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French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Place of Origin: French
Franco-Russian Alexander III Commemorative Medallion, 1896
Located in St. Catharines, ON
In silvered bronze, a table medallion commemorating Nicholas and Alexandra’s visit to Paris to lay the first stone on the Alexander III bridge in 1896, w...
Category

1890s Greek Revival Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

Gold Mounted Malachite Perfume Flask, Mid-19th
Located in Paris, FR
Piriform malachite flask set in a gold frame finely chiseled with floral motifs and interlace on amati gold background. The hinged cap opens on a gold cap. T...
Category

1850s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Malachite, Gold

Bronze Religious Plaque by Jeans - Jacques Kraftt
Located in London, GB
Bronze Plaque by French Designer Jeans- jacques Kraftt depicting Jesus Signed by Artist Eloquent small piece of bronze art to be displayed on a wall.
Category

1950s Modernist Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Ruby and Gold Cufflinks
Located in Geneva, CH
Ruby, Mother of Pearl and Gold Cufflinks. Diameter: 1.80 cm. Chain length: 2.00 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Gold

Modernist Gold Sculpture by Artist Yaakov Agam Edition 1/3
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Yaakov Agam a Gold Kinetic Sculpture. The 5" x 2 1/8" 18k yellow gold movable sculpture in the shape of a deconstructed Star of David. Comes with the origi...
Category

1970s Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Cartier, Paris 18 Karat Gold Evening Minaudière
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Woven Two tone 18k Gold Purse. This purse has a woven design of 18k yellow and white gold with a twisted rope chain (length 14 inches). Inside th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Artist French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Snuff Box, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Mother of Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning vintage, Art Deco snuff box. Beautifully crafted from pretty panels of lustrous Mother of Pearl in an oval shape, it has an 18 karat yellow gold rim, marked and tested. The top is set with a gorgeous silver cobweb design setting which houses over 1.2ct of rose cut and round cut diamonds and a fine rich deep green octagonal cut emerald. The edge of the box has a small lip...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Daum Nancy Art Deco Vase
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Daum Nancy Art Deco Vase Cameo glass vase, monumental landscape, signed Daum Nancy From the 1930s.
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Gold Lorgnette, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Articulated lorgnette in gold finely guilloché. The border is decorated with finely chiseled foliage. A medallion in the form of a shield includes a monogram. Articulated lorgnette i...
Category

1870s Napoleon III Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Emile Galle Art Deco Vase
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Beautiful Art Deco piece that was made in France in the 1930s An overlaid and etched glass vase, cameo signature Gallé. Beautiful orange and red colors combining a special ombre loo...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Cartier Art Deco Platinum Carved Sapphire Emerald Diamond Evening Clutch Bag
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Cartier evening clutch bag, with platinum clasp, decorated with carved sapphires and emeralds, with diamonds. Clasp measures 30mm x 18mm. Bag measures 7" x 5.5". With gold...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

Small Charles X Ball Notebook, Palais-Royal
Located in Paris, FR
A small Charles X ball notebook in mother-of-pearl and ormolu chiselled with flowers and flowery interlacings. Engraved in French "Souvenir", decorated with branches and Palais-Royal typical enamel flower on one face, and with simple branches on the other face. Il has its original paper pencil. French Palais...
Category

1820s Neoclassical Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Bronze

Crystal Flask with Gold, Late 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Peardrop-shaped crystal flask in gold mount. The body is finely engraved with an interlaced monogram. The mounting is decorated with an intricate engrave...
Category

1870s Napoleon III Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Gold

Crystal Flask with Gold and Pearls, Late 19th Century Work
Located in Paris, FR
eardrop-shaped crystal flask in pierced gold mount, intricately sculpted with hearts, palmettes, and scrollwork. The mounting is set on the base and the ...
Category

1890s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Pearl, Gold

Gold and Enamel Perfum Bottle, Restauration Period, Circa 1830-1840
Located in Paris, FR
Small perfum bottle in gold and enamel. The flask is decorated with palmettes and foliage motifs in white and black enamel on black enamel background. Two gold chains permitted the s...
Category

1830s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Boucheron Paris 1940s Art Deco Sterling Gold Ruby Necklace Compact
By Boucheron
Located in University City, MO
Boucheron Paris 1940s Art Deco sterling, gold & ruby jeweled compact - necklace The exquisite Boucheron compact is designed with a beautiful gold pie...
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver

Mid-19th Century Snuff Box with Napoleon Bonaparte Medallion
Located in Paris, FR
Gold box or snuffbox in chased gold with leaf foliage patterns and floral friezes. The hinged lid is decorated with a Rogat medallion representing the profile of Napoleon Bonaparte: "The return of the mortuary ashes of Napoleon 1st...
Category

1840s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Cartier Paris Retro Ruby and Sapphire Gold Double Lipstick
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Double Headed Lipstick Holder This accessory has two heads that can hold lipstick and 2 carved gemstones (ruby and sapphire) all set in 1...
Category

20th Century Artist French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Almeric Walter Antique Pâte De Verre Silver Pendant, France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Pâte de Verre octopus mounted in silver signed ALW (Almeric Walter),Nancy
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Antique French Gilt Dore Bronze Pair of Champagne Wire Cutter Shears or Nippers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful pair of antique Champagne nippers or wire cutters. Likely French with an ornate gilt bronze sheath, cornucopia handles, and steel blades. A real rarity and a must-have ...
Category

19th Century Belle Époque Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

1890 Belle Èpoque Dog Yorckshire Terrier Stickpin 18 Kt Platinum Diamond Ruby
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Naturalistically modelled stickpin of a dog of outstanding quality, possibly a Yorckshire Terrier. The lovely animal has with ruby eyes, a golden snout and a pink enamelled tongue. I...
Category

1880s Belle Époque Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Gold Panel and Vernis Martin Writing Case, French Craftsmanship, Louis XV
Located in Paris, FR
Flat, rectangular case for holding writing utensils in colored gold and vernis Martin (a type of imitation lacquer). A button serves to open the hinged lid. Four panels made of verni...
Category

1770s Neoclassical Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Portrait Box Signed CARTIER à Paris, 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Rectangular gold case or box signed Cartier in Paris. The case is finely guilloché with rhombic motifs and framed by a stylized foliated frieze. The c...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Large French Silver Mistletoe Locket
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A very fine French silver locket featuring mistletoe to both sides. It has a gold wash interior to prevent tarnish and closes firmly. It appears to be struck with the French guarante...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Gold Case with Diamonds, Edouard Husson, Early 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Large and large rectangular shaped gold case. The case is decorated with a fine decor of case is embellished with intricate geometric patterns of parallel stripes alternating with ba...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Louis XVI Gold Box
Located in Paris, FR
Oval box or snuffbox in gold of several tones. The snuffbox is adorned with a guilloche pattern with parallel stripes and dots on the lid, side and ground. The border is decorated with a stylized laurel wreath frieze on amati background. The box has an alternation of guilloche panels and leafy and stylized patterns. Weight: 2.96oz (84g) L: 2.55in. (6.5) / W: 1.81in. (4.6 cm) / H: 0.78in. (2 cm). Gold marks Jurande mark: Henri Clavel (1781-1783) Charging hallmark: P crowned. 1784-1788 Goldsmith Joseph-André Bologniel-Presidant, received in 1778. (1778-1793) Discharge mark: 1783-1789 vanneau head. Eagle head 18K...
Category

1780s Neoclassical Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Dance Case, Charles X, circa 1820-1830
Located in Paris, FR
Rectangular dance case in gilded bronze and red colored metal with moire reflections. The gilded bronze mount is finely chiseled with floral friezes, doves ...
Category

1820s Empire Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Gold and Enamel, Diamond Handbag or Pills Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Gold and white and blue enamel handbag or pills box in shape of shell. A diamond button serves to open the hinged lid. Gold 18 K W: 1.3 oz (37g.) L: ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau Ring Iris Flower Buds 18 K Yellow Gold Oriental Pearl France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This finely modelled and extremely rare French Art Nouveau ring features two entwined irises and two flower buds surrounding a fine white orien...
Category

1890s Art Nouveau Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Sewing Box in Shape of Flower, Charles X
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional nacre sewing and writing case in gold, turquoise and nacre. This kit comes in the form of a daisy and opens in three parts revealing accessories. The lower part is remova...
Category

1820s Empire Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold

Antique Louis-Phillipe I, Mythology Scene Chariot Snuff Box Soapstone Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
An antique warrior suffers the punishment of Poseidon, who sends a sea monster to frighten the two horses of the young man's chariot. Exquisite snuffbox with a fine soapstone carving mounted in a solid silver frame...
Category

1830s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Early 19th Century Curved Snuff Box
Located in Paris, FR
A rectangular snuff box with rounded corners. The box is lightly curved, allowing it to fit comfortably into a pocket. The box is entirely cove...
Category

1820s Empire Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Antique Purse Micromosaic Painting Gilt Metal Gold, France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and extremely rare antique purse is made out of fire guilt metal. The pouch is decorated with six oval and one round painting on glas imitating roman micro...
Category

19th Century Empire Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Gilt Metal

Chanel Hologram Fob Key Chain Spring 1997
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Authentic rare Chanel Hologram fob key chain or bag charm. A signature gilt curb chain suspends a round fob embedded with gilt motifs which display ...
Category

1990s French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold Plate, Gilt Metal

Silver Neo Renaissance Desk Seal
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large silver Neo Renaissance desk seal or presse papier in the form a Renaissance ring with an octahedron diamond set in a quatrefoil bezel. The shank is h...
Category

1880s Renaissance Revival Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Large Bronze Roundel of Hercules Fighting Centaur
Located in New York, NY
Large bronze roundel with mythological scene depicting Hercules fighting a centaur. France, circa 19th century.
Category

19th Century Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock is of French Origin, and dates back to the 1980s. SKU#W-00755
Category

1980s Retro Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal

18K Gold 1860 Flower Still Life Miniature Painting Music Flute Porcelain Brooch
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A flower bouquet in a basket, a flute and a sheet of music are composed to a still life of fabulous quality. The miniature is painted on porcelain. This most amazing work of art is mounted in an exquisite 18 k gold frame and can be worn as a brooch. The back of the oval porcelain plaque...
Category

1860s Napoleon III Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

1930s French Glass Pharmacy Apothecary Countertop Globes
Located in New York, NY
These globes were counter objects from a pharmacy in France in the 1930's. The hand blown hollow glass globes come with a removable study wood base.
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Cartier Paris Belle Epoque Garland Style Enamel Diamond Gold Belt Buckle
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier enamel and diamond belt buckle. French The domed rectangular buckle decorated with green guilloché enamel and white enamel borders, set with rose-cut diamond flower-head, c...
Category

Early 20th Century Belle Époque French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel

Belle Époque Cartier Paris Pale Blue Enamel Buckle
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This wonderful enamel buckle by Cartier, Paris features meticulous attention to detail in its very fine enamel work. Dating from around 1890 this 18 karat yellow and rose gold beauty...
Category

1890s Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Rare Blue Enamel Diamond Vermeil Belt Buckle
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Rare 1900's Cartier belt buckle with flower motifs set with old mine cut diamonds. Signed 'Cartier Paris', numbered, with maker's mark and eagle st...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Vermeil

Cartier Gold Plate Lighter Paris with diamond dot Texture with box
By Cartier
Located in Bilbao, ES
Cartier Gold Plate Lighter Paris 199771, oval section with "diamond" dot decoration It has an adjustable top lid that houses the Swiss-made mechanism. It is marked on its both wit...
Category

1980s Art Deco Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold Plate

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Ruby, Rock Crystal, Jade, Diamond, Amethyst, Silver, ...

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
By Mellerio Paris
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10" high x 9" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Cartier Paris Diamond Gold Evening Purse
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A special piece made in Cartier's Paris workshops, a diamond studded gold evening purse. In excellent condition, this purse opens to reveal a mirror...
Category

1960s Vintage French More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

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