French Objets d'Art and Vertu

Cartier Gold and Enamel Box A black enamel box containing a mirror and two compartments. Signed: Cartier Approximate Measurements: 3" x 0.75" x 0.38" Approximately weighs 46 grams ...

Mellerio Paris, A Large Silver, Gold, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, and Hardstone Picture Photo Frame with Two Falcons. France, circa 2000 The frame resting on a lapis lazuli base with ...

Magnificent retro sapphire gold box. Sapphires are perfectly set in graduation with total weight of 25 carats The box has the maker's mark RL & n...

Discover this marvelous egg-shaped clock, crafted in Limoges porcelain and finely hand-painted, signed by the artist. The delicate painting depicts a fleur-de-lis, adding a touch of ...

For more than a century, S.T. Dupont has established itself as the epitome of elegance and superior craftsmanship. Renowned for its commitment to quality and precision, the maison ha...

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...

Art Deco Cartier evening clutch bag, with platinum clasp, decorated with carved sapphires and emeralds, with diamonds. Clasp measures 30mm x 18mm. Bag measures 7" x 5.5". With gold...

This distinguished vintage Cartier money clip is a refined accessory that blends timeless design with personal character. Crafted in 14K yel...

Chanel Brand New Black Crinkled Leather Coin Purse Crossbody Bag *Marked G2XXXXXX *Made in Italy *Comes with the original box, pouch, ribbon, flower and booklet *Brand New *A copy o...

This wonderful enamel buckle by Cartier, Paris features meticulous attention to detail in its very fine enamel work. Dating from around 1890 this 18 karat yellow and rose gold beauty...

Art Deco Cartier desk clock, adorned with purple guilloche enamel, on a n agate base, with chrysoprase top winder. Clock measures 3.25" tall x 1 7/8' wide. Porcelain dial signed Cart...

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"...

Discover this wonderful egg-shaped clock, crafted in Limoges porcelain and finely hand-painted, signed by the artist. The delicate painting depicts spring flowers, adding a touch of ...

Hermes Birkin Rouge Pivoine Togo 35 with Dustbag Box and Raincover This Hermes Birkin 35 is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Bra...

Fine rectangular mother of pearl box engraved with garlands of leaves and gilt bronze mounts, finely chiseled with interlacing, garlands and flower basket resting on four winged lion...

eardrop-shaped crystal flask in pierced gold mount, intricately sculpted with hearts, palmettes, and scrollwork. The mounting is set on the base and the ...

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...

Discover an exceptional collector's item: this gold-leafed wooden timepiece holder, a true treasure dating back to the 1st Empire. Combining elegance and history, it stands out for i...

VCA Diamond, Black Enamel, and Orange Gemstone Compact. This compact has diamonds in filigree around the exterior of the box along with orange stones o...

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 ...

Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, S.T. Dupont has solidified its status as a hallmark of luxury and excellence in the world of classic lighters. Each creation from this v...

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

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,...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

This charming miniature has been painted in the last quarter of the 18th century. The painting shows a scene from Greek mythology. Paris is sitting in a garden with a shepherd's staff. He is placing an apple on the top of a column which carries the inscription ' à la plus belle ' ( for the most beautiful). Paris has to decide which of the three goddesses...

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...

Hermès Birkin 35 Rouge Tomate Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware This Hermes Birkin 35 is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Brand: Hermes Model: Birkin Rouge Tomate 35 Styl...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French 18k yellow gold ornament of a double bass; part of our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique cast French 18k ...

Rare 1900's Cartier belt buckle with flower motifs set with old mine cut diamonds. Signed 'Cartier Paris', numbered, with maker's mark and eagle st...

Chaumet Paris, A French Silver-Gilt Seahorse Mounted Rhodochrosite cup Circa 1980. An exceptional object A quadrangular cut cup in rhodochrosite and the handle made of a seahorse ...

This antique desk seal dates to the 19th Century and likely originated in France. The handle of the seal is a piece of polished and faceted rock crys...

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...

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...

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...

Emerging from a rich heritage of luxurious creativity and superior craftsmanship, S.T. Dupont stands as an epitome of elegance and innovation in the world of lighters. Founded by Sim...

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...

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...

Chanel Classic Black Leather Coat *Marked 02 A *Made in France *Size Fr 36 / US size 2 -100% Calfskin -Approximate measurement - Shoulder width ...

An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and silver belt buckle designed as a snake entwined upon itself with cabochon garnet eyes. Stamped with the eagle’s ...

A blackened steel and 18 karat (18K) yellow gold Damascene belt buckle designed as a rectangle with inlaid gold designs of angels and geometric lines in...

Exceptional nacre sewing and writing case in gold, turquoise and nacre. This kit comes in the form of a daisy and opens in three parts revealing accessories. The lower part is remova...

Fine handmade cut-crystal and ormolu cellaret with six perfume flasks and their stoppers embellished with geometric and rosette patterns. The gilt bronze rectangular tray is decorate...

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,...

Edwardian parasol handle made in France. Very beautiful and elegant piece, created in Paris France during the Edwardian and Belle Epoque periods, back in the 1900. This fabulous parasol handle has been designed with French neo-classic patterns in the style of Louis XVI. Crafted by assembling pieces made up in 18 karats yellow gold, carved citrine and amber color faux tortoise. The baton is fitted with a screw to attach to any parasol or cane. The round gold parts on top are made with multiple leaf motifs, bows, tassels and floral clusters, typical from the Belle Epoque period. Gemstones: The top part is mounted, with 1 cylinder cabochon cut of natural translucent citrine quartz of about 120 carats. Birthstone: Citrine, for the month of November. Weight: 66.95 Grams, (42.91 Dwt). Measurements: 248 mm by 20 mm (9.75 x 0.79 Inches). Hallmarks: Both gold parts are stamped with French marks; the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold and the maker's maitre mark inside a lozange cartouche. Edwardian era, like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band...

This chatelaine was made from silver in France in the second half of the 19th century. It carries a French makers mark in an upright lozenge with the initials EG. Most probably it wa...

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

Rock it! If your lucky number is five, this Jean Mahie France agate stone and 22 yellow gold vintage small sculpture will make you always feel the beat. Signed Jean Mahie. Circa 1...

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

Flat, rectangular case for holding writing utensils in colored gold and vernis Martin (a type of imitation lacquer). A button serves to open the hinged lid. Four panels made of verni...

Delvaux Brand New Brilliant Surpique Mini Crossbody Bag * Marked Delvaux * Made in France * Comes with the original dustbags, frame, tag, mirror and card * Brand new, a copy of the ...

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

Daum Nancy Art Deco Vase Cameo glass vase, monumental landscape, signed Daum Nancy From the 1930s.

Elegant and rare 1950s bronze-doré belt buckle by Line Vautrin, with a raised geometric pattern and textured background, marked Line Vautrin, with additional, original loop for th...

For over a century, S.T. Dupont has been at the forefront of luxury lighter craftsmanship, crafting pieces that are not merely tools, but symbols of elegance and refinement. Revered ...

Beautiful antique leather box for jewels. Contains removable tray with 2 compartments Made of leather with gilded embossed decorative pattern Origin : France, early XX century Se...

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...