Shell Decorative Objects

A finely made English Regency-period folding memorandum case, veneered in genuine tortoiseshell with softly rounded edges and narrow silver-mounted borders. The hinged form opens to ...

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on solid brass base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fi...

This is a wonderful Gigas Tridacna also known as clam shell from the ocean in great condition

Vintage articulated abalone shell fish sculpture / bottle opener by Los Castillo Taco, Mexico, circa 1960s. The piece is well detailed and patinated. The...

Exceptional and highly collectible figural crab jewelry box designed and handcrafted by Los Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, one of the most influential worksho...

Mid 20 th c Capiz Shell bowl with festooned edges adorned with jade fruit and jadeite leaves, mother of pearl shells.

Amusing Rhinoceros object of art crafted with an ostrich egg and silvered, hammered metal head, legs and tail.

Beautiful brass plated abalone seashell square box with wood lined compartment. Stamped underneath “Taxco Mexico" a region of Mexico known for their unique and one of a kind metal works. The patina adds a grounding element to the glistening and multi color abalone shells. The design of a fish head in brass appears on the lid adding extra artistry to such a unique piece. One long hinge along lid allows it to open and close with ease. Incredible piece to add to your organic modern decor...

Vintage Triton conch seashell placed upon a solid brass Koi fish stand, circa Mid 20th Century. This unique and rare coastal item is an exotic table sculpture that will look great pl...

Sago peg, tapak, Abelam/Wosera people, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea Sago pegs are used to secure a screen mesh during the preparation of sago flour. This example depicts a ...

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 ...

Superb jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. A beautiful item to display i...

Vintage Large impressive sea shell in rusted treasure box in Redmille style. Great selection of sea shells. Wonderful decor piece or great gift.

18th century Italian hand-carved and gilded crown adorned with natural forming baroque pearls and cross-shaped baroque pearls with smoky quartz points. It is mounted on a coordinatin...

A beautiful Sea Shell of good size mounted on stand with metal rod... the base is also a very heavy piece of metal with nice detailing. The piece is a nice addition to any side tab...

This finely crafted Italian shell-encrusted jewelry box exudes a charming Grotto style, typical of mid-century decorative art from the 1950s. Its...

Inlaid with floral sprays of engraved mother of pearl and brass From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this William IV Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box. The Sewing Box ...

A hand-crafted abalone seashell and alpaca metal pill box, circa 1960s, mid-20th century, Mexico. Box is oval with a beautiful iridescent abalone seashell top; top is hinged with fro...

Nautilus pompilius, aka Tiger Nautilus/Chambered Nautilus, Natural Specimen. Comes with free stand. Measurements are of the shell only. Since this is from the sea and preowned it wil...

This refined cigar case is executed in richly figured tortoiseshell, shaped in a gently contoured rectangular form with softly rounded ends, the exterior polished to a deep transluce...

Jewelry Box by Cathrine Horsbøll, Denmark, ca. 1910 Jewelry box of oval form in richly figured mahogany, the lid centred with a marquetry medallion of elm root and walnut framing a ...

A beautifully crafted tabletop sculpture combining silvered bronze and faux tortoiseshell made from penshell, dating from the mid to late 1970s. This piece exemplifies the era’s fasc...

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...

19th-century Continental Tortoise Shell Silver-Mounted 2-Compartmented Box, European, possibly Dutch. Unmarked A unique and whimsical 19th-century continental tortoise shell silver-...

Pair of large branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum). Gilt bronze bases with phytomorphic calyx stem. Connection with an oval element in Lapis Lazuli and two spirals ...

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 ...

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...

This very old wonderful box is carved in solid wood. It can be closed by a beautiful polished mother of pearl shell. This box could be of the hand of Alexandre Noll (1890-1970), but ...

Great selection of marine specimens - sea shells, urchins, sand dollars, sea stars in display case.

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...

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...

Beautiful MCM abalone shell and brass lidded trinket box with hard wood lining made in Mexico in the style of Los Castillios, circa 1960s. The piece is stamped on the underside “Made...

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 ...

Unique footed ostrich egg box by J. Antony Redmile, accented with silver plate trim work, topped with an egg-shaped malachite finial and set atop a bl...

Fanciful XL abalone shell vide poche supported by acrylic legs from a Los Angeles home decorated by Tony Duquette.

A gorgeous organic modern coastal shell planter, vase or cachepot USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.5"W x 8.5"D x 5.5"H Good vintage condition. Minorwear expected from age and u...

English MOP carved casket box with abalone inlay. Velvet lining on 4 bracket feet

This giant Pacific clam shell is all natural and with wonderful details. THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AND WILL SHIP FROM OUR MIAMI, FLORIDA SHOWROOM.

Italian sculpture from the second half of the 20th century. Creation of a water bird composed of a large shell and exquisite silver-plated metal elements. Stamped on the underside (o...

Sturdy rectangular hinged trinket box featuring brass and inlaid iridescent mother of pearl shells throughout. This box is super charming and functional for displaying or containing ...

Striking and highly collectible sculptural work by celebrated Mexican designer Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, one of the most important names in the Mexican silversmithing movemen...

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 ...

A beautiful natural seashell from the sea, circa ealry-20th century or earlier. Shell appears to be what is called a 'great rapa chank', with origin off the cost of Sri Lanka. A beau...

An elegant small folding card case likely English, finely constructed in richly patinated tortoiseshell panels and decorated to the exterior with an inlaid floral spray composed of ...

Brown Color Genuine Decorative Shell 20th Century

Rare and remarkable very large vintage Fijian ceremonial kava bowl carved from the vesi tree or pacific teak in a turtle form with inscribed details and mother of pearl highlights.

Authentic giant clam shell specimen with its iconic sculptural form and sea inspired colors and textures.

A beautifully hand-crafted Ostrich Egg made into a box featuring refined brass closure details, an elegant acorn-form finial lid, and distinctive bone-style feet (the bone may be res...

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...

Antique Japanese Mother of Pearl inlaid jewelry box w lap desk This item includes restricted materials and can not be sold outside of the contiguous United States. Additional i...

Set of three graduated spheres with a wonderful eggshell lacquered finish in a triangular patterns. Clearly hand carved, none are exact spheres which only adds to their charm. This a...

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...

A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock with "oeil de boeuf" shaped glass paned door, ebonized wood frame and clock surround with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. Paper face w...

18th century Italian Carrara marble angel in a bleached turtle shell mounted on a polished alabaster base.  The bleached turtle shell emulates a bath for the angel. The angel is cra...

Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite Fossil, 90-100 Million Years Old. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter. The Conlinoceras Tarran...

A French 19th century writing box made of exotic rosewood. The top of the petite trunk is inlaid with a small tile of mother-of-pearl, engraved for “Charlotte”. The case opens to rev...

Tiffany Style handcrafted Mid-Century Modern nautical décor mother of pearl shell box or keepsake. The big Seashell is the handle to open it. Beautiful...

A lacquered and eggshell case by Jean Trottin. An impressive and very rare case created in Paris, France, by the silversmith and artist Jean Trottin, circa 1925. This exceptional Ar...

19th century folk art box, with burl wood veneer and mother of pearl and fruit wood inlay. The surface decorated with geometric, diamond and star motifs. The raised top with a banded...

exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box. This box is intricately inlaid with Moorish motif designs which have been uniquely inlaid with bone, mother of pearl and f...