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Shell Decorative Objects

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Material: Shell
Jewelry Box in Shagreen with Mother of Pearl and Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This jewelry box by R&Y Augousti is a luxurious fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, wrapped in sophisticated shagreen. The meticulously handcrafted Cosmos pattern blends mother-of-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Seashell Encrusted Jewelry Box, Vintage Coastal
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage seashell encrusted jewelry box embodies the bohemian aesthetic popular during the mid- 20th century. Hand-crafted with an array of shells...
Category

1970s American Bohemian Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Urushi Lacquer Eggshell Round Brule Box, Medium by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Brulé means 'burnt' in French. Raw and delicate, the Brulé boxes evoke the idea of baked earth or ashes. There is a powerful energy in the details of decisio...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Eggshell, Lacquer

Vintage Coral, Real, Natural Specimen (ships in USA only) - Beach Decor
Located in Warrenton, OR
Vintage Coral, Real, Natural Specimen (ships in USA only) - Beach Decor This is a very pretty piece of nature for the home or office of an ocean lover or beach dweller. It measures ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Organic Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral

Large White Crystal Geode with a Natural Baroque Pearl
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Large white crystal quartz geode with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. 28lbs. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava flow weathers away to leave the quartz geode buried deep in the Moroccan desert. This was dug by hand and includes druzy white crystal formations. This is a large geode specimen...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Moroccan Prehistoric Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Giant 18 Inch Natural Clam Shell Specimen
Located in Bradenton, FL
Authentic giant clam shell specimen with its iconic sculptural form and sea inspired colors and textures.
Category

20th Century Asian Organic Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Fabulous Natures Beauty Marine Specimens Sea Shells Collection Vitrine
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Great selection of marine specimens - sea shells, urchins, sand dollars, sea stars in display case.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Sculptural 17th Century 'Florence Fragment' with a Fossil Shell and Crystals
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Sculptural 17th century hand-carved Florence Fragment mounted with a fossil shell with barnacles and adorned with crystals. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found ...
Category

17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Pearlized Oval Decorative Pierced Edge Capiz Catchall or Trinket Dish
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An unusual pearlized capiz shell trinket dish or catchall. We've never come across anything similar to this beautiful plate. It is oval in shape and...
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Antique Three Perfumes Scent Bottles In Mother of Pearl and Silver Metal Heart
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage Set of 3 Perfume / Snuff Bottles – Handmade Seashell with Silver Inlay, Mother of Pearl Finish This exquisite set of three vintage perfume or snuff bottles is a rare and unique collectible, beautifully handcrafted from natural seashell with a lustrous mother of pearl finish. Each bottle is adorned with intricate silver metalwork, showcasing ornate patterns and decorative detailing that transform these bottles into true works of art. The bottles are not only decorative but also functional, as they have been tested and confirmed to be waterproof. Their heart-shaped and rounded forms combined with the shimmering pearlescent shell make them an eye-catching display piece, ideal for collectors of antique perfume bottles, vintage snuff boxes, or mother of pearl collectibles. In very good vintage condition, this handmade shell and silver bottle set makes a striking addition to any antique collection, home décor, or gift for a collector of unique treasures. Perfect for display in a curio cabinet, vanity table, or as part of a vintage perfume bottle collection. vintage perfume bottles, antique snuff bottles, seashell bottles, mother of pearl perfume...
Category

1880s Spanish Arts and Crafts Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Silver, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate

Two Tessellated Stone Decorative Perfume Bottles
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Two tessellated stone decorative perfume bottles by Maitland Smith Measures: Large bottle measures 15 inches high by 9 inches diameter. Small bottle 11 inches high by 6 inches diam...
Category

1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Maitland Smith Abalone Shell Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Mother of pearl tessellated box attributed to Maitland-Smith. Mother of pearl veneer in very pale green color over wood box. Black felt underside. Made in Philippines sticker on the ...
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Victorian Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Writing Slope by Richard Wathew
By Richard Wathew
Located in Northampton, GB
Mother of Pearl Inlay From our Writing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Victorian Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Writing Slope by Richard Wathew. The Writing Box of sl...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Shell, Wood

Antique English Georgian Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Faced In Boxwood From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Antique Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Chest of tapered rectangular shape with silver stringin...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Articulated Abalone Shell Fish Sculpture/ Bottle Opener by Los Castillo
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage articulated abalone shell fish sculpture / bottle opener by Los Castillo Taco, Mexico, circa 1960s. The piece is well detailed and patinated. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Abalone

Urushi Natural Red Lacquer Allsorts Box - Large by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Eggshell, Walnut, Lacquer

Urushi Natural Red Lacquer Allsorts Box - Medium by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Eggshell, Walnut, Lacquer

Antique Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 1940s Mosaic Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Luxury Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Vanity Box. Middle Eastern Asian Mosaic Wood Box with Inlays ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Shell, Abalone, Fruitwood

Mexican Brass Copper Abalone Shell Crab Sculpture Tray Serving Dish, Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Mixed metal footed tray, created by Mexican silversmiths, features a Modernist abstract crab form with creab legs serving as tray's feet. The piece is decorated with a graphic patter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper

Hand Carved Cameo on Conch Shell
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful hand carved cameo on conch shell made in Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is in excellent condition and measures 5" W x 3.5" D x 3.25" H. #4843
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

FRENCH 1925 Art-Deco Black Lacquer & White Egg-Shell Lacquer Cigarette Case
Located in Miami, FL
A French art deco modernist cigarette case. This is a gorgeous cigarettes case created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 1925-1930. The case has been crafted i...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Conch Shell with Coordinating Crystal Quartz Cluster
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Complete conch shell mounted on a large crystal quartz cluster and adorned with two crystal points, highlighting the neutral and warm hues of the shell. The piece was collected and ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Organic Modern Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal

18th Century Italian Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Baby Jesus
Located in Ballard, CA
18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also sterling silver.This piece would have originally been dressed in an elaborate gown and would have been changed into different attire depending on the holy season. Extremely detailed and the carving is exceptional. this piece came from a very reputable merchant in Verona, I did inherit it from my mother in Law...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Silvered Bronze and Abalone Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Art Deco period silvered bronze and inlaid abalone letter rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1970s Handmade Shell Art Vase
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1970s handmade shell art vase.
Category

1970s Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Gabriella Binazzi - Shell and silvered brass duck-shaped trinket bowl, 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gabriella Binazzi Shell and silvered brass duck-shaped trinket bowl. Italian work by the Maison Binazzi, circa 1970. W. 21 cm, D. 16 cm, H. 16 cm
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Monumental Clam Shell Resting On Antique Wrought Iron Plant Stand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a monumental clam shell displayed on a Victorian black wrought iron plant stand. Both are very heavy and in very good condition. Plant stand: 12” triangle x 39.75”H.
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

10.75" Polished Ammonite Shell Fossil Cleoniceras Species, 100 million+ yrs old
Located in Warrenton, OR
10.75" Polished Ammonite Shell Fossil Cleoniceras Species, Over 100 Million Years Old. A truly spectacular ammonite in both size and appearance. Weighing almost 8 pounds, with subtle...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Prehistoric Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Organic Material

Mexican Sterling Silver and Abalone Shell Pill Box by Villalobos, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant handcrafted pill box made in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1970s. Created by Villalobos, this petite sterling silver box features a domed lid inlaid with iridescent abalone shell arra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Natural Striped Chambered Nautilus Half Shells
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of Natural Striped Chambered Nautilus Half Shells Nautilus Pompulus Philippines; harvested in the 20th century Approximate size: 6.75 (w) x 5.5 (h) x 2.75 (d) in. Nautilus sh...
Category

20th Century Philippine Organic Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Middle Eastern Moorish Handcrafted Mosaic Decorative Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern mosaic marquetry inlaid walnut wood box. Small box intricately decorated with Moorish motif designs which h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood, Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Marble Picture Frame, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A neutral tan marble picture frame with brass and mother of pearl accents, in the Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Picture area: 3.19" Width x 5.13"...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Impressive Branch and Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive branch and cauliflower coral assemblage hand crafted in specimens with mother nature's sea inspired colors and forms. Presented on a lucite base to enhance its sculptural ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands Mid-Century Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Organic Material

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond-shaped, rippling clock frame of ebony-painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in the stained mahogany...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of 18th Century Italian Fragments with Gold Flower Reliefs & Golden Barite
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Pair of 18th century Italian fragments with a gold flower relief decorated with natural forming baroque pearls to emulate the flower on a matrix of barite and double terminated calci...
Category

18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf

Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern Vase in Black Shell with Brass Details by KIFU Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The "Storm Vase" by Kifu Paris is a true masterpiece of modern design, embodying luxury and sophistication through its impeccable craftsmanship. This vase, sculpted with flowing curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

The Taj Mahal Black Marble Box with in Shell Inlaid Agra India 1950's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1950's Agra Indian Shell and Black Marble Box with The Taj Mahal Inlays.Onyx Black Marble Box with Pietra Dura Intricate Abalone Inlay of the Taj Mahal.Fine Quality Shell Inlaid Taj Mahal Box.Black marble trinket box with an inlaid image of the Taj Mahal. This unusual piece has the details drawn on the white shell in black ink, giving it the appearance of a micro mosaic. The surface catches the light and shows some iridescence at different angles.The Anglo Indian style box is lined with black velvet.A Very fine intricate work of Islamic Art.From Agra, India. Circa 1950's.Great gift to express your Love.From a Private Estate Encino Collection. DIMENSIONS: Height: 1.75 in.Width: 3.75 in.Depth: 2.75 in.About the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, India. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's some information about the Taj Mahal: 1) History: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. 2) Architecture: The Taj Mahal combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble, with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones. The central structure is a large dome surrounded by four minarets at each corner. 3) Symbolism: The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens and reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal add to its romantic ambiance. 4) Location: The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of India's capital, New Delhi. 5) Visitors: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public, except on Fridays when it is reserved for Islamic prayers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Islamic Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Large Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell, I
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of a large fosselized Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell. The shell is in overall very good condition with normal ocean weathering. The age of the shell is indeter...
Category

Late 19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Vintage Mexican Brass Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay – Aztec Head Motif Taxco
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking mid-century modern brass trinket or cigarette box handcrafted in Mexico, featuring a stylized Aztec or Mayan head motif in cut brass, dramatically contrasted against a viv...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abalone Shell Box, Alpaca Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abalone Shell Box, Alpaca Silver Offered for sale is a Mexican Mid-century Modern Alpaca silver decorative box that is clad in brightly colored abalone sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Organic Modern Natural Specimens Coral Brunch on Stand
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique organic natural specimens brunch coral on a marble and wood stand. Great natural light pink color. Great condition.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Chinoiserie Pagoda
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie pagoda. Very decorative Italian painted plaster and wood three-tiered pagoda alla Mongiardino emanating from marine inspired grotto base with four masks issuing water in...
Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Gesso, Shell, Wood

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Stamp Box
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone stamp box By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 2.13"D x 1.25"H. Good orig...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Coffret with Mother of Pearl
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a low wooden coffret, whose surface is covered with diamond-shaped mother of pearl tiles. This item is from Q3 of the 19th century. The mother of pearl is made of two types of seashell. Furthermore, the inside is lined with claret velvet. The frames of the lid and base are made of ivory. Presented item is in good condition. Some mother of pearls tiles...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Plastic

Gigas Tridacna shell
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful Gigas Tridacna also known as clam shell from the ocean in great condition
Category

Early 20th Century American Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Antique Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Jewelry Inlaid Sadeli Footed Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 19th century Anglo-Indian jewelry, trinket footed box, inlay with ebony, mosaic marquetry Sadeli work and a carved Hindu scene on top. The box case is made from sandalwood wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

An American Art Nouveau Bronze Sculptural Blue Crab Inkwell by, Tiffany Studios
Located in Englewood, NJ
A a rare and early American Art Nouveau patinated bronze "Crab" Inkwell by, Tiffany Studios. The crab inkwell is cast in a very realistic and naturalistic design after an Atlantic Bl...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in Queens, 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 Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver

18th Century Italian Cross on a Pink Hematoid Quartz Heart with Aurora Crystals
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
18th century Italian cross mounted on a polished pink hematite quartz heart and adorned with aurora (sunset) quartz and a natural-forming cross shaped baroque pearl. The 18th centu...
Category

18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf

1950s Mexican Modernism Los Castillo Silver Vase Taxco Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Los Castillo modern silver vase from Mexico Finely crafted hand-wrought silver over copper with abalone inlay detail. Signed Los Castillo Taxco Mexico. 5 tall x 5 diameter ...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Copper

Large Ammonite, Rare Pachylytoceras Dilicidum Species, 190-200 Million Years Old
Located in Warrenton, OR
Large Ammonite, Rare Pachylytoceras Dilicidum Species, 190-200 Million Years Old apx. This is a beautiful, multicolor fossil specimen, probably found in France. The leafy patterns an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Prehistoric Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Organic Material

Large Fossil Ammonite Natural Specimen, Mortoniceras on Artistic Display Matrix
Located in Warrenton, OR
Large Fossil Ammonite Natural Specimen, Mortoniceras on Artistic Display Matrix. About 110 million years old. This is a lovely display ammonite nicely recovered and given an aestheti...
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Prehistoric Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Organic Material

19th Century Walnut and Brass Dome-Top Wood English Sewing Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
English walnut and brass dome-top box with Mother-of-Pearl, ca. 1860. With 6 sewing tools, 4 have mother of pearl handles, 7 pieces of circular fabric sam...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Cosmos Vases in Shagreen, Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Decorative Jewellery Case, Japanese, Lacquer, Box, Art Deco, Circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an vintage decorative jewellery case. A Japanese, lacquer and Mother of Pearl lidded box in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Appealing example o...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Urushi Lacquer Eggshell Orb Box, Large by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Like an ancient pebble or river-rock that has been tumbled for centuries to polish and reveal its alluvial layers. Hand-turned solid oak box enveloped in lacquered eggshell marquetry.
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Decorative Objects

Materials

Eggshell, Oak, Lacquer

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