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Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

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Material: Rock Crystal
Carved Geode Hardstone Parrot Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three stunning carved stone birds mounted on Quartz specimens. The two orange parrots are carved from orange Calcite and trimmed in Lapis. The cockat...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Organic Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Unique Hand-Carved Citrine Falcon Sculpture w/ Gold Beak & Talons, Signed Zadora
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible, Large, and Rare Lapidary Sculpture of a Hand-Carved and Hand-Polished Semi-Precious Citrine Falcon Mounted on a Large Natural Specimen 'McEarl' Rock Crystal Base with a 18K Gold Beak and 18K Gold Legs and Talons, Signed by Zadora and dated 1994. This extraordinary near flawless specimen of hand-carved and hand-polished citrine is stunning. The large bird is carved from one giant piece of semi-precious citrine stone and conveys a highly detailed appearance with each section of the feathers hand-etched and hand-carved to appear as life-like as possible. The eyes are an impressive emerald-green color and made up of tsavorite cabochons. The magnificent beak, legs, and talons are made of 18K solid gold' each gorgeously shiny or burnished to represent how a life-like falcon would be. Even the inside rim of the eyes are set in 18K solid gold. The base is a stunning giant piece of natural rock crystal, most probably mined from the famous 'McEarl' rock crystal mine in Arkansas. Each section of this masterpieces was put together from different areas of the world where these natural stones were mined and put together by the master stone sculpture Zadora, known for his incredible pieces of lapidary objects which are in the best lapidary collections...
Category

1990s Canadian Other Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Asprey Orientalist Gilt Silver Palm Tree & Camel Centerpiece w/ Jade & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent and Quite Rare English Asprey Signed Orientalist Motif Masterpiece with Dessert Palm Tree and Parcel-Gilt Silver Camels having Diamond Eyes. Gorgeously constructed in ...
Category

20th Century English Other Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Malachite, Jade, Silver, Vermeil

Parrot Bird Carved Stone Sculpture on Rock Crystal, Quartz and Amethyst Brazil
Located in Toronto, CA
This stunning hand-carved stone parrot sculpture is a true statement piece, featuring a beautifully detailed bird perched on a natural quartz crystal rock. Crafted in Brazil, the par...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Quartz, Amethyst, Silver

Bleached Turtle Shell Mounted on a Stilbite and Apophyllite Mineral Base
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Bleached turtle shell mounted on a Stilbite and Apophyllite mineral base. The turtle shell has been naturally bleached by the sun and mounted on the rare mineral formation. Apophyllite is a mineral occurring typically as white glass prisms, usually as a secondary mineral in volcanic rocks. It is a hydrated silicate and fluoride of calcium and potassium. Stilbite is the name of a series of tectosilicate minerals of the zeolite group. Both naturally formed together to create an extraordinary mineral specimen. Together, the white turtle shell...
Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

Rock Crystal And Agate Bird Sculpture On Amethyst Base
Located in New York, NY
A hand carved rock crystal heron bird sculpture engraved with detailed patterns. The birds beak and crest are made from agate. The bird stands on a large, natural amethyst geode base...
Category

20th Century Unknown Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Rock Crystal

Carved Rock Crystal Parrot Mounted on an Amethyst Cluster 13"H
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 13-inch high carved rock crystal parrot, meticulously handcrafted in Argentina, presents a stunning depiction of artisanal craftsmanship. Perched atop a vibrant amethy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Rock Crystal

Carved Geode Hardstone Parrot Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three stunning carved stone birds mounted on Quartz specimens. The two orange parrots are carved from orange Calcite and trimmed in Lapis. The cockat...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Organic Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Wonderful Carved Rock Crystal Sculpture Turtle Paperweight Desk Accessory
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Carved Rock Crystal Sculpture Of A Turtle Coming Out Of A Shell Paperweight Desk Accessory.
Category

20th Century Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Unique Hand-Carved Citrine Falcon Sculpture w/ Gold Beak & Talons, Signed Zadora
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible, Large, and Rare Lapidary Sculpture of a Hand-Carved and Hand-Polished Semi-Precious Citrine Falcon Mounted on a Large Natural Specimen 'McEarl' Rock Crystal Base with a 18K Gold Beak and 18K Gold Legs and Talons, Signed by Zadora and dated 1994. This extraordinary near flawless specimen of hand-carved and hand-polished citrine is stunning. The large bird is carved from one giant piece of semi-precious citrine stone and conveys a highly detailed appearance with each section of the feathers hand-etched and hand-carved to appear as life-like as possible. The eyes are an impressive emerald-green color and made up of tsavorite cabochons. The magnificent beak, legs, and talons are made of 18K solid gold' each gorgeously shiny or burnished to represent how a life-like falcon would be. Even the inside rim of the eyes are set in 18K solid gold. The base is a stunning giant piece of natural rock crystal, most probably mined from the famous 'McEarl' rock crystal mine in Arkansas. Each section of this masterpieces was put together from different areas of the world where these natural stones were mined and put together by the master stone sculpture Zadora, known for his incredible pieces of lapidary objects which are in the best lapidary collections...
Category

1990s Canadian Other Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Asprey Orientalist Gilt Silver Palm Tree & Camel Centerpiece w/ Jade & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent and Quite Rare English Asprey Signed Orientalist Motif Masterpiece with Dessert Palm Tree and Parcel-Gilt Silver Camels having Diamond Eyes. Gorgeously constructed in ...
Category

20th Century English Other Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Malachite, Jade, Silver, Vermeil

A Hand-Carved & Polished Semi-Precious Labradorite Falcon, by Zadora
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible, Large, and Rare Lapidary Sculpture of a Hand-Carved and Hand-Polished Semi-Precious Labradorite Falcon Perched on a Silver Gloved Hand, Mounted on an Exceptionally Large Rock Crystal Base, with Tsavorite Eyes and 18K Gold Legs. This extraordinary specimen of hand-carved and hand-polished labradorite is stunning. The large bird is carved from one giant piece of semi-precious labradorite stone and conveys a highly detailed appearance with each section of the feathers hand-etched and hand-carved to appear as life-like as possible. The eyes are an impressive life-like color and made up of tsavorite cabochons. The magnificent beak, legs, and talons are made of 18K solid gold' each gorgeously shiny or burnished to represent how a life-like falcon would be. The base is a stunning giant piece of natural rock crystal, most probably mined from the famous 'McEarl' rock crystal mine in Arkansas. The falcon rests on a magnificent silver cast glove with a bell, which represents a falconer's glove. Each section of this masterpieces was put together from different areas of the world where these natural stones were mined and put together by the master stone sculpture Zadora, known for his incredible pieces of lapidary objects which are in the best lapidary collections...
Category

1990s Canadian Other Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Modern Style Rock Crystal Birds on Amethyst Geode
Located in Cypress, CA
One of a kind Modern style Rock crystal bird group carved sculpture on Amethyst Quartz geode, one bird spreading it's wings and other resting on a na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Marble

Rock Crystal Butterfly Pure Gemstone Quartz
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful rock crystal quartz butterfly crafted with amazing artistry. Wings carved from the finest grade, all-natural rock crystal quartz, capturing a realistic rendition that bre...
Category

2010s Chinese Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal, Brass

Carved Crystal Parrot Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Large crystal carved parrot bird sculpture perched on a large amethyst slab specimen. On top of a wooden base.
Category

20th Century Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Parrot Bird Carved Stone Sculpture on Rock Crystal, Quartz and Amethyst Brazil
Located in Toronto, CA
This stunning hand-carved stone parrot sculpture is a true statement piece, featuring a beautifully detailed bird perched on a natural quartz crystal rock. Crafted in Brazil, the par...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Quartz, Amethyst, Silver

Rough Emerald – 49g
Located in New York, NY
This striking rough emerald specimen from Colombia displays a vivid green hue accentuated by natural black inclusions. Its unrefined structure highlights the raw beauty of emeralds i...
Category

2010s Colombian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (Faberge Sculptor 1905-1915)
By Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock
Located in Newark, England
Onyx Polar Bear on a Rock Crystal Iceberg From our Sculpture collection, we are thrilled to offer this White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock. The Polar bear beautifully carved with a naturalistic look finished with cabochon ruby eyes stood upon a natural rock crystal base simulating an iceberg. The Polar Bear was carved by the Faberge sculptor Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (1882-1962) during the first half of the 20th century circa 1920. Provenance this sculpture was owned by the family of Percy and Winifred Bottley. The Bottleys ran the gem dealership Gregory & Bottley from the 1930s (later Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd), and worked with Pocock supplying him with gemstones for his carvings. When Pocock died...
Category

Early 20th Century English Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Dragon's Head Statue 8.5 lb
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, hand carved, all natural rock crystal dragon's head statue. Weighing at an whopping 8.5 lb, this wonderful piece makes a fantastic paper we...
Category

Late 20th Century Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Tiger Kingdom Sculpture Hand Carved
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, hand carved, rare sculpture depicting five tigers in the forest. The sculpture is made of an entire block of natural rock crystal. It is naturally transparent with natur...
Category

2010s Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal

Large Majestic Rock Crystal Quartz Eagle 19" Gemstone
Located in Somis, CA
Crafted with the greatest artistry and exquisite precision, the one of a kind, majestic rock crystal quartz eagle commands attention with its awe-inspirin...
Category

20th Century Peruvian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal, Granite, Serpentine

Pair Antique Vienna Bronce Bears on a Crystal Rock
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Antique Vienna Bronce Bears on a Crystal Rock Item e7337 A pair of beautiful gilt bronze statues of wandering bears on a crystal rock. A magnificent, realistic example of the fa...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

19th Century Chinese Rock Crystal Parrots
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely hand carved rock crystal.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Hand-Carved Water Gilt & Rock Crystal Eagle Sculptures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of wooden hand-carved water gilt sculptures depicting an eagle, each holding a rock crystal sphere and resting on gilt-wood bases with carved acanthus motif. Made in USA, Late...
Category

Late 20th Century American Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Eagles on Rock Crystal Spheres
Located in Cypress, CA
Opposing pair of finely carved giltwood eagles on large rock crystal spheres resting on tole carved giltwood bases with acanthus motif. Me...
Category

Late 20th Century American Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Crystal Majesty: Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Whale
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully carved whale is sculpted from pure rock crystal, showcasing the natural clarity and shimmering elegance of the mineral. The whale's gentle curves and lifelike form e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Ocean Elegance: Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Dolphin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 7.75-inch carved dolphin is sculpted from clear rock crystal, showcasing the natural beauty and translucence of this prized mineral. The dolphin's sleek and graceful f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Enchanting Equestrian Elegance: Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Horse Head from Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Hand Carved Rock Crystal Horse Head from the heart of Brazil, standing at a majestic 8 inches in height. Meticulously sculpted by skille...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rough Emerald – 49g
Located in New York, NY
This striking rough emerald specimen from Colombia displays a vivid green hue accentuated by natural black inclusions. Its unrefined structure highlights the raw beauty of emeralds i...
Category

2010s Colombian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rare Carved Hawk's Eye Agate Tiger on a 14K Gold Mounted Rock Crystal Base
Located in New York, NY
A rare carved Hawk's Eye agate tiger on a 14k gold mounted rock crystal base, circa 1960. "A Jeweled Sculpture" An incredible carved tiger made...
Category

20th Century German Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal, Gold

White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (Faberge Sculptor 1905-1915)
By Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock
Located in Newark, England
Onyx Polar Bear on a Rock Crystal Iceberg From our Sculpture collection, we are thrilled to offer this White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock. The Polar bear beautifully carved with a naturalistic look finished with cabochon ruby eyes stood upon a natural rock crystal base simulating an iceberg. The Polar Bear was carved by the Faberge sculptor Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (1882-1962) during the first half of the 20th century circa 1920. Provenance this sculpture was owned by the family of Percy and Winifred Bottley. The Bottleys ran the gem dealership Gregory & Bottley from the 1930s (later Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd), and worked with Pocock supplying him with gemstones for his carvings. When Pocock died...
Category

Early 20th Century English Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal & Rose Quartz Bird Sculpture with Amethyst Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heron bird sculpture made with rock crystal, rose quartz, agate, amethyst and metal limbs. Stands on a gorgeous amethyst base with flower details made of tiger's eye petals.
Category

2010s Brazilian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Metal

Wooden Owl Carving With Obsidian and Abalone Eyes by Los Castillo
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Rare piece from Los Castillo, they are all artisan jewelers but their creative nature alludes to this type of piece, a combination of cocobolo wood (the same one that Don Shoemaker u...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Bagues Style Rock Crystal Cockatoo-Form Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of French Mid-Century Modern Louis XVI style and Bagues style cockatoo-form rock crystal and 24k gilt metal wall appliques/sconces. Each of these sconces is modeled a...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

Natural Agate Crystal Sphere in Blue and Purple Colors Decorative Piece
Located in Porto, 13
The natural agate crystal sphere in blue and purple colors is a decorative piece that can be hold by different bases that we do in Sterling Silver 925.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal

1960s Curtis Jere 3 Birds in Flight Sculpture on Stone Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Curtis Jere 3 Birds In Flight Sculpture On Stone Base with Label Lobster shown on wire net that completes the nautical sculpture
Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal, Brass, Bronze

Pair of Fine Carved Rock Crystal Quartz Parrots
Located in New York, NY
Fine carved rock crystal quartz parrots standing on the rock.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Amusing Carved Hardstone Quartz Cockatoo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amusing carved stone cockatoo with a quirky expression and brass feet mounted on an impressive smoky quartz specimen.
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Bird Sculpture with Amethyst Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heron bird sculpture made with rock crystal, agate, amethyst and metal limbs. Stands on a gorgeous amethyst base.
Category

2010s Brazilian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Metal

Faberge Style Carved Rock Crystal Bears Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three carved Faberge style rock crystal bears with genuine diamond eyes circled with a gold rim. All sitting upon a large crystal and mounted on...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Marble

Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye's and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category

Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Silver, Gold

Rock Crystal Bull
Located in New York, NY
Carved rock crystal bull: Measures: 7.5" x 3" x 4".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Fish Sculpture on Acrylic Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rock crystal fish sculpture on acrylic base. Made in Brazil (c. 1980s) Dimensions: Sculpture with base: 16" H x 17" W x 7" D Sculpture without...
Category

1980s Brazilian Vintage Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Exceptional Large Hand Carves Rock Crystal Rhino
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional large hand-carved rock crystal (quartz) rhino is a magnificent work of art that showcases the skill and craftsmanship of its creator. Standing at 4 inches in height ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Natural Agate Crystal Sphere in Blue and Purple Colors Decorative Piece
Located in Porto, 13
The natural agate crystal sphere in blue and purple colors is a decorative piece that can be hold by different bases that we do in Sterling Silver 925.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal

Sculpture of 3 Rock Crystal Parakeets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved sculpture of 3 rock crystal parakeets.
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal Dolphins On A Modern Metal Base
Located in Cypress, CA
Rock Crystal Dolphins on modern metal base
Category

Late 20th Century Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

Rock Crystal Swan Group in Pond Centerpiece, Modern Style
Located in Cypress, CA
Imposing one of a kind modern style intricately fine hand-carved rock crystal swan group centrepiece in swimming motion on metal base portraying waves on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rock Crystal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

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 Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

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