Skip to main content

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

to
312
670
545
413
216
212
151
59
58
44
34
81
558
784
96
40
88
80
44
56
60
93
90
147
56
1,226
265
53
81
64
61
40
25
to
134
111
37
22
19
289
86
69
61
56
48
41
25
18
14
3
2
1
1
1,455
89
1,006
423
Period: 20th Century
Tiffany & Co Estate Bookmark Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Bookmark Sterling Silver TIF530 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING This elegant Authenti...
Category

American 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Jewelry Dish Chintz
Located in New York, NY
An Italian porcelain jewelry dish with 'chintz' design, circa mid-20th century, Italy. An Italian jewelry dish/vessel with floral chintz design around c...
Category

Italian 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Vintage Hand Made Retro Harry Potter 10K Solid Gold Pocket Glasses
Located in Houston, TX
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"...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold

Abercrombie & Fitch Patinated Fine Blue Calf Leather Covered Jewelry Box, C1950
Located in valatie, NY
Abercrombie & Fitch New York, Vintage, Patinated Fine Smooth Blue Calf Leather Covered Locking Jewelry Box, c1950. The top has the original handle....
Category

American Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Brass

Tiffany & Co Estate Cheese Knife 7.125" & Pate Butter Spreader 6.5" Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Cheese Knife 7.125" & Pate Butter Spreader 6.5" Sterling Silver TIF741 These beautiful Authentic Cheese Knife & Pate Butter Spreaders are made of Sterling Silver...
Category

American 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Gubelin Stone and Metal Art Deco Table Clock with Cherubic Hand Made Dial 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin Lucerne STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Table Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Stone & Metal CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 5 Inches X 5 Inches 2 Inch...
Category

Swiss Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Marina B Solar Coin Money Clip
Located in New York, NY
Marina B "Solar Coin" money clip 18 karat yellow gold, silver; marked Marina B, MB, 1987, 750 Size: width 1.63 inches, length 1.44 inches Total weight: 28.2 grams
Category

Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Juan Prat, White Gold and Sapphire Bracelet, drawing in conté pencil 1983
Located in Bilbao, ES
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...
Category

Argentine 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sapphire, White Gold

Large French Silver Mistletoe Locket
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A very fine French silver locket featuring mistletoe to both sides. It has a gold wash interior to prevent tarnish and closes firmly. It appears to be struck with the French guarante...
Category

French Art Nouveau Antique 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Yellow Gold 18k Star on Jasper Sphere Pin Early 20th Century
Located in Geneva, CH
Yellow Gold 18k Star on Jasper Sphere Pin. Antique. Early 20th Century. Total length: 8.80 centimeters. Total weight: 6.55 grams.
Category

European 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Early 1900s Cranberry Hand Cut Gorgeous Crystal Box from Switzerland
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Antique c1920’s Alpacca and Enamel “Soccer Scene” Cigarette Case
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This European (English) Cigarette Case from the 1920’s is a rare find! Measuring 80mm (W, including the lock) x 88mm (L) x 11mm (D) Marked 'Alpacca' to inner rim, of rectangular ...
Category

English Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver Plate, Enamel

Rare Important Estate Genuine Tourmaline, Citrine, and Malachite Gemstone Mirror
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Spectacular Jeweled Rectangular mirror mounted in mosaic frame predominantly comprised of Genuine Citrine, Malachite and Tourmaline Stones. Fr...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Citrine, Malachite, Tourmaline

Hermes Paperweight Leather and Gold Plate Belt Buckle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermes -Paperweight leather and gold plate representing a belt buckle - personal item with a date and initial R.B. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 21.5 cm (8.46"), Widt...
Category

French Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage Bulgari Mother of Pearl and Onyx Money Clip
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated mother of pearl and onyx money clip by Bulgari. Made in Italy, 18 karat gold.
Category

Italian 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Russian Antique Imperial Nephrite Sterling Silver Rat Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Russian Imperial sculpture features a rat in a top hat with a movable cane crafted out of sterling silver and nephrite. The nephrite is medium to medium light muddy gr...
Category

Antique 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Emile Galle Art Deco Vase
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
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...
Category

French Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Sterling Silver Lidded Vanity Piece, 1900s
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Sterling silver lidded box with beautiful floral design covering top and bottom. Etched crown in center of lid. Beautiful vanity piece. Possibly...
Category

German 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

14k Gold Seal
Located in Geneva, CH
14K gold seal holding an intaglio on an orange stone. Dimensions: 1.40 centimeters x 1.20 centimeters. Gross weight: 2.88 grams.
Category

European 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold

STUNNING 1911 STERLING SILVER MOTHER OF PEARL BAPTISMAL SHELL BAPTISM Dish
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this sublime 1911 Sterling silver handled with mother of pearl Baptismal shell ...
Category

British Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

J.W. Benson Gilt Art Deco Clock with Hand Painted Dial, circa 1920s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W. Benson Jewelers to STYLE / REFERENCE: Desk METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt and Brass CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE...
Category

Swiss Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Elephant handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant handicraft in silver
Category

Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Dunhill Stone and Metal Art Deco Zodiacal Clock with an Enamel Dial 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Alfred Dunhill London STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Stone and Metal CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE...
Category

Swiss Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Vintage Pair Chinese Gilt Gold Hand Painted Mandarin Ducks Covered Box Mid-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
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...
Category

Chinese Artisan 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip Silver 7 mm M413 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie clip is made of sterling silver and has 1 Akoya Cultured Pearl in s...
Category

Japanese 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Bulgari 18k Gold Steel Keyring Key Holder
Located in Simpsonville, SC
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...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

BULGARI Vintage Sterling Silver Craps Dice
Located in Simpsonville, SC
A bold nod to the glamour and thrill of Las Vegas gaming culture, this vintage Bulgari sterling silver craps dice is a rare and distinctive collectible, blending high craftsmanship w...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

1930s E. Gubelin Art Deco Desk Clock in the Asian Chinese Style
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin, Lucerne Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco, Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS: Length 5.75 Inches (14cm) long x Diameter 4 inche...
Category

Swiss Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Sterling Silver M316 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie clip is made of sterling silv...
Category

Japanese 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

Bailey, Banks & Biddle 8 Day Minute Repeater Stone Desk Clock Contemporary Frame
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bailey, Banks & Biddle STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / 8 Day Clock METAL / MATERIAL: CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 8 Inches X 6 Inches MOVEMENT / CALIBER: High Grad...
Category

Swiss Art Deco Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Silver Gazelle handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Gazelle handicraft
Category

Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Natural Coral Starfish Pendant Necklace 18 Kt White Gold Diamonds 0.40 Ct
Located in BARI, IT
Natural coral pendant in the shape of a starfish, mounted in 18 kt white gold with 0.40 ct diamonds, brilliant cut. Its total weight is 41.8 g. The counter mesh also has some diamond...
Category

Italian 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Gold

Pineapple Handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Category

Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Rare Important Estate Genuine Bone Boat with 7 HAPPY G-ds with Cabochon Stones
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Large Spectacular Estate Hand Carved Cow Bone with the Seven Happy G-ds Aboard. Taken out of a Private Collecti...
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Diamond and Gold Design
Located in Geneva, CH
Diamond and Gold objet representing an umbrella and a hat. Dimensions: 3.00 centimeters x 2.30 centimeters. Total weight: 2.96 grams.
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Gubelin Glass "Ice Cube" Mid Century Moderist Desk Clock 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Table Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Blown Glass CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's / 60's DIMENSIONS: 4.25 Inches Square MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...
Category

Swiss Art Deco 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Black Starr & Gorham Gothic Bold Wall Clock in Original Box
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Black Starr and Gorham STYLE / REFERENCE: Gothic Motif METAL / MATERIAL: Nickle Finished CIRCA: 1940s/ 50s MOVEMENT / CALIBER: High Grade 15 Jewels Swiss Made DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Roman / Filigree Hands DIMENSIONS: Length 16 Inches tall X Diameter 9 Inches Wide / 40cm X 23cm (box 17" X 11") WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. This is am impressive wall clock sold by one of the premier American jewelry houses. Remarkably it comes with its original box, in excellent condition. Black, Starr and Frost are considered America's oldest jewelry house. They merged with Gorham, one of America's oldest silver companies in 1929. Just in time for the Great Depression. This clock, or rather weather station as it is normally called, appears to have never been used. It was likely made in Switzerland of the finest materials some time mid century. Gothic in style while dating to later part of the Art Deco Era This would be an impressive piece in entry of an elegant old home. Or, conversely it would look great in an ultra modern entry...
Category

Swiss Gothic Revival 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Victory Favrile Glass Medallion by Louis Comfort Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Art Nouveau pioneer and gifted American artisan Louis Comfort Tiffany created this Victory favrile glass medallion in celebration of the Allied victory in World War I. Tiffany's majestic iridescent art glass highlights the patriotic motif featuring an eagle, with its wings outstretched, holding aloft the Liberty Bell above the banner inscribed "VICTORY" above the year 1918. It is believed that this medallion was commissioned by Tiffany as an invitation to an exclusive party celebrating the end of the war. Few of these remarkable objets d'art are known to exist, making them not only exceptional works of Tiffany Studios artistry, but also stunning artifacts of world history. Set in a gilt bezel, this medallion can be worn as a pendant. Inspired by the fluidity and translucence of ancient Roman and Middle Eastern glass...
Category

American Art Nouveau 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gilt Metal

Pair of Georgian Style Sterling Silver Sauceboats
Located in London, GB
A pair of Georgian style sterling silver sauceboats, with curved edging, upturned scroll handles, on three hoof feet, gross weight 6.5ozs,(203gms), length 5.75",(14cms), London 1977,...
Category

British Georgian 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tibaldi for Bentley Azure Fountain Pen in Sterling Silver with 18k Nib
Located in Surfside, FL
Limited edition #051/500 Tibaldi for Bentley Azure fountain pen in sterling silver with 18K nib. New, complete with presentation box, papers and pouch.
Category

20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Crystal Gem Set Silver Box with Reverse Crystal Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1915 Frosted crystal pill or snuff box, measuring 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 inch in height. Having a silver hinged top with a mother of Pearl backed reverse crystal of a Col...
Category

Austrian Vintage 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Emerald, Sterling Silver

Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
Located in Queens, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 12" high x 8" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

French Art Deco 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Exquisite and Large Indian 22K Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur
Located in Queens, NY
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...
Category

Indian Anglo-Indian 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in Queens, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

French 20th Century Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

Recently Viewed

View All