Gold Objets d'Art and Vertu

An antique yellow gold, black and white enamel, and rhodonite agate parasol handle, comprising a handle formed of polished pink agate, with decoration in white and black enamel, with...

A Georgian gold, enamel and agate needle case or etui, comprising a needle case in polished grey agate, with an inscription in white enamel, with floral detailing in 18 karat yellow ...

Fabergé "Autumn"-Egg Objet, 18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds 3.34ct G VS This Fabergé egg is part of the "Four Seasons" series inspired by the music of Vivaldi. Th...

An Austrian agate vesta box with Essex glass. Gorgeous vesta matches box, created during the Edwardian Period in Vienna Austria, circa 1900. Made up in two parts carved from natura...

Agate Mouse Snuff Box. Made Circa 1760. Crafted from grey agate carved in the form of a mouse. This snuff-box features a rose gold mount. With a thu...

Agate Lamb Snuff Box. Made circa 1750. A snuff box carved from brown agate depicting a reclining lamb, featuring eyes adorned with diamonds. The base is crafted from agate mount...

This swivel fob used to be worn on a watch chain. One side is set with a brown agate, the other with a bloodstone, also known as heliotrope. The swivel carries a makers mark, P.P.Co,...

Belle epoque desk clock designed by Cartier. Beautiful square desk clock, created by the house of Cartier, during the art deco period, back in the 1...

Desk seal with the arms of the Prince of Wales. Very rare and unusual desk seal, created in England during the Edwardian period, back in the early 1900's. This seal feature the arms of the Prince of Wales and is composed by the agate pommel, carved with smooth surfaces and the round mount setting crafted in yellow gold of 18 karats with scrolls decorations. The seal depicts three feathers aligned over a crown, carved with incised intaglio in natural white agate. Gemstones: The handle pommel is carved from a single piece of brown translucent agate with bluish veins. Weight: 14.95 Grams, (9.58 Dwt). Measurements: 41 mm by 19 mm (1.61 x 0.75 Inches). Hallmarks: No marks, electronically tested for 18 karats gold. Arms of Prince of Wales The Prince of Wales's feathers – Almost History The coat of arms of the Prince of Wales is the official personal heraldic insignia of the Princes of Wales, a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, formerly the Kingdom of Great Britain and before that the Kingdom of England. Since Edward I awarded it to his son the future Edward II, the heir apparent to the English throne has been created with the title Prince of Wales. The history of the coat of arms is closely linked with those of the Royal coat of arms of England and the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. However, as the noted antiquarian and heraldist Charles Boutell wrote in 1863, "The Arms of the Prince of Wales have a distinct individuality of their own, with which nothing ought to be directly associated". History The badge has no connection with the native Princes of Wales. Its use is generally traced back to Edward, the Black Prince (1330–1376), eldest son and heir apparent of Edward III of England. Edward bore (as an alternative to his differenced royal arms) a shield of Sable, three ostrich feathers argent, described as his "shield for peace", probably meaning the shield he used for jousting. These arms can be seen several times on his chest tomb in Canterbury Cathedral, alternating with his royal arms (the royal arms of King Edward III...

This bicolor gold and enamel cigarette case by Fabergé features an applied moss agate oval decoration set within a seed pearl and gold border. The body is decorated with yellow guilloche enamel and applied laurel bands at the base and cover. The case is finished with a cabochon sapphire thumbpiece. It is hallmarked Fabergé with makers mark for Henrik Wigström. Henrik Wigström (1862-1923) was one of the most important Fabergé work-masters. He joined the firm in 1884 as assistant to Michael Perchin and upon Perchin’s death in 1903 he became head work-master. The two were responsible for almost all of the Imperial Easter eggs produced by Fabergé, as well as superbly crafted enamel and gold objects...

This is a fine example of a layered cameo, a technique popular in the first half of the 19th century. A pensive young woman, carved out of white sardonyx, is resting her head on her ...

A beautiful antique, Regency era desk seal / wax seal. It has an expertly carved, faceted agate handle with tones of white and toffee colours. It has a decorative 9 karat yellow go...

This unusual Georgian clasp is set with a landscape agate mounted in 9 karat gold. The clasp can be used for a bracelet or a necklace with up to 11 rows...

This charming gold stick pin features a variation of hard stone cabochons, tiger eye, malachite, opal set in 14 karat gold. The principal stickpin is joined by a gold chain to a se...

A desk clock designed by Cartier. A beautiful and sober desk clock, created in Paris France by the the house of Cartier during the late art deco period, back in the early 1935. This desk clock is very rare and has been designed with geometric art deco patterns and assembled from several polished pieces carved from natural black onyx and reddish translucent agate. All parts mounted in gilded bronze and sterling silver settings of .935/.999. Movement: Swiss mechanical wingding Imhof movement, Caliber 244, Fifteen Jewels, 8 days, Serial. The dial is octagonal with a unique painted scene depicting an ancient Greek ship, most probably from the Homer's Iliad or related to the wars of Troy. Analog without numbers and with golden hands and inscribed, Cartier Swiss...

French snuff box in agate and gold. Exceptional and very rare oval snuff box, created in Paris France during the second monarchic restoration period, between the 1818 and 1838. This beautiful box was designed in the baroque and Louis XV style, depicting the mythological scene of Venus and cupid holding an arrow. It was carefully crafted with two pieces carved from translucent gray-brownish agate and decorated with sculpted chiseled and repousse parts in yellow gold of 18 karats. Fitted with a hinged lid and embellished with one rose cut diamond. The scene represents the Greek-Roman mythological scene of Venus seated in her seashell chariot pulling back Cupid to take away his arrow. In ancient Greece Cupid was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. For the Romans, Cupid is the god of love, son of Venus and Mars, god of war. Cupid was an assistant to his mother Venus, he directed the primordial force of love and brought it to mortals Weight: Total 100.45 Grams, (64.39 Dwt). Measurements: 65 mm by 53 mm by 33 mm (2.56 x 2.09 x 1.31 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped two times with ancient French marks; the Zeus head...

Add a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe with this stunning Vintage Rainbow Agate Diamond 3cm Belt Buckle in 18K Yellow Gold. The centerpiece of thi...

A Fabergé dendritic agate and diamond heart shape brooch, with a heart shape dendritic agate, with inclusions suggesting trees, in a rub over settin...

This exquisit profile portrait of a bearded gentleman is mounted in 1850 ca in an exquisite hand made frame. The cameo is secured in a wavy inner gold frame surrounded by an outer f...

A rare carved Hawk's Eye agate tiger on a 14k gold mounted rock crystal base, circa 1960. "A Jeweled Sculpture" An incredible carved tiger made fro...

Oval-shaped, the cover set with an agate cameo male portrait bust, the grille a fine floral spray and initial name "B", with suspension ring. 1 in. (25 mm.) long without suspension r...

Rossella Ugolini Design Collection a nice cufflinks are made with a intense blue agate bar. The letter "G" is handmade and stylized in yellow gold 18 karats. Add a personal touch t...

A vintage agate 18 karat yellow gold eagle fob, circa 1900. This rare and unusual fob is realistically modelled as an eagle carved from one piece of banded agate. The white section ...

A very fine antique Victorian 10k gold & red moss agate shirt button set. Round red moss agate buttons with round gold center and findings that c...

A very rare and fine quality box. A Georgian period example, circa 1790 - 1810. Rectangular shaped example in 15 carat rose gold. The front with a finely engraved crest, The top and ...

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....

This superb rooster's head has been carved out of tiger eye and various hardstones. The beak and the brooch fitting are executed in 18 karat gold.

Wonderful example of an Empire gold seal with an Italian motto engraved in an oval bloodstone: "giamai ingrato". The intaglio depicts a field with a sunflower, a river or a lake, a s...

Four dazzling light pink rubies, eight fresh water pearls, hand carved agate with black enamel. Excellent craftsmanship as this is entirely carved of one piece of agate. Intricate de...

An outstanding Art Deco inkwell by Cartier. The malachite and lapis lazuli rectangular base of mosaic motif, supported by rock crystal and blue enamel feet, set at the center with ...

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...