Objets d'Art and Vertu

Tom and Jerry was introduced to the public in the 1940’s. As a cartoon series it has been ranked as one of the best. The two main characters are Tom the grey cat and Jerry is the sm...

The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...

The Bull and Bullfighter Ring is the fourth in Wendy Brandes's seven-ring Maneater series, a collection that upends assumptions about power. Each Maneater ring...

An utterly beautiful and harmonious antique round pillbox in wood, ca. 1900. It is set with a sapphire sugarloaf cabochon and five old cut diamonds, all in a yellow gold bezel settin...

Royalty!!!!! Diamond head band 18k gold with flexible links encrusted with 448 brilliant top quality diamonds Measurements: Length: 12 inches (...

This exceptional compact features a striped design in 18K yellow gold and vibrant blue enamel. The case opens with a press on the diamond clasp. Inside features a clean yellow gold ...

Elegant diamond and 18K yellow gold compact case from the "Marguerite" collection by Boucheron, circa 1960s. It features a repeating flower motif resembling marguerites throughout ea...

Diamond, Gemstone, and Quartz Picture Frame. This picture frame has about 100- 110carats of diamonds all set in 18k white gold, accented by cabochon cut rubies, emeralds, and sapphir...

Lovely and special antique hinged pill box. 14K gold, set with rose diamonds and a faceted ruby. Graceful oval shape, with fluted body and applied rope border. 1 1/4" x 1" x 1/2."...

Exquisite!! Art Deco! Natural pearl, mother of pearl diamond and onyx compact, circa 1920's. Here is when we say and Picture Is Worth Thousand Words Estimated diamond weight...

We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...

A Fabergé yellow gold and gem-set paperknife with book-blade, with a "samaradok" molten texture handle set with a ruby, sapphire and diamond, workmaster Eric Kollin, St Pet...

A splendid spectrum of color awaits your hand with the Precious Kaleidoscope ring, a Zorab Creation. Mesmerizing in its brilliantly light catching tones, yellow diamonds 0.26 carats...

The AODA Studs and Ear Jacket Earrings are intended to recall fossils or futuristic organisms. The intricate geometry radiates a 3 dimensional suspended sculpture when worn. These vi...

Long, luxurious and vintage, this ruby, diamond, and gold brooch pin has diamond eyes and ruby feathers. Sparkles galore with woven feathers incredible detail work. In the trend of ...

1950's Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Box. 12.5 CM X 8.25 CM X 1 CM Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold (Stamped and/or Tested) Metal Weight: ...

The ARCO S Pendant belongs in FLOWEN's Specimens taxonomy. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combin...

We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...

Art déco rectangular CARTIER Box in yellow gold. The entire exterior part of the box is in black enamel, at each end a frieze of rounded shape gold color pattern, a thin golden line ...

23 grams of 18K yellow, & white gold, satin finish. 92 yellow diamonds, totaling 0.59 carats. 92 white diamonds, totaling 0.46 carats. 130 black diamonds, totaling 1.04 carats. 2 sma...

Edwardian pave rose diamond lorgnette completely covered in stones and set in platinum. Pulling down the central floret station in the middle of the...

This beautiful Antique looking Photo-frame studded with Diamonds and Emerald with floral motifs all around and scallop on top and bottom makes it a very Royal piece to own and put fr...

Art Deco Tiffany and Co Clock Comprised of: gold, silver, carved hardstone, old cut diamonds, and blue and white enamel. Made circa 1925 Dial signed Tiffany & Co. French maker's Mark stamps Depicted in full page spread in the "The History of Jewelry: Joseph Saidian...

An important Art Deco Tiffany & Co Diamond and Agate Desk Clock, ca. 1920s The desk clock is based on an agate with rounded corners, each centring a floral diamond cluster. Th...

Cartier enamel and diamond belt buckle. French The domed rectangular buckle decorated with green guilloché enamel and white enamel borders, set with rose-cut diamond flower-head, c...

Maharaja "Bajuband" of gold and 175 diamonds arranged in diagonal patterns. 6 tiny emeralds on both ends. A Collector piece rarely seen in private collections.

We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...

A Fabergé two-colour gold and blue enamel vanity case by Workmaster A.Holmstrom, the rectangular case of three sections, the main powder compartment comprising two decorative section...

These beautiful and jeweler made sterling silver and tiny diamond cufflinks are unisex.. Their dome top has 4 small tiny diamonds in them. They are well made and have a great modern ...

Slim allover textured 18K yellow gold magnifying glass. When closed, it looks like a slender gold case. When you slide the diamond button on the side, it opens to reveal a magnif...

This miniature portrait of a young lady centers this unique gold pin 'cushion' with 14 removable pins, each topped with a pearl. Portrait is surrounded with small single cut old mine...

A articulated antique pendant, composed by an articulated gold and silver mounting structure, centering an old mine spinel weighing approximately 8cts, embellished by rose cut diamo...

Wonderful & whimsical. Solid 18kt Yellow Gold & Enamel Floral Sprig growing out of a Gold decorated Lapis Base. The Flower is made up of 5 enamel Flowers, each centered wit...

Victorian Looking Oval shape Photo Frame with carved designer floral patterns with diamonds, flower shape tourmaline, rubies and emeralds around. This piece look antique and to is pe...

This magnificent Swiss Art Deco minaudière compact is believed to have been owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine. Crafted of sterling and gilded si...

Rare 1900's Cartier belt buckle with flower motifs set with old mine cut diamonds. Signed 'Cartier Paris', numbered, with maker's mark and eagle st...

Custom made black silk velvet evening purse decorated with script "RENEE" worked in sparkling pave diamonds. Bag is edged in a fine silk satin piping and is lined in satin as well. Snap closure.
Retailed through Henri Beatrix...

Antique Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold 18K Cigarette Holder. Total weight: 10.99 grams. Total lenght: 8.80 centimeters.

Introducing the Cartier 24K Gold Diamond 1940s Perfume Bottle, a breathtaking masterpiece that exemplifies the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship. This one-of-a-kind antique perfume...

A fine and impressive vintage 0.28 carat sapphire and 0.34 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold hair clip; part of our diverse vintage sapphire jewelry collections. This fine and i...

Cartier Art Deco compact in 14 karat yellow gold adorned by diamonds and sapphires. Square design measuring 2.5" in width and length. Hinged...

All in this world is a reflection Of divine love and eternal art. And we're seeking inspiration, In the feelings – strings of soul harps. -Viktor Moiseikin - The 'Serenity' interior decoration by MOISEIKIN is a beautiful combination of modern and traditional jewellery art. The large carved quartz jewel plate, in which you can place your jewellery, represents the water where the natural lives concentrate. Delicately carved Clematis leaves made of jade and gold gently as if embracing precious pure water. The golden fluttering butterfly and snail are embedded with precious gems that bring charm. One beautiful and shining moment of nature is precisely and artistically reflected in this gold and jewellery artwork...

Revel in the vintage glamour of this 18K Yellow Gold Two-Tone Art Deco Purse, embellished with 0.27 carats of natural diamonds and accented with exquisite French cut rubies. Weighing...

Brand: Tiffany & Co Metal Type: Platinum & 14K Yellow Gold Length: 3.00 inches Width: 1.50 inches in width by 20.50 mm in depth Weight: 89.84 grams 14K yellow gold and platinum Victorian (1837-1901), diamond CIGARETTE CASE...

This imaginative vintage 14k gold money clip put's one immediately in mind of " Diamond Jim Brady"! it is large, measuring over 2 inches by 1 1/2 ...

Absolutely Stunning 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Clutch Purse! The purse measures 6.5 inches by 4 inches and weighs 483 grams! There are 80 Diamonds estima...

Vintage USA American Bald Eagle Stars 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch Clip Pin Badge Vintage/Estate Item Approximate Year Range of Creation - 1960s-1990s 18K So...

Gold diamond, ruby, and sapphire mesh purse Round-cut rubies of approximately 1.5 carats, round-cut diamonds of approximately 0.30 carat, 18 karat...

An interior jewellery art object, Rowan berry, handmade by MOISEIKIN🄬 was created as a gift to preserve harmony, happiness in the family and a cordial relationship with each other. ...

Gold floral compositions with precious or semi-precious stones or enamel became popular at the turn of the 20th century in Europe and Russia. Especially Imperial families and nobilities collected or gifted to important people. This floral miniature consisted of various rich flower stone carvings adorned with gold filigrees and over 9ct white and black diamonds is fascinating. Poppy flowers made of chalcedony and black diamonds adjoin a quartz lily and lively golden chrysanthemum decorated with diamonds. The gold stamens are adorned with diamonds and sapphires. Fresh-looking leaves are also hand-carved from Siberian nephrite to balance this rich floral composition. One of the poppies is detachable to be transformed into an outstanding brooch. A deep nephrite vase harmoniously continues the floral theme: inspired by the image of an ancient wine cup, it is shaped to be reminiscent of a flower bud. The artistic floral pattern on the base is silver and embedded with diamonds. This intricate artistic floral object symbolising tenderness, love, and wealth, shall bring joy to the home and be a precious family treasure for future generations. "Floral Fancy" Gold 18 K / SV925, Weight 613.18 g, Size: 105*103*246mm 1 184 Diamond 7,323 ct 72 Black Diamond 2,16 ct 1 Garnet 0,065 ct 1 Smoky Quartz 1,5 ct 1 Pearl 0,24 g 3 Carving quartz 20,8 g 1 Nephrite 342,6 g 11 Carving nephrite 48,51 g 4 Sapphire 1,08 ct 4 Chalcedony 38,52 g *This objet d'art was made in 2008 but not owned by anyone before. This object has been exhibited at a number of exhibitions such as Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV 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 12" high x 8" 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...

An Exquisite and Large Indian 22K Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur A very fine quality 22k gold box set with 40 diamonds, painted with the fine...

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...

Please check out the HD video! Here is a nice carved Ruby and diamond brooch circa 1940. The brooch is set in 18k yellow gold and old cut diamonds. There are 21 Burma carved rubies i...

Exquisite 18 karat yellow gold evening purse. This gorgeous and unique bag is composed of delicate woven 18 karat yellow gold arranged in a subtle d...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. 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" high x 9" 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...

This piece created by Indigo Unveiled, features a one-of-a kind miniature eye portrait carefully made in hot enamel. It is set into 14k gold with a dia...

Gold floral compositions with precious or semi-precious stones or enamel became popular at the turn of the 20th century in Europe and Russia. Especially Imperial families and nobilities collected or gifted to important people. The flowers are carved from cacholong —Russian milky opals — look so tender and natural. Berries are skillfully cut from citrine and garnets. Golden stems are carved lively and embedded with rare Ural demantoid garnets. Fresh nephrite leaves are carved by hands. The intricate dewdrop is intricate.. embedded with diamonds. On a green jasper ground, a lucky ladybug made of gold, rubies and black diamonds is enjoying the moment. Perfectly expressed in the precious metal and stones by skillful craftsmen of MOISEIKIN®, the pleasant memory will not fade away. This flower miniature is one of Precious Berry Collections and another piece is possessed by a known royalty who collects flower...