Figurines and Sculptures

This reproduction of Bernini's Barcaccia, located near the Spanish steps in Rome, was made by Herend exclusively for the Serra shop, using a sterling silver model that Serra had created (with the help of the artist Foscolo Benedetti), and had then supplied to Herend. The director of the prestigious Hungarian manufacture, a great lover of Italian history and art, was so enthusiastic about the model that he proposed making it an elegant and unique centerpiece, exclusive for Serra, which can be decorated with all the famous Herend decorations. Here we see the "Victoria" decoration, made at the end of the 19th century for Queen Victoria, and still used by the English royal house. Pope Urban VIII commissioned Pietro Bernini in 1623 to build the fountain as part of a prior Papal project to erect a fountain in every major piazza in Rome. The fountain was completed between 1627 and 1629 by Pietro possibly along with the help of his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini, especially after his father's death on August 29, 1629. The sculptural fountain is made into the shape of a half-sunken ship...

The Following Item we are Offering is a Lovely Museum Quality Large and very elaborately openwork carved in an Exceptional even White Stone. Beautifully carved as a standing figure o...

A very rare and important figure of 'Salome' holding the head of John The Baptist crafted in Austria. The figure is the work of Karl Klaus (1889-1925) and was crafted by the maker Ernst Wahliss around 1911. The figure depicts Salome, daughter of Herod II and Heordius, standing tall whilst reclining her neck, holding in her hands the severed head of John the Baptist. Richly decorated in a restrained palette of black, white, indigo blue, red and gold the figure is undeniably decorated in the Secessionist taste. Klaus was a student of Josef Hofmann and designed several figures and decorative pieces for Ernst Wahliss under the label 'Serapis Wahliss...

Hasenfamilie aus 925 Sterlingsilber - emailliert Gewicht: 552,5g Höhe: Vater 9cm - Mutter 7cm - Baby 5cm Die Silberfiguren der italienischen Manufaktur Saturno sind originalgetreu...

The Following Items we are offering are a Rare Pair of Large Original Maitland Smith Impressive Cast Bronze and Patinated Parrots resting on Tree Stumps, their wing and tail feathers...

A pig, a symbol of fertility and abundance, was made into a silver miniature with a creative idea and masterful craftsmanship. A genuine silver with gold plated pig has lively facial...

The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal and Bronze Mantle Cherub 3 Pc Clock Set, circular white enamel dial with Floral Wreaths and Numbers enc...

An Exquisite and Beautiful Museum Quality Estate Bronze boy holding monkey. The Bronze with a mid brown patina, depicting the young boy with the monkey hanging from his shirt, on cir...

A nephrite jade hilt carved with from a single rock piece, the appeal of this elegant design lies mainly in the perfect proportions of its hilt, and the exce...

Crafted with meticulous attention to details, this Antique English Sewing Cushion Pin is absolutely delightful, beautifully designed as a Ballroom Shoe with curved buckle Edwardia...

Male Doberman dog sculpture in Silver

Chinese carved coral figure of a woman's face Very finely hand-carved. Late 20th Century, China Weight: 182 grams with base Dimensions: approximately...

Turn-of-the-century European silver bell. Tulip-bowl with twisted gadrooning. Figural handle depicting an old-fashioned countryman holding two live fowl. Here’s dinner—eventually. Su...

Pair of 800 silver gilt miniatures of musical instruments standing on hard stone. Stamped 800 Milano, measures 2 1/2 inches tall, in good vintage condition.

Adorable golden fleece is the wish of good luck and prosperity! Inspired by the Greek legend that the gold miners used fleece of the sheep to filter the gold from mountain streams, MOISEIKIN® created an adorable series of Golden Fleece miniatures with pure silver, gold and natural jasper from the Ural mountains. At a glance, it is just an adorable sheep miniature for interior. Ball-like fatty body is skillfully engraved and coated with gold. His facial feature is gentle and wise. The mountain connected to the golden sheep has a secret. If you hold the sheep and turn up, the mountain transform to a luxurious shot cup...

Leaf Yellow Gold 18k Pendant Charm. Egyptian revival. Total length: 0.79 inch (2.00 centimeters) including bail. Total weight: 1.26 grams.

French Second-Empire artist Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse is known as the most prolific sculptor of this period. His sculptures were displayed in the Tuileries, the Louvre and the O...

From Great Britain Paul Eaton VPRMS MAA sculpted a Greyhound dog head pendant (3/4"w x 1/2"h x 3/8"d). An elegant sterling-silver bespoke miniature Grey...

A pig, a symbol of fertility and abundance, was made into a silver miniature with a creative idea and masterful craftsmanship. A genuine silver pig with...

This whimsical coral smiling Happy Buddha pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Showcasing an expertly carved salmon colored coral Bud...

A Beautiful Museum Quality French Ormolu-Mounted Mahagony and Fruitwood Center Table Circa Early 1900's. The rectangular grey-veined white marble top above a spring-activated frieze ...

Silver Wild bison Sculpture

Miniature wildlife artist, Paul Eaton from England, hand sculpted a Greyhound dog head pendant (3/4"w x 1/2"h x 3/8"d) which is elegantly framed with one or two drop freshwater pearls (2"h). The bespoke Greyhound dog sculpture is made into jewelry you can wear close to your heart. Paul Eaton possibly the world's best miniature sculptor of animals is also a professional gold/silversmith. Born in London Paul Eaton soon moved to the countryside where his love of wildlife started thus enabled him to produce sculpture with finite detail. Paul carves his original sculptures from wax, then casts in metals. Each are cast individually and hand finished. Paul Eaton’s jewelry can be customized with any animal in Sterling, 9ct, 18ct and any combination of metal or stones. The Greyhound pendant...

Miniature wildlife artist, Paul Eaton from England, hand sculpted a Retriever dog head pendant which is elegantly framed with two drop baroque freshwater pearls. The bespoke Retrieve...

MOISEIKIN's exquisite miniature of Dragon Sculpture – a fusion of artistry, symbolism, and functionality. Crafted and engraved from silver and adorned with gilded carvings, this majestic Winged Dragon captures the essence of wealth and power, making it the perfect talisman for the prosperous year ahead in 2024. The dragon, a symbol of strength and good fortune, delicately holds a golden pearl (crafted from silver and gold-plated) in its claws, embodying the riches and prosperity it brings to its possessor. The level of detail in the dragon's carving is extraordinary, showcasing the skilful craftsmanship of each piece. The dragon stands...

From Great Britain Paul Eaton VPRMS MAA sculpted a Labrador head with an elegant diamond set collar resting in a heart. The pendant will be a jewelry piece you can wear close to your heart. A perfect bespoke Labrador sculpture...

Sculpture of dog Cocker in silver

Elephant Puppy sculpture in silver

Imperial Austrian court miniature helmet and royal Hungarian crown guard. Maker unknown, silver-plated, parcel gilt. Measures 8cm tall, circa 1900. In...

The Following Item is a Museum Quality Original Beautiful Italian White Marble and Alabaster Lamp Sculpture of a Figural Nude Woman Sitting on a Rock by Artist Ferdinando Vichi (1875...

Add a touch of tropical beauty to your jewellery collection with this finely crafted vintage 9 carat yellow gold palm tree charm. Designed with w...

Highly collectable, this Black Forest Tobacco Jar Side table is meticulously carved from walnut in a form of a bear climbing a finely deta...

A pair of "laughing boy and girl" manufactured in Sterling Silver, each figure depicted seated and each holding a different silver "basket". Hands manufac...

An antique Chinese inside painted yellow glass mini snuff bottle with a translucent hardstone stopper. This wonderful little bottle is inside painted with a resting bird in a tree to...

Exquisite antique Russian made box, made of agate stone, with 18k gold and rose cut diamonds. The box measures 3 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 1 1/8". Marked: 18k, WAB Q7, Hallmarks. Weight - 113....

Louis XIV Style Marble and Ormolu Votive Cassolettes Votives Gorgeous! Gorgeous Ormolu Cassolettes Louis XIV Beautiful Set of Two Ormolu Candle Votive Cassolettes Appx Height = 10" ...

The Following Item we are offering is a Large Spectacular Estate Hand Carved Cow Bone with the Seven Happy G-ds Aboard. Taken out of a Private Collecti...

Silver hound bracco handicraft

Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Snake Belt Buckle Cabochon Rubies 30.38 grams W 81.06mm H 41mm

An antique Chinese inside painted blue glass snuff bottle with a jadeite stopper. Inside painted with a sitting scholar to one side and a pacing scholar to the ...

Pineapple handicraft in silver

One of history's most important American Indian leaders, Seminole Indian chief Billy Bowlegs (also known as Holata Micco, or "Alligator Chief"), is repre...

This is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind rough Colombian emerald sculpture. This unique item represents the woman in the morning, selling fruit to their local hometowns in Colombia. In ...

Natural coral pendant in the shape of a starfish, mounted in 18 kt white gold with 0.40 ct diamonds, brilliant cut. Its total weight is 41.8 g. The counter mesh also has some diamond...

Miniature wildlife artist, Paul Eaton from England, hand sculpted a sterling silver Doberman dog head pendant which is elegantly framed with two drop baroque freshwater pearls. ...

Miniature wildlife artist, Paul Eaton from England, hand sculpted a horse head pendant (3/4"w x 5/8"h x 3/8"d) which is elegantly framed with two drop baroque freshwater pearls...

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...

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...

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...

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...

MOISEIKIN created a cat miniature using mosaic and carving techniques. Specialized in glyptography, the carved hairs and facial features are detailed. The s...

Adorable golden fleece is the wish of good luck and prosperity! Inspired by the Greek legend that the gold miners used fleece of the sheep to filter the gold from mountain streams, MOISEIKIN® created an adorable series of Golden Fleece miniatures with pure silver, gold and natural jasper from the Ural mountains. At a glance, it is just an adorable sheep miniature for interior. Ball-like fatty body is skillfully engraved and coated with gold. His facial feature is gentle and wise. The mountain connected to the golden sheep has a secret. If you hold the sheep and turn up, the mountain transform to a luxurious shot cup...

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...