Edwardian Vanity Items

A fine English silver & enamel makeup compact. By Crisford & Norris of Birmingham, England in 1919. With geometrically patterned purple guilloche enamel to the lid. Fixed with an...

This pair of opera glasses -created by what is indisputably the finest creator of opera glasses in history -LeMaire, of Paris, France- is uncommo...

This is an Edwardian adjustable cigarette holder ring. It is crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1910. The piece is decorated with a tiny wild boar which can be scrolled up and down. Sig...

Edwardian Belle Époque hairs-comb designed by Cartier. This is one of the most magnificent, jeweled hairs combs we have ever seen. This is a museum ...

A tiara with five paste stars set on a metal headband, inlined with blue velvet. On both sides are twelve radiating combs, descending in size. Provenance: The Late Lady Chalfont, of ...

This amazing collectors item is an Edwardian 14k yellow gold engraved Lorgnette from 1910. What makes this item so special is its incredible condition for its age, as well as its unique function and fashion. Not only can this lorgnette make a stylish pendant that can be worn on a chain, however, it can also be incredibly functional. This is a great item to wear around the neck to bring to restaurants to read dinner and drink menus. The lenses can be swapped out with prescription lenses making this the perfect accessory for the neck or pocket. The beautiful craftsmanship and condition ensure this Lorgnette will continue to be a treasured heirloom. 1910 Edwardian...

Fox Essex glass scent bottle designed by Tiffany & Co. An exceptional very rare piece, created during the Edwardian period at the Tiffany Studios, back in he 1905. This fabulous scent bottle has been carved from translucent rock quartz and mount with an oversized Essex glass reverse carved piece depicting the enameled three dimensional head of a fox. Both parts are mounted with hinged round frames crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Fitted with a push opening button, an invisible hinges and an interior gold screw lid. The head of the fox is magnificent, very well carved with realistic details and exceptionally painted. Weight: 137.50 Grams, (88.14 Dwt). Measurements: 34 mm by 40 mm by 80 mm (1.34 x 1.57 x 3.15 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "TIFFANY & CO.". The gold parts has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as over 18k gold .770/.999 assay. Essex Glass Essex crystal pieces are formed from a rock crystal cabochon (polished domes of rock crystal with a flat base), an image or motif is then reverse carved into the flat base, and then painted, to give them impression of a three dimensional object or image encapsulated in the cabochon when viewed from above. Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolor rendering of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images. This process of carving into the back of the cabochon is sometimes referred to as reverse intaglio, not be to mistaken with intaglio, which is designed to be viewed from the same side on which it is carved, unlike Essex crystal. Particularly when the image is of something which is itself small in reality, such as an insect, they can be very convincing when created by skilled craftsman. Thomas Cook was believed to be responsible for introducing them to Britain from the continent in the 1860s, and there were initially sold by Hancock’s in London. During the same period the artist William Essex, was a great favourite of Queen Victoria, and known for his enamel painting and miniatures. It would seem that the public put two and two together and came up with five, in that they believed these exquisite miniature painted jewels could only have been created by such a celebrated talent as Essex, and the name stuck despite him having nothing to do with their creation. Interestingly, William Bishop...

This sterling silver mounted purse or evening bag is by English silversmith Samuel Jacob, circa 1900. The beautiful black velvet bag is suspended from...

A fine, rare antique sterling silver ear trumpet. With a long narrow body and repousse floral decoration throughout. An ear trumpet was antique hearing d...

A fine gold Chatalaine perfume case & bottle. By Tiffany & Co. Comprised of a double-hinged embossed & engraved case fixed with two small chains and a jump ring that houses a confo...

A fine antique German silver vanity or snuff box. In 800 coin silver. Decorated throughout with elaborate embossed floral decorations, and other miscellaneous items such as lutes, ...

This is an antique Edwardian nurses belt buckle crafted in sterling silver. An excellent slightly curved shape buckle, decorated with pierced work p...