Gold Objets d'Art and Vertu

A pair of cufflinks reminiscent of the onyx beads our grandmother favoured for daily use, while gliding around the streets of Shanghai. Forged in 18ct gold, it bears our trademark do...

This exquisite Thangka painting depicts Hevajra and his consort Nairatmya, two enlightened beings in Tantric or Vajrayana Buddhism. The painting is adorned with 24 K gold and depicts Hevajra's 16 hands holding a skull cup with animals in his right hands and deities representing the worldly elements in his left hands. Vajrayana Buddhism uses gender and sexual union to communicate the merging of compassion (male) and wisdom (female) that results in awakening. This Thangka is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines JS Noor...

Victorian engraved box. An oval snuff/pill box featuring a gold lid engraved with floral motifs set within a garland border and a foliate pattern to...

A Rare Beautiful 19th Century Bacarrat Style Antique Hand Cut Hinged Lidded French Crystal Box Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Box. The rectangular hinged lid and sides centering de...

Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...

Our Wise Box is like a Faberge's objects de virtu, yet wildly modern lacquer. The box is exquisitely made by The Lacquer Company especially for Janet M...

Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...

Manna, no. 2/5, is a candlestick consisting of 7 different loaves of braided bread (challah) cast in aluminum and gilded with 23.75 carat gold in the series Sun – Wheat – Gold. d...

Pair of 14K yellow gold designs set with cultured pearls and calibrated red stones. Traces of soldering, oxidation, missing and chipped. Dimensions: 3.50 ...

Ancient Greek Rosette Necklace which can be transformed into Object D'Art, decorated with Red Coral beads in 18kt Gold and sterling Silver. "Roxanis's...

This spectacular Vessel features an African Spessartite Garnet set in an 18k Gold bezel with a stripe of green champleve Enamel. It’s perched on top of a cobalt blue guilloche Enamel...

One of a kind - Object D'Art -Tourmaline and Sapphire Ring Guitar Pick Shape with Music Box The Harmony Ring -one of a kind- is made for you by Nicofilimon, whose work has been worn...

The Glasses measures approximately 3.50 inches in length by 12.36mm tapering to 4.25mm in width 1.5 Inches Open 4 Inches Closed and weighs a total of 18.64 grams. Engraved with "10K"...

Juan Prat - Gold and Sapphire Bracelet Original drawing in conté pencil, heightened with white on oatmeal coloured vergé paper by Juan Prat. The work was created during the artist...

Yellow Gold 18k Star on Jasper Sphere Pin. Antique. Early 20th Century. Total length: 8.80 centimeters. Total weight: 6.55 grams.

A Spectacular and Rare Antique Hand Cut Hinged Lidded Crystal Box from Switzerland, Circa 1900. Box is beautifully etched with Magnificent Grape and Vineyard Etchings around box. Me...

14K gold seal holding an intaglio on an orange stone. Dimensions: 1.40 centimeters x 1.20 centimeters. Gross weight: 2.88 grams.

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...

This elephant is one of 12 exclusive Serra's sterling silver "stirrup glasses", (weight 360 gr ) models date back to around the mid-1900s, and represent 12 animals that can be placed on the table to serve wine. Our 12 glasses are now used to be added to other crystal glasses, maybe to serve a special wine! In this difficult historical period for our health, drinking from silver glasses is really a great help: silver is rich in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that eradicate the bacteria and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. It can be used as a natural disinfectant of any liquid. Silver is a natural immunity booster . Its nanoparticles create an immunomodulatory activity that gives you a healthy immune system. Popular since the late 18th and 19th century, antique silver stirrup cups...

A sophisticated mother of pearl and onyx money clip by Bulgari. Made in Italy, 18 karat gold.

A beautiful addition to any table is the salt cellar in sterling silver with gold plated interior from K. Brunini’s Object d’Art collection. This is sold as a single item and is com...

A wonderful pair of mid century Chinese lacquer covered box in the form of Mandarin ducks, hand decorated with black details on gilt gold ground. This pair of golden covered boxes a...

This one of a kind sculpture made from silver and marble designed to hold perfectly the 'Blue Sea' Earrings and together to be a striking Art Object. You can choose two of the three ...

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...

Stunning 18Kt yellow & white gold earrings set with Aquamarines & Pearls. The earrings of the deep blue sea. Beautifully delicate earrings they are sold together with a uniquely desi...

Ancient Greek Rosette Object D'Art which can be transformed into a Necklace, decorated with Red Coral beads in 18kt Gold and sterling Silver. "Roxanis's Neck" is an exceptional piece...

An oval miniature on enamel featuring the portrait of an elegant gentleman. His hair is styled with curls on the side and a large ribbon, and he is wearing 18th century-styled clothi...

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...

This Bvlgari piece exemplifies refined design and exceptional craftsmanship. Crafted from a combination of 18k gold and stainless steel, it features a polished finish that enhances i...

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...

An exceptional Victorian 0.19 carat ruby and 0.18 carat diamond, 20 karat yellow gold belt buckle; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional Victorian belt buckle has been crafted in 20k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, rectangular frame is embellished with a three dimensional floriate design. The buckle is embellished with eleven Dutch cut diamonds displayed alternately between eleven round cut rubies. The diamonds and rubies are set to the centre of applied trefoil flower shaped collet settings. The inner and outer borders of this frame and prong buckle have a ribbed decoration. The buckle secures with a three prong swivel chape to the centre of the design. This antique Victorian belt buckle...

Very unique and stylish diamond spear hat pin, created by Merkaba Jewelry in 18K white gold. The round brilliant diamonds weigh a total of 0.50 carats. Total length - 1.75" inches R...

Diamond and Gold objet representing an umbrella and a hat. Dimensions: 3.00 centimeters x 2.30 centimeters. Total weight: 2.96 grams.

Precious belt buckle, made entirely in Italy by master goldsmiths. Weight 37.90 grams White diamonds 1.79 carats Black diamonds 4.57carats This buckle fits belts 3 cm wide The le...

Articulated lorgnette in gold finely guilloché. The border is decorated with finely chiseled foliage. A medallion in the form of a shield includes a monogram. Articulated lorgnette i...

Hand made in Boulder Colorado this one-of-a-kind jewelry box is perfect for the fine jewelry collector. Perfect place to place some of your regular p...

Crisscross 'Knipwit' 2010, 32 x 57 x 57 cm, no. 2/5, alunimum cast, gilded with 23,75 carat gold. Kees de Goede is a well-known, multi-faceted contemporary Dutch artist who works ...

The frog cufflinks are beautifully rendered in Guilloche enamel in vibrant shamrock green color layered over 18K patterned gold and inset with exquisite rubies (set upside-down for a...

Oval hand painted miniature mounted in gold enamelled brooch. The frame is in gold and enamelled with fine black enamel threads. The high-quality miniature shows a young man in a br...

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...

Casimir 2009, 115 x 85 x 35 cm, 3 parts, no. 1/3 aluminum cast, gilded with 23,75 carat gold. Kees de Goede is a well-known, multi-faceted contemporary Dutch artist who works in v...

An Exquisite Masterpiece of Mughal Splendor: A Rare Gold-Mounted Jade Box with Diamonds and Semi-Precious Stones Introduction to a Regal Artifact: This exceptional jade box, hailing from the storied Mughal Dynasty, is an unparalleled exemplar of imperial artistry and luxury. Acquired from the prestigious Spink & Son of London, this artifact transcends its material beauty to stand as a significant piece of historical and cultural importance. With its rich provenance and intricate craftsmanship, this jade box embodies the opulence and refined tastes of one of history’s most powerful and influential empires. Craftsmanship: The Art of Mughal Luxury: At the heart of this piece lies a finely carved jade...

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...

A Fine and Exquisite Mughal Gem Set Rock Crystal and Gold Box, India, 18th Century. Finley set in 22k gold, mounted with rubies and pearls. The body carved...

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...

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...

The Ural peacock stone, peacock-like green Malachite, is considered to bring good luck, wealth, fertility and prosperity. It is also said to empower ambitious achievements. If you g...

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...

An Italian green granite box, with a micromosaic mounted in a two-color gold chased border. Depicted is a goldfinch (carduelis carduelis) on a branch with berries and overlooking the Mediterranean. The scene is surrounded by a millefiori border. By Giacomo Raffaelli...