USA - Objets d'Art and Vertu

Intricately hand carved dog miniatures of Spaniel Heads (details in photos) on a sterling silver twisted bangle are made by England’s Paul Eaton who is p...

Original miniature oil paintings on ivorine by esteemed miniaturist Beth de Loiselle (United States) of Fox Hunting themes featuring ho...

Original miniature oil paintings on ivorine by esteemed miniaturist Beth de Loiselle (United States) of Fox Hunting themes featuring a Fox Hunt Master and Fox encased in bespoke sterling silver solid back cufflinks by the master jewelry maker Paul Eaton VPRMS MAA (England) are collectable, stunning miniature oils for the fox hunt...

The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...

The AODA Studs and Ear Jacket Earrings are intended to recall fossils or futuristic organisms. The intricate geometry radiates a 3 dimensional suspended sculpture when worn. These vi...

The ARCO S Pendant belongs in FLOWEN's Specimens taxonomy. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combin...

Spectacular large sterling silver desk clip with figural golf ball. Signed Hermes Paris. A true "hole-in-one." .

Hand made in Boulder Colorado this one-of-a-kind jewelry box is perfect for the fine jewelry collector. Perfect place to place some of your regular p...

James Reid Limited Sterling Silver Three-Piece Belt w/ Original Canvas Pouch Gorgeous Belt by JR (James Reid) Ltd. Features Two Silver Encaps to which Center Element Attached Width ...

Vessel Color: Deep Blue Size: Diameter 1-3/8" X 2-1/8"" Tall This beautiful vessel bears a classical Sterling Silver acanthus leaf medallion inset into its cap. Designed and carved in relief by master engraver Amayak Stepanyan, its low dome is crowned with a 6 mm diameter natural Hematite gemstone set in one of our signature Sterling Silver bezels. The vessel also features a Rose Engine...

Antique match safe: gunmetal, with applied copper horse and rider. The clasp is set with a bezel-set turquoise. 1 3/4" x 2." Beautiful hand-eng...

In a manner only K. Brunini can, she has produced a stimulating retrospective of her work in a limited edition, hard bound book. A photographic feast for the senses, this compilatio...

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

Comes as shown in pictures and videos.

Louis XIV Style Marble and Ormolu Votive Cassolettes Votives Gorgeous! Gorgeous Ormolu Cassolettes Louis XIV Beautiful Set of Two Ormolu Candle Votive Cassolettes Appx Height = 10" ...

Limited edition #051/500 Tibaldi for Bentley Azure fountain pen in sterling silver with 18K nib. New, complete with presentation box, papers and pouch.

Chanel Classic Black Leather Coat *Marked 02 A *Made in France *Size Fr 36 / US size 2 -100% Calfskin -Approximate measurement - Shoulder width ...

A genuine Ethiopian 50 Matonas coin showing the triumphant Lion of Judah has been inset into the top. The obverse is visible on the inside of the cap, revealing the portrait of Emperor...

This King Baby stash box is made of wood and boasts a sterling silver lid that features a carving of a bird. The box weighs 118.1 grams and measures 2.50” in diameter with a 1” heigh...

This King Baby stash box is made of bamboo wood and boasts a sterling silver lid that is set with turquoise and features a snake motif. The box measures 2.50” in diameter and 1” in h...

Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Snake Belt Buckle Cabochon Rubies 30.38 grams W 81.06mm H 41mm

This organic vessel has been Rose Engine carved with an 18-cycle sinewave pattern on both the cap and body, complimenting the subtlety of the lustrous fini...

Vessel Color: Matte Gunmetal Gray Size: Diameter 1-3/8" X 1-3/4" Tall This vessel features a Rose Engine carved and engraved cap that compliments the 24-flute pattern carved onto the body with our ornamental lathe. The inset bronze coin is a genuine Japanese 1 Sen from the Meiji period. All vessels...

This is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind rough Colombian emerald sculpture. This unique item represents the woman in the morning, selling fruit to their local hometowns in Colombia. In ...

Excellent money clip. Made and signed by YARD. 14K yellow gold, with a large applied Essex crystal of a fox head. 2 1/2" x 3/4." A great subject. Attractive and distinc...

FACTORY / HOUSE: S. Nordlinger STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel and Stone CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length X Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Silver Dial / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This fantastic art deco clock was originally sold by one of the first jewelers in Los Angeles, S. Nordlinger. Nordlinger, a Swiss watchmaker set up shop in Los Angeles in 1869. His is considered one of the pioneer merchants in Los Angeles. His business grew and his sons took over eventually. He died in 1911 and in 1923 his sons merged the Nordlinger house with another famous Los Angeles Jeweler, Brock and Co...

This Charriol keyring is crafted from stainless steel and weighs 61 grams, measuring 4.20” in length. The keyring is offered in brand-new condition and includes the manufacturer’s box.

Amazing Handmade Silver Trinket Box Features Repousse Scene in a Tavern Box is 5.125" in Diameter and 1.875" Tall Total Mass = 414.1 grams Features Dutch Hallmarks for Fine Silver (a...

Outstanding sterling silver hinged case. With an enamel portrait of a mother collie with her two pups, in soft shades of black, white, brown and green. Hand-engraved family crest...

Sterling silver lidded box with beautiful floral design covering top and bottom. Etched crown in center of lid. Beautiful vanity piece. Possibly...

Rolex Agenda with Green Leather Cover - Green Saffiano leather Rolex agenda cover with tonal stitching throughout, 2 small slit pockets, embossed brand stamp at cover and elasticize...

FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Table Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Blown Glass CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's / 60's DIMENSIONS: 4.25 Inches Square MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...

Beautiful sterling silver hinged case. Luminous blue guilloche enamel, with portrait of a red and white Irish setter, wearing a red collar. The quality of the enamel is outstandin...

Beautiful sterling silver and enamel hinged case. Exquisite portrait of a black horse, with white facial markings, on a luminous white guilloche enamel background, which shades to g...

This miniature portrait of a young lady centers this unique gold pin 'cushion' with 14 removable pins, each topped with a pearl. Portrait is surrounded with small single cut old mine...

David Yurman Estate Griffen Dog Tag Sterling Silver DY181 $799 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING This eleg...

This whimsical coral smiling Happy Buddha pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Showcasing an expertly carved salmon colored coral Bud...

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...

Gorgeous 1st Edition Set of Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens Includes 20 Volumes in 19 Issues (Vol. 19 and 20 in final issue) Includes Hardcase box for storage All copies include...

Limited edition Montegrappa "St. Andrews Links" fountain pen in sterling silver with 18k nib 153/600. Made in Italy, New complete with presentation box, ink well, and papers. A great...

Very unique and stylish diamond spear hat pin, created by Merkaba Jewelry in 18K white gold. The round brilliant diamonds weigh a total of 0.50 carats. Total length - 1.75" inches R...

A compact of textured gold patterns, opening to reveal a fitted mirror, of 14 karat yellow gold; stamped 14k. 1 3/4 inch diameter weight 30 grams

FACTORY / HOUSE: Black Starr and Gorham STYLE / REFERENCE: Gothic Motif METAL / MATERIAL: Nickle Finished CIRCA: 1940s/ 50s MOVEMENT / CALIBER: High Grade 15 Jewels Swiss Made DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Roman / Filigree Hands DIMENSIONS: Length 16 Inches tall X Diameter 9 Inches Wide / 40cm X 23cm (box 17" X 11") WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. This is am impressive wall clock sold by one of the premier American jewelry houses. Remarkably it comes with its original box, in excellent condition. Black, Starr and Frost are considered America's oldest jewelry house. They merged with Gorham, one of America's oldest silver companies in 1929. Just in time for the Great Depression. This clock, or rather weather station as it is normally called, appears to have never been used. It was likely made in Switzerland of the finest materials some time mid century. Gothic in style while dating to later part of the Art Deco Era This would be an impressive piece in entry of an elegant old home. Or, conversely it would look great in an ultra modern entry...

ESTIMATED RETAIL: $5,040 YOUR PRICE: $3,100 - Cabochon emerald, diamond and blue enamel pendant in 18k, with over 3 carats in green emeralds and 0.50 carat in diamond accents. Made i...

Circa 1915 Frosted crystal pill or snuff box, measuring 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 inch in height. Having a silver hinged top with a mother of Pearl backed reverse crystal of a Col...

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

Miniature wildlife artist, Paul Eaton from England, hand sculpted a sterling silver Doberman dog head pendant which is elegantly framed with two drop baroque freshwater pearls. ...

Enamel hinged case, with bucolic country scene of a meadow, flowering trees and a waterfall. Alpaca. 2 1/4" in diameter. A lovely antique piece. Alice Kwartler has sold the fi...

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...