Skip to main content

Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

to
29
120
37
10
3
36
81
47
14
16
17
2
1
2
1
1
5
4
2
1
13
11
9
8
6
4
2
1
315
53,258
42,868
25,353
20,437
97
64
89
49
34
32
32
Height
to
Width
to
167
161
164
4
3
2
2
2
Material: Lapis Lazuli
Head Bust of Indian, Lapis Lazuli & Silvered Metal Sculpture, Mexico, ca. 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Head Bust of Indian Lapis Lazuli, Silvered Metal & Granite Mexico, ca. 1980s DIMENSIONS Height: 13.75 inches Width: 4.5 inches ...
Category

1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Metal

Maple Wood Sculpture Turquoise Ruby Opal Topaz Citrine Garnet Inlay Danna Weiss
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This piece is a showstopper with an overwhelmingly beautiful presence. It is made of the finest Maple with rare crystal and gemstone inlays. The work was all handmade and its glossed...
Category

2010s American Other Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Stone, Py...

Stunning Small Agate and Lapis Boxes
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pretty set of 2 decorative boxes. The first is a stunningly grained agate little box. It is colorful and vibrant. It is lined in chrome and felt. In good condition with some minor ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Lapis Lazuli

Gem Afghanite Crystal from Kokscha Valley, Badakshan, Afghanistan
Located in New York, NY
From Koksha Valley, Khash Kuran Wa Munjan Districts, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan Prismatic blue afghanite crystals exposed on the face of gray to white marble. Crystals has lus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Fabulous Antique English Rose Quartz & Lapis Lazuli Box, c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful early Art Deco box made from highly prized Rose Quartz framed by exotic blue Lapis Lazuli, a winning combination. Excellent condition dating to c.1920. Measures: 6 1/8...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Small Blue Lapis Lazuli Pill or Trinket Box
Located in Savannah, GA
Small Lapis Laxuli Pill or Trinket Box with a Silver Decorative Trim
Category

20th Century Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Russian Carved Coachman 18-Karat Gold Enamel Lapis Figure Manner of Fabergé
By Modern Fabergé, Peter Carl Fabergé
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite hand carved Russian hard stone "Coachman" sculpture figure dating from the early 1900s. In the manner of Fabergé. Made of solid lapis lazuli. Beard is made of gray obsidian...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Hand-Carved 23.5 Lb, Lapis Lazuli Heart
Located in New York, NY
This huge heart from Afghanistan has been hand-carved and hand-polished out of one piece of genuine, beautiful color lapis lazuli featuring the shimmer of p...
Category

2010s Afghan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli Heart with Acrylic Display Stand (3 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful, AAA quality hand-polished natural Lapis Lazuli heart from Afghanistan. This specimen has rich, electric-royal blue color enriched with scintillating pyrite microcrystals. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Pair of Italian Silver-Plated, Lapis & Lucite Tennis Motif Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Pair of Italian Silver-Plated, Lapis & Lucite Tennis motif candlesticks Italy, circa 1970s A whimsical pair of Silver-plated Candlesticks, the design...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver Plate

Midcentury Carved Wood and Silver Taurus Bull Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury carved wood and silver Taurus bull sculpture, well carved with expressive face and glass eyes. The body with one inset lapis stone, and numerous...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Twenty-Two Miniature Boxes Mounted with Silvered and Gilt Metal
Located in London, GB
This set of 22 boxes contains examples of different sizes and shapes that are produced using different materials and techniques. The boxes contain a variety of stone specimens, such ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Metal

1990s Spanish Handmade Pietra Dura Inlay Mosaic Square Table Top W/ Chess Board
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s Spanish Pietra Dura inlay mosaic square table top with chess board, handmade with semiprecious gemstones including blue lapis lazuli and green mala...
Category

Late 20th Century European Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Blue Shagreen with Lapis Lazuli Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Blue shagreen leather with Lapis Lazuli inserts and gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches / width 11.5 inches / depth 1 inch Photo size: 8 inches by 10 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold

19th Century French Wall Clock In Lapis Lazuli By Paul Sormani
Located in Southall, GB
Elegant wall clock by Paul Sormani, in blue lapis lazuli and gilt bronze ormolu. Paul Sormani was a famed French 19th century cabinetmaker, renown for his production of magnificent...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

French Lapislazuli and Silver Inkwell by Gustave Keller, 1920s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This French Lapis Lazuli and Silver Inkwell, crafted by Gustave Keller in the 1920s, stands as a truly exceptional piece of artistic and functional craftsmanship, radiating with a ti...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Vintage Green Stone and Lapis Lazuli Bowl And Barware
Located in North Miami, FL
The beautiful combination in this scalloped bowl of the colors of the carved green stone set against the lapis lazuli blue is a knock out! From the 1980s. Great as a decorative bowl,...
Category

1980s Unknown Organic Modern Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Lapis Lazuli

Antique Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Lapis Lazuli Horse Figurine
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique early 20th century Chinese carved lapis lazuli figurine, featuring a recumbent pose with a wood base stand. The dimensions: Horse size: ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Antique 19th Century Austrian Silver & Lapis Lazuli Clock, Vienna c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th Century Austrian exceptional solid silver gilt & lapis lazuli miniature clock, At the top, a cherub feeds grapes to a panther, while a pair of lion masks adorn the ...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Nepalese Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva 'Amoghapasha?', Early to Mid-20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and unusual gilt bronze figure of a Bodhisattva, possibly Amoghapasha, Nepal, early to mid-20th century, circa 1930s or 1940s. The regal figure possibly depicting the bodhisattva Amoghapasha, the Unfailing Lasso. The enlightened being is portrayed seated upon a high double lotus pedestal. He is dressed as an Indian prince, wearing a luxurious foliate patterned dhoti around his waist and a billowing scarf around his shoulders. . His torso bare save for the jeweled necklaces and the sacred thread. A five pointed crown with an image of Amitabha Buddha in the central point graces his head. His princely face cold painted with beautiful detail, his hair colored blue with crushed lapis lazuli, indicating his peaceful nature. Amoghapasha holds a lasso in one hand, an axe in the other. He is considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. A bodhisattva of compassion, Amoghapasha is so named because of the lasso he holds in his hand. The lasso represents his vast compassion which is thought to extend to encompass all beings, bringing them into a state of perfection and enlightenment. The copper base plate, seemingly a later replacement, has been inscribed with a visvajra (double vajra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nepalese Tibetan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Nepalese Gilt Bronze Figure of Bodhisattva Chenrezig, Mid-20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A nice vintage early to mid-20th century gilt bronze sculpture of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara in his four armed form, known as Chaturbuhja, or Chenrezig in Tibet. Chenrezig, a form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion (known as Guan Yin or Kwan Yin in Chinese), sits in vajrasana upon a high double lotus pedestal. One pair of hands is clasped in prayer at heart level, the other pair of hands raised upwards at shoulder lever and holding discreet attributes, a mala (prayer beads) in one hand, a lotus blossom in the other. Chenrezig is dressed in an elaborately patterned floral dhoti that covers his lower half. His torso bare, shoulders covered with a shawl and scarves that billow out around him. He is festooned with jewels, necklaces, bracelets, armlets, earrings, belt and a five pointed crown. The earrings studded with coral. The crown studded with turquoise. His face is cold painted with beautiful details. The hair has been pigmented blue with crushed lapis, indicating his peaceful nature. The copper base plate is inscribed with a visvajra (double vajra...
Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Tibetan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Nepalese Gilt Bronze Buddhist Figure of Manjushri, Early to Mid-20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Nepalese gilt bronze figure of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, early to mid 20th century. The Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nepalese Tibetan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Lapis Lazuli and Vermeil Vase Attributed to Asprey
Located in London, GB
Lapis lazuli and vermeil vase attributed to Asprey English, c. 1980 Height 51cm, width 24cm, depth 20cm Attributed to Asprey, the world-famous firm of goldsmiths, silversmiths and j...
Category

20th Century English Modern Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Italian Neo-Classic Style Marble Box
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic-style (20th Century) black marble rectangular box with and inlaid circle of lapis, malachite, and pink marble
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble

Set of Four Italian 19th Century Specimen Marble Skulls
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and most unique set of four Italian 19th century specimen marble skulls. Each skull is of an individual marble, Lapis Lazuli, Red Porphyry, ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Porphyry

Venetian Glass Box Circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unusual, Venetian glass casket with gilded and Lapis accents with a center glass medallion.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli Table Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
The body of this fine table clock and barometer is veneered in lapis lazuli and supported by a hinged arm to the reverse. The clock and barometer d...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candlestick by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This little neoclassical style gilt bronze and marble candlestick by Gherardo Degli Albizzi would be ideal to be placed on a bedside table. Even if it features classical shape, overa...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Lapis Lazuli top color with pyrite inclusion, on wood and brass custom stand.
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
This mineral specimen of Lapis Lazuli with pyrite inclusion on a wood and brass stand is a great classic. Lapis lazuli have always been researched (even in antic Egypt) and valued : ...
Category

2010s Afghan Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Brass

Pair of Russian Lapis Lazuli Bowls on Gilt Bronze Stands
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of bowls made of lapis lazuli in the 20th century are set up on older gilded bronze stands. They are made not from the solid but veneered in the manner of Russian furniture, urns or columns and other table top accessories...
Category

20th Century Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Blue Lapis Lazuli Clock with Bust of Molière
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze and blue lapis lazuli clock with bust of Molière French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 61cm, width 27cm, depth 13cm This exquisite French mantel clock originates fr...
Category

Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu

A 19th C. Italian Dore Bronze Mounted Champlevé Enamel & Lapis Lazuli Coupe
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent 19th Century Italian Dore Bronze Mounted Champlevé Enamel and Lapis Lazuli Coupe. This remarkable creation stands as a testament to impeccable artistry, as showcased by...
Category

1820s Italian Louis XVI Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Contemporary Vase, Lapis Lazuli with Matching Glass Cylinder, by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Drill Vases Part chaos and part control, Drill Vases are an exercise in improvisation. The origin of the project lies in Carrara, and the small fragments of marble found dis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Enameled Inlay Semi Precious Stones Mughal Ewer
Located in Islamabad, PK
The antique brass Mughal ewer is a magnificent piece of art and craftsmanship that reflects the opulence and grandeur of the Mughal Empire. This ewer, orig...
Category

Early 19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Brass, Bronze

Pair of Patinated and Gilded Bronze Urns Baltics, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
With withe marble and lapis lazuli bases.
Category

19th Century Baltic Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Leather and Silver Decorative Box
Located in Miami, FL
Designed exclusively by Urban Art, offered is a decorative box comprised of a black python exterior and embellished with sterling silver hardware and an Afghani silver and Lapis Lazu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Campaign Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Bronze

Handmade Ornamenti Bowl Inlay in White Marble by Stephanie Odegard
Located in New York, NY
Handmade Ornamenti Bowl Inlay in White Marble by Stephanie Odegard is one of the best examples of reproduction of the Pietra Dura technique. This richly designed bowl is full of prec...
Category

2010s American Other Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite

Viennese Silver Gilt, Lapis and Jeweled Figural Clock, circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
Depicting a man climbing a ladder to pick fruit from atop a tree, while the woman stands with her arm outstretched.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Louis XVI Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This beautiful Louis XVI style marble and gilt bronze column candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi has got a very refined design featured by a classic vegetal motif capital and masks ...
Category

2010s Italian Louis XVI Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Malachite, Bronze

Claro Walnut Wood Sculpture Malachite Turquoise Tourmaline Inlay by Danna Weiss
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Truly an incredible one of a kind, unique wall-mounted work with incredible and rare crystal and gemstone specimens set into the finest Claro Walnut Wood. It's crystal and gemstone i...
Category

2010s American Other Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Malachite, Onyx, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Stone, Pyrite, Tourmalin...

Great Lapis Lazuli Sculpture circa 1950, India
Located in Milan, Italy
A great and beautiful Lapis Lazuli sculpture of circa 1950, produced in India.
Category

1950s Indian Modern Vintage Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Jewelry Box
Located in Richmond, VA
Stunning, petite deep blue lapis lazuli jewelry box with sterling silver detail.
Category

20th Century Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Carved Marble Plateau With Semi Precious Stones
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved marble plateau with semi precious stones malachite, rhodochrosite ,lapis lazuli, tiger eye and other semi precious stones. Italy, 20th century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble

Pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Lapis Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and large-scaled pair of early 19th century French Louis XVI st. ormolu and Lapis Lazuli four arm candelabras. The pair with all original gilt is raised by a triangular...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu

Impressive Antique Austrian Champlevé Enamel, Silver-Gilt and Lapis Lazuli Clock
Located in London, GB
Impressive antique Austrian champlevé enamel, silver-gilt and lapis lazuli clock set Austrian, Late 19th century Clock: Height 91cm, width 37cm, depth 37cm Candelabra: Height 64cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm Clock case: Height 97cm, width 44cm, depth 41cm Candelabra case: 67cm, width 27cm, depth 27cm Crafted in Austria in the late 19th century, this magnificent three-piece clock set was most likely gifted to the Imperial Russian family by the Austro-Hungarian Royal family. Its design is inspired by various cultures and styles, whilst its high quality celebrates some of the best craftsmen of the late 19th century. Of a tiered pagoda shape, the clock is surmounted by an eagle, its wings spread wide landing atop a vibrant lapis lazuli ball. The eagle is most likely a reference to Turul, a mythological animal which is a symbol of Hungary. This bird of prey is also a popular feature within Turkish traditions. Within a canopy, supported on four sturdy lapis lazuli pillars two prominent silver-gilt bells are hanging. These are carved with various motifs such as acanthus leaf design and connect to the clock mechanism below. The bells ring informing its users of the time. All four sides of the piece are inset with a clock, an unusual feature on an object of this type and a testament to its highest quality. The inclusion of clocks on all sides signifies that the antique is aimed to be a centrepiece, admired from all sides. The dial is decorated using the champlevé enamelling technique, whereby ‘parcels’ are carved into the silver gilt and into which enamel is poured. The 12 numbers are coloured in black with a gold outline and are surrounded by a white circular background making them stand out and easy to read. The hour clock dial is cast in the form of a sun, while the minute hand is represented as the moon. The two motifs symbolise one’s bright and gloomy sides of existence. The four corners around the clocks are mounted with three-dimensional female figures dressed in traditional garments from around the world. For example, one figure is dressed in typical Turkish clothing...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
Located in Queens, 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

20th Century French Lapis Lazuli Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Recently Viewed

View All