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Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Gemstone: Diamond
Brooch 14k Gold Peacock Bird Antique Ruby and Diamond 1960
Located in Berkeley, CA
Long, luxurious and vintage, this ruby, diamond, and gold brooch pin has diamond eyes and ruby feathers. Sparkles galore with woven feathers incredible detail work. In the trend of ...
Category

1960s American Romantic Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Maharaja "Bajuband" of Gold and Diamonds
Located in Nuevo Leon, MX
Maharaja "Bajuband" of gold and 175 diamonds arranged in diagonal patterns. 6 tiny emeralds on both ends. A Collector piece rarely seen in private collections.
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Enamel Agate Diamond Desk Clock
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An important Art Deco Tiffany & Co Diamond and Agate Desk Clock, ca. 1920s The desk clock is based on an agate with rounded corners, each centring a floral diamond cluster. Th...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Enamel

Pair of Sterling Silver and Diamond Dome Cufflinks
Located in North Miami, FL
These beautiful and jeweler made sterling silver and tiny diamond cufflinks are unisex.. Their dome top has 4 small tiny diamonds in them. They are well made and have a great modern ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Gold Purse Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Slim allover textured 18K yellow gold magnifying glass. When closed, it looks like a slender gold case. When you slide the diamond button on the side, it opens to reveal a magnif...
Category

1930s American Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Miniature Lapis Enamel Diamond Gold Floral Clock
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful & whimsical. Solid 18kt Yellow Gold & Enamel Floral Sprig growing out of a Gold decorated Lapis Base. The Flower is made up of 5 enamel Flowers, each centered wit...
Category

1960s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Exceptional Pave Rose Diamond Lorgnette
Located in Riverdale, NY
Edwardian pave rose diamond lorgnette completely covered in stones and set in platinum. Pulling down the central floret station in the middle of the...
Category

20th Century Unknown Edwardian Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Looking Oval Shape Photo Frame with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Looking Oval shape Photo Frame with carved designer floral patterns with diamonds, flower shape tourmaline, rubies and emeralds around. This piece look antique and to is pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver

Antique Spinel Diamond Silver Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A articulated antique pendant, composed by an articulated gold and silver mounting structure, centering an old mine spinel weighing approximately 8cts, embellished by rose cut diamo...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Spinel, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Emerald Diamond Studded Floral Motif Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Antique looking Photo-frame studded with Diamonds and Emerald with floral motifs all around and scallop on top and bottom makes it a very Royal piece to own and put fr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Rhodium, Silver

Retro Compact Owned by Joan Fontaine
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent Swiss Art Deco minaudière compact is believed to have been owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine. Crafted of sterling and gilded si...
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver

Cartier Paris Rare Blue Enamel Diamond Vermeil Belt Buckle
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
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...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Vermeil

Diamond "Renee" Bag, France
Located in Riverdale, NY
Custom made black silk velvet evening purse decorated with script "RENEE" worked in sparkling pave diamonds. Bag is edged in a fine silk satin piping and is lined in satin as well. Snap closure.
Retailed through Henri Beatrix...
Category

1950s French Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond

Faberge Blue Enamel Gold Vanity Case
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé two-colour gold and blue enamel vanity case by Workmaster A.Holmstrom, the rectangular case of three sections, the main powder compartment comprising two decorative section...
Category

20th Century Russian Edwardian Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier 24K Gold Diamond 1940s Perfume Bottle
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Cartier 24K Gold Diamond 1940s Perfume Bottle, a breathtaking masterpiece that exemplifies the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship. This one-of-a-kind antique perfume...
Category

1940s Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 24k Gold

Cartier Art Deco Gold Sapphire Diamond Compact
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Cartier Art Deco compact in 14 karat yellow gold adorned by diamonds and sapphires. Square design measuring 2.5" in width and length. Hinged...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

18K Gold transforming jewellery Interior Object by Viktor Moiseikin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
All in this world is a reflection Of divine love and eternal art. And we're seeking inspiration, In the feelings – strings of soul harps. -Viktor Moiseikin - The 'Serenity' interior decoration by MOISEIKIN is a beautiful combination of modern and traditional jewellery art. The large carved quartz jewel plate, in which you can place your jewellery, represents the water where the natural lives concentrate. Delicately carved Clematis leaves made of jade and gold gently as if embracing precious pure water. The golden fluttering butterfly and snail are embedded with precious gems that bring charm. One beautiful and shining moment of nature is precisely and artistically reflected in this gold and jewellery artwork...
Category

2010s Thai Artisan Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Jade, Sapphire, Quartz, Cultured Pearl, Garnet, Diamond, Amethyst, Yello...

Dazzling Gold and Diamond Gentleman's Money Clip with a Hidden Surprise
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This imaginative vintage 14k gold money clip put's one immediately in mind of " Diamond Jim Brady"! it is large, measuring over 2 inches by 1 1/2 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Gold Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Mesh Purse
Located in New York, NY
Gold diamond, ruby, and sapphire mesh purse Round-cut rubies of approximately 1.5 carats, round-cut diamonds of approximately 0.30 carat, 18 karat...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

18K Gold Diamond Nephrite Rowans Transformable Jewellery Object
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An interior jewellery art object, Rowan berry, handmade by MOISEIKIN🄬 was created as a gift to preserve harmony, happiness in the family and a cordial relationship with each other. ...
Category

2010s Russian Arts and Crafts Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Silver Diamond Floral carving Miniature by MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gold floral compositions with precious or semi-precious stones or enamel became popular at the turn of the 20th century in Europe and Russia. Especially Imperial families and nobilities collected or gifted to important people. This floral miniature consisted of various rich flower stone carvings adorned with gold filigrees and over 9ct white and black diamonds is fascinating. Poppy flowers made of chalcedony and black diamonds adjoin a quartz lily and lively golden chrysanthemum decorated with diamonds. The gold stamens are adorned with diamonds and sapphires. Fresh-looking leaves are also hand-carved from Siberian nephrite to balance this rich floral composition. One of the poppies is detachable to be transformed into an outstanding brooch. A deep nephrite vase harmoniously continues the floral theme: inspired by the image of an ancient wine cup, it is shaped to be reminiscent of a flower bud. The artistic floral pattern on the base is silver and embedded with diamonds. This intricate artistic floral object symbolising tenderness, love, and wealth, shall bring joy to the home and be a precious family treasure for future generations. "Floral Fancy" Gold 18 K / SV925, Weight 613.18 g, Size: 105*103*246mm 1 184 Diamond 7,323 ct 72 Black Diamond 2,16 ct 1 Garnet 0,065 ct 1 Smoky Quartz 1,5 ct 1 Pearl 0,24 g 3 Carving quartz 20,8 g 1 Nephrite 342,6 g 11 Carving nephrite 48,51 g 4 Sapphire 1,08 ct 4 Chalcedony 38,52 g *This objet d'art was made in 2008 but not owned by anyone before. This object has been exhibited at a number of exhibitions such as Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Chalcedony, Black Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Diamond, Sapphire, ...

Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
Located in New York, 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

20th Century French Art Deco Diamond 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 New York, 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

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

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in New York, 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

20th Century French Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

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

Burma Carved Ruby & Diamond Clip Brooch, Circa 1940, Strong Fluorescence
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! Here is a nice carved Ruby and diamond brooch circa 1940. The brooch is set in 18k yellow gold and old cut diamonds. There are 21 Burma carved rubies i...
Category

1940s Hong Kong Contemporary Vintage Diamond Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
Located in New York, NY
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...
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