18th Century Jewelry

Unique, one-of-a-kind, antique necklace, Amulet necklace. The Mughal (or Mogul) Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 18th centuries. It consolidated Islam in South Asia and spread Muslim (and particularly Persian) arts and culture as well as the faith. Rare 18th C. Mogul Indian Rock Crystal Ram Head. This amulet was probably made for a necklace worn by one of the Kushite kings. Representations show these pharaohs wearing a ram's head amulet tied around the neck on a thick cord, the ends of which fall forward over the shoulders. Sometimes, a smaller ram's head is attached to each end. Rams were associated with the god Amun, particularly in Nubia, where he was especially revered. The ram's head is carved from smooth rock crystal. The carved quality is very high. Dimensions: 41.5mm long and 25mm wide. The ram head amulet is a symbol of perseverance, vitality, and sexual energy. The ram personifies generative power, creative energy and is also a spirit that protects its owner. The length of the necklace is 32 inches (81 cm). The size of the vintage rice garnet beads is approx 6.5 - 7.5 mm, the size of the tiny round garnet beads is approx 2.5 mm. The size of the matte rock crystal beads is 16mm. The necklace is fastened with an old silver clasp. The weight of the necklace is 100 grams. The garnet necklace was most likely made later, around the end of the 19th century. This is evidenced by the clasp, the silk thread, and the way the garnet beads were cut, carved, and drilled by hand. As we wrote above, the head of a ram made of rock crystal is from the 17th-18th centuries. Unique, one-of-a-kind, antique amulet...

A rare Portuguese 18th century ‘minas novas’ rock crystal cluster ring, circa 1770. A lovely example of Georgian period Portuguese jewellery, this m...

Crafted of gold testing around 18K, with silver collets holding the diamonds, the ring features a rectangular table cut rock crystal backed by green foil to the center, flanked by super chunky rose cut diamonds. In wonderful condition, this ring dates to the late 1700's to the early 1800's. While the rock crystal shows some surface wear (mostly seen under magnification), the green foil still has wonderful glow that changes as you move the ring to different angles in the light. Measuring approximately 6.2 x 5.5 mm, the crystal is still held securely in its gold bezel. The foil also shows wear when viewed with magnification, but much of it remains and shows beautifully. The rayed ring "butt" is in very good condition. The two old rose cut diamonds create lovely contrast with their pretty sparkle. Very chunky with a high dome, they measure approximately 4.6 x 3.2 and 4.6 x 3.5 mm, respectively, including their silver settings. They remain in very good condition with no damage; I see a few tiny inclusions in one diamond with magnification, otherwise they are very clean. There is a little warmth to their color due to their closed back (likely foiled) settings. The silver collets show a little expected wear, but also remain in good condition for their age. Dainty and elegant on the hand, the face of the ring measures approximately 14.8 x 5.5 mm, with an approximate 4.34 mm rise off the finger. Tapering very slightly, the band measures approximately 2.4 mm at the shoulders and approximately 1.51 mm at the very back and is a bit oval in shape. There are no hallmarks, which is to be expected. On my scale the ring weighs 1.97 grams. Smaller on a mandrel due to its shape, the ring fits me like a size 5.25, though might fit you a little differently depending upon the shape of your finger/knuckles. It could be sized up or down within reason by a skilled jeweler with experience in antique jewelry. Please note that foiled jewelry...

Georgian memorial ring. This is an historically important American 18K gold enameled and miniature painted (under rock crystal) mourning ring o...

This antique amuletic bronze framed pendant cages a dozen 7mm-diameter single-cut rock crystals that each feature a table-cut decagon crown, deep pavilion, 21 facets and uncut girdle, while the culets range from off-center to blunted. They are tightly set within four linked rings to overlap at the same angle in a sparkling single row. Seeming to retain a little of its original yellow-gold gilding on just the interior, the frame that surrounds each of the four sections of three crystals enables them to reflect pale-yellow-and-lime light when the pendant is viewed from certain angles. Suggesting French heritage, the Medieval Frankish culture in northern France made jewelry in similar segmented or openwork shapes of wheels or whorls, which were worn as gem-decorated disk-shaped brooches or gold-caged rock...

Museum-quality rare and important antique 18th century Minas Novas rock crystal quartz girandole pendant and earrings demi-parure mounted in closed-back si...

A George I 18ct yellow gold, rock crystal, hair-work, and black enamel mourning ring. The gold ring bears the inscription "W : DEWE · OB: 22 · NOV, 1725 · AET: 58", within a black en...

Antique 18th century “Minas Novas” rock crystal, colorless topaz and simulated-emerald doblet girandole earrings and pendant/brooch demi-parure, Portuguese...

An Incredible and Quite Rare 18th/19th Century Islamic/Mogul Blued Steel and Gold Inlay Rock Crystal Double Rams Head Handle Cane/Swagger Stick. This elegant cane features blued steel adorned with a delicate floral motif and gold inlay, complemented by a meticulously hand-carved and hand-polished rock crystal double ram's head handle. Additionally, this cane holds a concealed dagger...

A Fine and Exquisite Mughal Gem Set Rock Crystal and Gold Box, India, 18th Century. Finley set in 22k gold, mounted with rubies and pearls. The body carved...