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Material: Rock Crystal
31.25 Carat Lovely Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal from Nuristan, Afghanistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lovely Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal From Nuristan, Afghanistan WEIGHT: 31.25 Carat DIMENSIONS: 4.1 x 0.8 x 0.8 Cm ORIGIN: Nuristan, Afghanistan TREATMENT: None Tourmaline is an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Afghan Adam Style Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

101.35 Carat Beautiful Bi Color Tourmaline with Albite from Afghanistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Beautiful Bi-Color Tourmaline With Albite From Afghanistan WEIGHT: 101.35 Carat DIMENSIONS: 4.5 x 3.4 x 1.5 Cm ORIGIN: Nuristan, Afghanistan TREATMENT: None Tourmaline is an e...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Afghan Adam Style Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Very Fine Pair of Antique Continental Silver Mounted Rock Crystal Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
The candlestick bodies of fine, translucent rock crystal accented with silver gilt mounts; the candlestick base mounts decorated with neo-Gothic style patterns and masked faces. T...
Category

19th Century French Gothic Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Silver

19th Century Rock Crystal and Dore Bronze Girondals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely chased dore bronze. Every bead and crystal is rock crystal. Base diameter is 5" Mint condition.
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Monumental Crystal, Rock Crystal and Brass Candelabras. Great Scale
Located in Buchanan, MI
Spectacular pair of monumental crystal, rock crystal and brass candelabra. Electrified. Great Scale And Proportions.
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass

Summer Cochlea Del Risveglio Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Cochlea del Risveglio Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary roc...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Summer Cochlea Della Consapevolezza Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Cochlea Della Consapevolezza Seasons Edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sediment...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Del Risveglio Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Cochlea del Risveglio Seasons Edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary roc...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Spring Cochlea della Metamorfosi 1 seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri. Dimensions: W 18,5 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedime...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Spring Cochlea Dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Spring Cochlea dello Sviluppo seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri. Dimensions: W 24 x D 8 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, pink mineral pigments from Italian soils, pink painted borosilicate glass. Cochlea dello Sviluppo - SEASONS EDITION - Spring Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Della Consapevolezza Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Cochlea Della Consapevolezza Seasons Edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sediment...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Summer Cochlea Dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Cochlea dello Sviluppo seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 8 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, yellow mineral pigments from Italian soils, yellow painted borosilicate glass. Cochlea dello Sviluppo - SEASONS EDITION - Summer Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 2 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Cochlea della Metamorfosi 2 seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimenta...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Summer Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 2 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Cochlea della Metamorfosi 2 seasons Edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimenta...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 1 Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 2 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 1 Cochlea della Metamorfosi 2 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimen...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 2 Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 2 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 2 Cochlea della Metamorfosi 2 seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri. Dimensions: W 14 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedime...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 2 Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 2 Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimenta...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Summer Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, yellow mineral pigments from Italian soils, yellow painted borosilicate glass Cochlea della Liberazione - SEASONS EDITION - Summer Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 1 Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 1 Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimenta...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Spring Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Spring Cochlea Della Liberazione Seasons edition vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 1 Cochlea Del Risveglio Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 1 Cochlea del Risveglio Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 14 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, black mineral pigments from Italian soils, smoked painted borosilicate glass. Cochlea del Risveglio - SEASONS EDITION - Winter 1 Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 1 Cochlea Dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 1 Cochlea dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 8 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, black and blue mineral pigments from Italian soils, smoked painted borosilicate glass. Cochlea dello Sviluppo - SEASONS EDITION - Winter 1 Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 2 Cochlea Dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 2 Cochlea dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 8 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, blue mineral pigments from Italian soils, clear borosilicate glass. Cochlea dello Sviluppo - SEASONS EDITION - Winter 2 Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Autumn Cochlea Dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Cochlea dello Sviluppo Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 24 x D 8 x H 30 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedimentary rocks of the Italian Apennines and pure water, Italian rock salt crystals, pink and yellow mineral pigments from Italian soils, orange painted borosilicate glass. Cochlea dello Sviluppo - SEASONS EDITION - Autumn Embellished with Italian rock salt crystals colored with natural pigments from the Italian subsoil, this vase from the Cochlea collection (inspired by the metamorphosis of snails) represents architecture and nature united together...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 1 Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 1 Cochlea della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 18,5 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedim...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Winter 2 Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter 2 Cochlea della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri Dimensions: W 18,5 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedim...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Spring Cochlea Della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Spring Cochlea della Metamorfosi 1 Seasons Edition Vase by Coki Barbieri. Dimensions: W 18,5 x D 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Handcrafted stone made with Matera stone fragments, sedime...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of neoclassical rock crystal candlesticks.
Category

19th Century Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Modern Style Carved Rock Crystal Fish-Form Dish Platter
Located in Cypress, CA
One of a kind modern style hand carved and hand polished rock crystal fish form dish platter, late 20th century.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
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 Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver

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

20th Century French Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Enamel Gold and Rock Crystal Figure of Emperor Maximilian I by Reinhold Vasters
Located in New York, NY
A rare enamel, gold and rock crystal figure of Emperor Maximilian I by Reinhold Vasters, Aachen, In the Renaissance style, circa 1870. The g...
Category

Late 19th Century German Renaissance Antique Rock Crystal Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold, Enamel

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