Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Antique Gold Thimble 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1860 This Victorian thimble is not only a practical sewing tool but also a stunning work of art that captures the essence of the era....

A fine, small scale Southwestern covered box. In the Navajo style. In solid silver (likely sterling). Bezel set with a turquoise cabochon to the lid. Marked with a maker's mark J...

This is an exceptionally rare Native American sterling silver tiara—an object almost never encountered on the market today, and one that occupies a fascinating space between ceremoni...

Native American Gale Self Sterling Silver Turquoise Belt Buckle & Conchos A beautiful concho belt set by Native American artisan Gale Self of the Choctaw tribe includes 1 buckle and...

THIS IS AN ANTIQUE ART DECO SILVER FILIGREE CHINESE EXPORT CORAL AND TURQUOISE PERFUME BOTTLE, SNUFF BOTTLE. THE SILVER FILIGREE IS OF THE HIGHEST Q...

This very important 18k white gold vintage crown is set with a total of exactly 60.08ct of round brilliant cut and baguette diamonds, and with thirty four panels of vintage turquoise...

Welcome to Bijoux Ancien Paris, where we are delighted to present this superb finely crafted 18-karat gold needle box, adorned with magnificent turquoise ca...

Navajo sterling silver and Kingman turquoise nugget buckle. Multiple natural, untreated stones with Grade A quality turquoise. Each stone in sawtooth bezel setting, set in semi shado...

Navajo Sleeping Beauty turquoise and sterling silver link concho belt. Twelve conchos, each with seven oval cut turquoise stones. Each stone in smooth bezel setting with sterling bea...

Navajo Bisbee turquoise and sterlingconcho belt. 18 stunning turquoise chunk conchos surrounded by twisted rope and stamped sterling bead border with mirrored design on larger belt b...

This large 1860's Austro-Hungarian antique cross pendant is set with many turquoise and garnet gemstones. The four cabochon cut garnet stones on front of the cross are all set in rai...

Channel Inlay Ranger Buckle Set with Two Keepers and a Belt Tip by Zuni Pueblo silversmith Zora Joe. Inlaid with Turquoise, Spiny Oyster Shell, Jet, and...

Navajo needlepoint concho belt. Signed LMB, marked sterling. 11 conchos total. Exceptional design on each concho, featuring floral style center with complementary scalloped silverwork and final layer of turquoise framing concho. Old Pawn. Acquired from a Navajo trader. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total Belt Length 62 1/2" Leather; conchos 2 1/4"D The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies and sometimes turquoise would be from the early 1900s – 1930s. The timelines may slightly differentiate depending upon who you ask. Natives first had concho belts for personal use only, but around the turn of the last century, tourist demand had kicked in and a new outlet emerged. belts & buckles jewelry silver belts conchos navajo needlepoint southwest turquoise...

David Webb Rock Crystal and Turquoise Desk Object A natural rock crystal quartz point decorated with gold rope twist strands, bows, and a gold branch section, adorned with 12 turqu...

These exquisite coasters are handcrafted from marble by master craftswomen using the intricate technique of "Pietra Dura", or marble inlay. This highly skilled art form involves the ...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt on leather. Each concho having between 5 and 7 stunning Kingman turquoise stones. Bright blue color with silver matrix. Stones cut to...

Navajo Kingman turquoise and bear claw buckle with small nugget of red coral. Stones and claw set in sterling silver surrounded by leaves, scrolls and beads....

This elegant stick pin was handcrafted in the last quarter of the 19th century. It is made out of 14 karat gold. An oval turquoise cabochon is set in a mount designed as an infinity ...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt, signed MC. Each concho having approximately 35 small Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones in sawtooth bezel setting with sterling bead d...

Please check out the HD video! For your consideration is a natural Turquoise carving of a frog. This frog is very well carved. We estimate this piece was made just over 100 years ago. The Turquoise carving is very lifelike, with excellent proportions! The patchy green of the turquoise material matches perfectly to the natural patches of the frog patten. Traditionally, this would have hung on a belt as an ornament. It is a great piece for investors and connoisseurs looking to collect a very well carved piece of natural antique Turquoise. The actual piece looks much better than any photos we can take. This will be a great addition to any collection. The frog carving...

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

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Featuring eleven large conchos with natural, untreated Morenci turquoise, expertly cut to organically f...

Navajo needlepoint turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Eleven conchos plus matching buckle. Each concho having 35 needlepoint sleeping beauty turquoise stones in sawtooth beze...

Navajo sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. Large oval conchos with hand stamped details and Fox-White Horse turquoise stones. Each concho having large oval cut center stone in smooth bezel setting with twisted rope border, surrounded by 16 smaller stones accented by sterling beads. Conchos have fan design with stamped details. Signed MC. Marked sterling; seven conchos total. Large conchos...

A fine antique Mexican sterling silver hand mirror. In sterling silver. By Gustavo Martinez (in the style of Matl or Matilde) Set throughou...

Navajo turquoise cluster and sterling silver concho belt. Fifteen circular total conchos with matching buckle. Conchos having beautiful design with 34 Kingman turquoise stones, most ...

Navajo concho belt. 8 oval conchos and 9 butterfly conchos, making 17 total. Each concho having small Kingman turquoise stone in center and hand stamped details. Small enough to fit ...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Sixteen total conchos plus belt. Alternating butterfly and round conchos with bright blue Morenci turquoise stones cut to fit nicely...

Navajo sandcast concho belt. With eleven total conchos plus buckle, each concho backed with leather. The turquoise is from the Morenci Mine in Arizona. Each stone surrounded by twist...

Carved ivory bighorns with Blue Kingman Mine turquoise. Wonderful patina. Original leather; nine conchos total. Signed A.J.M. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total belt length 56"; buckle 3 1/2" x 5"; conchos 3" x 4" The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies...

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...

Turquoise and sterling concho belt. Alternating oval and butterfly conchos with stamped design and scalloped edges. Rectangular buckle. The turquo...

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...

Pair of 19th Century Art Nouveau Haircombs in Gold and Tortoiseshell, Portugal, circa 1880. A rare and exquisite pair of antique haircombs, crafted in lustrous tortoiseshell and crow...

Navajo sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. Seven oval conchos with single stone of Cerrillos turquoise in center. Conchos are stamped with traditional designs having scalloped...

Navajo sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. The turquoise is from the Morenci Mine in Arizona, set in simple stamped conchos with great patina. Conchos are oval and buckle is r...

Native American George Jones Sterling Silver Green Turquoise Belt Buckle A large and substantial belt buckle by Navajo artisan George Jones feat...

Native American Benjamin Becenti Sterling Silver Inlay Storyteller Buckle & Conchos Benjamin Becenti is well-known for his storryteller pieces. This belt buckle and concho set inclu...

Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: bracelet, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Eighteen total conchos, alternating between "X" and diamond shapes. Large Kingman turquoise stones with bright blue color and great ...

One of a kind, signed Navajo belt is a buyers find. January 4, 1976 signed by Wild Bear Bob and Thunder Bolt This unique buckle was commissioned, To Margaret (you can have your jewe...

This is a gorgeous and very rare Museum Quality Liberty & Co. Sterling Silver and Turquoise Cymric Pattern Six-Piece Dresser Set from the estate of legendary philanthropist and colle...

Turquoise and Diamond Snuff Bottle A turquoise snuff bottle with carved roses and bird motifs. The yellow gold base set with round-cut diamond...

This elegant scarf clip is a fine example of modernistic tendencies in Victorian jewellery design which started to devellop from 1875 ca. This little jewel was created in 1880 ca ou...

Spectacular Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Pendant Jewelry Box delicately decorated with Lapis Lazuli Turquoise Ruby Emerald and Corals. An article full of co...

Armand American Horse nickel silver and turquoise jewelry box. Includes moon face motif on lid and hand stamped detail along sides. Stamped on bottom with artist hallmark. Three genu...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Eleven total conchos having oval and butterfly shapes with rectangle buckle. Oval conchos have single stone of Royston turquoise, wi...

Zuni inlay war bonnet concho belt. Eight total conchos with matching buckle. Each concho having sunface war bonnet design with inlaid stones of mother of pearl, turquoise, onyx, and ...

Navajo sand cast concho belt. Rectangular buckle with 8 oval conchos. The turquoise is from the Kings Manassa Mine in Nevada. Eight conchos total. Each concho leather backed with sil...

Navajo sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. Twelve oval shaped three-dimensional conchos with matching buckle having fan designs on either ...

This dazzling and whimsical owl brooch features a nacreous mollusk body adorned with six Campari hued garnet "buttons" descending vertically down its front; the crown of eight garnet...

Navajo sterling silver turquoise and concho belt. Eleven total conchos with matching buckle, each a rectangle shape with scalloped tops. Stamped designs surrounding center small Slee...

Exceptional single turquoise stone belt buckle. Large Royston turquoise stone set in simple sterling border with bead and twisted rope details. Stone is a bright blue-green with gold...

Navajo turquoise and sterling silver concho belt. Eleven rectangle conchos with single Sleeping Beauty turquoise stone in smooth bezel setting. Hand stamped designs on sterling conch...

Navajo sandcast sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. Five large oval conchos with six smaller butterfly conchos in between plus buckle. The turquoise is from the Morenci Mine i...

Navajo sterling silver concho belt. Fourteen round conchos with matching oval belt buckle. Each concho having shadowbox sterling silver design with cluster of eight Sleeping Beauty t...

Navajo heartline bear sterling silver and turquoise concho belt. Twelve total conchos with matching buckle. Each concho in shape of bear with etched heartline and geometric designs, ...

Navajo sterling silver concho belt with single nuggets of turquoise on each concho. The turquoise is from the Blue Diamond Mine in Nevada, having stunning bright blue color with dark...

Sterling silver and turquoise link concho belt. Ten total conchos with matching buckle. Each concho made of thin, highly polished sterling silver with stamped fan designs, decorated ...

This one of a kind turquoise faience flying scarab encircles your wrist with its silver wings . Amulets in the shape of scarab beetles were used in Egypt ...