Best of Europe

Victorian natural pearl suite. A natural pearl suite comprising a pendant/brooch and earrings, the circular bombé brooch/pendant set with graduating round ...

Antique diamond wing brooch, attributed to Carlo and Arthur Giuliano, circa 1900. A gold and silver brooch in the form of a pair of outstretched wings, the wings with one hundred and sixteen pavé set round old cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 5.80 carats, and additionally set with two old cut drop shaped diamonds set to top and bottom of the centrepiece with an approximate total weight of 2.05 carats. Originally part of a hair ornament. In a fitted Wartski box, authentication courtesy of Wartski. This brooch appears in 'Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts Jewellery', by Charlotte Gere and Geoffrey Munn, p. 12. Please note shipping to the United States of America requires the purchaser to fill out a CBP 5106 customs form before the item is shipped. This form is a legal requirement for any item over $2,000 which is being imported into the United States. One of the details the form requests is the purchaser’s social security number or importer’s number. One of the most collectable makers of antique jewellery is the London house of Giuliano, founded by the Neapolitan-born Carlo Giuliano, and succeeded by his sons Carlo and Arthur Alphonse. Though unmarked, this piece is likely to have once been a part of a tiara or hair ornament made by Giuliano due to its similarity to other signed pieces by the firm. There are five known pieces, in addition to the present jewel, by Giuliano which are comprised of a pair of diamond set wings with a larger stone or stones placed at centre. All five—a convertible hair ornament/brooch, a tiara, and three brooches—appeared in Wartski’s 1989 exhibition Artists’ Jewellery: Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts, and additionally two of these five are featured in the book of the same title by Charlotte Gere and Geoffrey Munn. The present piece is most similar to the diamond hair ornament...

Tiffany & Co ruby cocktail buckle ring. Set with eight round old cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.40 carats, and thirteen rectangular ...

Antique natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1880. A gold and silver necklace with one central florette set with a natural roun...

Diamond cluster ring by Boucheron Paris. Set with a round old cut diamond to centre in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 0.80 carats, flanked by two horizontally set rect...

Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet. Set with five octagonal emerald-cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphires (two of which have been certified a...

Sapphire and diamond bow brooch by Marcus & Co, American, circa 1935. A yellow gold and platinum bow form brooch set with one central row of twenty eig...

Antique shell cameo brooch and earrings by John Brogden, English, circa 1870. A yellow gold suite of jewellery, the brooch composed of a horizontally situated oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo of the Greek goddess Selene riding a serpentine dragon in a rubover collet setting, encircled by a conforming frame of gold beading and twisted gold wire punctuated with four gold palmette form plaques engraved and decorated with dark blue enamel and placed at the cardinal points, the reverse mounted with a hinged pin and scroll clasp, the earrings each composed of a vertical oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo engraved with a bust length portrait of Selene with crescent-set headdress, encircled by a conforming frame matching that of the brooch with the addition of a pendant decoration composed of a horizontal bar of gold beading and twisted gold wires suspending gold link chains graduated from centre and ending in conical gold elements, the reverses mounted with French wire fittings, all in a fitted red leather case, the interior marked ‘FIRST CLASS PARIS MEDAL/ 1855.1867.1851/ PARIS FIRST CLASS & LONDON PRIZE MEDALS/ JOHN BROGDON/ Goldsmith/ MANUFACTORY/ 16, Henrietta St. Covent Garden/ London’. The cameo—defined as a gem, usually either a mineral or a shell, upon which a design has been carved in relief—is believed to have originated in Hellenistic Greece, during the third century BC. These miniature sculptures, at that time confined to the medium of hardstone, are thought to have been made with the primary purpose of personal adornment. The same practice of mounting cameos in jewellery was then continued by the Ancient Romans, and they are known to have been worn by many a Roman emperor. After the fall of Rome the fashion for cameos went into a decline, until it was again revived during the Renaissance period, brought about by a keen interest in the ancient world. At this time both antique and contemporary cameos were mounted in jewellery, as well as collected as objet d’art. The art of cameo cutting was revived in Italy, where it would remain a centre for the coming centuries. Again there was a lull in interest in carved gemstones, until the Neoclassical revival of the eighteenth century, largely stimulated by the discoveries of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. As with the Renaissance, antique specimens were generally prized over modern cameos, and the worldliest men in Europe held them among their collections of art and antiques. That said, carving centres in Rome and Torre del Greco (near Naples) in Italy were established in response to the demand of the Grand Tourists, who travelled to Italy and Greece to become educated in the wonders of the ancient world. It was at this time that shell cameos, mostly made in Torre del Greco due to its proximity to the sea, became more popular, owing to the relative ease in carving shell over hardstone. In addition to Rome, hardstone cameos also became a specialty of Idar Oberstein, Germany, which had a long history with both the gem mining and cutting trade. In a shift away from the collector’s cases of the previous century, the nineteenth century saw a strengthening in the fashion for wearable cameos. After the Empress Josephine donned a cameo-set suite of jewellery at the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, cameo jewellery became all the rage. Napoleon played a further hand in promoting the art by establishing a gemstone carving school in Paris, inspired by his appreciation for the arts of the ancient world. By the mid-nineteenth century shell cameos, in part due to their lightness compared with hardstone cameos, were the height of fashion. Large shell cameos as well as hardstone cameos were set into contemporary mounts, often as suites of jewellery. Some of the best cameos of the nineteenth century—carved by a select group of recognized carvers—were set into revivalist mounts, corresponding to the subject matter. In Victorian England cameo jewellery was particularly prized, due in part to the fact that the Queen owned and wore a number of cameo jewels. One example which can often be seen in official portraits is the Badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert, carved by Tommaso Saulini of Rome, who also produced cameos for the maker of the present suite, John Brogden. To meet demand some carvers set themselves up in London, including William Schmidt, a German carver from Idar Oberstein, who produced cameos for top London jewellers, including Brogden, Carlo Giuliano and Child & Child. In fact, Schmidt purports to have been the first to carve cameos out of opal, which Brogden reportedly displayed in the Paris Exhibition of 1878. An extant example, now in the collection of the British Museum, was set by the Giuliano firm. Regarding subject matter, cameos throughout time have been largely figural, from bust length profile portraits to scenes with multiple full-length figures, and sometimes animals. Ancient Greek and Roman cameos often depicted mythological scenes as well as contemporary figures. During the Renaissance, mythological scenes were popular, often taken directly from ancient sculpture, as well as portraits of notable contemporary figures. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, due to the revivalist styles, both Renaissance and Classical subjects were copied and set into matching (and sometimes unmatching) revivalist mounts. From the Renaissance through the Victorian era, being able to recognize the source of the carving in a cameo was a mark of erudition, revealing in the wearer knowledge of Classical art. As mentioned, the present cameo parure...

Art Deco diamond and black enamel ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 2.00 carats, decorated throughout with eighteen ro...

So Iconic! Truly wearable Art. Exremely rare Thierry Mugler corset top with dramatic winged details. Black velvet bustier with pointy waist. Museum ...

DIOR - (Made in France) Bronze lamé jacket. Silk lining. Size 40FR. Piece designed under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulde...

Wonderful large Bolide bag from Hermès in pearl grey from 2018 Condition: very good Made in France Materials: calfskin Evercolor Interior: leather Color: pearl grey, red Dimensions:...

- Designed by Miuccia Prada - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall Winter 2011 - Liliac faux fur jacket - Faux fur front, wool back - Collarless - Large liliac buttons - Concealed snap clo...

100% authentic Hermès Soya Kelly Lock gloves in Bleu Electrique blue matte alligator. Features smart phone compatible index finger and taupe cashmere (100%) lining. Have been worn an...

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the fro...

French 1930s Surrealist Sunburst light fixture in gilt iron and nails.

Magnificent Murano glass, metal and brass chandelier. The 1930s design in this stunning chandelier is an element of lightness and grace with the cups facing a large reflector and dif...

Mid-18th century Renaissance wardrobe cupboard in massive wood laquered faux wood; with columns and hand-carved capitals. Wardrobe restored leaving the signs of aging in precious la...

Eye shaped Mirror, Production: Vivai Del Sud, Italy 1970s Dimensions: 105 W x 65 H x 3 D cm

"Cà Noghera Black" Set Lussuoso di specchi in Style Veneziano realizzato interamente con Vetro di Murano e prodotto nell'Isola di Murano dai Fratelli Tosi. La ...

Shipping policy: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). 19th century banded agate seal...

Luigi Caccia Dominioni – Table lamp mod. LTA6 Porcino Product details Polished chromed brass, internally frosted blown glass with transparent band. Production: Azucena, design fro...

Elegant wall mirror in Murano glass attributed o Gio Ponti for Venini with golden brass details. The mirror has two lights in the lower part inserted in two details cornucopia. P...

Elegant Mid century modern pair of Chiavari high back chairs, Italy, in ebonized mahogany . Re-upholstered Famous interpretation of the Chiavari chair by the great Milan architect P...

Stunning Murano chandelier by artist Barovier e Toso with rare pink glass. The pendant consists of 5 glass elements and a brass structure, with the shape of a shell. It mounts a Eu...

nr. 529 - This kilim is of good workmanship and very nuanced colors, which I like. Perhaps it was created for western taste or simply the subsequent color bath was not perfect. ...

A set of six Superleggera chairs, produced by Cassina in the early 1960s and designed by Gio Ponti, has undergone professional restoration while preserving and refinishing their ash ...

An impressive Italian brass wall mirror from the 1950s boasting an elegant elongated hexagonal shape. This remarkable full-length mirror comprises an original plate from the 1950s, ...

One of two beautiful rinascimental woman profile print with black background, framed by a delicate taupe passpartout and a round black frame. Each print is entirely printed in Ital...

This iconic piece exudes the vibrant spirit of the era with its bold red hue, channeling both comfort and style. The wooden frame adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, while the fabric upholstery enhances its plush, inviting appeal. The chaise longue's sleek lines and distinctive design make it a statement piece that effortlessly captures the essence of 1970s aesthetics. Whether placed in a living room or a chic lounge space, this red chaise...

This bed exemplifies Scarpa's design finesse with its clean lines and solid wood frame, ensuring both durability and style. The distinctive padded upholstery on the headboard adds a ...

A splendid trapezoidal mirror with a lacquered and gilded frame is an authentic Italian creation from the 1950s, designed by Osvaldo Borsani. This impressive full-length mirror is c...

Step into the world of mid-century Italian design with a coffee table attributed to the legendary Giuseppe Scapinelli, a true masterpiece from the 1950s that effortlessly marries for...

Elegant Italian chandelier made from 138 beautiful Murano pink glasses "poliedri". Structure in gold and brass colored metal. The Poliedri is one of the most prestigious Murano glass...

Giorgio de Chirico (Volos 1888 - Roma 1978) "Sole sul tempio" 1969 litografia a colori cm 70x50 Firmata in basso a destra titolata e numerata 45/90 Timbro a secco "Alberto Caprini S...

"TEKNO console" The console has a grey-colored iron structure with simple and elegant lines. Its rectangular shape and its depth of 24cm, make it ideal to be inserted in any living s...

A rare pair of sconces, model 3032/F, designed by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce in 1954. Crafted from a blend of metal and white methacrylate, these ceiling lamps embody mid-century mod...

Set of eight model 209 chairs, with a black painted curved beech structure, with a curved wooden ring placed under the round seat to reinforce the structure, acting as a connector be...

The Perla Mini wall light is the smallest member of the Perla collection featuring an organic brass shell nestling our Sfera glass handblown in Murano. See the Perla and Perla Grande...

Italian Art Deco dresser from the first half of the last century. You can recognize his Italian style, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi, Osvaldo Borsani. Precious materials that were used...

Splendid Melchiorre Bega 1950s fireplace andirons in steel and nickel Never used.

Enchanting Venetian mirror with green frame. Along the edges of the frame are green glass rope accents and numerous multicolor pasta vitrea glass flowers. Executed by the great Maste...

This superb piece by the great architect Gio Ponti, is an exquisite balance between classic Eastern culture and contemporary design. Crafted from Florentine porcelain and entirely ha...

This elegant, whimsical wall lamp is made from a surprising combination of contrasting textures and textiles. A rough rattan surface sits above smooth Trevira fabric in light-blue, r...

Dark hues of vegetable-tanned leather and a beechwood frame finished with an ash wood varnish. Hand-sewn and assembled in Rome by Dario Alfonsi, this iconic collapsible chair...

Part of the Florio Collection, this two-seat sofa will make a charming addition to a patio, veranda, or poolside decor. The traditional design is inspired by Tuscan countryside style...

One of the most iconic designs of the 20th century is the bikini; this famous style inspired this mounted wall lamp made from two pieces of fabric. An upper part in rattan sits above...

The face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, reinterpreted by Piero Fornasetti, embellishes this hand-decorated porcelain ashtray, part of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series: an everyda...

Both decorative and functional, this exquisite oval tray in porcelain is an ode to classical mythology by designer Luke Edward Hall. Arion, son of the ancient Roman god of the sea, N...

The knots and ropes are part of Venetian everyday life, this original and contemporary candlestick holder highlights the expertise to ...

The culture of luxury, care, and taste for details abounds in this elegant set of double glasses by Catherine Urban. Handcrafted from Venetian glass, one end is for red or white wine...

Candida Höfer (German, b. 1944) Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos Lisboa III, 2009 Medium: C Print Dimensions: 28 x 22.5 cm (11.0 x 8.9 in) Edition of 100: Hand-signed and numbered Condi...

Evening Glow by Gustav Andreas Gehlin This exquisite oil painting, "Evening Glow," is a captivating work by the Swedish artist and photographer Gustav Andreas Gehlin. He studied un...

In over twenty years of activity he has developed a language that, starting from an emblematic figurality, arrives at the current symbolic research begun at the end of the 1980s. In...

Spanish Set of Six wooden-Carved Chairs Painted in Green Colour

Contemporary figurative painting

Unique and wonderful hand carved grey marble angel head, France, circa 1780-1800. Beautiful weathered. Measurement includes the wooden base.

Ceramic mirror by les Argonautes, circa 1960

This is a very rare Hermes Scarf Special Edition for Vivendi , published in 1998. the Vivendi Logo is declined all over the scarf, this rare Hermes Scarf will be delivered with its b...

Art Deco Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a single octagonal emerald-cut Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in an open back claw setting with an a...