Tri-State Area - Objets d'Art and Vertu

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...

Bochic “Gilda” Jeweled clutch. The “Gilda” clutch in honor of the beautiful, alluring and provocative Rita Hayworth in the 1946 romantic drama “Gilda”. A seductive and desirable wo...

This is a Museum piece, an Edwardian Silver and Hardstone-mounted Snuff Box marked for Aide & Lovekin Ltd., Birmingham, 1908, from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. ...

The Following Items we are Offering is An Outstanding Museum Quality French 19th Century Sterling Silver Hair Brush by Maison BOIN TABURET with Ivory...

Nautical sterling silver and enamel cigarette case. Made by Thomae in Attleboro, Mass., ca 1960. Rectangular and hinged. Signal flags enameled on front. Gi...

Alice Caviness wonderfully detailed sterling silver with gold overlay butterfly brooch has all four wings moveable if desired. Filigree handwork and made in Germany. The upper...

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...

Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Cheese Knife 6.5" Sterling Silver TIF824 This item has been newly polished and looks wonderful! It’s ready to be newly engraved! TRUSTED SELLER SINCE ...

The Following Item we are Offering is Rare Set of Important Fine Estate Suite of Eight George III-Style Mahogany Dining Chairs 20th century, consisting of a pair of armchairs, and six side chairs, each with a pierced and carved backsplat...

The Following Items we are offering are a Rare Pair of Large Original Maitland Smith Impressive Cast Bronze and Patinated Parrots resting on Tree Stumps, their wing and tail feathers...

11x7 mm mm natural 5 carat pear shape natural American Jade. 68 mm long stick 14 karat gold 2 grams

Asprey elegant 925 silver signature "167 New Bond Street, London" screw-on key chain is accented with a single red enamel center. The length measures 2 inches by 1 1...

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...

Tiffany Designer, Thomas Kurilla has sculpted many things for elegance, weddings, engagements , and this for fun . This baseball hat key ring holder is ...

Striped Blue Enamel Pill Box In 18k Yellow Gold. Inside of the lid inset with the mirror. Equipped with push button closure. Inscribed: Made in Italy. Stamped: 750 and makers marks....

Magnificently detailed, this 3-piece Victorian-era etched Silver buckle of beautiful florals on all three pieces highlights the center buckle with inlaid "Floral Lady". All ...

Tiffany & Co Estate Money Clip Sterling Silver TIF684 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING This elegant Authen...

Chinese carved coral figure of a woman's face Very finely hand-carved. Late 20th Century, China Weight: 182 grams with base Dimensions: approximately...

Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Business Card Holder Sterling Silver 43.18 Grams TIF791 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS Metal: Sterling Silver Weight: 43.18 Grams This Authentic Tiffany business card holder...

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...

Authentic David Yurman Ying and Yang Amulet Sterling Silver Estate DY572 Retail: $495.00 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!!...

David Yurman Estate PC Tuxedo Button Set Sterling Silver DY412 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 Retail: $799.00 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHI...

Our Wise Box is like a Faberge's objects de virtu, yet wildly modern lacquer. The box is exquisitely made by The Lacquer Company especially for Janet M...

Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Tiffany & Co Estate Baby Food Pusher Sterling Silver TIF707 Newly Polished, Ready to be engraved! TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS Type: Baby Food Pusher Metal: Sterling Silver This Authentic Tiffany baby...

Tiffany & Co Estate Clipit Letter Opener 4" Sterling Silver TIF709 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAIL...

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 ...

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...

Sterling Silver with Brass Accents "David the Lover Boy" Key Ring/Pill Box/Hidden Compartment that Opens and Closes with Magnetic System. Could Be Changed Into a Pendant. The head m...

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” ...

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...

The Following Item we are Offering is Rare Pair of Important Fine Estate Antique Victorian Chairs. Both chairs with a scrolling crest above and on Chair legs with carved designs and Beautifully Finished with Fine French Tapestry...

Tiffany & Co Estate Set of 4 Salt Pepper Shakers with Box Sterling Silver TIF742 These beautiful Authentic Salt Pepper Shakers with Box are made of Sterling Silver have been newly p...

David Yurman Estate PC Tuxedo Button Set Sterling Silver DY413 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 Retail: $799.00 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHI...

Tiffany & Co Estate Bookmark Sterling Silver TIF530 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING This elegant Authenti...

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...

An Italian porcelain jewelry dish with 'chintz' design, circa mid-20th century, Italy. An Italian jewelry dish/vessel with floral chintz design around c...

Marina B "Solar Coin" money clip 18 karat yellow gold, silver; marked Marina B, MB, 1987, 750 Size: width 1.63 inches, length 1.44 inches Total weight: 28.2 grams

Tiffany & Co Estate Cheese Knife 7.125" & Pate Butter Spreader 6.5" Sterling Silver TIF741 These beautiful Authentic Cheese Knife & Pate Butter Spreaders are made of Sterling Silver...

Elevate your everyday essentials with the exquisite craftsmanship of Michael Bondanza Jewelry. Introducing our 925 sterling silver Keychain featuring the iconic NYC Large 'Y' Subway ...

A sophisticated mother of pearl and onyx money clip by Bulgari. Made in Italy, 18 karat gold.

This exquisite Russian Imperial sculpture features a rat in a top hat with a movable cane crafted out of sterling silver and nephrite. The nephrite is medium to medium light muddy gr...

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...

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...

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip Silver 7 mm M413 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie clip is made of sterling silver and has 1 Akoya Cultured Pearl in s...

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Sterling Silver M316 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie clip is made of sterling silv...

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...

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...

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...

Personalized sterling silver key ring finished with round sterling picture pendants. Pendants can have images on both sides. Price based on one double...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...