19th Century Pendant Featuring an 45ct Amethyst under a Sapphire Crown

Georgian crowned heart ring from turn of the century 18th/19th century, circa 1780 – 1810. Making this ring some 240 years old! Decorated w...

A pair of late 19th century onyx and diamond pendant earrings. Super elegant! Each elongated onyx drop highlighted with a rose-cut di...

Cartier ‘Délices de Goa' pendant decorated with turquoises and amethysts three of which are enriched with brilliant cut diamonds. The Cartier's...

When the line between want and need becomes quite blurry. A 19th century 18 karat rose brooch set with an approx. 5ct blue zircon surrounded by 269 antique, old, table and rose cut ...

Cut steel jewelry was at the height of fashion from the mid 1700s well into the 19th century. Originated in the 1700s. Popular from the Georgian through the Victorian eras. To make cut steel, melted horseshoe nails were formed into tiny faceted beads. Those small steel gemstone-like studs were then riveted one-by-one onto a base plate. It was an English invention that quickly travelled throughout the world. Each stud could have up to 15 facets, and in general the finer and older the piece the more facets the studs will have. Improvements in candles meant that grand events and entertaining could take place at night. As diamonds are diamonds and not available for everyone, and everyone wanted to shine, the popularity grew. Cut-steel provided a stylish and popular new jewelry material that could be enjoyed by everyone at all levels of society. It grew beyond a simple imitation to an art in its own right. The manufacturing was complex and the workmanship that was required highly skilled. These were not mass produced objects. The studs were made from decarbonated cast steel, which was case-hardened, then the studs were faceted by cutting against a pewter wheel. Next were then polished with first fine emery and a hard brush, and then by hand with a special putty. Finally they were riveted onto pierced base plates which had to be drilled and cut by hand, too. The main place of cut steel production was Birmingham, England. And there, one manufacturer stood out from all the rest: Matthew Boulton. He had been born in 1728 into the industry — his father manufactured small metal products. But the younger Boulton had a special talent for marrying the latest technology with the latest fashion. He also was continually expanding — he even founded a mint. He wined and dined with dignitaries and advocated for his steel products. Fortuitously, he became quite close with the Russian ambassador to Catherine the Great. When the ambassador toured the mint, Boulton made sure to send the Empress some of his cut-steel necklaces. In 1759, Louis XV “encouraged” the nobility to donate their gold and gemstone jewelry to help fund the Seven Years War. The popularity of cut steel in France may in part have been due to these sumptuary laws which limited who could wear precious metals and diamonds. Either you complied with the law and gave up your family jewels to be melted down for the war chest...

Locket ring, 18 karat gold, made late 19th century / early 20th century. Top is decorated the form of faith, hope and charity/love with a hidden compartment underneath, enamel a bi...

This is an incredible example of a 19th century piece of jewelry. This antique 14 karat gold pendant brooch is embellished with many seed pearls. The pendant features an engraved sur...

This beautiful piece of carved jade is set in an elaborate silver mount. The jade is carved on both sides. This piece of jewellery has been executed around 1880.

The Louis XVI style gold pendant is composed with medallion representing ruins. At the foot of a column, a dog near a rifle waits for the return of his master. The patterns stand out...

Antique French 19th century 18kt gold pendant miniature with water colour paintings. Made in Circa 1890's Hallmarked 18kt gold Has enamel writing in French - "Piété Filiale" - Trans...

A French late 19th century gem-set fly locket, the thorax an old cushion-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, the eyes and wings set with rose-cut dia...

Antique French 19th century a young Princess Louise of France, later Duchess of Berry hand-painted watercolour portrait miniature mounted in 950. silv...