Superb Art Deco necklace of sterling silver framed square 8 facet natural rock crystal stones.  This cut allows for the maximum amount of surface and light refraction.  This is the same cut used on fine antique gemstones…the end result is a necklace that dances with light.  A pendant in the shape of a pyramid dangles below, adding sparkling movement to the piece. Each stone is prong-set into a delicately embossed sterling silver open back setting. Captivating!

Measurements: 15″ long with the center drop adding another 1 ¼” – the crystals measure 8mm x 8mm

Condition: Very Good, with the crystals all present and tight in their settings. Next to the clasp there is one stone that has a corner chip which is not overtly noticeable, but mentioned for accuracy. The rest of the stones in the necklace are clean and crisply cut.  There is just so much fire and reflectivity in this piece.   The sterling frame & findings match perfectly and all appear to be original to date of manufacture.  The sterling silver in the necklace exhibits a  dark, glowing patina, adding to the old world look of the piece.  This can be polished up to a mirror shine if you desire. The necklace is completely free of damage or verdigris other than that previously mentioned. The necklace fastens with an age appropriate thumb ring clasp.

Markings: STERLING, on clasp

Circa: 1920 – Art Deco era

Because of the superior refraction of rock crysta, that which rivals diamonds…these stones reflect whatever color they are next to…  This is a versatile “wear with anything” piece.  Here’s an incredible opportunity for the collector of fine Art Deco jewelry or would make a sublime necklace for the bride…

Luscious deep green bakelite bangle bracelet is deeply carved with a pattern of fern fronds over its entire surface. The exterior of the bracelet is slightly darker than the interior due to age and gentle wear.  It has a glowing patina that emphasizes the depth of the carving.  This is skillfully rendered piece, quite unusual and hard to find, worthy of the finest Mid-Century Jewelry collection.

Measurements: 2.5″ in diameter, 13/16″ wide (over 3/4″) in thickness, 8″ interior circumference, Weighs 31.2 gm

Condition: No damage to note, this bracelet is in excellent vintage condition…free of nicks or chips to the bakelite.

Markings: None

Circa: 1930s Late Art Deco Era

Outstanding Bookchain Necklace from the Victorian era!  The centerpiece is adorned with a prong set sardonyx hard stone cameo set into the center of a repousse’ shield. The bookchain consists of ccalloped, textured links and terminates in a pair of stylized tassels. A rare find, worthy of the finest Victorian jewelry collection.

Measurements: 1/4″ wide x 17″ in wearable length, with the center drop adding 2 1/4″

Condition: In very good antique condition with just a bit of wear to the gold fill on the high edges. Slightly more wear to the reverse…undetectable when worn or displayed. The cameo does exhibit some softening of the carved edges due to loving wear, but it is free of chips, nicks or cracks and is tight in its setting. The necklace fastens securely in front with a hidden slide in clasp located behind the pendant. The ring attaching the clasp mechanism to the piece appeared quite delicate to me when I obtained the necklace. I have had our local jeweler replace and solder a more sturdy ring into the piece. The balance of the piece is completely original and in excellent condition…no dents, overt scratches or damage to note.

Markings: None found

Circa: 1870-1880 – Victorian Era

Awesome large Sleeping Beauty turquoise nugget necklace by Navajo Anthony Toney.  From the 1970s, this necklace is original as strung/finished and complete with a stamped tag that reads AT. The necklace is long and luxurious with a simple hook and eye closure and strung on waxed cord, possibly sinew.  It is a true statement piece worn alone or looks smashing when layered with a silver bead, branch coral or Native American made bolo.

Measurements:  31″ in wearable length – slightly graduated with stones measuring approximately 8mm x 15mm to 12mm by 25mm.  Weight: 206 gms

Condition:  In excellent vintage original condition with the stringing strong.  The clasp, as well as the signed tag are sterling silver.  Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the most prized and expensive of all turquoise because of its intensely sky blue color and lack of matrix, or veining.  The turquoise nuggets in this necklace are indeed from the Sleeping Beauty mine, but are of a lesser grade, since they show some matrix.  This necklace in Grade A Sleeping Beauty turquoise would cost thousands of dollars.   However, because of the variations in color and veining present, it is much more affordably priced.

Markings: AT for Anthony Toney

Circa: 1970s

Smashing vintage slide necklace from the 1960s is comprised of bands of turquoise, coral, lapis and gaspeite between bands of glittering marcasites set into a gently arcing necklace slide.  The look is reminiscent of Art Deco, but the variations of stones bring to mind an exquisitely crafted Native American piece, so it will add a new level of versatility to your jewelry wardrobe!  The slide is mounted on a lovely twisted rope chain, but will easily fit on a more modern omega chain or wide herringbone.

Measurements:  Slide: 2″ x 1/2″ with a 9mm x 7mm opening for the chain – Chain: 18 1/2″

Condition:  The piece is in excellent vintage condition, with all of the stones free of nicks or chips and all of the marcasites tight in their settings.  There is a lovely old patina on the piece that I will leave to the buyer to discern whether it should be polished or not.

Markings: 925 on both the slide and the chain

Circa: 1960s

Wonderful piece to give or receive this holiday season!

Miriam Haskell
Huge Designer Necklace

This large Miriam Haskell signed statement necklace is loaded with delightfully wrought details, a true masterpiece!  The drops are suspended from a twisted rope of textured links.  Each of the twelve drops are beautifully crafted of 18 separate components…all in gold gilt over brass and include 9 hand-tied red, white, blue or maroon bone pieces.  The filigree elements are especially stunning and balance the drops from top to bottom. A single pointed finial dangles from each, adding interest and movement.

Measurements: 15″ with the drops adding another 2 1/2″

Condition:  The necklace is in very good vintage condition with bright and crisply wrought findings.  There is just a bit of the gold gilt worn away to expose a glowing brass patina.  Some of the white bone pieces have just a touch of a greenish tint which appears to be from the silk on which they were strung.  I found a couple of very minor darkened edges on some of the flat plates, but they are not evident unless you are looking for them.  No verdigris is evident anywhere and the findings all match.  It does not appear that there is any alteration to the piece in any way.

Markings: Marked MIRIAM HASKELL on the hook clasp

Circa: Unknown

Circa 1880 (Victorian Period)
Pietra Dura Mosaic Brooch

Beautifully detailed Victorian Floral Brooch made of hard stone (Pietra Dura in Italian) surrounded by a beautiful bezel of 900 silver.  This brooch from the late 1800s Victorian Period features a pansy and forget-me-not depicted in brilliant reds, golds, rusts, blues & greens.  In Victorian times, both flowers symbolized remembrance, the forget-me-not for true love and the pansy for humility.  Was this brooch a gift token from a humble young man to his true love?

Produced primarily in Florence, Italy, Pietra Dura means refers to the fine art of inlaying a design composed of various semi-precious stones in a neutral background like the black marble base of this brooch. Commonly used stones include malachite, jasper, agate, aventurine, turquoise and lapis lazuli, with ivory and coral often used as accents.  Due to the amount of time and skill required to fashion “pietra dura”, they were and still are highly sought after, and jewelry made in this style were a “must have” memento of European travelers during the late 1800′s.

Measurements: This brooch is 1 3/8″ (35mm) x 1 1/8″ (30mm)

Condition: This pietra dura brooch is in very good antique condition, all pieces of the mosaic are present and tight in their setting. There is one tiny area near the frame that appears to have been chipped  however there is no indication of it being dropped or damaged at the frame so I would think this is prior to it being set. The frame is made even more beautiful due to the fine gold wirework and is in very good condition without loss.  Typical of well made and well cared for pieces of this era, its pin remains straight & sharp despite years of use. The old-style C-clasp with tubular hinged closure work perfectly and securely.  There are no signs of repair or restoration.

Markings: 900 and ITALY

Circa: 1880s Victorian Grand Tour era

This is an excellent and authentic example of Victorian-era Italian jewelry.  If fine Italian mosaics interest you, then this is it!

1880s Victorian
Gold Filled
Amethyst Glass Brooch

This signed Fishel-Nessler (FN&Co) designer brooch from the late Victorian Era (circa 1880) is an amazing find.  Incredibly delicate filigree work surrounds an oval faceted amethyst glass stone in a bezel setting.  The ornamental border is edged with Forget-Me-Nots and Laurel leaves…symbols of success, triumph, remembrance, or most importantly true love.

Maker: Fishel-Nessler Company began operation in New York, NY from 1885 through 1936 or longer.

Measurements: 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″

Condition: This brooch very good antique condition;  the gold gilt is bright showing some loss only on the reverse.  The glass stone is bezel set and has a deep luminous amethyst color.  The top facets show a very small amount of softening from years of wear.  There are no cracks, nicks or overt scratches.  The pin stem varies only slightly from perfectly straight and works exactly as it should, staying securely fastened when worn.

Markings: Early FN Co Stamp on reverse (see image)

Circa: 1880s Victorian Era.

1920s (Art Deco)
Little Nemo Dress Clip

This solid color Art Deco era signed Dress Clip from Little Nemo is unusual in that it is all blue. This beauty features a huge faceted sapphire blue glass octagonal stone framed at the top by flourishes of dark brass toned pot metal, studded with the small faceted rounds that have become a hallmark of Little Nemo jewelry. Little Nemo, a subsidiary of Briar Mfg., began business in 1913 in Providence, RI and continued to operate until well into the late 1970s. As you can see from the images, this very large clip makes a huge statement whether it is worn as a pendant or to embellish a neckline, belt, purse, hat or glove back.  It’s just that incredibly beautiful and ever so versatile!

Measurements: 2 1/2″ long x 1 5/8″ large

Condition: The clip is in excellent vintage condition; the glass is chip and nick free; the stones, tight in their settings.  The stones all match perfectly and appear to be original. The clip operates exactly as it is supposed to.  There is no noted damage or verdigris.

Markings: L/N (no number)

Circa: 1920s – Art Deco Era

Huge Navajo Ring Circa 1960

This incredibly long solid sterling silver Navajo ring is absolutely a statement piece! Artfully arranged hand wrought feathers, tendrils and rain drops cover its entire surface…over 2″ in length. A frame of traditional Navajo stampings completes the piece. While unsigned, the piece is of excellent quality and skilfully crafted. It was purchased by its previous owner using a reservation arts and crafts gallery in the 1960s. Fabulous large piece of the lover of Native American made jewelry.

Measurements: Ring size: 10; Ring Top: 2″ x 1″

Condition: In first-class vintage condition with just the tiny fine scratches attesting into the gentlest of wear and tear. This type of is present in “round” and hasn’t been bent out of shape or damaged of any type.

Markings: STERLING on back
Circa: 1960s