Precious Stone Collectibles and Curiosities

Rare Limited Edition Ligne 2 Snake Lighter. Designed by Philippe Tournaire master jeweler for Simon Tissot Dupont commemorating the Chinese zodiac year ...

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Powder - Lipstick 4.365 oz., Art Deco, Rare - Paris Rare and Precious Object from Cartier Paris, 1920-1925, .750-18KT yellow gold, carved antique Jade, 30 Ceylon sapphires, enamel. Please note the recent auction records prices reflect sales of $28,000-$40,000 for one of these compacts. The Jadeite Jade plate comes from the apprêts. The term apprêts referred to a stock of fragments from disassembled jewelry and other objects, including ancient items...

Art deco 14K yellow gold ring Glass paste faux Sapphire cabochon in the center with synthetic diamonds condition very good Size 17.5 solid gold ring

Antique 19th century 18K gold sweetheart locket pendant with purple glass paste and natural certified diamonds and pearls In the center of the purple glass amethyst the letter G or a...

Mid century 14K yellow and white gold ring statement ring Large cabochon carnelian stone condition very good Marked 14K Gold Origin: Netherlands Hallmarked Size 17.5 Very good condition

This stunning early 20th century Continental 18K gold lapel pin is beautiful & is artistically crafted with a stylish clover motif suitable for eit...

This antique ladies 'Peek-a-Boo' wristwatch was made by the well known Geneva Watch Company of Switzerland and dates to approximately 1920. This elaborate and ornate watch case is co...

A bespoken Mexican sterling silver and obsidian jewelry suite by Taxco silversmith Antonio Pineda post 1956. The set, sometimes known as cascading cre...

Chinese rose quartz, agate, and nephrite flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 43cm, width 74cm, depth 27cm This stunning flower model showcases the s...

This antique pocket watch was made by the well known Hamilton watch company of the United States in approximately 1920. The watch is in good working order with a white porcelain face...

This exquisite large antique Chinese circa 1880 carved rose quartz snuff box is a rare Maison Nurita find. Snuff boxes were first used by the Chinese and Mongolians during the Qing d...

A large precious stone and silver-gilt flower model by Asprey. English, 20th century. Measures: 47cm high x 14cm wide x 12 cm depth. Crafted ...

This exceptional, 18 carat gold Easter egg was crafted by the famous London-based royal jewellers, Asprey & Co. The piece was then retailed by Garrard & Co, who once worked in collaboration with Asprey, producing luxury jewellery and silver for an elite clientele. The egg has been crafted from gold filigree — that is, gold wires interwoven to make a delicate lace-like pattern. The gold is arranged to form the image of a peacock, with a magnificent fanned train, composed of red, dark blue and green coloured plique-à-jour enamel. The light blue body of the peacock, and its long swirling light and dark blue tail feathers, have been crafted from intricate guilloché enamel, which is often found on Fabergé style eggs...

A beautiful hand carved semi precious ruby stone hummingbird mounted on an amethyst and quartz mineral specimen base. This exotic bird is a decorative combination of ornithology and ...

Art Deco Ladies Black Lacquer & Marcasite Cigarette & Matchstick Case 1930's. Both Within a Shagreen Presentation Case. Item Was By Esteemed British Luxury Brand Finnigans of Dean...

Fine quality hand carved oval rose quartz pin brooch set in a 14K yellow gold frame. This is a vintage piece of estate jewelry circa 1910. The frame is an elegant thin oval setting w...

Pair of antique embroidered frames, rectangular shape, in ivory colored silk satin with embroidery in cotton and gold lamé of floral elements and love knots. These are devotional monastic Italian...

A beautiful hand-carved semi-precious rose quartz stone hummingbird pair, featuring delicate brass beaks and feet, captures the enchanting spirit of ...

Silver-gilt, enamel, diamond and semi-precious stone flower model Continental, 20th Century Height 14cm, width 6.5cm, depth 4.5cm This 20th centu...

This Torah crown is a small (15cm high), exquisitely-crafted and lavishly-decorated piece of Judaica. The Torah – the first of five books of the Hebrew...

Boucheron silver and vermeil minaudière French, circa 1960 Measures: Minaudière: Height 2.5cm, width 13cm, depth 8.5cm Case: Height 4cm, width 18cm...

This is a set of vintage rare earth metals. A Continental, bismuth, pyrite and galena decorative display on oak plinth, dating to the late 20th century, and...

Chinese agate, jade and rose quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 28cm, width 37cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this delicate fl...

Art Nouveau rose quartz, gold, ruby, emerald and diamond walking stick Russian, c. 1900 Height 91cm, width 7cm, depth 1.5cm This superb walking stick, crafted around 1900, embodi...

Lapis lazuli, vermeil, enamel and diamond flower model in the style of Fabergé Continental, 20th Century Height 12.5cm, width 5.5cm, depth 4cm Inspired by the legendary craftsmanshi...

A gorgeous Brutalist bronze necklace with semiprecious stones by Pal Kepenyes. The necklace with 6 organic-shaped medals and 6 irregular semiprecious stones set by needle-shaped claw...

Early 20th century nephrite, diamond and enamel frog-shaped cane Continental, c. 1900 Height 81cm, width 7cm, depth 2.5cm Crafted around 1900, this delicate walking stick is filled ...

Large Chinese hardstone model of a flower tree in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 48cm, width 39cm, depth 23cm Craf...

Vintage Chinese Imperial Red Cinnabar Beads Bracelets Pair – A Symbol of Elegance, Good Fortune, and Tradition. This Vintage Chinese Imperial Red Cinnabar Beads Bracelets Pair is a ...

Prepare to be mesmerized in the dance of light on sterling and gems in this Matilde Poulat Gem-set Sterling Mirror. With plenty of artistry to devour, you'll get lost as you gaze int...

Chinese hardstone and cloisonné enamel flower tree model Chinese, 20th Century Height 54cm, width 42cm, depth 39cm Depicting a basket filled with a lavi...

Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with oval tigers eye stone. Signed Pege, made by Alton, Sweden, 1966. Measures Diameter 2.5", height 75".

A beautiful hand-carved semi-precious rose quartz stone crane pair, with intricate carnelian beaks, fluorite crests, and brass legs. This piece blends the elegance of ornithology wit...

This superb quality mid 19th century Pietra dura brooch is a very fine example decorated with a complicated and detailed display of cut flowers which include turquoise blue forget-me...

Chinese hardstone model of cherry blossom in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 57cm, width 52cm, depth 40cm This exq...

Italian carved wood and metal cabinet with semi precious stones. Two doors open into drawers with semi precious stones mounted on each drawer. Circa 1780-1820.

A poudrier in bronze by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945, the name of this lovely compact box is called "Entrelacs et Noeuds" (interlaces and knots), which re...

A sterling silver necklace with a turquoise color cabochon set in by Mexican silversmith Tane Orfebres circa 1960-1970s. The chain links were crafted in a modernist sculptural form w...

Pair of Chinese hardstone and jade flower models Chinese, 20th Century Height 33cm, width 25cm, depth 17cm This superb pair of hardstone flower models are almost identical in design, comprising hardstone trees set within rectangular jade planters...

This authentic Barry Kieselstein-Cord bracelet is finely crafted from 18k yellow gold featuring an intricate and detailed 3D sculpted full figure alligator, from the larger part with...

Chinese jade, carnelian, and quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 18cm, width 9cm, depth 9cm This c...

Chinese hardstone floral tree in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 19cm, width 13cm, depth 11cm This stunning flower model combines several semi-precious hardstones with a petite cloisonné enamel planter. Sitting atop a resin-treated metal trunk are multiple hardstone blooms, with materials including lapis lazuli, rose quartz, and carnelian. Each blossom is centred by a stigma, which comprises yellow beads held together by thread-wrapped wire. The vibrant and pastel shades of the flowers are excellently contrasted by the dark green leaves, which are expertly carved from nephrite. The tree sits within a black cloisonné enamel planter. The pot is decorated with pastel pink flowers surrounded by green leaves, complementing the floral theme of the object. Miniature gold clouds cover the entirety of the pot, which in Chinese culture symbolise oncoming good fortune. Bringing together many precious materials and historic techniques, this beautiful Chinese work...

An authentic Roman Empire, Domitian (circa 76-77 AD), silver Denarius coin, minted in Rome, set in a custom 22-karat gold bezel with 22-karat gold bail with gold bead and diamond acc...

Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel flowerpot Chinese, 20th Century Height 18cm, width 11cm, depth 11cm This intricate flower model combines super cloisonné enamelling with several carved semi-precious stones, making it a highly collectable object. A metal trunk is set within the planter, treated with resin to evoke the natural texture of the bark. The trompe l’oeil illusion is continued via the branches, which are comprised of wire wrapped with brown thread. The branches are capped with a number of nephrite leaves and hardstone blooms, which contrast dark green shades with light red and pink flowers. The petals are carved from carnelian, rose quartz, and jade, and these hardstones can connote symbolic symbolism such as strength and healing. Each bloom is centred by a beaded stigma, the bright colours of which stand out against the hardstones. The cloisonné enamel planter...

Art Deco ring, 1920s, with a row of 3 rose-cut and old-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.52 ct, shank and setting crafted in platinum and 585/- white gold, ring size 55 A magnificent...

These four bead chains form a beautiful set, and could be worn as necklaces or used as an ornamental decoration. Remarkably, the beads are just shy of 1000 years old, and were crafte...

This antique brooch and earrings set originates from Italy and dates to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style. The bod...

A Dutch set blood coral and gold by Leesener, Amsterdam A set of a necklace and bracelet with red blood coral with gold lock. The necklace has 3 rows with red coral and gold lock ...

This stunning sparkling ladies diamond ring features three brilliant cut round diamonds prong set in a 14K white gold setting mounted on a 14K yellow gold band. The center diamond is...

This remarkable double-sided amulet, crafted from 14kt yellow gold, stands as a masterwork of Russian goldsmithing from the early 20th century. The amulet’s tablet-shaped body is ho...

A stunning handmade Moroccan Berber tribal pure silver bracelet. This beautiful and one of a kind piece of jewelry made around 1950's in the Atlas...

This vintage brooch or pendant was made by the well known Jack Vandell studio of the United States and dates to approximately 1970 and done in a Modern style. The piece is composed o...

This vintage crown is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1955 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frame of the crown is done in a silver paste with hundreds of small and cut clear aurora borealis rhinestones of various sizes and shapes. The crown comes to four points from the top and has a six inch circular diameter with mounting loops around the inside of the base. The crown measures eight and a half...

Brazilian rose quartz and silver pendant in the form of a fist. Significant size and weight for a pendant.

Christian Dior table Vesta gilt boxes for Matches. France 1950´s. Lovely Pair of Christian dior gilt boxes. They have a blue stone on each one. Perfect...

A beautifully designed ring with a multistone modern design. This ring is of 18-karat and set with stones of three colors which compliment each other. Ring has a modern Classic appe...

The very fine table thermometer mounted in a silver-gilt frame and set with diamonds and rubies, featuring an oval shaped photograph surrounded by a ...

Binocular or hand-facing in brilliant white gold and emerald from the 19th century, no traces of goldsmith's hallmarks, yet the quality of the goldsmith's work is remarkable, work to...

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...