwardian end of the Art Nouveau movement. It is pictured in Vivienne Becker’s excellent book “Art Nouveau Jewelry” on page 185. She describes it as having “festoons of gold chain in the Edwardian manner, set with peridots, and decorated with shaded satin enamel, c. 1900.” It is unmarked, but tests as 14k gold...

This interesting pin is in the shape of a lyre (a precursor of the harp – Orpheus played the lyre). The coppery rose gold is engraved, with black enamel highlights, and dedicated to “GAO From G.V.” It measures 1-1/16” x 13/16” and weighs 3.6g, with the original old pin stem assembly. Unmarked, the brooch tests as 14k, and the pin stem tests as at least 10k. It is in excellent condition. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully...

This striking lavalier is centered by a light purple amethyst (traditionally good for maintaining clarity of mind), framed by rose gold panels which are a mix of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts in style. It has a pearl dangle with good luster, which is interestingly off-round. Measuring 1-5/8” including the pearl but not the jump ring, by 7/8”. The amethyst measures 3/8” x ¼”. It is marked “9ct” but tests as 10k (this is not unusual)...

This lovely necklace features 13 madeira citrines, 3 clusters of 3 each, and 4 set singly. (Citrine is the birthstone for November, said to bring optimism and joy into life – just what we all need!) The central cluster has a pearl dangle. The rich rose gold is marked 9ct on the clasp, but it tests as a weak 10kt (not unusual). Wearable length is 18-3/4”. It is in excellent condition...

This charming ring was made from 10kt (marked and tested) yellow gold, with a marquise or navette-shaped ruby flanked by two tiny accent diamonds. (Ruby is the birthstone for July, and is a symbol of devotion, love, and immortality – so lovely!) It also has a maker’s mark, which is either “QI” or “OJ”. The 2 diamonds are set in white metal – it’s not possible to tell whether it is silver or platinum. It’s size six and could be re-sized...

This striking stick pin was made in the shape of an arrow head. It features a sparkly cognac-colored diamond of approximately 10 points (a tenth of a carat), but it looks bigger. Above and below the diamond are 2 lovely (cultured?) champagne-colored pearls...

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...

This pair of 10kt yellow gold cuff links, sporting an ivy motif, is a favorite of ours! Both because they are pretty, and because of ivy is symbolic of marriage and friendship. Sweet! The decorated ends measure ¾” x ½”, and the total weight is 3.2g. Unmarked, they test at 10k, and we believe them to be from the Victorian/Art Nouveau period. In excellent condition...

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...

This strikingly beautiful pin is an interesting mixture of the Art Nouveau and Victorian styles. The Victorians loved to use real insects in jewelry. This particular type was a favorite.The Nouveau jewelers loved naturalistic motifs, but generally didn’t incorporate organic substances – yet the design of the framework is very Nouveau. Marked “14k”, the pale gold setting contrasts nicely with the deep green of the beetle. The pin stem assembly is original. The clasp has a nice safety leve...

We found this sweet pair of earrings in London, England. Rubies symbolize love and immortality. Pearls symbolize purity and harmony. What a perfect combination for these pretty earrings! They test as 10kt gold, although they are marked 375 for 9kt (this often happens in older jewelry). The hanging flower basket motif is quite charming. They contain a total of 16 rubies and 18 seed pearls. The total length is 1-7/8”, and together they weight 4.3g. As is often the case with older earrings, it’...

This graceful pin is from the Edwardian/Art Nouveau era. The round peridot is framed by an oval of seed pearls, between delicate arabesques of gold set with more seed pearls, for a total of 30 (2 are replacements). Stamped 14k on the back, with an illegible maker’s mark, it measures 1-½” x 7/16" and weighs 2.0g. The peridot is slightly scratched, and the safety is a little loose and fussy, but in overall very good antique condition and with a nice patina. Circa 1910. Brought to Europe by th...

This sweet little lavalier is centered by a blue sapphire cabochon within an Art Nouveau framework of 14kt yellow gold. Above is a pearl. It was made by the well known Whiteside & Blank company of Newark, NJ, and stamped “14”. When we found it, it was a ring that had been made from a stickpin, so we felt free to remake it into a lavalier (it didn’t work very well as a ring). It measures just under 1 inch from the top of the bail by 1/2” at the widest point. Circa 1900. We have 14kt gold ...

This pretty stickpin is made of (stamped) 14kt white gold and is set with an unidentified colorless gemstone - not diamond or one of the common substitutes for diamond. Not glass or plastic - it's a real stone. Also a real mystery. Whatever it is, it's a perfect complement to the setting. There is an illegible maker's mark. Overall length is 2 3/8" and it’s C. 1915. (Stick pins are pins similar to small dressmaker pins, except that they are longer and often have quite ornamental tops to them. ...

This is one of our very favorite rings. It would make a lovely engagement ring for a woman who wants something a bit different, and the green & red stones make it great for St. Patrick’s, Christmas, or really any time at all! The central diamond is approximately 20 points (1/5 of a carat, but looks bigger), and is set in platinum. The rest of the setting is made of unmarked but tested 14k gold of a lovely rich yellow. There are 4 tiny rubies and 3 tiny green demantoid garnets. It’s very hard...

This fabulous Art Nouveau/ Edwardian necklace would be perfect for a bride … or anyone, really, at any time! The “wow” factor is huge! It measures 1-1/4” at the widest point, and from the top-most diamond to the bottom of the dropper it is 2-1/4”. The dropper is a river or “dogtooth” pearl, 11/16” long, which has a collar of gold around it, set with 3 Old European cut diamonds, and swirls of gold holding 4 more little pearls. The main section features 3 more tiny Old European cut...

This petite yet striking charm or pendant is perfect for a necklace or bracelet. Measuring 15/16” including the bale, by 3/8”, he is holding a nice old mine cut diamond of approximately 5 points in his mouth. 18kt yellow gold, with no marks. In excellent condition, and circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! We do lay-away. Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included.

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...