Berkshires

While he maintained his design-leadership role at Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) created limited-edition silk chiffon Fendi-logo prints to be glimpsed through multiple thigh-high...

For his first collection for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche for Spring/Summer 2001, American Tom Ford debuted on the Paris runway this tuxedo-style black virgin-wool evening skirt-su...

This set of tumblers are fabulous in the hand. Heavy but comfortable and elegantly shaped, they make the perfect water glass or dramatic on the back ba...

1960s large handbag featuring an unusual sweep of a handle, lending it a modernist aesthetic, and crafted in a most desirable color and material - gunmetal patent. Simple brass frame...

1960s medium-weight silk shift dress in a beautiful shade of pink. The construction features a yoke at top that extends over the shoulders to form cap sleeves. The simple straight sh...

These mid-century platinum-like silver tassel chain drop earrings were designed by Trifari artistic director Alfred Philippe in an Art Deco style that recalls his earlier work for Ca...

Featuring the earliest white-swirled glass and enameled faux-pearl round beads handcrafted by Parisian lampwork-master Louis Rousselet for American entrepreneur Miriam Haskell and he...

Cast from an original 19th century French fountain.

Contemporary style large extending table with one 20" leaf. The impressive ebonized table has 4 large turned legs giving the table style and pre...

Robert Goosens, the French haute-couture Chanel-favorite parurier who enjoyed reinterpreting ancient and antique styles of jewelry with rock crystal and faux stones, also collaborated with Madame Alix Gres. Relevant to this statement necklace, the Parisian theatrical-costume designer, who founded the French fashion-house Maison Gres, commissioned Goosens to make spiral-wire adornments for her couture gowns. This handmade hammered brass wire choker necklace with five dropped en-tremblant pendants is decorated with unique colorful beads and wrapped wire. The piece dates between 1969-1971 based on similar unsigned spiraled-wire metal jewelry without goldsmithing marks in the museum collection of TheMet (see our photo), which acquired it from Maison Givenchy founder Hubert de Givenchy, who was one of most supportive fans of Gres. Like the legendary sculptural clothing designs of Madame Gres, this necklace was inspired by Greco-Roman costumes, while its sculpted shapes by Goosens reference her signature curvilinear fabric techniques that earned her the sobriquet of "the master of the wrapped and draped dress". Goosens (1927-2016), nicknamed Monsieur Bijou, also made jewelry inspired by other periods of antiquity to compliment the couture clothing of Coco Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. After Goosens collaborated with Gres, he revisited golden spiral designs with Saint Laurent. Similar to the free-flowing fabric manipulated in Gres gowns, this hand-shaped necklace that we photographed in sunlight is a study in motion that drapes across a curvy cleavage. Adding drama to this necklace below its wire choker, the top teetering-wire pendant is a twisted and hammered horizontal double spiral, which is a Hellenistic symbol of life and transformation suggesting the breasts of a goddess of fertility and motherhood. Yet distinctly Goosens, 18 hand-cut and hand-dyed "ancient-Roman-blue" rock-crystal beads are wire-strung to weight a second tier of two separate vertical double-spiral pendants. On each, a wrapped-wire tube divides the blue beads. Between these vertical pendants in two tiers, the central vertical pendants each feature a one-of-a-kind multicolor bead (yellow/blue/red/black/white) in two lengths with abstract organic patterns recalling ancient Italian glasswork. Four more blue beads bracket these larger colorful beads. An additional 10 blue beads and 5 wire tubes decorate the bottom looped wire pendant, as well as the bottom of the wire choker. Like the hammered-wire jewelry designs of modern artist Alexander Calder, the creative complex construction of this necklace surprisingly required no metalsmith techniques, such as soldering or casting, just great skill with a jewelry pliers and hammer. For a bigger picture of couture clothing by Madame Gres during the decade beginning in 1969, she notably designed many museum-collected one-color silk-taffeta draped long gowns with empire waists and simple high collars or geometric cut-outs. Remarkably, the focal points for some of these unique dresses were at the wrists, from where long pouf sleeves voluminously droop around the hands to nearly the floor like two enormous long-petaled flowers. If paired with this equally downward-focused and balanced necklace from this same period, its bold Greco-Roman elements would have pulled a viewer's gaze of the dress from floor to face. Although there is no significant provenance for this necklace, hammered brass and tinted rock crystal were among the few materials repeatedly associated with Goosens from 1969-71. For example, in his overlapping interior-decor collections based on themes of waterlilies or foliage, Goosens hammered gilt brass wire and sheets (see our closeup photo) to represent plant parts or he wired rock-crystal beads to appear as tiny fruits. While the two multicolor glass or resin beads in this necklace are atypical, the combination of blue, yellow and red is a palette that the designer used for other pieces of rock-crystal jewelry and he created many kinds of multicolor faux stones with glass or resin paste, such as faux Tibetan turquoise including black and white. According to journalism based on interviews with Goosens, he often acquired unusual stones and glass for inspiration during his extensive travels exploring museum-collected antiquities. Since Maison Goosens was acquired in 2005 by Maison Chanel, it opened the Parisian showroom Galerie Goosens and associated shops to sell many kinds of reproductions and reimagined works by the founder, which fortunately does not suit the completely handmade elements of this necklace. So this couture piece remains one-of-a-kind. If desiring a vintage haute-couture original by Robert Goosens, we recommend perusing the Maison Goosens website so that a reproduction with a contemporary signature is not mistakenly purchased. Madame Gres (1903-1993) was born Germaine Emelie Krebs, but initially identified her fashion designs with the pseudonym Alix and later Alix Barton...

This is an extremely rare set of signed hand blown crystal rimmed soup bowls made by the iconic H. P. Sinclaire Co, Ca. 1910-20's. Each crystal clear bowl is uniquely decorated with...

A rare and exceptional 19th century Minton dessert service featuring hand painted ornithological subjects hand painted in the neoclassical perio...

The black painted and gilt metal neoclassical floor lamp has elements of a classical column with a Corinthian capital and secondary base. In between is a black shaft. All rests on a ...

Vintage c.1980s Hanae Mori little black dress in black crepe, body skiimming style, with square neckline and knee-length straight skirt with back slit. The special interest comes fro...

J. Suzanne Talbot was a celebrated designer during the 1920s and onward in France, known particularly for her hat designs. This dress from the 1950s, be...

Kenneth Jay Lane--whose monogram KJL is signed on the white-rose-decorated gold-tone clasp of this double-strand black-resin beaded necklace--is only one of four bylined jewelry designers collected by The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection At The Metropolitan Museum of Art from the two-decade period between 1970-1989, which was dominated by such bold big shapes in mostly black, white and gold. A must for any collector of the world-renowned American-founded beauty-brand Avon, its rare limited-edition retailed necklace by Lane titled "Midnight Rose" is among the most distinctive that it produced among its lines of primarily perfume, cosmetics, and personal-care products whose origin dates back to 1886 in New York. Notably, the life-sized shiny cast-acrylic rose has the look of a far more expensive carved stone, such as one cut and polished from light-filled saturated-white chalcedony, which is a hard semi-precious stone favored by Lane. Like Lane's own line when it was originally signed KJL, the decorated clasp is uniquely designed. It locks underneath with a semi-circular hinge, which enables the stylized three-dimensional smooth rose to be perfectly positioned on the right side of the upper chest with the bud facing upwards above its three-leaf sepal in contrasting gilt textured metal. This position adds sparkle from above to the three pave rhinestones in a gold-tone setting at center of the rose, as if its dew-covered bud was beginning to open in strong moonlight. To balance the bold rose shape, the black strands cross each other below at a single point, which adds another eye-catching element to the concealed-string-tied necklace. In mint condition with no sign of wear, the necklace was acquired in its original lavender Avon retail box. In contrast, the paper shows wear and tear from handling, while still featuring the jewelry designer's full-name script signature, title, and text details like how to care for this synthetic jewelry. The metal-stamped hallmark is "KJL for Avon...

The six elegantly carved chairs are composed of five side and one arm, all newly painted in cream. The frames are secured by angled blocks at all corners. The padded pop-out seats ar...

LBD by Bill Blass can take you anywhere, dressed up or down. In black wool crepe, the simple sheath dress is distinguished by a wrap front overskirt gathered on one side. High neck a...

Stunning Italian iron Savonarola Dante chair also known as x chairs or Curule chairs. Featuring an iron frame that folds in a Campaign style with bronze-mounted finials. A sling back...

1950s Italian gilt and cream paint decorated wood side table. Minor patina and paint loss. Small side table - D 12.75", W 12.75", H 17.38".

The Mid-Century Modern Round gold toned table has a hammered textured iron frame with antiqued mirror to give it character. This side, end table or accent table has the elegance in t...

Vintage industrial / nautical spotlight by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930-1940. Retains some original gray paint. For display only; not recommende...

Add a neoclassical country touch to your countertop or nightstand with a gold gilt edge grey painted galvanized tissue box cover. Add fashion and protection for your facial tissue. E...

Faneuil by Tiffany & Co. sterling silver salt shaker and pepper mill set. Simple elegance, Salt shaker 1.5" D x 2.25" H. OFFERING FREE SHIPPING TO CONTINENTAL US. PLEASE JUST ASK FO...

This vase is a showstopper- rich, hand blown cobalt blue crystal is embellished with wheel cut engraving and highlighted in gold. The fanciful decoration circles the circumference of...

Chinese export blue and white porcelain milk pitcher.  

The pair of Sheffield silver plate chamber sticks have attached snuffers. The handles fit the first and second fingers and have thumb rests. The base metal is copper. The one candleh...

The pair of vintage brass lamps is stylized urns with handles. The bases are trimmed in black and the bottoms are lined with felt. The rect...

In the 1990s when the Dutch collective Droog introduced international leaders of late 20th-Century functional art such as Ron Arad, Marcel Wanders, Jurgen Bey, Hella Jongerius, and Tejo Remy, the Netherlands-based brand was one of the most successful producers of conceptual design. The collaboration was co-founded in 1993 in Amsterdam by the jewelry and product designer Gijs Bakker (b. 1942), who commissioned his protege French artist Frederic Braham in 1998 to create this one-of-a-kind brooch for his young Droog-represented jewelry line "Chi ha paura...?". The Italian phrase means "who is afraid of?". This natural satin-lustre South Sea black-Tahitian 15 x 10 mm baroque thick-nacred pearl, which is bezel-set in oxidized sterling on a sharp silver stud for push-back fastening as a lapel or tie pin, is surrounded by a removable textured gold disk brooch with the Chiapaura maker's mark, artist's signature, abbreviated year and assay symbol. Notably, while farmed pearls from this French-Polynesian region are scarce, it is rarer to find one over 12mm. This dark gray one is also exceptional for its desirable secondary tone of peacock green with minimal surface imperfections. From normal use, the unseen back of the disk is missing chips of ecru enamel where it contacts the fastening knob. This reveals that the disk is solid gold. Like other functional conceptual design represented by Droog, the brooch is more than a beautiful piece of fine jewelry featuring multiple contrasting elements, as it could be a provocative "third nipple" if worn on a tie or scarf. Given the Dutch origin of the brand, we recall the famous 15th-Century oil-painting by Johannes Vermeer, known as "Girl with a Pearl Earring". Who is afraid of girl or boy with a third nipple? We acquired this brooch from a jewelry collector who had purchased it from the Italian gallery...

Regency Neoclassical style two tiered side table with two pull-out drawers. and an additional handy lower shelf for books or other needs. Tea table, side table, end table, nightstan...

Encrusted with mixed-cut pyrite and marcasite stones for gold and silver reflections, this extremely-sparkly double-rimmed wide thick sterling-silver ring was designed by an artisan ...

These antique early-20th-Century French carved lampwork glass bead earrings depict berries and leaves. On each earring, this fruit salad dangles on a single ring that drops from a round convex green "stem", which is attached to miniature brass clips...

1980s oversized cut in this hip-length sheared fur jacket, possibly opossum or raccoon. The fur is lush and cut in flat, broad pieces throughout the...

c.1960 fascinator consisting of a structured pink velvet ring under a coordinating deep net that extends from top of head down front and sides. One si...

Lucien-Hector Jonas French, 1880-1947 Canal View Oil on Canvas 21 ¼ by 29 in, w/ frame 32 ½ by 40 in Signed lower left Jonas was born in the town of Anzin in northern France. He fi...

Rosenfeld c.1960s evening bag with chain of gold metal metal molded in a quilted and wave design. A gold metal triangular clasp, echoed on the rever...

The pair of outdoor lounge chairs and coffee table, made of strips of open-weave black wrought iron. Decoratively curved stretchers secur...

The perfect dress to have in your wardrobe, this chic LBD from Frank Tignino will take you many places. In black wool crepe, the dress has an inverted V ...

Mahogany mink waist-length jacket with shawl collar and sleeves that can be turned back with cuffs or let down for full length. Velvet cords terminating in mink spheres tie under the...

18th Century or earlier, rustic French country portal door frame for garden wall entrance. Stones are hand-carved in grey stone for a country farm house. ...

Custom made and designed by us, this table base is elegant and rustic at the same time. This wrought iron garden dining table base can be used...

With artistic value as a Renaissance chiaroscuro miniature painting with precious ultramarine lapis-lazuli pigment, this early 16th-Century period gilt-filigree silver pendant medall...

"Colonial Arch Mirror", model 8023, with mirrors hand-set in lead designed by Carol Canner for Carvers Guild, 1973 (signed and dated on back). The mirror has a large dome shape top,...

This is the grandfather of Michael Elkan boxes. Retaining it's original surface and the rarely seen or found interior boxes of which this group is intact. All made from the same bloc...

Three very large monumental over size rustic antique architectural paneled doors with oval top that will add character and style to any hou...

Pair of painted Louis XVI style armchairs with generous proportions with caned backs and upholstered seats. These stylish chairs most often referred to as "fauteuil Marie Antoinette" feature "chapeau de gendarme", fluted legs. Comfortable, elegant and practical frames. Chairs are appropriate for Swedish Gustavian style, classical or modern decor. Great as head dining chairs...

The antique gilt-on-wood frame has a molded floral border on the outer edge, shiney gold in the middle and another design on the inner edge. Inside of frame - D 18.13, H 24"

Created by a gallery-exhibited progressive artist in the 1990s in a way that foreshadowed TheMet museum exhibition "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion", this ingenious signed sterling-silver chain link collar necklace features eight convertible pink-gem-accented pendants that can fasten your own pierceable larger elements, such as fresh flower heads or cut felt. It was initially acquired in the late 1990s from the U.S. avant-garde modern jewelry exhibition space Jewelers' Werk based in Washington D.C., which is printed on the included original black box with gold text. The versatile necklace that fastens with a handcrafted filigree floral clasp enables the wearer to choose from a wide variety of objects that can be pierced by the removable prong-set sparkly fuschia studs--from felt balls to folded origami paper--to attach to the likewise removable oxidized sterling cups. The perhaps morganite or crystal studs, whose silver ends are not visible after affixing such objects, can be mixed or interchanged with your own earring stud(s) or dangling pieces to enable more movement when worn. As shown in photos, a buyer can avoid the contact of such interchangeable objects with long hair by removing studded cups towards the back of the neck, whereby symmetrical sterling-stud fasteners that serve to link the chain necklace will discreetly remain. If the collector would like to use all of the sterling cups that surround the neck, one of their studs is missing its crystal, which can be replaced if entirely pink stones are preferred. We photographed the necklace populated with fresh and dehydrating daisy heads, which slowly wilt or dry while worn. With inspiration from TheMet current museum exhibition featuring beautiful contemporary clothes designed to show the passage of time, along with some of its archived fragile fashion based on the fiction-inspired theme "The Garden Of Time...

This antique French early Art-Deco period two-strand necklace is strung with a variety of Parisian handcrafted beads that date to the early 1920s, including sea-green lampwork glass,...

An extensive and outstanding Steuben handblown crystal stemware service for 12 with applied black threaded decoration. This amazing collection of Bristol yellow and black crystal includes 12 tall water goblets, 12 footed tumblers, 10 red wine goblets...

Norman Norell is well known for his sequined creations. Here is an unusual version that, though unlabeled, is unmistakably Norell.

A casual style predominates, from th...

Around 1970 when Bill Blass introduced his eponymous brand after becoming a leading couture fashion designer among New York City society, he created this sleek tuxedo-like ecru-satin...

In the Art-Deco period when geometric, monotone and sparkly designs became fashionable, leading Paris-based couture designer Elsa Schiaparellli set trends with her artistic use of new plastic resins in bold costume jewelry. The progressive French style is exemplified by this unsigned antique black sphere-motif pair of a coiled bangle bracelet and two-tier crystal earrings. The heat-set curvilinear plastic, along with the silver screw-hardware of the earrings, date the set to no earlier than the 1920s and no later than 1930s. Each inch-diameter earring features 18 black molded bezels containing brilliant rose-cut crystals, while their filigree-like concealed black frames are riveted in back where they twist-fasten with very thin silver hardware. The rhinestones rise above the bezels to maximize their sparkle in rainbow colors, which is accentuated by the stacked frames...

100% camelhair double-breasted coat featuring an oversized fit, notched collar, raglan sleeves with turned back cuffs, and diagonal pockets. Topstitchi...

This vintage amusing enameled silver pendant adjustable-chain unsigned necklace, belt or novel interior decoration features heart-shaped two-inch...

Antique cast iron single arm Neo-Gothic Medieval wall lighting fixture that sits on a triangular shield backplate. Gothic Revival lighting.

This set of 10 hand blown crystal champagne flutes are an unsual rich amethyst overlay cut to clear. The "thumbprint" clear cut ovals surround the body with an easy to hold and gorge...

Black net bolero embellished with large beaded floral bursts and leaves. Collarless with short sleeves. Approximate size 8.

Black velvet three-quarter coat in black velvet embellished with gold sequined leaf design curving from the shoulder to the armhole. Collarless, with balloon sleeves and white quilte...

Lavishly sequined vintage cardigan in lavender accented with beaded florets. Hook-and-eye closures in front. Silk lined. An excellent example of the decorated sweaters popular during...