New Orleans - Objets d'Art and Vertu

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

Enveloped in a sea of 60.26 carats of fancy vivid yellow diamonds is this tour de force of jewelry craftsmanship from the collaboration of jewelry legends Fred Leighton and Carvin French. Made for Patricia Kluge...

Originally created as a purse watch, this "Guillotine" purse watch (montre de sac à guillotine) by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class all its...

One of history's most important American Indian leaders, Seminole Indian chief Billy Bowlegs (also known as Holata Micco, or "Alligator Chief"), is repre...

The legendary Michelangelo's Moses is meticulously recreated in this 19th-century cameo brooch. Crafted of beautiful onyx, the intricate cameo resides in ...

Art Nouveau pioneer and gifted American artisan Louis Comfort Tiffany created this Victory favrile glass medallion in celebration of the Allied victory in World War I. Tiffany's majestic iridescent art glass highlights the patriotic motif featuring an eagle, with its wings outstretched, holding aloft the Liberty Bell above the banner inscribed "VICTORY" above the year 1918. It is believed that this medallion was commissioned by Tiffany as an invitation to an exclusive party celebrating the end of the war. Few of these remarkable objets d'art are known to exist, making them not only exceptional works of Tiffany Studios artistry, but also stunning artifacts of world history. Set in a gilt bezel, this medallion can be worn as a pendant. Inspired by the fluidity and translucence of ancient Roman and Middle Eastern glass...

This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...

This magnificent Swiss Art Deco minaudière compact is believed to have been owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine. Crafted of sterling and gilded si...