Asprey & Garrard 18th Century Sterling Silver Salts

About the Item

An exceptional, fine and impressive set of four contemporary Elizabeth II English sterling silver salts; part of our silver cruet and condiments collection. These exceptional cast sterling silver salts have been realistically modeled in the form of two male and two female figures gesturing towards each other, in the 18th century style. Each female figure is embellished with period attire comprised of a mid-calf length skirt with a bodice style top, one incorporating a fan and the other a lace veil/headpiece. The gentleman characters are each wearing smart jackets with pantaloons, one includes a fabric swag and each adorned with hats. Each figurine carries a wicker style basket, which retains the original gilt interior; this basket comprises the salt vessel. The models surmount impressive, cast sterling silver shaped bases embellished with scroll leaf decoration and terrain textures. The underside of each salt bears the retailer's mark 'Asprey & Garrard', in addition to the full hallmarks. Condition These silver salts are a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of each salt are all very clear. Dimensions Height 17cm/6.7" Length 8.8cm/3.5" Width 10.1cm/4" Length of basket 8cm/3.1" Width of basket 4.8cm/1.9" Width of base 7cm/2.8" Total weight 90.2 troy ounces/2806g Maker: Asprey & Garrard Limited Date: 2000 Origin: London, England Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this set of silver salts.

Creator:
Asprey & Garrard Limited (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 10.1 in (25.66 cm)Depth: 8.8 in (22.36 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 4
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
2000-2009
Date of Manufacture:
2000
Condition:
Please see main description.
Seller Location:
Jesmond, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: A83921stDibs: LU1200217880551

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Asprey & Garrard Limited

The first official Crown Jeweler for the British royal family, Garrard & Co. Limited has crafted iconic and historically celebrated rings, watches, necklaces and other jewelry for centuries.

Garrard Co. Ltd registered its current name in 1909 and, despite a temporary merger and relocation with Asprey, the firm still operates out of its original location on Albermarle St. in London. It was acquired by American private equity firm Yucaipa Companies in 2006.

Master silversmith George Wickes founded Garrard in 1735 and quickly gained a regal platform with patronage from Frederick, Prince of Wales. The company underwent a range of name changes and shifts in leadership over the years, with Robert Garrard becoming a partner in 1792. He assumed sole control of the firm a decade later and eventually passed the company down to his sons — James, Sebastian and Robert Garrard II — where it would remain in the Garrard family until 1946 with the death of Robert’s great-grandson.

Garrard created silver, tableware and decorative objects for the royal family as well as the Crown Jewels for a range of coronations beginning with King Edward VII’s in 1902. The esteemed luxury house created Queen Victoria's Small Diamond Crown, which featured colorless stones and was suitable to be worn while she mourned the passing of her last husband, Prince Albert. Later, for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Garrard provided a pair of gold armlets. The company’s 1893 Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara adorns Queen Elizabeth II on British banknotes.

Among Garrard’s best known works is undoubtedly Princess Diana’s engagement ring — a 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. Unlike most royal engagement rings, the one Princess Diana chose wasn’t a one-of-a-kind piece commissioned from the Crown Jeweler, but rather a catalog offering for anyone who could swing the $60,000 price tag. As a result, this was a matter of controversy within the royal family. It is now Kate Middleton’s ring.

Garrard is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Today, its all-female design team — led by creative director Sara Prentice — continues to merge ageless techniques with modern technology to uphold the firm’s legacy in the creation of precious handcrafted engagement rings, brooches and other adornments.

While Garrard and the royal family parted ways in 2007, the house still produces pieces that captivate new generations of jewelry wearers all over the world, just as it has for hundreds of years.

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