Catalog (174)

This is a classic “cigar band” ring from around the turn of the last century, and moving into the Edwardian era, often called a “gypsy” ring, made from richly-colored 18kt yellow gold. The center stone is a diamond, the outer two stones are rubies. It has decorative scroll work on the shoulders. The hallmarks are for Chester, England, 1903, and there is an illegible maker’s mark. It weighs 4.0g, and is approximately size 5. The shank is a little off round, and it’s possible that it w...

This locket features a lovely Egyptian girl or woman – or perhaps a goddess! - in profile, wearing a headdress (from which a few locks of hair have escaped – so charming!), and hoop earrings. She is nestled within a crescent moon (symbolic of the female principal, intuition, and new beginnings). Inside it has both photo rings, but no celluloid. Unusually large, it measures 1-5/8”, and weighs .77 ounce. It is made of gold over silver, and there is a very faint “sterling” stamp on the in...

This elegant pin/pendant consists of an oval of onyx in a sterling frame. The bail tests as 14kt, the pin stem tests as 10k yellow gold. In the center are inlaid gold stars, and along the periphery are inlaid flowers, most likely platinum. The frame is decorated with a silver twist, and a floral motif. It measures 1-15/16 x 1-5/8 inches, and weighs 25.9g. Circa 1880. There is some loss to a couple of the flowers, but it’s still a striking piece. The photos are part of the description. Please ...

This intriguing (and slightly strange!) pair of pins is from the Art Nouveau era. They feature a woman’s face flanked by flowers, and her hair is greenish – just a little scary! We have been unable to determine what the metal is, so assume it’s not precious. They measure 1-1/4” x 1/2”. The pin stem assemblies are old, but they may be replacements. Circa 1900. The photos are part of the description; please examine carefully. Thanks! Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included...

This pretty ring consists of a flower made of six pearl “petals” (one of which is a replacement), centered by a tiny rose cut diamond. There is a compartment underneath, perhaps for storing a lock of hair, but no glass. The ring tests as a very strong 14kt, so it is probably 15kt (and therefore English). Cobalt blue enamel decorates the shoulders, which we’ve had touched up – this ring was obviously very well loved, and it’s still beautiful! Size 6. Early Victorian or late Georgian. We...

This elegant stickpin features a stylized flower design, based on a Japanese family crest. It is marked “k20” on the back, and tests as a very strong 20kt, so it might be finer. The flower head measures 1/2 x 7/8”, and the whole pin is 2-1/2” long. It weighs 2.4g. The pin is a little bent, not surprisingly given the high gold content (please see photos), and course that can’t be seen when it’s worn, and could easily be straightened. Otherwise in excellent condition, and circa 1900. J...

This pretty lavalier or pendant is enameled on both sides - unusual for Arts & Crafts pieces. The front has a central panel in a beautiful peacock blue, and 2 outer panels in the shape of stylized hearts, in a darker blue. The back is sky-blue (a little worn at a few of the high points). There is a freshwater pearl drop. It weighs 2.1g and measures 1-5/8” from the top of the bail to the bottom of the pearl. It comes on a sterling chain (stamped “STERLING”) which is probably modern. In good...

This lovely garland or festoon necklace is from the Edwardian end of the Art Nouveau movement. It is pictured in Vivienne Becker’s excellent book “Art Nouveau Jewelry” on page 185. She describes it as having “festoons of gold chain in the Edwardian manner, set with peridots, and decorated with shaded satin enamel, c. 1900.” It is unmarked, but tests as 14k gold. It is centered by an oval peridot, has an accent diamond and several small pearls, also a dropper ending with another oval pe...

This interesting pin is in the shape of a lyre (a precursor of the harp – Orpheus played the lyre). The coppery rose gold is engraved, with black enamel highlights, and dedicated to “GAO From G.V.” It measures 1-1/16” x 13/16” and weighs 3.6g, with the original old pin stem assembly. Unmarked, the brooch tests as 14k, and the pin stem tests as at least 10k. It is in excellent condition. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. NOTE: rose gold can be hard t...

This brooch or pin is in the shape of a bow, made from blue and turquoise plique a jour (translucent) enamel with twisted wire work running through it. (The colors in the photographs may be deceptive, depending on your computer monitor). The enamel over the wire spirals is turquoise, and the rest is a medium blue. “Plique a jour” translates roughly as “light of day.” Measuring 1-1/4” x 7/8", it weighs 3.1g. On the back it is marked with “800” for silver content, and an illegible (m...

This striking lavalier is centered by a light purple amethyst (traditionally good for maintaining clarity of mind), framed by rose gold panels which are a mix of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts in style. It has a pearl dangle with good luster, which is interestingly off-round. Measuring 1-5/8” including the pearl but not the jump ring, by 7/8”. The amethyst measures 3/8” x ¼”. It is marked “9ct” but tests as 10k (this is not unusual). It weighs 2.1g and is in excellent antique condi...

This lovely necklace features 13 madeira citrines, 3 clusters of 3 each, and 4 set singly. (Citrine is the birthstone for November, said to bring optimism and joy into life – just what we all need!) The central cluster has a pearl dangle. The rich rose gold is marked 9ct on the clasp, but it tests as a weak 10kt (not unusual). Wearable length is 18-3/4”. It is in excellent condition. The clasp is a little fussy, but could easily be replaced or repaired; we don’t want to do it ourselves, si...

This charming ring was made from 10kt (marked and tested) yellow gold, with a marquise or navette-shaped ruby flanked by two tiny accent diamonds. (Ruby is the birthstone for July, and is a symbol of devotion, love, and immortality – so lovely!) It also has a maker’s mark, which is either “QI” or “OJ”. The 2 diamonds are set in white metal – it’s not possible to tell whether it is silver or platinum. It’s size six and could be re-sized. The photos are part of the description; p...

This striking stick pin was made in the shape of an arrow head. It features a sparkly cognac-colored diamond of approximately 10 points (a tenth of a carat), but it looks bigger. Above and below the diamond are 2 lovely (cultured?) champagne-colored pearls. It weighs 2.3g and is of unmarked but tested 14k yellow gold, which has been hammered to enhance the “arrow head” look – a great reminder that the Arts and Crafts era overlapped the era of the Wild West! It measures 1/2” x 7/16” x 2...

This pin is unusual due to its length: it measures 2-1/4” x ½”. The fancy engraving is enhanced with black enamel, and the pin is centered by a faux pearl. The central element makes us think of a gear – this would be great to wear to a Steampunk event, or any event with a Victorian theme! It shows a little wear, but it’s still very pretty. The clasp might be a replacement. If so, it’s an old repair. The photos are part of the description. Please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipp...

This pretty floral spoon, by the well-known Unger Brothers, is signed with their maker’s mark, hallmark, and “COPYRIGHT 1904”. The pattern is Jonquil, which is the flower for those born in March, representing friendship and happiness. The spoon measures 4-1/2”, and the bowl of the spoon is a little bit under 2” across. It has a nice patina, a monogrammed M or W and is in overall very good condition. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. We do lay-away. ...

This pair of 10kt yellow gold cuff links, sporting an ivy motif, is a favorite of ours! Both because they are pretty, and because of ivy is symbolic of marriage and friendship. Sweet! The decorated ends measure ¾” x ½”, and the total weight is 3.2g. Unmarked, they test at 10k, and we believe them to be from the Victorian/Art Nouveau period. In excellent condition. They would be great for historical reenactment events! The photos are part of the description, so please examine them carefull...

This beautiful pendant/pin has a stylized floral motif, with enamel that shades from green to yellow, in a design reminiscent of a French fleur-de-lis. It is centered by a small diamond (approx. 5 points), surrounded by a pearl-set modified starburst which accents the enameled “petals.” In 14k rose gold, it measures 1” in diameter at the widest point. The bale folds down nicely when it’s worn as a pin. We had the enamel touched up a little at the edges, to restore it to its original exce...