20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
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Period: 20th Century
Brutalist Jade Statue Midcentury Figural Attrib. Mary Polon
Located in Southbury, CT
This powerful, absolutely stunning Midcentury nephrite jade statue has been attributed to the artist Mary Polon, known mostly for her paintings. The textu...
Category
American Modernist 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Natural White Jade and Agate Snuff Bottle
Located in Pasadena, CA
Expertly carved from natural white jade, this snuff bottle showcases intricate scenes on both sides. One side features a playful fairchild, symbolizing joy and innocence, while the r...
Category
Chinese Artisan 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Solid Silver Buffalo Figurine Vintage 1970s Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver buffalo figurine very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 24 mm / 0.944 inches - Length 50 mm / 1.968 inches - Weight 27 grams.
It is stamped with the Silver Ita...
Category
Italian Retro Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Sterling Silver Stirrup Cup Wine Glasses 'Vermeil Inside' Depicting a Dog
Located in Roma, IT
This dog is one of 12 sterling silver "stirrup" glasses, vermeil inside, whose models date back to around the mid-1900s, and represent 12 animals that can be placed at the table to serve wine.
Most popular in the late 18th and 19th century, antique silver stirrup cups...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Poodle Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Circa 1900 Miniature Cold Painted Bronze
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A BLACK POODLE DOG.
This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Bronze) dates to ...
Category
Austrian Gilded Age 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mid to Late 20th Century Silver and Gold Plate Belt Buckle with Tibetan Motif
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid to Late 20th Century Silver and Gold Plate Belt Buckle with Tibetan Motif
A round medallion shaped belt buckle with a carved whimsical dragon in a field of clouds, surrounding l...
Category
Nepalese Artisan 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Gold Plate
GIA Certified Pair of Icy Jadeite Jade Smoking Pipe Ornaments
Located in Pasadena, CA
A pair of natural translucent light greenish-gray jadeite jade smoking pipes, featuring one smaller and one larger pipe. The smaller pipe measures approximately 62.10 x 23.61 x 14.47...
Category
Burmese Arts and Crafts 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Dutch Silver Bench and Chair Miniatures for a Doll's House, Schoonhoven, 1970s
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Dutch Silver Bench and Chair Miniatures for a Doll's House, Schoonhoven, 1970s
Two Beautiful Dutch silver miniatures comprising a classic ladder back bench...
Category
Dutch Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Antique Carved Green and White Jade Plaque Figurine Hanging on Wood Stand
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 301.6 grams
Stone: Jade, 3.75 x 3.25 inches
Wood stand dimension: 10.25 x 6.5 x 3 inches
Item #: BR-1318-061224-13
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Coral Wood Sculpture
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
For any inquiries,please contact the seller through the message center.
This carved coral sculpture represents a chicken family composed of a r...
Category
Italian Retro 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral
"Barcaccia" Fountain Herend Porcelain Centerpiece Exclusive for SERRA
By Herend
Located in Roma, IT
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...
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Vintage 3D Concord Charm/Pendant in 9 Carat Yellow Gold, 1970
Located in London, GB
This vintage concord charm/pendant is a perfect little keepsake for aviation lovers and collectors alike.
Beautifully crafted in buttery 9 carat yellow gold, this piece captures th...
Category
European Retro Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Little Pigs Piglets Austrian Vienna Bronze circa 1900 Geschutzt Pig
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB SET OF THREE LITTLE PIGS BRONZES. THE PIGS ARE ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZES.
These wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronzes (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Bronze) date to circa 1900. The bronzes are of the highest quality of Vienna Bronzes with superb modeling and expression. They are cold painted with beautiful details. The bronzes are very possibly made by Bergmann. They are marked GESCHUTZT, the German mark for imports.
The three pig...
Category
Austrian Gilded Age 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Virgin Marry Statue Mid-Century
Located in Cairo, EG
Orginal church Large marry staue 75cm lenght in cast iron with beutiful colors un restored dates back to the mid century
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
18k Gold Naked Woman climbing a staircase by Salvador Dalí Sculpture Necklace
Located in Bilbao, ES
Naked Woman Climbing a Staircase (originally in French Femme nue montant l'escalier) is a drawing done with pencil and charcoal on card made by Joan Miró in 1937
According to the Joa...
Category
Spanish Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Bulldog On Chain/Marvel Hood Figurine/Art Deco/1920's/Marble Stand
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This beautiful collectible piece dates back to the roaring twenties. In 1922 this figurine won first price in the Salon De L'Auto in Paris. It is set in a marble stand.
Dimensions: ...
Category
Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Gorgeous Rare Pair Maitland Smith Bronze Mother of Pearl Life Size Parrot Birds
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Hand-Carved Coral Figure
Located in New York, NY
Chinese carved coral figure of a woman's face
Very finely hand-carved.
Late 20th Century, China
Weight: 182 grams with base
Dimensions: approximately...
Category
Chinese 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral
1911 Delaunay-Belleville Sterling Silver Miniature Car
Located in Montreal, QC
Franklin Mint 1911 Delaunay-Belleville sterling silver miniature car with box. Measures 4 3/4 inches long x 2 1/4 inches tall 1 1/2 inches wide. Made in ...
Category
American Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Male Doberman Dog Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Male Doberman dog sculpture in Silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Pair of 800 Silver Miniatures Musical Instruments
Located in Montreal, QC
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.
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Vintage "Terrie" Bronze Sculpture by Tom Bennett Artist's Proof AP 1976
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
"Terrie" Sculpted by Tom Bennett in 1976
Artist's Proof from a Limited Edition of 100 which Sold Out in the Late 1970s
Terrie is inspired by Tom's daughter, who became a sculptor in ...
Category
American Modern Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Antique Adie & Lovekin Ltd Birmingham c1906 Silver Ballroom Shoe Pin Cushion
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
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...
Category
English Edwardian Antique 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Ornamental Pond on Amethyst Cluster Block
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This exquisite ornamental pond scene is beautifully crafted with animals and plants in 18-karat gold, intricately embellished with enamel finishes. Set upon a stunning amethyst clust...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cinnabar Dragon and Phoenix Egg
Located in San Diego, CA
The finely-carved, sinuous, five-clawed dragon exhaling a fireball, and the phoenix with long, billowing tail feathers are both flying amid blossoming peony flowers and leaves.
The bottom is adorned with giant bird of paradise leaves, and the top of the cinnabar egg is decorated with heavenly clouds.
Dimensions
The egg Diameter: 4 1/2“, Height:7 ”, Total height with the stand is 11 “.
Provenance — from an antique store in La Jolla, California in 2016
Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to the condition and must understand that any statement made by Luxury Jewelry...
Category
Chinese Arts and Crafts 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Rare Porcelain Figure of 'Salome' by Karl Klaus for Ernst Wahliss
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
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...
Category
Austrian Art Nouveau 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Silver Wild Bison Sculpture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild bison Sculpture
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Imperial Austrian Court Miniature Royal Hungarian Crown Guard Helmet
Located in Montreal, QC
Imperial Austrian court miniature helmet and royal Hungarian crown guard. Maker unknown, silver-plated, parcel gilt. Measures 8cm tall, circa 1900. In...
Category
Austrian Antique 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Elephant Puppy Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant Puppy sculpture in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Rare Pair of Important New York Estate English Silver White Jade Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade, Silver
Ashton-Drake Blue "Diana, Princess of Wales" Porcelain Doll, New In Box #96001
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Gorgeous Ashton-Drake "Diana, Princess of Wales" doll never removed from its' original box!
Designer: Titus Tomescu.
Includes the certificate of authenticity.
Limited Edition #4185 F...
Category
American Modern 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Antique Chinese Inside Painted Yellow Glass Mini Snuff Bottle Republic 20c IPSB
Located in Richmond, CA
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...
Category
Chinese 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold 3D Palm Tree Charm/Pendant
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
English Retro Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Egyptian Revival Leaf Yellow Gold 18 Karat Pendant Charm
Located in Geneva, CH
Leaf Yellow Gold 18k Pendant Charm.
Egyptian revival.
Total length: 0.79 inch (2.00 centimeters) including bail.
Total weight: 1.26 grams.
Category
Egyptian Revival 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Gold Brooch Australian Precious Opal Unisex Arnould 1910 Brooch
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional piece - Art nouveau Opal Brooch from original catalogue of french jeweller Edouard Aimé Arnould, circa 1910
brooch measurement...
Category
French Art Nouveau Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Chinese Inside Painted Blue Glass Snuff Bottle Republic 19-20c IPSB
Located in Richmond, CA
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 ...
Category
Chinese 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Rare Important Estate Genuine Bone Boat with 7 HAPPY G-ds with Cabochon Stones
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Victor Salmones Sculpture, Bronze Nude Women Sculpture
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Victor Salmones Sculpture
Bronze Nude Women Sculpture
Mexico, 1937-89
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Silver Hound Bracco handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver hound bracco handicraft
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Pineapple Handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Natural Coral Starfish Pendant Necklace 18 Kt White Gold Diamonds 0.40 Ct
Located in BARI, IT
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...
Category
Italian 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Happy Jester Buddha Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This whimsical coral smiling Happy Buddha pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Showcasing an expertly carved salmon colored coral Bud...
Category
Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver Belle with Figural Fowl-Bearing Countryman Handle
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
Unknown Edwardian 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
French Art Deco 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
French 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...