Rock Crystal Collectibles and Curiosities

A lovely 18K yellow gold vintage floral brooch realistically modeled as lily of the valley, set with frosted carved rock crystal flowers, each suspending a sparkling full round cut diamond, mounted on an 18k yellow gold stem and a carved jade leaf...

18th century Italian crucifix with gold-plated kyanite, calcite crystals in matrix, and baroque pearls. The crucifix is originally from a church in Liguria. It is hand-carved and pai...

Bengt Hallberg Silver Ring with Rock Crystal, Mid-Century, Sweden, 1969. A big Mid-Century Modern silver and rock crystal ring, by Bengt Hallberg, Sweden, 1969. Marks: Bengt Hallberg makers mark, town mark from Köping, the Three Crowns of the Swedish coat of arms...

A fine and exquisite example of the designers work. The bag is signed and numbered 0089. Known for his elegant refinement the designer was born in 1939 and passed in 2014. Working in Rome and fully understanding the Mediterranean love of pure refinement his designs express a sublime play of luxury with simplicity. These small clutches are in demand the world over. Examples of his work can be found carried by the best-dressed women from the highest levels of society and in institutional collects such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as well as a long list of other international museums and institutions too numerous to mention. Crafted completely by hand in Italy these are like fine small sculptures with no two being alike. The gems and stones used are examples of the lapidary art...

Rock Crystal and Gold Agnus Dei Late 16th, early 17th century Case made in Milan Agnus Dei in wax from the Vatican Among the most significant religious artifacts of the Renaissance, the Agnus Dei medallion exemplifies the height of Catholic devotional culture. Believed to hold sacramental blessings and even miraculous power, these sacred wax objects were crafted from the melted remains of the Paschal candle used in Rome and personally blessed by the Pope. Their rarity was compounded by their fragility—few survived intact, making them among the most coveted religious items of their time. This extraordinary example, dating from the late 16th to early 17th century, defied the odds of survival. Encased in its original rock crystal and gold setting, among the most luxurious materials available when it was made, the wax itself features subtle yet remarkably preserved imprints—an almost impossible feat given its delicate nature. It is the only known example outside of a museum, with possibly two others in institutional collections. Made for a patron of exceptional wealth, this late Renaissance masterpiece marries religious significance with extraordinary craftsmanship. The oval rock crystal frame encases the wax Agnus Dei, encircled by exquisite gold mounting with black enamel detailing and twisted gold cord. Rock crystal caryatids shaped as dog heads with gold collars transition into female busts that curve into scrolls, resting on teardrop elements adorned with vibrant enamel. Two elegant gold scrolls wrap around back-to-back dog muzzles at the top, crowned by an enamel-decorated knob and suspension ring—creating a devotional object of unparalleled artistic refinement. The fragile composition of Agnus Dei medallions meant that most were easily damaged—cracking, collecting dirt or crumbling over time. Their pristine whiteness held such sacred significance that in 1572, Pope Gregory XIII issued a Papal Bull...

A rock crystal natural specimen piece aka clear quartz, decorative object. Dimensions: 3.5" D x 4.25" W. Marble plinth shown available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU13142392...

18th Italian Baroque carved rock crystal crucifix with silver Corpus of Christ flaked by male and female attendants on either side. The stepped base deco...

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 ...

Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin The ...

Silver-gilt, rock crystal and glass bluet flower model in the style of Fabergé Continental, 20th Century Height 18cm, diameter 6cm Inspired by the artistry of Fabergé, this exquisi...

Walking stick: jewel walking stick, rock crystal knob, spherical in shape, caged by intertwined bands made of gilded silver with garnet cabochons. Snakewood shaft. Metal and iron fe...

Large 18k white gold, diamond and emerald floral form pin brooch with spinach Jade and rock crystal. Diamond and emerald centered above carved rock crystal petals and Jade leaves. 39...

An Exquisite Italian Silver-Gilt, Diamond, Rock Crystal, and Rhodochrosite Vanity Mirror, by Moba Italy. Circa 1950 Very fine and impressive vanity mirror made in solid sterling gi...

Antique silver and rock crystal walking stick Continental, c. 1900 Height 90.5cm, width 7.5cm, depth 4.5cm This early 20th century walking stick showcases an extraordinary knigh...

Victorian Essex Crystal Intaglio reverse painted pug ring, 10K. These rings were a novelty during the Victorian Period. Essex crystal cabochons were carved on...

Pair Rock Crystal Gem Stone, Silver & Gilt 8 Bell Judaica Torah/ Rimonim Finials European, 1900s We are pleased to offer this stunning pair of European Judaica...

Antique early 19th Century Austrian three colour gold mounted with diamonds and rock crystal toothpick case, styled in a shape of a torch. The hinged lid mounted with a slightly opaq...

A Pair of Burmese Rock Crystal Reliquaries. Two Buddhist stupa shaped containers, one with a bulbous beggar’s bowl shaped body and the other with flange...

Mid-Century Modern pink and white Mineral Rock ashtray, catchall, vide poche or bowl made in Italy. Raw Rock Crystal hand carved in a geometric shape. Great as Ring Dish or Key Bowl...

14 karat yellow gold floral form carved Jade and rock crystal pin brooch with two pearls and 10 rubies. Carved jade leaves and rock crystal flowers with pearls and rubies set in center.

Mughal - style Indian dagger. Made with rock crystal and inlaid gold. United Kingdom, late 19th century.

Virgin with Child enthroned. Boxwood, bronze and carved rock crystal. XIX century. On an upholstered base, another second base has been placed in bronze, the metal in which the throne is made. It stands on four low columns...

Antique 19th Century Austrian exceptionally rare solid silver gilt, enamel and rock crystal drinking horn, by Hermann Ratzersdorfer, Vienna, circa 1880s. The drinking horn is made of...

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...

Carved rock crystal column: Measures: 3.25" x 3.25" x 11".

Art Decò walking stick: jewel cane, cylindrical knob in rock crystal, band made of 18Kt gold, fretwork, 4 squares of two sizes, which allow you ...

About Since 1986 Dale has been sourcing the most unique fossils and minerals from around the world and through his company has been supplying leading interior designers and collector...

Scandinavian modern silver necklace on curved link chain and a rock crystal pendant. Designed by Alstrom, Stockholm, Sweden, 1960s. Chain length: 14...

A silver Scandinavian Modern pendant and chain with a geometric hexagonal design within a circle and detailed with six rock crystals. Made by Kultateollisuus KY Turku, Finland, 1972....

Scandinavian modern silver and rock crystal bracelet with rock crystal by silversmith Waldemar Jonsson in Skara, Sweden, 1969. Measures: Diameter: 2.75". Height: 2".

Scandinavian Modern silver necklace with highly textured surface and organic shaped openings. A round faceted quartz crystal adds a geometric detail. Designed by Isaac Cohen, Stockho...

A Scandinavian Modern silver necklace with a rounded rectangular pendant with a dramatic, mounted citron rock crystal. Designed by Birger Lindgren, 1967, Stockholm Sweden. Pendant: ...

Antique 19th century Austrian rare and unusual solid silver-gilt and enamel reliquary, pierced and decorated with multicolored enamels, sides set with carved rock crystal panels and ...

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...

A rare enamel, gold and rock crystal figure of Emperor Maximilian I by Reinhold Vasters, Aachen, In the Renaissance style, circa 1870. The g...