Shell Decorative Objects

A Chinese Ink Box crafted from bronze, with engraved Chinese characters from the early 20th century. This item may also be used to store a collection o...

Sculptural Sacred Heart - 18th century Italian sunray mounted on a yellow hematoid heart and adorned with yellow crystal quartz points. The piece is inspired by "The Sacred Heart" in...

Contemporary American Modern rectangular box, with an applied seashell veneer and green, teal and blue patterned interior.

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...

18th century Italian "Florence fragment" vase with an elestial quartz point, chalcedony rosettes, and ecphora shells on a petrified wood base. The elestial quartz has an additional c...

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 ...

Bring a touch of seaside charm to your home or garden with this delightful pair of vintage shell-encrusted terracotta pots. Each planter is lovingly adorned with an artful mosaic of real sea shells—spirals, scallops, and conchs—set against a textured white plaster surface that enhances their beachy, handcrafted character. These coastal gems are perfect for showcasing succulents, herbs, or decorative accents, offering a whimsical yet natural aesthetic that recalls the relaxed vibe of vintage beach cottages...

The Rose Vase by R&Y Augousti is a stunning creation that embodies contemporary luxury through its masterful combination of exquisite materials. Handcrafted from rich shagreen, bronz...

Taking inspiration from the necessity of light for life, the Joni range is a portrayal of photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight to food. Within each leaf-l...

This mother-of-pearl inlay perfume box is a rare and complete treasure from the famed Palais-Royal of France’s Second Empire. The box is a work of art, meticulously fashioned to deli...

The Coco Vase by KIFU Paris is a masterful creation in luxurious materials, seamlessly combining form and elegance. Its striking quilted pattern in black pen shell exudes a sophistic...

The Coco Vase by KIFU Paris is a statement piece that harmoniously blends modern luxury with timeless elegance. Crafted from sumptuous black shagreen, the vase’s surface boasts a str...

Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990 Unmarked, Attributed to the R&Y Augousti Studios Made during the unparalleled style of 1990s Paris, this sleek, unmarked ...

The Cocteau Oval Vase by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of natural elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship. This large-sized vase is meticulously handcrafted from luxurious shagr...

Beautiful trumpet seashell professionally mounted on genuine coral base, artistically hand embedded with fantastic turquoise stones all around, to make exceptional object of art for ...

South Asian necklace, including stand. In my vintage, organic, contemporary, and mid-century modern style. This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde....

The Coco box collection by Kifu Paris exemplifies luxury through its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship. This set of three quilted boxes in black pen shell, framed with a ...

This sleek set of 3 Desk Boxes by R&Y Augousti exemplifies the perfect balance between modern elegance and timeless luxury. Crafted in black pen shell with a curved top, each box is ...

Natural shell mounted on antique fragment. One side of shell has been damaged.

The base is made out of rosewood. The shell, Melo Melo, (Family Volutidae) is mounted with reef and small shells. Italy last part of 19th century.

Elegantly designed pairs of brass candlesticks and salt & pepper shakers, with inlaid mother of pearl designs.

This lovely shell and gold plated butterfly bowl is great for a ring dish, desk or nightstand accessory. It has a butterfly that connects the 2 shells. This could also be a high end ...

Antique organic natural specimens brunch coral on a marble and wood stand. Great natural light pink color. Great condition.

18th century Italian gilded bouquet fragment mounted on a golden, polished hematoid slab and adorned with baroque pearls. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the art...

A Sterling Silver & Shell Dish by Stephen Dweck This exquisite dish by Stephen Dweck features a unique design that combines sterling silver with a natural shell, creating a stunning...

Pearl white two pieces of Capiz Shell scalloped bowl and treasure box.

Pair of Teno Co silver and shell red stone eye Gemini and Taurus, marble base figures/ bookends.

A gorgeous Kifu Paris decorative box in creme shagreen over a rich walnut base, exuding elegance and craftsmanship. The lid features an expertly crafted celestial motif, incorporatin...

Scottish silver mounted tiger cowary shell snuff box, 1817. The hinged lid is inscribed with "W. Legget Stock Bridge 1817," surrounded a laurel wreath,...

Mexican Modernist Mixed Metal And Abalone Fish Bowl . Large (24 inch) Mexican modernist or Mexican mid century mixed metal and abalone fish bowl, dish or sculpture. This fabulous vintage Mexican modern...

An 18th century mother of pearl and tortoiseshell inlaid ottoman scribes box. The box covered in geometric tiles and floral design.

The "Coco" round box in black shagreen with bronze patina brass exudes unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. Its impeccably quilted shagreen surface is a tactile masterpiece, echoin...

Collection of natural large and medium sized seashells.

Los Castillo abalone shell and brass fish platter with gorgeous brass patina

Three colorful graduated inlaid shell abstract pattern concave trays Attributed to the workshops of Maitland-Smith Retailed by Shawana Storey, San Francisco Three large scale, g...

Exquisite handcrafted white mother of pearl inlaid and hand carved lidded box. Small octagonal Anglo Indian decorative box intricately decorated with Moorish motif designs which hav...

18th century Italian gilded and hand-painted processional finial with baroque pearls and adventurine and mounted on honey calcite. The piece was originally part of a processional pole...

This pair of large decorative 1960s oak spheres have been embellished by an independent English artist. They are intricately adorned with a diverse arrangement of seashells. Each sph...

A large Holy Land mother-of-pearl, abalone shell and olive wood icon Jerusalem, early 20th century Icon: height 55.5cm, width 52cm, depth 18cm Case: height 15.5cm, width 61.5cm, depth 57.5cm In fitted case, presented by the President of the Senate...

A vintage black lacquered lidded circular box with mother or pearl floral inlaid décor. This vintage Chinese black lacquered box is a testame...

Dress a table, a console or cabinet with this large and colorful antique vase. Crafted on the French Riviera, southern France circa 1950, the elegant vessel is round in shape with a ...

A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo Period, Japan. Attributed to the Igarashi School, this box is masterfully ...

Long ago, this elegant rosewood box was used by a Qing-dynasty lady to store her favorite pieces of jewelry, each drawer filled with jades, pearls, coral necklaces, and hair pins. Th...

African Yoruba Cowrie Shell, Beaded Fertility Doll, 20th Century Offered for sale is a 20th century African Yoruba hand-carved wood fertility doll made in the Tribal style. These d...

1950s Hand Carved Cameo on Conch Shell of Mens' Faces.

A specimen of Naturalia an ostrich egg (Struthio camelus) mounted on an ebonized wooden base. The upper part, mounted on the summit, in the shape of a pinnacle, always of the same w...

Pair of rare and exceptional sconces in silver with ostrich eggs, amethysts, and animal horns by J. Antony Redmile, England 1970's (signed in metal "Redmile London"). These rare cand...

Standout vintage Italian white marble box decorated on a classic pietra dura technique in elaborate floral designs with mother of pearl, marble and semi precious stones.

This petite cone-shaped cap, known as laket, was created by an artisan of the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The base is made of a simple woven raffia fabric, ...

A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze doré and inlaid abalone pen tray By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 8.75"W x 2.5"D x 0.75"H. Good original v...

These gorgeous matched 10.75" handmade alpaca pitchers were crafted in Mexico and feature traditional all-over decoration in the form of inlaid rows of abalone tiles. The pitchers ha...

A Case of Taxidermy Birds by Roland Ward. Additional information: Dimension: Height: 85 cm, 33 1/2″ Width: 104 cm, 41″ Depth: 30 cm, 11 3/4″

Antque artisan made 3 pcs set of sea shell bowls and spoon, handcarved. Unique serving pieces for coastal decor table settings.

Sculpture with Seashells with Antique french base with bronze

That's an antique dinner bell with abalone , mother -of-pearl bell on a white marble base. I found this object in France during a vacation, and the...

Standout group of three organic turbo Marmoratus shells rare and unusual for their giant size, showing two jade banded turbo shells and one pearl band...

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

2020 Handmade shell vase.

Two little madrepora and shells composition on a pair of wooden bases: very simple that You can set anywhere. One is lower than the other, but they are both very pretty. I cannot wri...

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 ...