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Item Ships From: USA
14 Karat White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Earrings- These stunning earrings each feature one 10 mm black pearl and one roun...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Multi-gemstone, White Gold

Brooch 14k Gold Peacock Bird Antique Ruby and Diamond 1960
Located in Berkeley, CA
Long, luxurious and vintage, this ruby, diamond, and gold brooch pin has diamond eyes and ruby feathers. Sparkles galore with woven feathers incredible detail work. In the trend of ...
Category

1960s American Romantic Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar. Simple design yet sophisticated piece that will add a nice detail to any tie. The top of the tie bar has a zig-zag design and the enti...
Category

1990s Unknown Retro USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

900 Silver Large Compact
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 900 silver compact. Beautiful etched floral and scroll motif on one side, etched stripes on other side. No monogram Measures 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" x 5/...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Alice Caviness Sterling Silver with Gold Overlay Moveable Butterfly Wings Brooch
By Alice Caviness
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1970s German Artisan Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Rare American Gold Intaglio Seal of George Washington, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A Rare American Gold Mounted Intaglio Seal of a Bust-length portrait of the first President in uniform enclosed by the inscription "George Washington", Early 19th Century. In a fitted green leather box retailed by: D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England; PROVENANCE: D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England Anita and Irvin Schorsch Collection Exhibited: Museum of Mourning Art...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold

Large Sterling Silver 'Maker's Mark' JFR Abalone-Center Floral Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Wonderfully detailed large brooch accented with a abalone center back-drop for the centerpiece featuring a 3-dimensional 'Vase with Fresh-Cut Florals'. Brooch is bordered with floral...
Category

1970s Unknown Artisan Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Watson Sterling Silver Floral Handle Grape Shears/Scissors
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver grape shears/scissors by Watson. Monograms appear to be THJ and 1900. Watson of Attleboro, MA were manufacturers of silver novelties from 1880-1950. These grape she...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

George Shiebler Sterling Silver Jingle Bell Baby Rattle
By George Shiebler
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver jingle bell rattle by George Shiebler. This is a beautiful and charming sterling silver baby rattle that features a jingle bell design ra...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Timofey Katurkin Russian Watercolor of Laughing Woman
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Laughing Peasant Woman Signed in Cyrillic T. Il’ich, l.r. and inscribed To Dear A. F.Sklarevski... Watercolor Image size: 7 x 6 in. (17.8 x 15.2 cm.) Framed: 18 1/2 x 17 1/4 in. (47 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Russian Empire USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Victorian-Era Etched Floral with Inlaid "Floral Lady" 3-Piece Silver Belt Buckle
Located in New York, NY
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 ...
Category

Early 1800s British Victorian Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Custom Made Enameled Belt Buckle
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautifully made, one of a kind, brass and red enameled belt buckle. It could be used as a large necklace pendant as well.
Category

1960s American Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Antique Silver and Crystal Owl Scent Bottle
Located in New York, NY
Antique crystal scent bottle. The top is a figural sterling silver "owl head" set with glass eyes. 3 1/2" long x 1 1/4" wide. Well-detailed feathers on his head and an endearing ...
Category

1890s British Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling 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 USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Reverse Intaglio Fish Tie Clip
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Reverse Intaglio Fish Tie Clip This lovely tie clip features a beautifully detailed reverse intaglio fish (16 mm x 13 mm) set on...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Yellow Gold

William B Kerr 344 Sterling Silver 2pc Belt Buckle
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver 2pc belt buckle by William B Kerr. 2pc round belt buckle featuring small round pink cabochons. Measures approx 1 9/16" diameter, 1"...
Category

20th Century USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Moorish Brass Extra Long Hat Pin with Turquoise and Crystals, 1900s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A necessity during the Victorian Era, hat pins not only balanced precarious hats atop piles of hair but also moonlighted as weapons against overzealous gentlemen. Though teetering ha...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Aesthetic Movement Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Brass

Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette/Scent Bottle
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Sampson Mordan & Co. is this Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette/Scent Bottle, Circa 1870-71....
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gold and Enamel Best Ever Dachshund Head or Tail Coin
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous figural "dachshund" head or tail coin. The dog's head, in black enamel, is on the front of the coin, and the tail is on the reverse. Coin cut border. 14K yellow...
Category

1930s American Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold

Gold Horse Head Money Clip
Located in New York, NY
Gold money clip, with a figural "horse head" set within a stirrup. Faceted ruby eye. 14K yellow gold. 1 1/2" x 1 3/4." A handsome accessory. Alice Kwartler has sold the finest ...
Category

1930s American Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/Pin Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Perry, FL
Hammered Finish Signed Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/ Pin in 18K Yellow Gold.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Colombian Emerald Alligator Rough Crystal Sculpture
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind rough Colombian emerald alligator sculpture. Hand-carved, and made of black shale, calcite, ambrosia, and natural Colombian emerald rough crystals...
Category

2010s Colombian USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

K. Brunini Sterling Silver Salt Cellar
By K. Brunini Jewels
Located in Solana Beach, CA
A beautiful addition to any table is the salt cellar in sterling silver with gold plated interior from K. Brunini’s Object d’Art collection. This is sold as a single item and is com...
Category

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

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

1379 Carat Oval Checkerboard Smoky Quartz Collector Gemstone Display Piece
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you know someone who loves beautiful rocks and gemstones, this pear-shaped faceted smoky quartz is sure to impress! This glistening gemstone measures 3-3/8 x 3-1/4 x 1-1/2" and is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Quartz

Sterling Silver Decorated Vanity Box
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Eight sided silver lidded box with decorated sides and minstrel scene. Bottom marked "800 Germany" with maker's mark. Beautifully designed and perfect for a vanity piece or pill box....
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Brilliant Art Deco Sterling and Enamel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Best ever art deco clock. Sterling silver, with azure and hot pink guilloche enamel. The hands, numbers and inner border are encrusted with marcasites. Mechanical movement. 3 1/3...
Category

1910s German Art Deco Vintage USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Marcasite, Sterling Silver

Hevajra Nairatmya Tibetan Thangka
Located in Long Beach, CA
This exquisite Thangka painting depicts Hevajra and his consort Nairatmya, two enlightened beings in Tantric or Vajrayana Buddhism. The painting is adorned with 24 K gold and depicts Hevajra's 16 hands holding a skull cup with animals in his right hands and deities representing the worldly elements in his left hands. Vajrayana Buddhism uses gender and sexual union to communicate the merging of compassion (male) and wisdom (female) that results in awakening. This Thangka is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines JS Noor...
Category

Early 2000s USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

24k Gold

1800s Miniature Pearl Diamond Gold Portrait Pin Cushion
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace Coated in Black Gommato
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver, PVD-Coated

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in Black Ruthenium and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in Black Ruthenium with Blue Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Aoda Studs and Earjackets in Rose Gold and Grey Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

K. Brunini Twig Sterling Silver and Tahitian Pearl Salt Spoon
By K. Brunini Jewels
Located in Solana Beach, CA
From the K. Brunini Object d'Art collection comes this nature-inspired and uniquely designed collectible to grace your table top. An heirloom for the table, or accent to the K. Brun...
Category

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

Materials

Black Pearl, Pearl, Sterling Silver

FLOWEN Sterling Silver Arco Pendant Necklace in Black Gommato and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, PVD-Coated, Sterling Silver

Diamond Hat Pin 0.50 Carats 18 Karat White Gold Spear
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Black Starr & Gorham Gothic Bold Wall Clock in Original Box
By Black, Starr & Gorham
Located in Long Beach, CA
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Gothic Revival USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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 USA - More 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 USA - More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

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