Silver Mounted Objects

This is an unusual and massive silver neck ring from a tribal group from the mountain region of the golden triangle of Laos, Thailand and Burma. The ring is intended as a protective ...

This is a mid-20th century Hmong neck ring or necklace that was crafted of low grade silver in the traditional Hmong manner. The Hmong are renown for their silver making skills. Wome...

Lavishly decorated with repoussé, auspicious Buddhist symbols, and a bit of coral, this 19th century silver needle case was once filled with the nee...

Michel Pichard Silver moon wall-mounted sculpture Edition 8/50 France Diameter: 150 cm Width: 20 cm

Sculptural 18th century Italian base decorated with mica in matrix, and silver leaf shells on an antique metal base decorated with church vestment braid. The 18th century fragment ba...

Sculptural 18th century Italian candlestick top fragment with polished agate coral and a coordinating silver-leaf shell. The hand-carved, 18th century silver candlestick top origin...

Stunning Silver Miao Minority Tribe Necklace featuring an arrangement of interlocking chains and dragon motifs mounted on a custom base. Meticulously designed to add a touch of cultu...

Pair of silvered gilt metal architectural elements depicting cherubs. The cherubs are mounted on a lucite base and are ready for your home.

Very unusual fine quality English ladies or gentleman’s walking stick or dress cane, last quarter of the Nineteenth Century. The entire shaft in chunky stepped Malacca, the decor...

Celtic ‘Dachreiter’ Tetradrachm Minted in Eastern Europe, circa 1st-2nd Century B.C. Silver A magnificent Celtic tetradrachm of the Dachreiter (“roof-rider”) type, minted by a C...

Grand Tour manner pair of mahogany obelisks, raised on a chased silvered metal base. Tallest: 13" H x 2.75" W x 2.75" D. Provenance: Property from an Upper East Side townhouse. Deal...

A striking mid 20th Century Art Deco silver plated bronze car mascot in the form of a leaping horse, with fine detail. Raised on a wooden rectangular base, signed Bazin ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 18 cm Width: 16 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition with light wear to surface Circa: 1935 Materials: Silver Plated Bronze and Wood SKU: 8764 ABOUT François Bazin...

Unique and captivating, this mirror-like wall sconce is an elegant addition to any design project. Fitted to hold a candle or can be hardwired to fit a lightbulb, at an additional co...

In 19th-century Tibet, many men carried a fire striker to help ensure survival in the often-harsh climate of the Tibetan Plateau. Known as mechag, such st...

H.N. Hempsted sterling silver, silverplate, & brass viking ship sculpture A large sterling silver, silverplate and brass sculpture realistically in the form of a viking ship. The ...

Mellerio Paris, a large silver, gold, lapis lazuli, coral, and hardstone picture photo frame with two falcons. France, circa 2000 The frame resting on a lapis lazuli base with squa...

Buffalo carved in verdite hardstone sculpture figure with handmade applications and base in sterling silver 925 is a vintage sculpture with a conte...

Embossed and engraved silver plaque La Madonna del lago (The Madonna of the Lake) Probably Milan, post 1824 Brass frame It measures 16.14 in x 13.85 in (41 x 35.2 cm) and it weighs 10.357 pounds (4.698 g): silver 1.31 pounds (598 g) + brass 9.03 pounds (4.100 g) State of conservation: some abrasions on the bottom. The frame is old, but not original. The plaque is made up of a sheet of embossed and engraved silver, and held in a solid brass frame. It depicts the “Madonna del lago” – “Madonna of the Lake” - (the Madonna with Child and San Giovannino) by Marco d'Oggiono (Oggiono, 1474 circa - Milan, 1524 circa), while changing only the background landscape. Almost certainly the subject reproduced in the plaque was taken from a famous engraving by Giuseppe Longhi (Monza, 1766 - Milan, 1831), one of the greatest engravers of his era. The silver is unmarked, probably because originally the Madonna was due to be exposed in a church: sometimes precious metals destined for worship and liturgical use would be exempted from payment and were, therefore, not marked. It is very likely that the plaque was made in Milan because in this city in 1824 the engraving by Giuseppe Longhi was made and printed. In addition, in Milan, the alleged lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci in his Milanese period (1482-1500) would be produced; this is the painting from which Marco d'Oggiono took his version. The painting Marco d?Oggiono was one of Leonardo da Vinci's most brilliant students and collaborators (D. Sedini, Marco d’Oggiono, tradizione e rinnovamento in Lombardia tra Quattrocento e Cinquecento, Roma 1989, pp. 151-153, n. 56; p. 225, n. 124, with previous bibliography). His style reflects in every way that of the Tuscan Maestro, so much so that he was the one who executed some copies of da Vinci's paintings. The execution of the “Madonna del Lago” probably draws inspiration from a lost painting by the Maestro, created while he was living in Milan (1482-1500). There are many similarities with other works by Leonardo such as the “Vergine delle rocce” or the “Vergine con il Bambino e San Giovannino, Sant’Anna e l’Agnello”. The painting, from which the drawing and then the famous engraving were taken, is found today at the M&G Museum of Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where it came to rest after the sale of the Harrington Collection in London in 1917. The work appears in the inventories of the collection of Napoleon and Joséphine Bonaparte at the castle of Malmaison, before 1809. The Malmaison building was born and developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 18th century it belonged to Jacques-Jean Le Coulteux du Molay, a wealthy banker. Later, during the Directory, Joséphine Bonaparte de Beauharnais bought it on April 21st, 1799, but settled at the castle definitively only after her husband separated from her in 1809. She remained there until 1814, the year of her death. When Joséphine died, the estate passed to her son Eugène de Beauharnais, who moved to Munich with his whole family in 1815, bringing with him the collection of paintings he inherited from his mother. Eugène died in 1824 and his wife Augusta of Bavaria (von Bayern), unable to keep it, in 1828 sold the Malmaison to the Swedish banker Jonas-Philip Hagerman. It is likely that in this period Augusta also sold part of the paintings inherited from her husband, including the “Madonna del Lago”. This painting then came into the possession of Leicester Stanhope, fifth Earl of Harrington (1784 - 1862) and then was passed down to his descendants. In 1917, at the death of Charles, eighth Earl of Harrington, his brother Dudley inherited the title and properties and he put up a part of his collections for sale. Among these, precisely, the painting by Marco d'Oggiono was to be found. On the occasion of that auction the painting was presented as a work by Cesare da Sesto, by virtue of a handwritten note by the Countess of Harrington on the back of the table. However, already in 1857, the German critic Gustav Waagen had identified Marco d'Oggiono as the author of the painting, then exhibited in the dining room of Harrington House in London (Treasures of Art in Great Britain, in 4 volumes, London, 1854 and 1857). The engraving Giuseppe Longhi was one of the most renowned engravers in Italy between the end of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. In 1824 Giuseppe Longhi, based on a design by Paolo Caronni, made a famous engraving of the painting of Marco d?Oggiono. The activity of Longhi was then at the peak of his notoriety, enough to earn him very substantial commissions; it is not risky to suppose that some of his successful engravings were also reproduced using other means: in our case in silver. (A. Crespi, a cura di, Giuseppe Longhi 1766–1831 e Raffaello Morghen...

20th C Silver plated status representing arguing Roman Senator, France.

This pair of silvered wooden reliquaries are from France, circa 1750. The backs are still preserved by wax seals, indicating that the relics were never removed. Each reliquary has...

19th Century Austrian silver gilt and hand painted enamel hunting horn. The silver gilt mounts pierced and painted with multi-coloured enamels, sections painted with classical romant...

The Rocaille tureen or center piece is a unique piece produced in the 70.80s in sterling silver 925 silver by Alcino Silversmith 1902. This piece was designed and produced in our w...

This wonderful piece is crafted from silvered bronze and is a fine demonstration of the Art Nouveau style. The shield is circular in form and is set with twin handles to either side ...

Contemporary Three Elefants Base by Alcino Silversmith 1902 is a handcrafted piece in 925 Sterling Silver, hammered and chiseled by excellent crafts...

the sculpture is an abstract intertwined cube balancing on a corner mounted atop a marble stand.

Antique Armorial door Escutcheon plate. A white metal armorial door escutcheon plate with engraved detail, featuring the City of Londons lion cre...

Antique early 20th century set of four 800. Italian silver and ormolu figural groups. Made in Italy, Naples, first half of 20th century. Hallmarked with 800. Silver and 45NA maker'...

Gilded silver Resplandor with glass mounted jewels on metal stand. In English Resplandor means Radiance. Spanish circa 1900. Measurement without stand 14”W x 6.25” H x 1” D.

Chaumet Paris, A French Silver-Gilt Seahorse Mounted Rhodochrosite cup Circa 1980. An exceptional object A quadrangular cut cup in rhodochrosite and the handle made of a sea...

A two-piece sculpture by artist Kevin O'Toole. They are both made of solid maple wood and silver leaf. The tall includes the signature and title on the top edge. The short one includ...

A pair of English Victorian period game animal horns on sheffield mounts from the 19th century stamped Joseph Rodgers & Sons. Created i...

A pair of early 20th century ankle bracelets from Gujarat, India. This antique pair of sterling silver anklets from Gujarat, India were traditionally part of dowry, worn by the bride...

Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"

In 19th century Tibet, many men would have carried a flint striker along with several other tools that could help ensure survival in the often-harsh climate of the Tibetan Plateau. K...

Jewel - Sculpture made of pure silver and onyx eye entitled Obesity, created by the sculptor, jeweler and owner of Relojería Alemana, Pablo Fuster in Mallorca. It includes the 125th ...

This unique and one-of-a-kind sterling silver trophy bowling ball by the House of Williams is set on a round, stepped pedestal, mounted on a wooden trophy plinth. There are no inscri...

Due to their many seeds, gourds are appreciated in China and Tibet as auspicious symbols of fertility. When dried, gourds became durable natural vessels used as ladles, flasks, or ev...

A pair of 18th century Italian silver leaf candlestick tops with polished agate coral and baroque pearls. The hand-carved, silver lea...

This silver bas-relief is an original decorative artwork realized in the mid-17th century. The work is an original relief realized in silver. A golden frame is included (cm 28 ...

Collection of Borge Skohg silver on porceline tiles "Argenta Collection" Accessory sourced by our accessories team. Sold as a 3-piece set. Range from 20" to 25" in height. In my o...

A unique and incredible model of a Roman Galley Ship, by Manfred Wild. This is truly an awe inspiring one of a kind piece made by "The Modern Day Faberge"...

This magnificent study of flowers is wrought from gold and silver, amethyst and other minerals, and natural pearls. The study features sprigs of Holly with mineral berries and gold leaves springing from a green stone crop of rock. Grasses, also wrought from gold, spring from the same crop of rock, and the floor is littered with litter and debris, including an exquisitely produced pinecone. The flowers are set above a brown backing and surrounded by a red mount within a gilt frame. The work is signed ‘William Tolliday...

Giuseppe Garibaldi silver medal is an original silver medal realized in Italy by Italian manufacture in 1910. This silver medal celebrates Giusep...

Handmade silver Torah finials, chased, pierced, engraved, and cast, France, circa 1860. The finials are constructed with large open-work decorated ball ...

Silver and gold Torah crown, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1925. On silver base decorated with a small gold Stars of David. The lower ribs decorated with applie...

A rare, sheet silver human face mask with simple relief facial features including large, almond shaped eyes and downturned mouth. Classic stepped pyramid headdress with round, very t...

England, London 18th Century pair of sterling silver sugar nips put in wooden black frames with glass. The wooden frames are a contemporary...

Exquisite and large modern style hand carved and polished rock crystal abstract flame sculpture on silver leafed stand. Very decorative for the modern taste. Late 20th century. ...

Post Art Deco sculpture by Erik Magnussen (1884-1961) a well known Danish designer-silversmith. This unique item is sterling silver, bronze and aventurine. A beautiful and creative u...

Pair of 1970s Anthony Redmile mounted horns with silver plated details and polished tiger eye Signed and stamped on the base. Good vintade overall condition

18th century Italian hand-carved silver leaf angel with silver leaf shells, mica wings, and mounted on a mica cluster. The hand-carved angel was once part of a heavenly, angelic depi...

Large Amethyst cluster with handmade sterling silver 925 apllication and base is a contemporary modern piece by Alcino Silversmith 1902. This piece was designed and produced in our workshop in Porto, Portugal. It is a unique formation of amethyst from Brazil, South America, with totally handmade side applications and base in Sterling silver 925. The finishing is polished. Amethyst Clusters throw out their beautiful healing energy all around your home, and they also make for excellent cleansing and charging stations...

Stunning Silver Miao Minority Tribe Necklace mounted on a custom base. Meticulously designed to add a touch of cultural charm to your space, this captivating piece serves as a decora...

Experience the grandeur of the Asian Miao Minority Tribe with this exquisite silver ceremonial necklace/collar. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this stunning piece showc...

Experience the grandeur of the Asian Miao Minority Tribe with this exquisite silver ceremonial necklace/collar. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this stunning piece showc...

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...

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...