Catalog: Estate Jewelry (157)

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.

Natural Bohemian garnets are featured in this antique pin. Two round elements are made up of three tiers of rich red rose-cut garnets. Each garnet circle is surrounded by a row of tiny rose-cut garnets. Suspended from these elements are three droppers featuring more garnets, round and marquise in shape. These droppers add eye-catching motion to the piece when it is worn. All of the gems are beautifully prong set. The pin is unmarked but is silver and is 1 ¼” wide...

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...

A bit of history for your lapel During the Victorian era, every young gentleman had to make his Grand Tour, picking up souvenirs along the way. Lava cameos (actually made from a very fine-textured limestone) made into jewelry were highly sought after. We can visualize this as a gift from a young man to a blushing Victorian maiden! This Victorian lava cameo is mounted in a 14 k gold stickpin. The cameo and mounting are 3/8" in height; overall length of the pin is 2 5/8"...

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...

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...

This elegant pin/pendant consists of an oval of onyx in a sterling frame. The bale tests as 14kt, the pin stem tests as 10k yellow gold In the center are inlaid gold stars, and along the periphery are inlaid flowers, most likely platinum. The frame is decorated with a silver twist, and a floral motif. It measures 1-15/16 x 1-5/8 inches, and weighs 25.9g. Circa 1880. There is some loss to a couple of the flowers, but it’s still a striking piece.

This is an absolutely gorgeous diamond cocktail ring from the 1960s-70s. Its delicate beauty is eye-catching without being a blatant grab for attention...

A visit to Maisel’s Trading Post was de rigueur for tourists visiting New Mexico before the store closed in the late 1960s after Mr. Maisel’s death. (It was later reopened in 1980 by a grandson, but closed again in 2019.) Tourists flocked to the store, which featured an open lower-level gallery where Native American artists crafted the jewelry and artifacts sold above...

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...

The Charles Horner company of Halifax was renowned for beautiful silver and enamel Arts & Crafts jewelry. This moth pin is sterling silver with blue and turquoise enamel and is 1 3/4" wide. It is fully hallmarked, for Chester, England, 1908, and carries the Charles Horner maker's mark.

This adorable puppy stick pin is unmarked, but the gold tests at about 12kt...

This pretty lady stick pin is most likely brass with a gold wash, which is worn. Her hair ends in a row of sparkly stones; I’m not sure what they are, but quite likely they are marcasites (one glued in crookedly). Head and stones measure 5/8” x 3/8”, total length is 2-9/16”. Circa 1920s.