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Medieval Collectible Jewelry

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
Ancient Byzantine Bronze Double-Sided Engraved Reliquary Cross, 9th-12th Century
Located in New York, NY
Fine engraved double-sided Byzantine bronze reliquary cross, 9th-12th Century AD Excellent original patina Composed of two parts hinged at the top an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

Antique Byzantine Style Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique sterling silver Byzantine style hand crafted organically shaped cross pendant with a rectangular amethyst center framed by two rows of granulation work, the arms decorat...
Category

19th Century European Antique Medieval Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver on Brass Spider Web Belt Buckle Signed Baldwin
Located in Ferndale, MI
Brass frame belt buckle with nicely soldered spider web embellishment. Signed Baldwin on the backside.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

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18th-century reliquary in solid silver, finely hand-engraved
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19th Century Cross
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Early Antique Engraved Silver Crucifix, Reliquary Cross Box Pendant 17th Century
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Navajo Turquoise and Pearls Necklace with Sterling Silver Cross Pendants
Located in Plainview, NY
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Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14X6 cm. Good condition.
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17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectible Jewelry

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Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
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19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
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Dunhill Carlton Ware Spider Web Table Lighter
Located in Northampton, GB
Alfred Dunhill Lighter Circa 1957 From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill ‘Carlton’ Spider Web Table Lighter. The Lighter Gold Plated lighter was produced in partnership with Carlton Ware with the ceramic body produced by Stoke on Trent potters Carlton (Carlton Ware). The body has been hand painted with a spider web design amongst blossoming flowers and two dragonflies. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm 737418. The base of the lighter is stamped Dunhill, Lighter. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century circa 1957. Carlton Ware was established in 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, William Herbert Robinson and James Alcock Robinson trading under the name of Wiltshaw and Robinson. The trademark “Carlton Ware” was introduced in 1894, and the company’s factory was renamed the Carlton Works. The company changed its name multiple times and changed hands finally reaching the name ‘Carlton Ware Ltd’ in 1958. In 1966 the company was sold to Arthur Wood and Sons before coming under financial pressure in the late 1980s being forced into receivership in 1989 and production ending in 1992. In 1997 the Carlton Ware brand was resurrected by Francis Joseph of the Carlton Ware Design Centre, Roslyn Works, Stoke-on-Trent. It continues to manufacture novelty items aimed at the collectors’ market today. Dunhill Lighters specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. This particular Carlton Wear example was first introduced in the Dunhill catalogue in 1957. The body was created in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent potters Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware produced three different examples to compliment the Dunhill body a fish underwater design, a chinoiserie pagoda design and the spider web as seen here. Dunhill Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing...
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Mid-20th Century English Medieval Collectible Jewelry

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Dunhill Carlton Ware Spider Web Table Lighter
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Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century Very beautiful cross of Caravaca made in bronze. 17th century. Measurements: 12 x 6cm Good condition.
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17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectible Jewelry

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Bronze

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Bertoia Foundation Sterling Silver Gong Style Pendant Designed by Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
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Medieval collectible jewelry for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval collectible jewelry for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectible jewelry created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval collectible jewelry made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Scotland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectible jewelry differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $675 while the average work can sell for $495.

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