1870s Jewelry

A Victorian, gold, Etruscan style suite, consisting of a pair of drop earrings and a matching brooch, with pendant fitting, circa 1875. The earrings measure 49 x 23mm. The pendant m...

Antique flower brooch, circa 1870 Yellow gold, patinated silver, old cut diamonds brooch weight - 8 grams brooch measurements - 0.43 х 0.98 х...

An English Antique 15 karat gold necklace with amethyst, diamond and natural pearl. The necklace has an oval cut amethyst approximately 9.50 carats, 30 old mine-cut diamonds with an ...

This antique stickpin was handcrafted in Florence in 1870 ca. In the iconographical language of old master paintings the fly symbolises the devil. The devil against the devil, that ...

Comprised of 1.5 mm cable link chain Featuring twenty pearl bead stations Ranging in size from 3.0 to 5.0 mm White with moderate iridescence Completed by large antique fob-style lo...

A Victorian opal, enamel and diamond bracelet, to the centre an oval shaped dome set with a diamond and twenty-four cabochon opals, all sur...

Antique shell cameo brooch and earrings by John Brogden, English, circa 1870. A yellow gold suite of jewellery, the brooch composed of a horizontally situated oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo of the Greek goddess Selene riding a serpentine dragon in a rubover collet setting, encircled by a conforming frame of gold beading and twisted gold wire punctuated with four gold palmette form plaques engraved and decorated with dark blue enamel and placed at the cardinal points, the reverse mounted with a hinged pin and scroll clasp, the earrings each composed of a vertical oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo engraved with a bust length portrait of Selene with crescent-set headdress, encircled by a conforming frame matching that of the brooch with the addition of a pendant decoration composed of a horizontal bar of gold beading and twisted gold wires suspending gold link chains graduated from centre and ending in conical gold elements, the reverses mounted with French wire fittings, all in a fitted red leather case, the interior marked ‘FIRST CLASS PARIS MEDAL/ 1855.1867.1851/ PARIS FIRST CLASS & LONDON PRIZE MEDALS/ JOHN BROGDON/ Goldsmith/ MANUFACTORY/ 16, Henrietta St. Covent Garden/ London’. The cameo—defined as a gem, usually either a mineral or a shell, upon which a design has been carved in relief—is believed to have originated in Hellenistic Greece, during the third century BC. These miniature sculptures, at that time confined to the medium of hardstone, are thought to have been made with the primary purpose of personal adornment. The same practice of mounting cameos in jewellery was then continued by the Ancient Romans, and they are known to have been worn by many a Roman emperor. After the fall of Rome the fashion for cameos went into a decline, until it was again revived during the Renaissance period, brought about by a keen interest in the ancient world. At this time both antique and contemporary cameos were mounted in jewellery, as well as collected as objet d’art. The art of cameo cutting was revived in Italy, where it would remain a centre for the coming centuries. Again there was a lull in interest in carved gemstones, until the Neoclassical revival of the eighteenth century, largely stimulated by the discoveries of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. As with the Renaissance, antique specimens were generally prized over modern cameos, and the worldliest men in Europe held them among their collections of art and antiques. That said, carving centres in Rome and Torre del Greco (near Naples) in Italy were established in response to the demand of the Grand Tourists, who travelled to Italy and Greece to become educated in the wonders of the ancient world. It was at this time that shell cameos, mostly made in Torre del Greco due to its proximity to the sea, became more popular, owing to the relative ease in carving shell over hardstone. In addition to Rome, hardstone cameos also became a specialty of Idar Oberstein, Germany, which had a long history with both the gem mining and cutting trade. In a shift away from the collector’s cases of the previous century, the nineteenth century saw a strengthening in the fashion for wearable cameos. After the Empress Josephine donned a cameo-set suite of jewellery at the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, cameo jewellery became all the rage. Napoleon played a further hand in promoting the art by establishing a gemstone carving school in Paris, inspired by his appreciation for the arts of the ancient world. By the mid-nineteenth century shell cameos, in part due to their lightness compared with hardstone cameos, were the height of fashion. Large shell cameos as well as hardstone cameos were set into contemporary mounts, often as suites of jewellery. Some of the best cameos of the nineteenth century—carved by a select group of recognized carvers—were set into revivalist mounts, corresponding to the subject matter. In Victorian England cameo jewellery was particularly prized, due in part to the fact that the Queen owned and wore a number of cameo jewels. One example which can often be seen in official portraits is the Badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert, carved by Tommaso Saulini of Rome, who also produced cameos for the maker of the present suite, John Brogden. To meet demand some carvers set themselves up in London, including William Schmidt, a German carver from Idar Oberstein, who produced cameos for top London jewellers, including Brogden, Carlo Giuliano and Child & Child. In fact, Schmidt purports to have been the first to carve cameos out of opal, which Brogden reportedly displayed in the Paris Exhibition of 1878. An extant example, now in the collection of the British Museum, was set by the Giuliano firm. Regarding subject matter, cameos throughout time have been largely figural, from bust length profile portraits to scenes with multiple full-length figures, and sometimes animals. Ancient Greek and Roman cameos often depicted mythological scenes as well as contemporary figures. During the Renaissance, mythological scenes were popular, often taken directly from ancient sculpture, as well as portraits of notable contemporary figures. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, due to the revivalist styles, both Renaissance and Classical subjects were copied and set into matching (and sometimes unmatching) revivalist mounts. From the Renaissance through the Victorian era, being able to recognize the source of the carving in a cameo was a mark of erudition, revealing in the wearer knowledge of Classical art. As mentioned, the present cameo parure...

Massive 19th Century Silver Rose, hand crafted with extraordinary detailing by a fine jeweler of the period. 4.75" x 2". 1870's. French silver marks on ...

An antique 19th century amethyst pendant in an old-mine-diamond surround suspended from a diamond girandole surmount of foliate design, in sterling s...

Designed as a navette shaped form prong set with clustered old mine cut diamonds Prong set throughout form and weighing approximately 0.96 carats...

A Victorian gold bangle, with three rows of undulating gold ribbons, forming a brick pattern, in the centre, flanked by beadwork borders and Etruscan style wirework, mounted in fire ...

A pair of Victorian Etruscan style hoop earrings, with Etruscan style twisted wire work and millegraining on the full hoop, mounted in yellow gold, with fire gilded finish, circa 187...

Provençal diamond drop earrings in 18 karat gold and silver. Pair of pendants set with antique table-cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in a silver mount in a setting typical of this...

Egyptian Revival micro-mosaic ear pendants. A matching pair, each issuing from a roundel with fine ropework borders containing a raised micro-mosaic plaque depicting a heron against ...

This gorgeous antique piece was crafted during the early Victorian era from solid 18k gold with a silver top and features an incredibly detailed hand enameled portrait at its center....

Beautiful victorian English 15 Kt. yellow gold, turquoise, and pearl brooch. Reverse - tube hinge, lever catch, and locket back. Great condition. Locket Back Dimensions: 2.0" Lengt...

Peardrop-shaped crystal flask in gold mount. The body is finely engraved with an interlaced monogram. The mounting is decorated with an intricate engrave...

A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.36 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold five stone dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique dress ring...

An Antique Victorian Finely Carved Shell Cameo Brooch with a bail - provision to wear a piece as a pendant within a 9K Yellow Gold decorative rope border featuring safety chain be...

10k yellow gold branch brooch with coral Detailed description the size of the brooch is 3.8 cm by 3.1 cm wide and 1.8 cm high weight 8.9 grams set with - 15 x various sizes flow...

Rare Victorian Sterling Unger Bros. Indian Chief Fob based an image of Sitting Bull from the late 19th Century. Signed. 1.75" x 1" wide. 1870's USA.

14K Gold Victorian Watch Chain. Chain Measuring 6 in. long with a Gold Knot that has a center rose cut diamond. The knot measuring .80" and has b...

Victorian Striped Agate Beads with lovely crisp striations throughout. These lovely period beads graduate from 14 to 18 mm and are hand knotted. 1870's U...

This Victorian portrait Cameo pin is an elegant and timeless addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 14KT yellow gold in a classic octagon shape, this piece features a spark...

A Victorian pearl and diamond ring, the three graduated natural pearls, centre weighing 1.55ct, set into a carved gold mount embellish...

Antique 19th Century 9kt gold and silver 7.17 cts. of cushion-cut Aquamarine and 2.56 carats of old - European cut Diamonds brooch/pendant with safety chain. X-Ray tested positive f...

A pair of Victorian gold, diamond and enamel drop earrings, each earring set with an old cut diamond to the centre of a gold and blue enamelled star, surrounded by gold frame and sus...

Antique silver gold-backed earrings in the shape of flowers are set with one large old cut old mine diamond. Small diamonds decorate the leaves. The hooks are 14 karat gold. One larg...

An impressive Victorian seed pearl and 0.13 carat emerald, 0.20 carat amethyst and 15 karat yellow gold dress ring; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique Victorian ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold. The intricate pierced decorated setting is ornamented with a row of four cushion cut amethysts, displayed above a row of four 2mm seed pearls, all individually four claw set. Five graduated four claw set cushion cut emeralds embellish the space between the amethysts and pearls. The subtly elevated, flared ring shoulders are embellished with a sharp chased decoration, as are the sides of the setting and shank. The ring is hallmarked to the interior of the shank with the maker's mark, the 15k gold fineness mark (15.625), the Birmingham Assay Office hallmark (anchor) and the date letter for 1870 (V). This antique Victorian dress ring...

This magical Victorian diamond gold silver brooch is no chicken feed. With three adorable diamond chicks vying for their golden food, this one-of-a-ki...

An antique amber and gold bracelet, with large amber beads, with gold discs either side, decorated with Etruscan style wirework, with single oval gold links, in a Richard A. Green fi...

Phillips Brothers & Son diamond and enamel memorial ring, circa 1872. Set with twenty cushion shape old mine diamonds in open back grain settings wit...

Item Details: This unique lingerie pin or brooch has an intricate repousse floral design with graduated seed pearls. This pin has an engraved date "May 5...

14k gold with 925 silver brooch set with rose cut diamond to. 0.50ct G/HSI Detailed description the brooch is 1.5 cm high and 6.3 cm wide total weight: 7.1 grams occupied with: ...

This unusual necklace was created in 1975 ca. It features two round discs suspended from gold chains attached to a grooved barrel clasp. Each disk is decorated with twisted gold wire ornaments, gold balls and a star with five points...

A solid substantial 18 kt gold Mizpah ring reminds you that you are being looked after with love. Raised above a hammered background Bold Letters come forward spelling MiIZPAH which...

The choker is made out of two rows of silver chains. Each row consists out of two silver chains joined by links in the shape of a infinity symbol with alternating ornaments in the ce...

Purchased in Croatia Circa 1873 18K yellow gold Enamel 24 grams

Very elegant and delicate necklace made out of 18 karat gold around 1870 in the neo archeological style. Fine fox tail chains alternate with coral beads...

DETAILS • signed 1/20 12kt • gold filled with pearls • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 44...

Spilla a forma di ferro di cavallo in oro 12ct con lapislazzuli e piccole rosette di diamante, fine '800 circa. Dimensioni: 3.2 cm in altezza e 3 cm di larghezza

The charming pendant in the shape of a ball is set with facetted garnets and river pearls.

In striking contrast, this Mizpah ring was created c. 1870 in 18 Kt gold. In striking contrast with no wear, the word Mispah is raised in gold letters on a darker gold background. The borders are scalloped. A gold daisy is at the middle of the word. Mizpah is from the Hebrew bible meaning watchtower. The loose translation is May God Watch over you while we are apart. The word connotes a deep emotional relationship between two people. The added sentiment of the daisy is "think of me" which all Victorians recognized from the language of flowers. A beautiful ring of sentient and dedication. A perfect wedding band...

This exquisite flower brooch is designed as a flower stalk with a flower in full bloom, two flower buds and leaves. The blooming flower is made out of twenty petals set entirely with...

Victorian Coral 3 Strand Toggle Necklace from the late 19th Century. Composed of 3 strands of carved toggle beads which fall from larger coral resin beads at clasp which may have bee...

Unusual and Elegant Victorian Carved Bone Riding or Hunting Brooch from the 19th Century. A hand carved hoof is entwined by a textured snake like crop moti...

The oval cameo carved of white and black agate to depict a young maiden in three-quarters profile, with fine detailing to the flowing hair, jewelry and Empire style dress...

Massive and exceptional 19th Century Paste Sword Jabot Brooch from the l9th Century. Designed likely for a heavy cloak or cape set in sterling with pastes ...

A Victorian gold hinged bangle bracelet with an applied lattice plaque of rose-cut diamonds and pearls, in 15k. England. nscribed, "Wedding present to Margaret Leicester Warren fro...

This Victorian vulcanite hair comb is decorated with a Greek Revival Key Pattern ornament. Vulcanite, also known as gutta percha, is a natural material made out of rubber. It was po...

Amazing Antique Snake Bracelet from the mid 19th Century. The head and tail of the snake are composed of beautifully detailed, chased 18k gold with large cabochon sapphires for the s...

Victorian French Jet pendant necklace of oval jet links with a 3 dimensional pendant of hexagonal cut jet stones. Incredibly modern in design. France 1870'...

Designed as a cross shaped form suspending from a jump ring bale Bead set throughout with natural button pearls Ranging in size from 3.5 to 5.5 mm round White in body color with stro...

Unusual russian antique bangle bracelet centered with a locket use decorated with seed pearls emeralds and ruby in buckle design with a total 14k gold weight of 35 grams hall marked ...

These rare earrings were handcrafted in China in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. A finely carved pair of vases is cut out of mutton fat jade. The vessels show metal ornam...

Satsuma graduated button fob from the late 19th Century. 1870's Japan. Excellent condition. 6" x 1.25"

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats. Circa 1870s 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 inches Can be worn as a brooch or pendant, the b...

Marc Jacobs Asymmetric Link Drop Earrings Gold asymmetric earrings featuring triple link drop with textured gold in a round gold frame to the centre to one side. The other side is ...