19th Century Collectible Jewelry

:: Antique handmade African bronze snake cuff bracelet. Exceptional antique circa early 19th century or older bracelet. Thought to be worn in order...

Late 19th-Century Art Nouveau Silver Pendant Material: Silver Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 1 cm An enchanting late 19th-century Art Nouveau silver pendant, gracefully capturing the essence o...

PRESENTING an EXTREMELY UNIQUE and RARE 19C British Tunbridgeware Hair Pin/Bobbin or Slide. This slide is unlike any of it’s kind we have seen before, it is a VERY RARE survivor. From circa 1860 – 80 and made in Tunbridge Wells, England. Made of walnut with gorgeous marquetry inlay on the entirety of the front with classic Tunbridgeware micro-mosaic all over the front. The rear is walnut. The marquetry inlay appears to be various different woods, namely, maple, walnut and satinwood. Would have been worn in a Lady’s hair bun with the micro-mosaic facing forward. This would have belonged to a VERY ELEGANT LADY in the mid to late 19th Century. Tunbridge ware is a form of decoratively inlaid woodwork, typically in the form of boxes, that is characteristic of Tonbridge and the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent in the 18th and 19th centuries. The decoration typically consists of a mosaic of many very small pieces of different coloured woods that form a pictorial vignette. Shaped rods and slivers of wood were first carefully glued together, then cut into many thin slices of identical pictorial veneer with a fine saw. Elaborately striped and feathered bandings for framing were pre-formed in a similar fashion. There is a collection of Tunbridge ware in the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. The famous makers of Tunbridge ware were in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent; their most notable work was from circa 1830-1900. Early makers of Tunbridge ware, in Tunbridge Wells in the mid-18th century, were the Burrows family, and Fenner and Co. In the 19th century, around 1830, James Burrows invented a technique of creating mosaics from wooden tesserae. Henry Hollamby, apprenticed to the Burrows family, set up on his own in 1842 and became an important manufacturer of Tunbridge ware, employing about 40 people. Edmund Nye (1797–1863) and his father took over the Fenner company when William Fenner retired in 1840, after 30 years in partnership with him. Thomas Barton (1819–1903), previously apprenticed at the Wise factory, joined the Nyes in 1836, and worked as Nye’s designer; he took over the business in 1863 and continued there until his death. In Tonbridge (near to Tunbridge Wells), George Wise (1703–1779) is known to have had a business in 1746. It continued with his son Thomas, and Thomas’s nephew George (1779–1869), who took over in 1806. In its early years the company made articles such as workboxes and tea caddies with prints of popular views; later items had pictures created from mosaics. Their workshop in Tonbridge, Wise’s Tunbridge Ware Manufactory, was next to the Big Bridge over the Medway; the building was demolished in 1886 to widen the approach to the bridge. Tunbridge ware became popular with visitors to the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, who bought them as souvenirs and gifts. Articles included cribbage boards, paperweights, writing slopes, snuffboxes and glove boxes. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Tunbridge ware by Edmund Nye, Robert Russell and Henry Hollamby was shown; Edmund Nye received a commendation from the judges for his work. He exhibited a table depicting a mosaic of a ship at sea; 110,800 tesserae were used in making the picture. The manufacturers of Tunbridge ware were cottage industries, and they were no more than nine in Tunbridge Wells and one in Tonbridge. The number declined in the 1880s; competent craftsmen were hard to find, and public tastes changed. After the death of Thomas Barton in 1903 the only surviving firm was Boyce, Brown and Kemp, which closed in 1927. Marquetry was an old technique which was continued by Nye and Barton to create images such as birds or butterflies. ‘Green Oak’ as caused by the fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens. Stickware and half-square mosaic was invented by James Burrows in about 1830: a bunch of wooden sticks of different colours, each having triangular or diamond-shaped cross section, were tightly glued together; in the case of stickware, the resulting block was dried, then turned to form an article such as the base of a pincushion. For half-square mosaic, thin slices were taken from the composite block, and applied to a surface. Tesselated mosaic, was a development by James Burrows of half-square mosaic; it was adopted by George Wise and Edmund Nye. Minute tesserae were used to form a wide variety of geometric and pictorial designs. Many sorts of wood were used for the various colours; about 40 were in regular use. Only natural colors were used; green was provided by “green oak”, produced by the action of fungus on fallen oak. Designs for articles were often taken from designs of Berlin wool work.

An antique Dutch Silver bracket by Gelderen, Pieter van Ameide, Schoonhoven, 1839 The bracket has an inner bracket for division into compartments. The button on the front of the bracket has to pushe down to open the bracket. The front is elegantly decorated and the back is smooth The bracket is complete with hook The bracket is Hallmarked with the Dutch Silver Hall mark lion 2 (833/1000) Minerva head, Year Letter E of the Year 1839 The Silver smith his mark of Gelderen, Pieter van Ameide, Schoonhoven, who worked during 1837-1842 Antique silver brackets, to which embroidered bags...

Dutch embroidered purse with golden purse mount, Amsterdam 1812 A golden purse mount with very small golden beads on a embroidered sac The purse mount has a scene of a fisherwoman w...

A thin gold necklace with elongated links and a circular lobster clasp holds a pendant brooch with a central body and oblong sides. Made of 14 Kt go...

Antique Gold Stick Pin Featuring Classical Grotesque Mask, English, c.1880 A fine-quality antique gold stick pin, featuring a dramatically expressive head cast in 20-carat gold, mode...

Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...

19th Century Japanese Makie Kushi and Kanzashi Hair Ornament Set A fine 19th-century Japanese kushi (comb) and kanzashi (hairpin) set, crafted in tortoiseshell or similar material a...

Late Victorian Murano glass mosaic on a black jet stone set in a golden filigree backing. Measures: 1 3/4" long x 1 1/4" wide x 1/2" depth.

Ladies 18-carat yellow and white gold hand assembled antique ring with a bright polished finish. Specifications: Ring size: 6.25 Total weight of diamonds: .80 carat Total wei...

"Carved Crystal Medallion – 19th Century" Period: 19th century Material: Carved crystal Dimensions: 8 cm diameter x 1 cm thick Antique circular carved glass medallion, dating from t...

The necklace features a double strand of rod-shaped Sciacca coral elements juxtaposed at right angles in the threading. The round clasp is made of golden metal and features a central...

Ancient Masonic Cane With Semi-precious Stones ANCIENT MASONIC CANE WITH SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ELEGANT MASONIC CANE OF THE XIX CENTURY MADE IN EBONY AND...

This well executed miniature portrait was made in England in approximately 1900 in the period Edwardian style and comes with its original fitted leather case. The painting is unsigne...

Very rare and unusual piece, a sterling silver "note holder" fronted by an Indian Chief on the front in high relief. A bale on top provides for a necklace and hanging as a decorative piece of jewelry. Other decoration on the front includes a tomahawk and a peace pipe criss-crossed beneath the Indian. The back is plain with a decorative "repousse" floral border, and "sterling" clearly marked in the lower left (see image). It is 2 7/8" high  x 2" wide resembling and in the style of a match safe; probably manufactured by Unger Bros. of Newark, New Jersey, circa 1880, but difficult to observe all of the surfaces because of the frontal "notes" in permanent place. A note holder would have been used to write down reminders and/or notations by the user; the surfaces appear to be a celluloid type material. Condition is excellent with six notes intact; a very slight "crease" to the back side; hardly noticeable (see image). Appropriate Americana for the discerning collector with a Western Native American...

Vintage Chinese Imperial Eighteen White Pearls Bracelet – A Symbol of Elegance, Purity, and Prestige This Vintage Chinese Imperial Eighteen White Pearls Bracelet embodies timeless e...

Pair of antique 14-karat Pietra Dura earrings, circa 1875. Each of oval form, bezel set oval Pietra Dura floral white, green orange inlay colours,...

An antique body ornament from India, Nepal or Tibet, made of strands of old Himalayan shells secured to a brass circular buckle with pierced motifs. Embar...

Gold Pietra Dura brooch pin, Italy, circa 1875. The elongated shape, fine Pietra Dura floral white and green flower inlay colors, the surround gold ...

Antique American coin silver hand engraved chatelaine card case with original chatelaine (chain). Marked "COIN" on the edge of the rim when open...

Sports and leisure numismatic touring club de France silver medal 50mm Congres Forestier, 1913 Engraved by J. N. Deposé.

19th Century Lava Cameo Brooch in patinated brass mount size 5cms x 4cms overall

Carefully carved from bone, these beads boast a natural luster and individuality, each one bearing unique textures and patterns. The earthy tones and smooth finish evoke a sense of c...

This exceptional antique cameo, likely from England and dating to around 1850, is carved from a single-colored shell—a rarer choice compared to the more common layered varieties. It ...

Victorian Mourning Ring with Purple Glass Stones A striking example of Victorian mourning jewellery, this ring features a central cluster of twelve purple glass (paste) stones, each...

This unique traditional necklace originates from North Africa, most likely from Morocco or Tunisia. It is crafted from 14-karat gold and adorned with natural coral beads. The piece d...

NECKLACE AND PAIR OF GOLD AND DIAMOND EARRINGS 19th Century / began 20th in silver and 19.2 kt gold, set with rose, antique and pear cut diamonds with an estimated weight of 2 ct an...

This antique brooch is hallmarked by an unknown maker and presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in a period Art Nouveau style. The brooch i...

Cameo with frame stamped openwork gold (9-karat) decorated with a symmetrical composition based on opposing "ces", simplified volutes and aveneradas forms in the equator of the piece...

This large wooden dresser top pocket watch stand and vide poche is unmarked, but believed to have been made in England in approximately 1890 in th...

This antique sterling silver ladies belt was made by Luen Wo of Shanghai China in circa 1900 in the period Chinese Export style. The belt is done with indi...

This antique demi-parure set is completely unmarked but tests for a minimum of 14-karat yellow gold and is believed to have been made in England in circa 1890 in the period Victorian...

This antique miniature ladies compac is unsigned with respect to the maker, but originated from Italy and dates to approximately 1880 and done in a Renaissance Revival style. The box...

Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...

19th Century Oriental Imperial Eighteen Pink Pearls Bracelet – A Symbol of Nobility, Harmony, and Prosperity This 19th Century Oriental Imperial Eighteen Pink Pearls Bracelet is a rare and exquisite piece, reflecting the elegance and prestige of imperial jewelry...

Victorian era bracelet with shell cameo. The bracelet is made with a band of woven 12K gold wire. The edges are reinforced with a continuous herringbone p...

Early 19th century sterling silver vinaigrette made in Birmingham England circa 1813. Sterling silver vinaigrettes were used during the Victorian er...

Silver mesh bag in its color decorated with triangular elements on the bottom that has a smooth closure by hinges and a chain of alternating long and short li...

French golden ring with crown decorated with diamonds. Size 53

Cameo (brooch with security handle) with gold frame. The central piece, made in shell (Cassius Cypraea), white on flesh tone, presents a female bust (on view from the side). This you...

Binocular or face to hand in gold and enamel from the 19th century hallmark of a goldsmith T S with a kind of cedar in the middle dimension 10.5 cm for a weight of 21.9 grs.

These vintage ear clips, crafted from 14-carat gold and stamped with "585," are exquisite pieces designed by Bernhard Hertz of Copenhagen. Each clip is adorned with two delicate pink...

Big oval cameo made of lava and mounted in patinated silver with a smooth profile. On the front is sculpted a female bust with a rich hairstyle in which decorative elements belonging...

Fabulous antique American hand engraved and engine turned .900 fine coin silver card case by the prolific New York silversmith and Maker's marks for Albert Coles, New York. Highly ...

Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that completed the look. This silver hairpin ends in a round floral medallion framing the decorative Fu (?) character for "good...

Chain seal in silver vermeil, garnet and carnelian, England 1870. The seal features an oval carnelian board with a beveled edge, virgin. This is set in a straight invitation cushion ...

Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...

Button-parade brooch in golden metal and diamonds from India for the English market. The base is made up of a continuous laminar body element that opens into petals with twisted tips...

Heavy Copper Ekonda Anklet Currency MONGO Tshuapa District - D.R Congo 4494 gr Beautiful patina. These anklets were worn by women of the Mongo tribe ...

Antique Dutch hand engraved 833 fine silver round snuff box Please note hand engraved design top and bottom. Tax, assay and date marks on edge of lip and inside base. Date mark for ...

Gold and lava earrings. The oval cameos, sculpted in light lava, depict two profile busts of young women with classic hairstyles on a smooth background. ...

The enamel and gold Nelson memorial ring made for his aunt, Mrs Thomasine Goulty (1733-1821), commemorating the death of Admiral Viscount Nelson at the...

Important Jeweled Elephant Carrying Warriors, 19th Century — J.S. Kaufmann, Hanau Origin: Hanau, Germany Maker: J.S. Kaufmann (active from 1889) Materials: Silver, ivory, semi-precio...

Victorian sterling silver bracelet with rose gold flowers and leaves, circa 1880's. Stamped inside with English hallmarks, and the maker's mark for Jackson Brothers. Inscription on t...

A French sulphide portrait cut-glass pendant plaque of Napoleon in the uniform of Colonel of the Guard, after the medal by Andrieu.

Exceptional old American "Bright Cut" hand engraved sterling ladies purse with calfskin interior (parts of the calfskin interior are A/F - see images). ...

This brooch is made from two 1896 South African Republic (ZAR) 1 Shilling coins, featuring the profile of Paul Kruger, president of the ZAR. The coins are made of silver (0.925 fine)...