Quartz Jewelry

Characteristic of the large chunky shapes including Byzantine-style crosses favored by French couturiers Gabriel "Coco" Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix for their cos...

During the ArtDeco period when Gabriel "Coco" Chanel was at her peak as a Parisian couture fashion-designer in the early 1930s, this antique one-of-a-kind handcrafted gem-fringed and gilt-chain medallion brooch with trombone clasp was commissioned to accessorize one of her clothing designs. Marked only "FRANCE" like some early 1930s Chanel couture jewelry (without a brand stamp until the 1950s), its artistic origin is most likely from ornate organic-form sketches by her favorite parurer Fulco di Verdura. The Sicilian duke began creating fabric patterns for Chanel in 1927, which shortly expanded to fine jewelry beginning with custom pieces for herself. These include the iconic Byzantine-influenced gem-adorned cuffs referencing the Maltese military-cross, which the French designer can often be seen wearing in circa-1930s photos. This bright yellow-gold brooch suits goldsmith Verdura's early anti-Art-Deco aesthetic that was considered a radical departure from 1920s silver-tone jewelry, which otherwise featured linear geometric designs or figurative representation. The softly-shaped deconstructed gem-bouquet mixes amethyst and rose-quartz beads with natural Keshi pearls and intricate tiny gilt leaves, which are wired to a Baroque-motif open-work frame that dangles another gem surrounded by a thick gilt-rope halo. Notably, Verdura is credited with re-introducing since Victorian times the rope motif to jewelry. Since 1930, Verdura's unique style was influenced by travels with Chanel to explore Byzantine art, Baroque architecture, and exotic flora-and-fauna among his native Italian aristocratic estate. The legendary fashion-editor Diane Vreeland and American entertainment-stars were among the first Chanel clients to acquire couture real-gem-adorned jewelry made by Verdura, while one of the two brooches treasured by Vreeland was titled "Theodora". See our photo of the Byzantine mosaic of Empress Theodora, whose image wearing many teardrop pearls above her chest and surrounded by a golden halo seems to be the inspiration for this brooch. As one of the most important modern-design collaborations, Chanel's close relationship with Verdura lasted largely-undocumented years in Paris, until he launched his first outside jewelry venture with a Hollywood designer-boutique after emigrating to the United States in 1934. By 1939 as a financially-backed in-demand goldsmith, he founded the namesake jewelry-company Verdura in NYC. After he retired in 1973, the brand continued to operate without him with different owners. Given the duo's designs that played with historic and military references, Chanel's couture commission for this purple medallion may have been sparked in the early 1930s when the internationally-new...

This antique beaded silver necklace is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. The necklace is handcrafted with intricate beadwork, featuring beautiful and u...

Checkerboard Cut Quartz, Diamonds in 24kt Gold and Silver Ring by Kurtulan Jewellery of Istanbul, Turkey Ring details: Size 6 is in stock. 2.13 grams of 24k gold, approx. 2.41 grams...

S.Georgios designer ring in solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold all handmade with Byzantine workmanship - granulation work microscopically decorated over the unique velvet effect background w...

Medieval Style Rose Quartz & Moonstone Necklace with Diamond Accents, Handmade in Sterling Silver. Embrace vintage charm with this beaded necklace featuring radiant rose quartz & moonstone beads...

The necklace is handcrafted with intricate beading and is perfect for adding a touch of historical elegance to any outfit. The agate and Tiger Eye stones bring earthy tones to the pi...

It is always such a chore to have either matching or coordinating bridesmaids jewelry for your wedding. Whether you are a bridesmaid or a guest, these gorgeous pink quartz earrings ...