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Item Ships From: Manhattan
Lovely Exquisite 19th Century French Sterling Silver Bointaburet Hairbrush brush
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are Offering is An Outstanding Museum Quality French 19th Century Sterling Silver Hair Brush by Maison BOIN TABURET with Ivory...
Category

19th Century European Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

18 Karat Gold Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold photo frame. Measurements : length : 2 1/2 inch width: 2 1/4 inch
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold

Rare Important Bronze Estate Gladenbeck Bronze Boy on Marble Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite and Beautiful Museum Quality Estate Bronze boy holding monkey. The Bronze with a mid brown patina, depicting the young boy with the monkey hanging from his shirt, on cir...
Category

19th Century Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Swiss Gold and Enamel Brooch with Romantic Chateau de Chillon
Located in New York, NY
Swiss brooch, ca 1880. Oval enameled plaque in gold frame; rim comprises applied scrolls heightened with enamel and inset with pearls.The plaque depicts t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Radha Krishna God Aquamarine Figurine
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally stunning carving of the Hindu Gods Radha & Krishna in a rare Bi-Color Aquamarine with paint work as well. The figurine’s dimensions are 2” ...
Category

2010s Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Aquamarine

Rare Impressive Museum Quality 19th C French Three Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal and Bronze Mantle Cherub 3 Pc Clock Set, circular white enamel dial with Floral Wreaths and Numbers enc...
Category

19th Century Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Rare Early 1900s Cranberry Hand Cut Gorgeous Crystal Box from Switzerland
Located in New York, NY
A Spectacular and Rare Antique Hand Cut Hinged Lidded Crystal Box from Switzerland, Circa 1900. Box is beautifully etched with Magnificent Grape and Vineyard Etchings around box. Me...
Category

Early 20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Rare Pair of Important New York Estate English Silver White Jade Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is a Lovely Museum Quality Large and very elaborately openwork carved in an Exceptional even White Stone. Beautifully carved as a standing figure o...
Category

20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Jade, Silver

Magnificent Rare Colorful Heavy Italian Millefiori Swirl Glass Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item that we are Offering is A Beautiful and Rare Exquisite Heavy Italian Millefiori Swirl Glass Paperweight with Bubbles. Outstandingly done with Magnificent Array of ...
Category

19th Century Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal

English Silver Estate Kitney & Co Silversmith Rococo Hammered Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Monumental Kitney and Co. Silversmith Silver Photo Frame having fine scrolling detail. Taken out of a Several Million Dollar New York Cit...
Category

20th Century English Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Rare Important Estate Genuine Tourmaline, Citrine, and Malachite Gemstone Mirror
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Spectacular Jeweled Rectangular mirror mounted in mosaic frame predominantly comprised of Genuine Citrine, Malachite and Tourmaline Stones. Fr...
Category

Early 20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Citrine, Malachite, Tourmaline

Antique Silver Belle with Figural Fowl-Bearing Countryman Handle
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century European silver bell. Tulip-bowl with twisted gadrooning. Figural handle depicting an old-fashioned countryman holding two live fowl. Here’s dinner—eventually. Su...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

$4, 500 19th Century French Heavy Hand Cut Clear Crystal Glass Bronze Mount Box
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Beautiful 19th Century Bacarrat Style Antique Hand Cut Hinged Lidded French Crystal Box Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Box. The rectangular hinged lid and sides centering de...
Category

Early 20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Rare Important Estate 20th C Cranberry Color French Glass Liquor Perfume Bottle
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare French Cranberry Etched Glass Perfume / Liquor Bottle. Bottle is Etched with Clusters of Grapes and Beautiful Glass Ball Top. Beautifully done with Exquisite Detail. From a Rare New York...
Category

20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal

Beautiful Original 19th Century Italian Marble Sculpture Lamp Ferdinando Vichi
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item is a Museum Quality Original Beautiful Italian White Marble and Alabaster Lamp Sculpture of a Figural Nude Woman Sitting on a Rock by Artist Ferdinando Vichi (1875...
Category

19th Century Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Margaret Thatcher and State of Qatar, Garrard & Co. Silver Gilt Presentation Set
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Margaret Thatcher and State of Qatar, Garrard & Co. Silver Gilt Presentation Set, London, 1983. MARK OF GARRARD LTD, LONDON, 1983 A Three piece Elizabeth II, silver and silver ...
Category

20th Century British Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Antique Russian Gold Diamond Sapphire Lorgnette
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold Russian lorgnette, decorated with rose cut diamonds and a sapphire (stone is abraded). Comes in original box. Lorgnette measures 4.5" long with bale x 1 1/8" (when c...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Rare Important Estate Genuine Bone Boat with 7 HAPPY G-ds with Cabochon Stones
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Large Spectacular Estate Hand Carved Cow Bone with the Seven Happy G-ds Aboard. Taken out of a Private Collecti...
Category

Early 20th Century Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Chinese Hand-Carved Coral Figure
Located in New York, NY
Chinese carved coral figure of a woman's face Very finely hand-carved. Late 20th Century, China Weight: 182 grams with base Dimensions: approximately...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral

Natural American Green Jade Hat Stick Pin Scarf 14kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
11x7 mm mm natural 5 carat pear shape natural American Jade. 68 mm long stick 14 karat gold 2 grams
Category

2010s American Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver "Young Willie" William Shakespeare Key Ring / Pill Box / Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Sterling Silver "Young Willie" William Shakespeare Key Ring/Pill Box/Hidden Compartment that Opens and Closes with Magnetic System. Could Be Worn as a Pendant or Key Chain. The head...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Snake Belt Buckle Cabochon Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Snake Belt Buckle Cabochon Rubies 30.38 grams W 81.06mm H 41mm
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Leon Mege Hand-Made 18K Gold Green Enamel Frog Cufflinks with Natural Ruby Eyes
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
The frog cufflinks are beautifully rendered in Guilloche enamel in vibrant shamrock green color layered over 18K patterned gold and inset with exquisite rubies (set upside-down for a...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Personalized Sterling Key Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Personalized sterling silver key ring finished with round sterling picture pendants. Pendants can have images on both sides. Price based on one double...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

2002 MONTBLANC Qing Dynasty Precious Version 18K Jade Limited Ed Fountain Pen
By Montblanc
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition Montblanc fountain 18K pen with certificate of originality paper Qing Dynasty Precious Version. Limited Edition #70 of 88 spinach jade cap, 18K hardware/nip, resin ba...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

An Imperial Mughal Gold Jade Box Set With Diamonds and Semi Precious Stones
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Masterpiece of Mughal Splendor: A Rare Gold-Mounted Jade Box with Diamonds and Semi-Precious Stones Introduction to a Regal Artifact: This exceptional jade box, hailing from the storied Mughal Dynasty, is an unparalleled exemplar of imperial artistry and luxury. Acquired from the prestigious Spink & Son of London, this artifact transcends its material beauty to stand as a significant piece of historical and cultural importance. With its rich provenance and intricate craftsmanship, this jade box embodies the opulence and refined tastes of one of history’s most powerful and influential empires. Craftsmanship: The Art of Mughal Luxury: At the heart of this piece lies a finely carved jade...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold

Fine Mughal Gem Set Rock Crystal and Gold Box, India, 18th Century
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 12" high x 8" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Exquisite and Large Indian 22K Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite and Large Indian 22K Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur A very fine quality 22k gold box set with 40 diamonds, painted with the fine...
Category

20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
By Mellerio Paris
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10" high x 9" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Manhattan - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

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