French Objets d'Art and Vertu

Froment Meurice Antique Diamond And Ruby Four Rivers Cane Made Circa 1870. A cane featuring architectural decorations of classical figures representing the four major rivers of the...

A French neo-classic box designed by Piat-Joseph Sauvage (1744-1818). This is an exceptional beautiful presentation round box created in Paris France by Piat-Joseph Sauvage during the late 18th century, circa 1780-90. The box is most probably a snuff box, designed in the style of Louis XVI, during the French neo-classical period. The main mountings have been carefully crafted with parts made up in solid yellow gold of 18-19 karats decorated with classic motifs. These mountings are holdings the carvings of tortoise-shells and the lacquered chinois panels. The main in grisaille painted round panel on top is the allegorical representation of the medicine, performed by a draped seated muse holding a caduceus. Grisaille is a painting executed entirely in shades of grey or of another neutral greyish colour, it is particularly used in large decorative schemes in imitation of sculpture. Piat-Joseph Sauvage He was a painter, sculptor, printmaker and academic lecturer from the Southern Netherlands. He was known for his decorative paintings of interiors, grisailles and miniatures using trompe l'oeil effects as well as his small-scale portrait carvings. He often used precious materials such as marble, porcelain and ivory as the support for his paintings. He was a court painter to the governor of the Southern Netherlands, the Prince de Condé and the French king Louis XVI and a member of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. Sauvage was born in Tournai as the son of Antoine, a glass cutter. He worked in his father's factory until the age of 17, while completing his study at the school of drawing in Tournai. He went on to improve his artistic education at the Antwerp Academy under the direction of Martin Joseph Geeraerts, an expert in grisaille and history paintings. He worked for a time in Brussels in the service of the governor general of the Southern Netherlands. He then left for France where he joined the Académie de Saint-Luc in Paris. In 1774 he made nine paintings including grisaille bas-reliefs representing The Death of Germanicus. Sauvage was accepted into the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture after he produced a trompe l'oeil painting of a round table with an embroidered cloth on which are placed a statue of a child, a helmet, books, a violin, and other items. This canvas is at the Palace of Fontainebleau which also has other over the door decorative works by Sauvage. As his fame grew, he was appointed the court painter of the Prince de Condé, and later of the French king Louis XVI and the Royal Family. During this period, he painted Marie-Antoinette and produced paintings for the chapel of Saint-Cloud. His appointment as royal artist did not keep him from joining the popular side of the French Revolution. His painting surprisingly did not slow down during this period of political upheaval. From 1804 to 1807, he painted porcelain figurines for the famous Sèvres porcelain factory. In 1808 he returned to Tournai to become the director of the local Academy of Drawing. During his tenure, artists such as Antoine Payen studied there. He also painted the Seven Sacraments in the choir of Tournai cathedral which replaced tapestries stolen by the French during the French occupation of the Southern Netherlands. Country: Paris, France. Period: Neo-Classical, 1780-1790. Materials: Yellow gold, carved tortoise, lacquer chinois, glass and paint. Weight: 73.70 Grams, (47.25 Dwt). Measurements: Diameter 82.55 mm by Height 38 mm, (3.25 x 1.50 Inches). Hallmarks: The gold mountings are stamped with French marks, the maker's mark for the gold parts, twice with the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold and signed as follows, The painted panel, "SAUVAGE", The label "COLLECTION S. BULGARI ROME FRANCESE 1780-1790, OR, JOSEPH SAUVAGE"; The fitted leather box "BVLARI ROMA". Provenance: From the private collection of Sotirio Bvlgari...

Lacrima Murmure Face Jewel in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold set with 8 diamonds. ...

Lacrima Celeste Face Jewel in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold set with diamonds. A ...

Lacrima Oasis Face Jewel in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold set with 8 rare diamonds...

Lacrima Cascade Face Jewel in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold set with 26 brilliant-...

Enamelled silver gilt box, Cartier Paris, French, circa 1930. A silver gilt box in black enamel, the top centred with a stylized floral design, the hin...

Boucheron Pair of Rock Crystal and Gold Obelisks A pair of Boucheron Egyptian Revival rock crystal obelisks feature fluted sodalite tops, accented with gold trim, and resting on a s...

Porcelain inkwell Limoges France Item in the style of Napoleon III made at the turn of the 20th century Before 1890, 1890 to 1919. This vintage/antique Limoges porcelain piece color...

Lacrima Aurore Face Jewel in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold set with 7 diamonds. A...

Stunning S.T. Dupont Defi Ballpoint Pen . Includes its original presentation case, instructions, and guarantee card included Condition : in Excellent Condition Please Check the pi...

Arc-en-Ciel Lacrima Fil Face Jewel in 18k Gold with Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Precious Gemstones ...

Emile Galle Art Deco Vase Beautiful Art Deco piece that was made in France in the 1930s An overlaid and etched glass vase, cameo signature G...

Enamelled gold handbag box in the shape of a shell. The finely chased gold is adorned with geometric guilloché and enhanced with translucent opalescent white and royal blue enamels, ...

Starton No1 - Vintage, Antique powder case, could date back to roaring 1920s. Has built in mirror and and a lipstick holder It a perfect vanity c...

This Iron quizzing glass was crated towards the end of the eighteenth century in France. The large round split ring indicates that it was to be worn on a chain. Thirty two round stee...

Cartier playing card set with black leather case. New. Reference RPSH0802 Presented in Geneva at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in 2008. Complete with box , p...

This graceful pair of stickpins was created in 1845 ca out of 18 karat gold. Each pin features a Flower with bright green enamelled flowers highlighted by 1 larger and four smaller ...

French scent bottle with gemstones. Gorgeous antique scent perfume bottle, created in France in the first quarter of the 19th century, circa 1820....

Step into a world of refined elegance with the S.T. Dupont Soubreny lighter, a testament to the brand's storied tradition of luxury and precision craftsmanship. Since the early 20th ...

As a pioneer in luxury accessories, S.T. Dupont enjoys a celebrated history that stretches back to the 19th century. Recognised for its innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, the m...

A charming antique vesta case (match safe) featuring a beautifully hand-painted enamel portrait of a long-haired dog adorned with a red bow against a soft blue background. Crafted ci...

Art Deco Brevete Janesich 18k yellow gold desk clock, adorned with rose cut diamond door and enamel. Silvered/cream dial with applied Roman markers. Clock measures 2.25" tall x 1.25"...

A rare and delightful late 19th-century gilt-brass vesta case with hand-painted enamel scenes, in the tradition of playful Continental "novelty" smoking accessories. The exterior lid depicts a gentleman seated on a riverbank fishing, while a lady stands nearby. Below, a hand-painted French inscription reads: “Entagaînant le goujon jéveux”, which loosely translates as “Catching the gudgeon I desire.” In French slang of the period, “gudgeon” (goujon) was both a small fish and a playful metaphor for a naïve “catch,” giving the scene a humorous double meaning. Opening the case reveals a hidden risqué scene: the same couple, but with the lady having taken a tumble, her skirts up and legs in the air, much to the surprise of her companion. The interior enamel is inscribed in French “Les surprises de Suzon” (“Suzon’s surprises”), a humorous and cheeky detail typical of these whimsical 19th-century objets de vertu. The case is of gilt brass with a ribbed striking surface to the base and retains its original hinged construction. The enamel is beautifully executed in vivid colors and remains in very good condition for its age, with only minor wear consistent with use. Dimensions: Approx. Length 4.6 cm, Width 3,7 cm, Height 1.1 cm. Weight: 39 grams Origin: France, circa 1880–1900 Materials: Gilt brass, enamel Condition: Very good antique condition with light surface wear; enamels intact and vibrant. This piece would make a superb addition to any collection of antique smoking accessories...

An Art Nouveau period Antique necklace - wooden pencil with gold holder France, circa 1900s total weight - 11 grams necklace measurements - 0.39 x 3.62 ...

Beautiful antique, handcrafted French bronze and brass scalloped hinged jewelry or trinket or vanity box from the 19th century features a round porcelain plaque or disc, bezel set in the lid, exquisitely hand painted with a famous image depicting one of the cherubs from the "Sistine Madonna" by Raphael Sanzio, also known as "Cherubs from the Madonna of San Sisto", which was originally painted between 1513 -1514. This is considered to be one of the most popular angel images...

A rectangular vinaigrette in 18-carat gold enameled on both sides with a brightly colored floral composition. A delicate chain connects the vinaigrette to an elegantly enameled ring,...

French lacquered case with the crest of the Zorrilla Family. Magnificent cigarette case holder, created in Paris France, back in the 1929. Crafted at the atelier of the goldsmith Paul Delahais in solid .950/.999 sterling silver with gilded interiors and polished finish. It is embellished with applications of black lacquer and decorated with the crest of the Zorrillas family, made up in solid yellow gold of 18 karats. This piece probably associated to the Uruguayan poet Juan Zorrilla De San Martin (1855-1931) or his entourage. This piece show no trace of use or wear. Crest: The coat of arms of the Zorrilla family with a chevalier helmet to the left, garlands with inscribed motto and the Spanish royal crown beneath. Most probably a personal gift by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII...

Cartier Double Headed Lipstick Holder This accessory has two heads that can hold lipstick and 2 carved gemstones (ruby and sapphire) all set in 1...

Neo-gothic revival wedding comb in silver. Hairpin for a chignon, in the style of Louis Wiese, composed of an openwork silver motif decorated with neo-Gothic leaves. The upper silver...

Perfume bottle designed by Jean-Louis Scherrer. Very rare and beautiful perfume bottle, created in Paris France by Jean Louis Scherrer, back in the late 20th century. This exotic perfume bottle was made as a promotion for the launching of his famous Scherrer 2 perfume in 1986. Carefully crafted in the art deco style with skyscraper patterns, in solid sterling silver of .925/.999 with high polished finish. Fitted with a lid and a pistil to applicate the perfume and scents. Weight: 130.95 Grams, (83.94 Dwt). Measurements: 86 mm by 24 mm by 18 mm (3.40 x 0.94 x 0.71 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the silver assay mark, the maker's mark of SF inside a lozange cartouche, the edition number and signed, "JEAN LOUIS SCHERRER PARIS 925 Sterling #0202" Edition: Number 0202 from 1000 pieces produced. Jean-Louis Scherrer born in Paris in February. He was a Parisian fashion designer and couturier. Although he had name recognition and was known for his work, he is mainly noted for being the first couture designer to be sacked from their own-name label in 1992. Scherrer trained as a dancer at the Conservatoire de Paris until he injured his back, which put him out of action for three months. He then decided to focus on fashion design, and in 1956, joined Christian Dior as an assistant designer alongside Yves Saint Laurent. Following Dior's death in 1957, Scherrer worked under Saint Laurent, and then for Louis Féraud, before launching his own fashion house in 1962 on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré with the backing of Jacques Chabrol, a French millionaire. In the mid-1960s Scherrer had an agreement with the American department store Bergdorf Goodman to grant them exclusive rights to reproduce and resell his designs in the United States. His clients included Anne-Aymone Giscard d'Estaing, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Raquel Welch, who wore Scherrer animal-print dresses in the 1977 film L'Animal. By the 1980s, his work was known for its opulence and luxury, with many garments hand-beaded, embroidered and lavishly trimmed. His extremely expensive designs were popular with the wealthy wives of Middle East oil tycoons, but after the Gulf War...

Vintage Massive 9" ISABEL CANOVAS Blue Twin Salamander Hair Pin Hair Stick Accessory Features: - 100% authentic ISABEL CANOVAS. - Massive blue resin salamander hair slide/hair stick...

Classic and chic, this vintage Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal, accented with a 'CC' logo-engraved medallion pendant. Closure can be hooked on multiple links for a ...

Eva Soussana and her partner the "Atelier Franck Mico", are proud to introduce to you the "Goliath" Scarab, an exclusive and iconic piece created by Eva Soussana and Franck Mico, man...

S.T. Dupont's rich heritage is reflected in its meticulous craftsmanship and elegant designs, epitomised by the Ligne 2 Small series. Revered for its exceptional build and elegant fu...

Indulge in the enchanting world of Claude Lalanne with the exquisite Ginkgo Handbag, a wearable masterpiece from Lalanne's iconic Ginkgo collection. Crafted with unparalleled artistr...

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock Adorn your space with this exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock, a masterful combination of elegance and functiona...

CARTIER Vintage Cartier Double C Motif Diamond Brooch A beautiful vintage Cartier double C diamond brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch depicts the iconic Cartier double C motif...

HERMES Milo Rodeo MM red leather brown trim fringed tail horse charm Reference: AAWC/A01026 Brand: Hermes Model: Milo Rodeo MM Material: Leather Color: Red, Brown Pattern: Solid Clos...

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...

Alexandre Reza, A Rare Obsidian, Silver-Gilt, and Rock Crystal Circus Panther, mounted with Cabochon Sapphires and Rubies. "Panthère au cirque"" / Panther at the circus" - an exquisite jeweled mounted objet. 5.5" high x8" wide x 4.5" deep. In very good condition, no damages noted. Ready to place. In its original presentation box from Maison Alexandre Reza. Alexandre Reza (November 1, 1922 – January 15, 2016) was a Paris-based jeweler known for his diverse and rare collection of precious gemstones.He is lauded as the greatest gem collector of modern times. Alexandre Reza was born in 1922 in Moscow, of ancient Samarkand heritage. The son of a jeweler, he moved to France with his family when he was a child. He set out on his own at the age of eighteen, the same time as the onset of World War II. After the war, he began his career as a diamond expert, traveling extensively to source each stone, which served as the key design inspiration for his work.Early on, he supplied gems to jewelry brands such as Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston, Louis Gérard...

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...

Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder & ashtray With copy of Cartier sketch Measurements: Leng...

Metallic art tie designed by Pierre Cardin. Very rare metallic tie, created in Paris France by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, back in the 1970. It was crafted as a piece of art...

An antique handpainted porcelain trinket box with a shape of a heart. The box features multicolored floral ornaments on a white and pale blue background. The box is braced with a me...

A mid-Victorian diamond oak leaf brooch, circa 1860s. Set in yellow gold and silver, length 45 mm Designed as a cluster of two oak leaves, of graduated size and pave set with old cu...

Bronze Plaque by French Designer Jeans- jacques Kraftt depicting Jesus Signed by Artist Eloquent small piece of bronze art to be displayed on a wall.

Oval snuff box in brown tortoiseshell, entirely lined with gold. The hinged lid is decorated with a floral medallion in several different gold tones. The gold framework is intricatel...

Frederic Boucheron small ornate frame holding a fine miniature oil painting. Probably designed by Jules Debut, a major designer for Boucheron in th...

Cartier Art Deco Multi Gem Flower Pot A very rare object set with with gold stems, amber roses and jade leaves in a jade pot Signed Cartier

This striking Art Deco-era French box is crafted in steel (marked "ACIER") and features an elegant geometric design adorned with vibrant blue sapphires set in 18k yellow gold. The pr...

An exceptional piece - Art nouveau Opal Brooch from original catalogue of french jeweller Edouard Aimé Arnould, circa 1910 brooch measurement...

Small, rectangular, enamel keepsake box from Limoges. The lid is decorated with a central medallion featuring the profile of an upper-class woman, who was certainly the owner of this...

Piriform malachite flask set in a gold frame finely chiseled with floral motifs and interlace on amati gold background. The hinged cap opens on a gold cap. T...

Cartier 3 birds pendant brooch in 18k white gold and extra heart shape emerald With 60 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity- E color, 2.50ct Measurements: 72x 34 cm / 2 3/4" x...

A large metal box decorated with two triangle decorations in red and eggshell enamel on a brown back ground, signed: Jean Dunand, circa 1925.

Lacloche Frères enamel and diamond vanity box. Set to centre with sixty five round rose cut diamonds in closed back grain settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.50 carats,...

Cartier Mother of Pearl, Onyx, and Gilt Brass Desk Clock Description: A majestic Cartier desk clock, crafted from mother of pearl, onyx, and gilt brass, embodying timeless sophistication. The octagonal clock...

This Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock is of French Origin, and dates back to the 1980s. SKU#W-00755

Vinaigrette formed as a basket suspended by a gold link chain from a small gold ring, the sides, base and domed cover with multicolored bouquets of flo...