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Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Gemstone: Turquoise
Studio Greytak 'Turquoise Bracelet On Himalayan Quartz' with Citrine & Sunstone
Located in Missoula, MT
TURQUOISE BRACELET ON HIMALAYAN QUARTZ Warriors in civilizations throughout history have relied on the power of turquoise for its strong defensive p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Quartz, Turquoise, Silver

Turquoise Desert Stallion Sculpture
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Beautiful, unique and genuine multi overlaid stone stallion with desert scenes on both sides. One of a kind. Stones of petrified wood, turquoise, onyx coral, spiny oyster, charoite, ...
Category

1990s American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, Onyx, Turquoise

Antique Victorian Scarf Clip Scarf Ring 15 Karat Gold Metal Turquoise Cabochon
Located in Munich, Bavaria
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...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold

Large Solid Turquoise and Sterling Centerpiece
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Magnificent turquoise nugget from the Hachita Mine in New Mexico. Nugget weight 5,575 cts. Mounted on custom .925 sterling silver base having silver feathers and buffalo skulls. Base...
Category

2010s American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock This beautiful desk clock features a turquoise and gold face with diamond and turquoise s...
Category

1980s French Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Navajo Sterling Turquoise Inlay Belt Buckle Set Emma Bonney
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful belt buckle set is from Navajo silversmith Emma Bonney. Each piece is sterling silver with turquoise inlay. The tip measures 1 by 1 1/8 inches - the slide measures 5/...
Category

1970s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Antique Gustavo Martinez Mexican Sterling Silver Hand Mirror with Gemstones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Mexican sterling silver hand mirror. In sterling silver. By Gustavo Martinez (in the style of Matl or Matilde) Set throughou...
Category

20th Century Mexican Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Coral Turquoise Chinese Export Silver Perfume Snuff Bottle Antique Filigree
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

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

Materials

Coral, Turquoise, Silver

King Baby Sterling Silver Bamboo Wood Turquoise Snake Stash Box
Located in Southampton, PA
This King Baby stash box is made of bamboo wood and boasts a sterling silver lid that is set with turquoise and features a snake motif. The box measures 2.50” in diameter and 1” in h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Amethyst Turquoise Matl Matilde Poulat Salas Mexico Silver Hand Mirror Circa 60s
By Matilde Poulat
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A gorgeous vintage Matl Salas sterling silver vanity mirror, hand-set with 8 lavender amethyst cabochons, 4 deeper purple amethyst pyramid-cut ston...
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Austro-Hungarian Turquoise Garnet Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Renaissance Revival Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Garnet, Turquoise, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Vintage Zuni Hand-Signed Turquoise Inlay Sterling Silver Bolo Tie, Black Leather
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Turquoise Inlay Bolo with Black Leather tie accented in Sterling and more Turquoise Natural Inlay stones set in tapered figure Length & Width of Bolo = 41 mm X 37 mm T...
Category

Late 20th Century American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Zuni Handcrafted Sterling Silver Eagle Dancer Black Leather Bolo Tie by LN
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Eagle Dancer Inlay Bolo with Black Leather tie accented in Sterling Reverse Hallmark "LN" Natural Inlay stones set in a symmetrical Eagle Dancer figure Length & Width o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Navajo Turquoise and Gold Bracelet, Ring, Bolo and Buckle Set
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
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...
Category

1950s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

Zuni Kachina Sterling Silver & Turquoise Inlay Handcrafted Leather Bolo Tie
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Kachina Inlay Bolo with Black Leather tie accented in Sterling Reverse Hallmark "STERLING D" Natural Patina with Four round Inlay bezel set stones and two turquoise eyes o...
Category

1970s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Armand American Horse Turquoise Nickel Silver Jewelry Box
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
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...
Category

20th Century American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold and Gem Set Perfume Bottle
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perfume, measuring 2 3/8 inches in height 7/16 inch in diameter and weighing 21 Grams. Having hand engraved Flowers and the top set wit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Zuni Sterling and Turquoise Jewelry Box
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Sterling lidded box by Federico Jimenez with mosaic inlay rainbow guardian. Set with turquoise, jet, spiny oyster and shell. Marked JF and Sterling. H...
Category

1980s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, Onyx, Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Turquoise Egyptian Scarab Faience Cuff in Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in London, GB
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Egyptian Revival Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Silver

Zuni Turquoise and Coral Belt Buckle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Zuni Sleeping Beauty turquoise and dark red coral buckle. Nuggets surrounded by twisted rop border with stylized thunderbird with wings and tail feathers....
Category

1980s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver and Multi-Gemstone Inlay Zuni 4-Piece Ranger Buckle Set, 1992
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Native American Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Turquoise, Other, Sterling Silver

Finely Chiselled with Cabochons Turquoises Gold Needle Box 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
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...
Category

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

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Natural Carved Turquoise Frog Decoration, Lifelike and Exquisite
Located in Hong Kong, HK
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...
Category

1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise

Navajo Turquoise, Coral and Bear Claw Belt Buckle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navbajo Kingman turquoise and bear claw bracelet with small nugget of red coral. Stones and claw set in sterling silver surrounded by leaves, scrolls and bea...
Category

1980s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Coral, Sterling Silver

Victorian Moorish Brass Extra Long Hat Pin with Turquoise and Crystals, 1900s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A necessity during the Victorian Era, hat pins not only balanced precarious hats atop piles of hair but also moonlighted as weapons against overzealous gentlemen. Though teetering ha...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Aesthetic Movement Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Brass

Vintage Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eagle Fob, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A vintage agate 18 karat yellow gold eagle fob, circa 1900. This rare and unusual fob is realistically modelled as an eagle carved from one piece of banded agate. The white section ...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Retro Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Liberty & Co Turquoise Cymric Pattern Six Piece Dresser Set 1903 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Studio Greytak 'Royston Turquoise Earrings on Malachite' Emerald & Rose Quartz
Located in Missoula, MT
MATERIALS Ammolite Royston Turquoise Rose Quartz Emerald Amethyst Malachite Silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Amethyst, Emerald, Malachite, Silver

Midcentury Modernist Freshwater Pearl Garnet Gold Owl
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1960s American Modernist Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Garnet, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold

Navajo Fox Mine Turquoise and Sterling Box, Circa 1900
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo sterling silver and Fox turquoise box. This box has an amazing finish and styling that resembles the Navajo stamp work of the early 1900’s. On t...
Category

Early 1900s American Native American Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Navajo Blue Diamond Turquoise Belt Buckle by Robert Kelly
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Exceptional and large Navajo sterling silver buckle by Robert Kelly with five Blue Diamond mine stones in shadow box with leaf, ball and scroll design surrounded by triple border. P...
Category

1980s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Gold, Crystal and Turquoise Perfume Flask Restauration Period
Located in Paris, FR
Round Perfume flask set in a finely chiseled gold mesh and enhanced with half turquoise pearls mounted in a cabochon. The Hinged cover decorated with the...
Category

1830s Empire Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Turquoise, Gold

Gold Sewing Box in Shape of Flower, Charles X
Located in Paris, FR
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...
Category

1820s French Empire Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Pearl, Gold

Stephen Webster Russian Roulette Rose Gold Vodka Bar Tool Kit
Located in London, GB
Rotating Russian Roulette Bar Tool Kit; crafted in oxidised bronze, with rose gold plated detailing, set with a citrine Crystal Haze top. Rose gold plate...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Quartz, Go...

Stephen Webster Tequila Lore Rabbit Silver Knife with Turquoise Crystal Haze
Located in London, GB
‘Tequila Lore’ is a set of bold and eye-catching bar accessories that celebrates Mexico’s culture, folklore and famous tipple—tequila. This made-to-order collection is steeped in meaning and depicts the creatures found in the country’s centuries-old myths and fables. Highly practical, the set includes knives, tongs, cocktail strainers, measurers and salt shakers—all essential tools needed to create exceptional cocktails interpreted in the most artistic way. The complete set, including bar tools and glasses, is presented in a bespoke leather case. Rabbit Knife - Sterling silver knife with rabbit skull...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Silver

Stephen Webster Russian Roulette Yellow Gold Vodka Bar Tool Kit
Located in London, GB
Rotating Russian Roulette Bar Tool Kit; crafted in bronze, with 18ct yellow gold vermeil, set with a citrine Crystal Haze top. Bronze with 18ct yellow go...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Quartz, Turquoise, Go...

Navajo Needlepoint Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Signed LMB. Marked sterling; 11 conchos total. 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...
Category

1950s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Stephen Webster Tequila Lore Snake Silver Measurer with Turquoise Crystal Haze
Located in London, GB
‘Tequila Lore’ is a set of bold and eye-catching bar accessories that celebrates Mexico’s culture, folklore and famous tipple—tequila. This made-to-order collection is steeped in meaning and depicts the creatures found in the country’s centuries-old myths and fables. Highly practical, the set includes knives, tongs, cocktail strainers, measurers and salt shakers—all essential tools needed to create exceptional cocktails interpreted in the most artistic way. The complete set, including bar tools and glasses, is presented in a bespoke leather case. Snake Measurer - Sterling silver measurer...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Stephen Webster Tequila Lore Rabbit Silver Ice Tong with Turquoise Crystal Haze
Located in London, GB
‘Tequila Lore’ is a set of bold and eye-catching bar accessories that celebrates Mexico’s culture, folklore and famous tipple—tequila. This made-to-order collection is steeped in meaning and depicts the creatures found in the country’s centuries-old myths and fables. Highly practical, the set includes knives, tongs, cocktail strainers, measurers and salt shakers—all essential tools needed to create exceptional cocktails interpreted in the most artistic way. The complete set, including bar tools and glasses, is presented in a bespoke leather case. Rabbit Ice Tongs - Sterling silver ice tongs with rabbit skull...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Stephen Webster Tequila Lore Cow Cocktail Strainer with Turquoise Crystal Haze
Located in London, GB
‘Tequila Lore’ is a set of bold and eye-catching bar accessories that celebrates Mexico’s culture, folklore and famous tipple—tequila. This made-to-order collection is steeped in meaning and depicts the creatures found in the country’s centuries-old myths and fables. Highly practical, the set includes knives, tongs, cocktail strainers, measurers and salt shakers—all essential tools needed to create exceptional cocktails interpreted in the most artistic way. The complete set, including bar tools and glasses, is presented in a bespoke leather case. Cow Cocktail Strainer - Sterling silver strainer...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz, Turquoise, Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver

Cartier Turquoise Gold Shell Watch Travel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and one of a kind, vintage Cartier shell travel watch. The shell is adorned with turquoise. Measures 4" x 4" x 1". The Cartier watch case insid...
Category

20th Century French Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

Navajo Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo concho belt with rectangular turquoise slabs, surrounded by small stones. Signed RS. The turquoise is from the Kingman Mine in Arizona. Marked ster...
Category

1950s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Navajo Walrus Ivory and Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
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...
Category

1950s American Native American Vintage Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Antique Gunmetal and Copper Match Safe
Located in New York, NY
Antique match safe: gunmetal, with applied copper horse and rider. The clasp is set with a bezel-set turquoise. 1 3/4" x 2." Beautiful hand-eng...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Base Metal

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 Turquoise Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

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

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