Antique & Vintage Jewellery
Balinese Silver Bangle with Elephant Heads, 1980s
Price: £45
Balinese Silver Bangle with a typical rope twist design terminating in two elephant heads with raised trunks. One terminal with a small circular pad marked 925 (the nine is very feint and can only be seen with a loop). Style and form of decoration suggest a circa date in the 1980s.
Art Deco Chinese Export silver Buckle later converted to a Necklace
Price: £125
This is a beautiful necklace comprising a very detailed silver buckle that depicts a sinuous dragon encricling the characters for "Blessing", It has been converted to a necklace using a period belcher chain. Full import marks to the reverse and marked Silver.
Two complementary Bracelets in a Greek Key design
Price: £45
This is an interesting lot of two bracelets that match one another well. They are both finely made and are decorated in the typically stylish Greek Key design. Continental and marked 925. The ‘Greek key’, also known as the ‘meander’, is a repeating geometric motif that has been used in a wide variety of decorative contexts for centuries. The pattern can be found in a variety of forms. At its most basic, it is a band consisting of short horizontal and vertical lines, connected at right angles. But it can be more complex, forming labyrinths and interlocking key patterns.
Edwardian Scottish agate panel bracelet
Price: £75
This is a lovely and delicate bracelet comprising both carnelian and banded agate plaques, mounted in brass with an integrated clasp.
Very unusual banded carnelian panel bracelet
Price: £45
This is a very striking bracelet comprising six large banded carnelian panels interspersed with carnelian beads on typical stretch elastic. This is especially beautiful because the stones have natural inclusions. The origin of this bracelet is not clear. Could be Scottish or possibly Chinese.
Outstanding strand of Chinese coral beads
Price: £150
This is an amazing necklace comprising large carved Art Deco coral beads strung with more modern 20th century round beads and fitted with a Chinese silver clasp. The large beads are carved with typical Chinese symbols and decoration. These beads are natural coral and there are blemishes that indicate this, the variations only adding to their unique beauty.
Long Art Deco pinchbeck watch chain with two pendants
Price: £65
This is a gorgeous long watch chain in a very usual star box link. Attached to the chain is a banded carnelian locket and a rock crystal cross. These are removable and are not original to the chain although they are from the same period.
Curb link pad lock bracelet, London 1977
Price: £85
This is a very classic heavy curb bracelet with the padlock clasp. It has a safety chain and the clasp is very firm and holds well. The padlock is fully hallmarked for London, 1977 with a makers mark of RGS. r
Rennie Mackintosh silver scarf ring with scarf included, c1990
Price: £45
This is a very elegant scarf ring that bears the designs of Rennie Mackintosh. It is hallmarked with the mark of Mackintosh's estate copyright. It i also marked 925. The black and white silk scarf is included so you are ready to go!
Silver Monogram Celtic Style Brooch Hallmarked 1878/1879
Price: £45
A Silver Celtic Style Brooch, the design with interlacing strands in a variety of surface textures, three of which seem to represent the letters 'S' 'S' 'E', hallmarked to the reverse with the stamps (from right to left) lion (fitness mark), anchor, (Birmingham Assay Office mark), 'd' (Date letter for Birmingham 1878 to 1879), 'EU' (Sponsors mark - the firm which submitted the item to the assay office - for Edwin Umfreville who traded at 119 Jermyn Street, St James's, London and offered items with bespoke monograms).
An advert for Edwin Umfreville appeared in 'The Bazaar, The Exchange and Mart - 19th April 1879' where one of his pieces is described. "Like all the “ E. U." jewellery that we have seen, the workmanship is first-class, and the design most tasteful."
Necklace with FA cup pendant, Alexander Clark Co. 1976
Price: £85
This is a very unusual necklace that has a large silver pendant in the form of what appears to be the FA cup, or the The Football Association Challenge Cup which is a big thing in Britain. It is very finely made with full English hallmarks for London, 1976, makers mark Alexander Clark Co.
Pendant and chain commemorating 25 years of service at Ford, London 1965
Price: £35
This is quite an interesting item. It is a pendant with three generations of Ford men depicted in profile and it says 25 years. This appears to be a company gift to an employee who worked at Ford for 25 years. Presumably this is what the women received. The men probably received a gold watch and a promotion! This is silver with full marks for London 1965 with a makers mark PP & P.
Victorian guilloche enamel and marcasite ring
Price: £60
This is a lovely and delicate ring comprising a panel of blue guilloche enamel surrounded with marcasite stones
Edwardian 3p piece bracelet 1919
Price: £50
This is a fun bracelet that is mounted with a 3p piece from 1919. The reason for this is that 1919 was the last year the 3p coin was made of silver so they wanted to commemorate this. There is a typical padlock clasp with full marks for London, 1979 with the maker LC. The padlock must have been replaced.
Japanese lacquer brooch c1940
Price: £25
This is a lovely brooch comprising a small lacquer panel depicting a lady in a landscape. It has an integrated pin.
Classic Scottish agate specimen brooch c1900
Price: £35
This is a very simple brooch that is all about the wonderful stone. This is a banded carnelian stone with the pureness and transparency that is so admired about these stones. It is highly polished and is in perfect condition.
Stunning turquoise and aventurine pendant necklace
Price: £75
This is a very beautiful and unusual necklace comprising both the pendant and chain. The pendant boasts two very large stones, one is turquoise one is aventurine. These are mounted in silver and silver gilt. The mount is set with floral accents and a butterfly flying over the teardrop stone. There is also a small garnet set below. The pendant is marked 925 and it is dated c1980, the chain has been added and is modern. The origin of the pendant is most likely Cyprus or that region.
Rennie Mackintosh Arts and Crafts silver brooch
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate brooch comprising a typical Arts and Crafts motif with a fresh water pearl drop. It is marked with Scottish marks and could be trademarked for Rennie Mackintosh but it is not clear.
Large Victorian strand of malachite beads
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising a string of graduated very large malachite beads that are slightly varying in shape. They are mainly round but as they have been hand worked they are not exactly spherical which adds to the charm of these old beads. These have been recently restrung with a modern clasp.
Jerusalem malachite bracelet and brooch suite c1930
Price: £125
This is an excellent suite of a bracelet and brooch/pendant both comprising large malachite stones surrounded by faux pearls set into brass. Both have Mille grain work and go well together. They are marked. The bracelet is marked Hand Made Bezalel Jerusalem. The brooch is illegibly signed.
Victorian silver gilt filigree bracelet, Morocco
Price: £95
This is a stunning bracelet comprising four stations set with real stones amethyst, calcendony, tigers eye and garnet. These are surrounded with faux pearls. There are also small stations set with turquoise. It is marked 950 Silver. Probably Moroccan or North African.
Silver plate Perfume Bottle with attached Stopper and Chain, Burmese late C19th
Price: £45
This is a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting two confronting Burmese lions between the sacred pearl on the face with a key pattern border and stylised scrolling foliage to the sides, the neck with rope work and the stopper attached by chain which comes out to reveal the scent wand. The style of representation of the lions suggests the country of origin and the piece probably dates to the late nineteenth century. It is fitted to a very long necklace chain, probably later, creating a very wearable piece of fashion history which is both practical and decorative.
Long strand of coral beads c1920
Price: £125
This is a very long strand of matched natural coral beads. They are in varying shapes with the width matched to make them a perfect strand. These have been restrung with a later clasp.
Scottish agate modernist brooch c1970
Price: £25
This is a striking brooch comprising a large agate stone set into an abstract shape. It is marked 925.
Monumental Mille Fiore glass bead necklace c1970
Price: £175
This is a very large long necklace comprising different types of Mille Fiore Venetian glass beads. The largest beads measure 31 mm these are the joins for a double strand of round and tubular beads on the higher part with barrel shaped beads on the lower part of the necklace. For vintage jewellery collectors this is one in a million. And for fashionistas this would go with everything. :)
Art Deco Catalin Bakelite necklace, American c1930
Price: £125
This is a fabulous necklace comprising very large mustard coloured catalin beads in tubular, ovoid and globular shapes. Catalin is a form of plastic that is comtemporary with Bakelite. They are very similar as they are both composed of phenol and formeldehyde. The main difference is that Catalin was poured a poured liquid and Bakelite was moulded from a granular powder. Catalin is a brand name developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. It was used in a variety of applications, including costume jewellery, until the end of the second world war when it became too expensive, as every piece had to be individually cast and polished. Catalin jewellery is often incorrectly referred to as bakelite but has a distinction all of its own and this necklace is prime example of the fashion designs produced in the 1930s.
Very fine Moroccan engraved silver bracelet c1930
Price: £95
This a silver bracelet comprising very finely engraved stations that are connected as links. These have been set with silver gilt camels and elephants together wilh Arabic letters. It has the usual barrel type clasp that is very secure. There are illegible hallmarks.
Egyptian Nefertiti and Talisman necklace on long chain c1970
Price: £95
This is a group of two large Egyptian pendants on a long box chain. The pendants are a plaque or talisman that has Hieroglyphs the other is the head of Nefertiti. These go perfectly together and look great on the long chain. Both pendants have Egyptian silver hallmarks.
Two watch fobs 1912 and 1923
Price: £35
This is a group of two gentleman's watch fobs. One says "Senior Rounder 1912" and the other "WLOC 1923". These would have been very meaningful to the person who had it on their watch chain. Unfortunately these details have been lost over time. Rounder was a game that resembled baseball so persumably that person played Rounder. These are very fine silver and are a piec ef ephemera that can be worn as a pendant.
Gentlemans waistcoat pin set with four watch fobs 1930s
Price: £150
This is a bespoke waiscoat pin with four hanging watch fobs. The owner was someone called R.S. Hollands as they all bear this name. They all have dates 1927, 1936 x 2 and 1934. There are different places on them and two have the designation of "Senior Rounder" and S.C.A.B.A. One also has the name Boosey and Co a company that manufactued brass instruments. Rounders is a game much like baseball. Mr Hollands definetly wanted to show these off. :) Thie is a piece of history that can be worn as a brooch, what could be better for a vintage collector?
Deaking & Francis silver bangle, Birmingham 1955
Price: £125
This is a stunning wide bangle bracelet by well known silversmiths Deaking & Francis. It is very finely engraved with typica leave and scrollwork. It is hinged and has a safety chain. It is marked for Birmingham 1955 and it also says WAX FILLED. This is to indicate that the piece is not solid and is weighted with wax.
Three Indian enamel bangles, mid 20th century
Price: £85
These bangles are an excellent example of Indian enamel work comprising three complementary pieces in blue, red, green and black. The largest of the three has an elephant motif and is marked '925' for silver. All are a good size and will fit most wrists and go over most women's hands.
Egyptian enamel and silver cuff bracelet c1930
Price: £125
This is a very striking bracelet that depicts a sacred goose, an animal consecrated to the god Amun. The base of the bracelet has a satin finish which gives a wonderful texture to the piece. It then is overlaid with thick silver plaques that have heavy enamel work in blue. With full Egyptian silver hallmarks, which indicate a minimum of 900 silver.
Fun silver mounted perspex earrings, early C21st
Price: £30
These are a pair of earrings comprising black perspex mounted with 925 silver decoration that depicts flames. They are marked 925. These are strange because they are not a true pair and are exactly the same. This means that one earring needs to go in back to front so that the decoration is not facing outwards. Not sure what the maker was thinking here but they are extremely light and comfortable to wear.
Indian Silver constructed Necklace, 1930s
Price: £75
This is an anklet bracelet (the size is too large for the wrist) that has been converted into a necklace with the addition of a chain. It comprises very detailed silver work with beadwork and hanging chain loops. There is a tag stamped 'DHANPAT' 'REGD' which appears to indicate that the design is patented in some way. The Indian firm Dhanpat Jewellery, which still trades today, is located in King Koti, Hyderabad and was founded in 1931. The style and composition of this piece suggests a prewar dating, but it could perhaps be later. It is formed from 800 grade silver presenting a finish which is slightly duller than 925 standard wares. There is certainly a hint of Eastern exotic here and the quality of the bracelet can be appreciated much more fully in its adapted form!
Art Deco Moss Agate buckle, 1930s
Price: £35
This is an unusual buckle comprising two large discs of Scottish moss agate formed to create a shield design with a central boss, each mounted in silver and with silver clasps. The clean and simple lines of the design suggest a dating to the Art Deco era and the buckle would have made an elegant addition to the contemporary wardrobe.
Brutalist style silver and opal Necklace, 1994
Price: £75
This is an unusual necklace, the silver hammered into a baroque brutalist design, the pendant with stylised rocks surrounding an inset large Australian boulder opal with an anchor like drop below, the chain in the form of narrow unevenly surfaced slabs joined with links. It is hallmarked for London 1994 with the maker's mark 'FJM'. The 'Brutalist' style appeared in architecture during the 1950s and 1960s with an emphasis on block forms and raw material construction but its influence spread to other art forms including ceramics and jewellery, as here. Little to charm the eye perhaps but the craggy and slightly abstract design has something of a contemporary appeal.
Art Deco banded carnelian station necklace c1930
Price: £55
This is a long line necklace comprising stations of flat oval banded carnelian ending with a large tearshop pendant. These are drilled and connected with brass fitiings. These are exceptionally good stones making this necklace beautiful and elegant in it simplicity.
Chinese cloisonné pendant silver Necklace set with a large lapis stone, c1950
Price: £95
This is a beautiful silver pendant that has a very unusual oval shape repousse basket weave design set with a large oval lapis stone. It is mounted with cloisonné elements which also occur on the bail. It has been paired with a light belcher chain that suits the pendant very well. This piece is unmarked but would be 900 or 925 grade silver.
Sautoir necklace and earrings in moss agate, crystal and aventurine
Price: £125
This is a necklace and earrings that comprises an upcycled moss agate beads combined with new rock crystal, calcendony and aventurine beads. The beads and drops are carved into hearts. This is a sautoir design where the central stone is a carved moss agate rosette. The earrings are heart shapes. All findings are 925 silver.
Silver cuff bracelet set with Scottish banded carnelian stone, Birmingham 1975
Price: £85
This is a very striking bracelet set with a very large Scottish.banded canelian stone. The setting is a very simple and elegant three band design. Bears full silver marks for Birmingham 1975. The makers mark is AP.
Pair of silver fobs adapted as earrings, Birmingham 1904 & 1905
Price: £75
This is a wonderful way to upcycle two watchain fobs. These fobs were earned by the same person for ;perfect attendance by the Kent Education Commitee. Although they are undated the silver marks indicate the years 1904 and 1905. These have very fine quality siliver work. It bears the coat of arms for the KEC. These have been set on silver earring hooks.
Pair of shield or arrowhead shaped amber and silver earrings
Price: £30
These are a very fine example of worked amber which has been highly polished to mesh seamlessly with the silver work. The amber is very vivid with many inclusions. Marked 925.
Coral bead torque bracelet c1970
Price: £15
This is a fun bracelet comprising three strands of coral beads ending in two large beads to create a dramatic effect. The coral looks to be natural in colour however there is a good chance it is enhanced.
Italian silver Cuff Bangle with chainmail decoration, modern
Price: £30
An Italian silver cuff bangle, heavily cast with a chain mail design, the interior marked 925, modern
Tigers Eye long necklace 1970s
Price: £25
This is a necklace comprising large round and octahedron shaped beads, with matching clasp
Victorian silver bracelet set with garnets 1900
Price: £35
This is a lovely and delicate bracelet comprising intricate silver mesh set with garnet stones and silver spheres. The clasp is a buckle that is very typical of this period.
Two long infinity strands of cultured pearls
Price: £45
This is a stunning pair of two 160 cm strands of cultured pears that have been dyed soft metallic tones of green, grey, peach, pink and gold. This makes quite a statement when worn together as multiple strands.
Art Deco Burmese dragon head Necklace, 1920s
Price: £75
This is a stunning and large necklace comprising a bold dragon head pendant formed from moulded brass with filigree work mounted with enamel to simulate stones. It comes attached to the original brass link necklace. This is a real show stopper!
Silver rose ring, 20th century
Price: £35
This is a very elegant ring that comprises very detailed depictions of a rose with foliage. There also seems to be two little daggers on the edges. Not sure what those are for, maybe they are a type of flower that looks dagger like.. :) Marked 925
1940s Dutch coin braclet
Price: £35
This is a fun bracelet comprising 9 10 cent coins all bearing the Queen Wilhelmina and dated between 1937 and 1941. The coins are silver and the 1941 coins were the last silver 10 cent coins that were produced. Post 1941 the Germans produced Zinc versions. The findings on this bracelet do not appear to be sliver but silvered metal. Has a hook fastening and good security chain.
Victorian facetted cherry amber beads with intergrated clasp c1900
Price: £150
This is a set of rare amber beads in all graduated and matched in colour. It has a screw clasp that is also a bead. These beads have a glowing quality that is only present in the highest quality amber.
Victorian facetted amber bead necklace c1900
Price: £125
This is a lovely graduated honey coloured amber bead necklace. They are beautifully colour matched and are of excellent quality.
Outstanding opera length Victorian amber beads c1900
Price: £175
This is a beautiful long necklace comprising graduated facetted cognac colour amber beads with a barrel clasp.
Victorian large 9ct gold brooch set with amber c1900
Price: £200
This is a very rare brooch comprising a very large oval piece of egg yolk amber with inclusions that show fossilised organisms. This is set in a typical Victorian 9ct gold setting. It is unmarked.
Massive natural coral beads
Price: £175
This is an unbelievable bit of set of graduated coral beads that are natural in both colour and shape. They are ready to be strung to your taste, either as a choker style like Iris Apfel or possibly to mix it with other beads. This size of bead does not come up often and they are only getting more rare.
Chinese agate carving with onyx beads, 20th century
Price: £35
This necklace is a lovely design with a large carved banded agate carving. It is paired with onyx beads and agate beads. It is elegant and undestated due to the monochrome palette but definitely makes a statement.
Edwardian silver fleur-de-lis collar necklace circa 1910
Price: £85
The ‘fleur-de-lis’, a stylised form of lily symbolising fertility and purity, has been used as decorative motif for centuries and is particularly associated with the French royal family. It is more normally found as a single pendant necklace but the Victorians produced various collar necklaces in silver with the motif. These tend to be slightly heavier in construction than the example here suggesting a slightly later dating probably to the Edwardian era and most likely English manufacture. The finely cast silver fleur-de-lis leaves are joined by links and terminate in a spring ring closure presenting a delicate accessory, perhaps for a young lady.
Please note that the necklace is not marked for silver and has not been tested.
Vintage Hobe 14k gold plated sterling silver bracelet, 1940s
Price: £150
A striking bracelet from the well known makers of costume jewellery, Hobe et cie, the square silver openwork linked plaques mounted with elaborately cast gold vermeil flowers with a square clasp and a guard chain, the clasp marked at the back ‘Hobé ‘ ‘1/20 TH 14K ON’ ‘STERLING’ ‘DESIGN PAT’D’.
Hobe was founded in 1887 by the French goldsmith Jacques Hobe as makers of fine jewellery. The costume jewellery division, Hobe Cie, was added 40 years later by his son, William Hobe, who brought the firm to America in 1927 and was commissioned by Flo Ziegfeld to design and manufacture jewellery for his Ziegfeld Follies costumes. By repute this is the origin of the expression costume jewellery. Production continued from the 1930s to the 1990s although there are a few later reproductions. While all their pieces were marked, dating is sometimes difficult but the floral design sterling silver pieces, one of their most collectible ranges now, date to the 1930s and 1940s and this bracelet, with the addition of the gold vermeil detail probably belongs to the latter period of this group. Its opulent and florid design is typical of Hobe’s work making it a stylish addition to a collection of their pieces. Other examples of their work can be seen elsewhere on this site and in this sale.
Large silver fancy link Bracelet, modern
Price: £50
This is an unusual variation on the chainmail bracelet form where a triple series of interlocking oval links are combined with small rolled wire beads, quite a demand on the silversmith’s skills. The ends terminate in a ball and clasp fastening and the clasp is marked ‘925’ with a double oval. The style suggests a late twentieth century dating with perhaps English craftsmanship.
Edwardian rolled gold and white agate brooch, c1910
Price: £45
An attractive brooch combining an oval piece of cloudy white agate with red inclusions mounted in a rolled gold rope twist frame with stylised floral petals decorated in an abstract design. The reverse has a bar clasp and is fitted with a guard chain implying that the wearer was intended to take some care of this elegant accessory. The combination of the milky white stone with its coloured detail and the gold coloured surround is particularly appealing and the design of the mount suggests a dating to the early 1900s.
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Bead Necklace, mid C20th
Price: £55
Cloisonne enamelling, a technique in which glass derived enamels are set on a metal ground and separated with fine wire divisions (the ‘cloisons’), is normally associated with solid forms such as vases and dishes but is employed here to create a series of thirty six similarly sized multicoloured beads in which irregularly shaped green, pink and red panels are separated by fine gold wire and laid on a gilt metal ground. These are linked with knotted cord and joined at the end by a gilt metal clasp and hook with embossed decoration of birds on a branch. The skill of the craftsmanship is obvious and produces a piece of decorative opulence. The work is Chinese and similar pieces are dated to the 1960s which seems reasonable here.
Victorian rolled gold and black and white agate Brooch, English c1920
Price: £50
An attractive brooch in which an agate stone of rounded rectangular octagonal form, the grey surface with clearly defined striations in grisaille and white, is framed by an elaborate rolled gold mount with a rococo style border, scrolling milled cord joining two stylised leaf shape panels at each end with round balls in gold tones in between, the bottom with a gold chain loop and a hanging drop and the reverse with a bar clasp. As with the other rolled gold and agate brooch in this sale, the design of the mount suggests the 1920s
Silver Medal or Watch Fob dated 1923, B.P.C.G.S.
Price: £35
A small piece of history here which will need some unravelling. Suspended on a piece of blue ribbon from a silver bar pin marked ‘1923’ is an oval silver medal or watch fob, decorated to the front with two bands of laurel leaves, geometric shapes in an art deco style and a central gilt coloured shield with the engraved letters B.P.C.G.S. The reverse is plain with the engraved wording ‘SENIOR 1ST’ ‘APPARATUS’ ‘LMILES’ and hall marks for 1923 with the maker’s mark ‘JD&CO’, standing for Joseph Daffern & Co, silversmiths at Hatton Garden from 1908 to 1931 and producers of commemorative medals and watch fobs. ‘Apparatus’ is the Latin word used in English to denote equipment or organisation but may have had a special meaning for whatever body is indicated by the acronym on the front. We may never know but L MILES was clearly a successful and deserving recipient!
Russian Enamel Brooch, probably Rostov Finift, mid C20th
Price: £20
This delicate brooch with its elaborate filigree work has a circular painted enamel plaque painted in greens, pinks, light brown and yellow with scrolling lotus flowers and surrounded by fine silver decoration, with scrolling rope twist strands and slender milled ribbons inset with beads. The style and composition, combining enamel and silver work, is typical of the Russian maker ‘Rostov Finift’ (‘finift’ comes from the Greek ‘fingitis’ which means ‘gleaming’) many of whose pieces can be found on the market today. The art of painting on enamel was first developed in Rostov Veliky (125 miles northwest of Moscow) in the 18th century and continued thereafter with pieces of jewellery, made by Rostov Finift and in which enamels are surrounded by elaborate filigree work, appearing in quantity after the second World War. The pieces are not signed and attribution is mainly speculative but this brooch has much in common with other pieces believed to have been made by the same factory.
Victorian Rolled Gold Necklace with Pendants, late C19th
Price: £45
This is an interesting necklace made from rolled gold (in which a thin layer of gold is applied to a baser metal) and comprising a linked chain from which are suspended a facetted rose de france amethyst bead in the shape of a heart, a ‘lucky bean’, a framed portrait medallion and a miniature whistle (that works!). The choice of the pendant ‘charms’ is not wholly clear. While the heart has an obvious meaning and the bean shape denotes good fortune (during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, beans washed up on the seashore which then went on to germinate were regarded as infused with good luck), both of which might well been associated with the young lady whose portrait photo can be seen, the significance of the whistle is not certain and was perhaps only known to the wearer. A piece of evocative nostalgia then for collectors of Victorian decorative jewellery.
Green Chalcedony silver mounted brooch with marcasite stones, 1940s
Price: £45
This is a silver mounted brooch, the central oval green chalcedony or chrysoprase stone bordered with an elaborate rounded hexagonal frame, the stylised flowers with scrolling foliage and a milled border, all set with marcasite stones, a bar clasp to the reverse and an engraved mark ‘925’ for silver. Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony distinguished by its shades of green and has been used for jewellery since antiquity. Maracsite, a brittle, metallic, semi-precious stone is also often used in jewellery and sometimes known as ‘white iron pyrite’ or more colloquially ‘fool's gold’. Its use here, combined with the elaborate design of the mount, suggests a dating to the 1940s
Diamond cut millegrain silver bracelet, 20th century
Price: £45
This is a very intricately designed bracelet comprising numerous diamond cut spheres that have been individually connected. This is most likely Italian. It is marked 925.
Large Islamic silver necklace with heart shaped box c1920
Price: £85
This is a very large statement necklace comprising a detailed pendant that is a tubular piece set with malachites stones with handing drops. There is a very large hard shaped pendant attached that is a box with a red fabric interior. This may have some religious signficance such as a prayer box. This is set with beautiful agate stone that is also heart shaped. The pandant has filigree work on both the pieces of the pendant. It comes with its original herringbone style chain. This does not appear to be silver like the pendant. The pendant is 800 silver so a slightly lower grade fo 925 or sterling silver.
Grey lace agate and calcendony suite of necklace and earrings
Price: £85
This is a lovely contructed necklace and earrings comprising Chinese carved grey lace agate stones combined with white calcedony beads. The earrings are a facetted teadrop shape that are set into delicate hooks with a floral motif.
Two jade carvings mounted as a necklace
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising two large jade carvings that have been joined together on a very thick herringbone chain. The carvings are 20th century but they have the look of a more archaic style. This is a very interesting piece that is totally unique. It is all silver.
Long lapis lazuli bead necklace c1980
Price: £30
This is very elegant necklace that features different shaped stone beads of Lapis Lazuli. These beads are very high quality with excellent colour. They are flat pebble shaped, together with square and round beads. They are connected by gold fittings with a toggle clasp.
Islamic mother of pearl pendant and earrings c1950
Price: £18
This is a pair of earrings and pendant that have been "married" as they look great together. They both are comprising mother of pearl with typical Islamic designs. The paintwork is in quite good condition considering the age.
Japanese silver souvenir brooch c1950
Price: £18
This is a fun brooch that depicts a Japanese genre scene. It is repousse silver and is unmarked.
Egyptian revival Tutankhamun head silver Cuff Bracelet, 1940s
Price: £75
The iconography here needs little introduction. This elegant silver cuff bracelet displays recurring portrait heads of Tutankhamun between two plain bands at each edge. The piece carries Egyptian silver hall marks which give some indication of its date. The central character, indicating silver, is a lotus flower apparently used from the 1940s. To the left of it can be seen a loop and two dots which is the date mark for 1942 to 1943 and to the right is a mark indicating the purity of the silver, possibly reading 800 thousandths. (see https://www.silvercollection.it /EGYPTSILVER HALLMARKS). This classic piece of Egyptian revival work from the 1940s is timeless and an elegant accessory for the 2020s!
Egyptian silver cuff bangle with portait plaques of Pharoahs
Price: £85
This is a very detailed bangle that comprises many placques that depict Egyptian rulers Nefertiti, Ramses III and Tutankhamun. These are interspersed with Egyptian lotus flower icons. Bears Egyptian silver marks.
Burmese Jade sautoir Necklace, C20th
Price: £45
This is a very unusual 'sautoir' necklace (the term denotes its length) comprising jade facetted roundel beads that end in two clusters, a piece which you can tie around the neck in different ways depending on your outfit and mood. The beads are different types of celadon jade interspaced with silver beads, the clusters ending in two silver beads with millegrain terminals. A flexible addition to the wardrobe in more than one sense!
Victorian Silver Mounted Banded Agate Brooch, late C19th
Price: £100
An oval brooch formed from banded agate, the brown surface with amber and mustard colour striations, mounted in silver with a bar clasp to the reverse, the rounded border with four engraved collar devices. Found in a wide variety of locations, agate, a form of chalcedony with a wide variety of banding effects, has been used for jewellery from the earliest of times and was extremely popular in the late nineteenth century. The source here is probably Scotland which may imply that the mount is Scottish too, which would certainly not be inconsistent with its style but there is no firm proof of this.
Vintage Indian silver pendant Necklace, 20th century
Price: £85
This is an assembled necklace with both elements probably of Indian workmanship. The circular slide pendant has elaborate concentric bands, chain, cord and beadwork within a repeating stamped roundel border and terminating in a ‘V’ device. The reverse is plain with the stamped mark ‘925’. Pieces with similar designs also have the word ‘INDIA’ which most likely indicates the provenance here. The herringbone chain which has been matched with the pendant is clearly marked ‘INDIA’ with other marks in addition, probably those of the maker. The two combine to produce a bold piece of statement jewellery with timeless appeal.
Indian silver onyx and carnelian pendant necklace/brooch, 2006
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising a large pendant with onyx and carnelian cabachons. Both the pendant and necklace are marked with a Birmingham import mark for 2006 together with '925' and 'DK'. The mark 'DK' is for the 'sponsor' or importer. The necklace and pendant are clearly meant to be worn together as they bear the same mark. There is also a brooch mechanism so that the piece can also be worn this way if desired.
Victorian vulcanite anchor chain necklace with carved jet pendant c1880
Price: £195
This is quite a rare necklace as due to the type of link combined with the long length of the necklace. The links are a large anchor design combined with the finely carved jet pendant.
ABOUT VULCANITE
Exciting scientific and technological advances punctuated the nineteenth century. Growth and development with regard to jewelry-making techniques and new and innovative jewelry materials were an important part of these creative endeavors. Combining imitation gems with various imitation jewelry materials had already been en vogue since the early Eighteenth century and viable replacements for faux non-metallic jewelry materials were chiefly derived from plastics and rubber.
Uncured rubber is somewhat brittle and does not have the stamina to hold up over the long term necessary to be viable for jewelry use. It was not until Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanization process in America in 1844 and Thomas Hancock did the same in England, that jewelry production with a rubber composition was possible. Vulcanization is a high-heat process that adds sulfur to the mix and renders the result more durable than rubber or plastic alone. Both gentlemen exhibited their achievements at the Great Exhibition, displaying molds of items intended to substitute for the very popular, but exceedingly brittle jet.
One of the main purveyors of vulcanite jewellery was the Britannia Rubber and Kamptulicon Company, set up in 1854 at Cannon Street in the City, with the works in the East End of London at Bow Common, “for the purpose of manufacturing in England articles invented by Mr. Goodyear.” From 1866, they placed advertisements in The Times for ” Indiarubber chaines Benoiton, wholesale and export only,” offering a full range of industrial, household and ornamental goods including “Imitation Jet (India Rubber): Albert chains, Victoria chains, long chains, Latin, Greek, Maltese and Dagmar crosses, brooches, bracelets, earrings, waist-clasps, charms and trinkets, gauntlets and armlets, fancy black combs, and dressing combs,” assuring their customers that these items had the “the beauty of polish and deepness of colour of jet, without its dangerous quality of brittleness…You may dash a bracelet or chain of this material to the ground without injuring it.”1
Sources:
Lang Antiques (www.langantiques.com)
Gere, Charlotte and Rudoe, Judy. Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World: London, The British Museum Press, 2010.
Vulcanite long necklace with Maltese cross and fob c1880
Price: £195
This is the holy grail of Vulcanite necklace due to the length and it also has two integrated Vulcanite pendants a Maltese cross and a fob that may have been intended to be engraved. The links are round and there are further links at the end giving it a lariat style.
ABOUT VULCANITE
Exciting scientific and technological advances punctuated the nineteenth century. Growth and development with regard to jewelry-making techniques and new and innovative jewelry materials were an important part of these creative endeavors. Combining imitation gems with various imitation jewelry materials had already been en vogue since the early Eighteenth century and viable replacements for faux non-metallic jewelry materials were chiefly derived from plastics and rubber.
Uncured rubber is somewhat brittle and does not have the stamina to hold up over the long term necessary to be viable for jewelry use. It was not until Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanization process in America in 1844 and Thomas Hancock did the same in England, that jewelry production with a rubber composition was possible. Vulcanization is a high-heat process that adds sulfur to the mix and renders the result more durable than rubber or plastic alone. Both gentlemen exhibited their achievements at the Great Exhibition, displaying molds of items intended to substitute for the very popular, but exceedingly brittle jet.
One of the main purveyors of vulcanite jewellery was the Britannia Rubber and Kamptulicon Company, set up in 1854 at Cannon Street in the City, with the works in the East End of London at Bow Common, “for the purpose of manufacturing in England articles invented by Mr. Goodyear.” From 1866, they placed advertisements in The Times for ” Indiarubber chaines Benoiton, wholesale and export only,” offering a full range of industrial, household and ornamental goods including “Imitation Jet (India Rubber): Albert chains, Victoria chains, long chains, Latin, Greek, Maltese and Dagmar crosses, brooches, bracelets, earrings, waist-clasps, charms and trinkets, gauntlets and armlets, fancy black combs, and dressing combs,” assuring their customers that these items had the “the beauty of polish and deepness of colour of jet, without its dangerous quality of brittleness…You may dash a bracelet or chain of this material to the ground without injuring it.”
Sources:
Lang Antiques (www.langantiques.com)
Gere, Charlotte and Rudoe, Judy. Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World: London, The British Museum Press, 2010.
Islamic Silver Necklace with Niello work plaques, c1930
Price: £75
This is an interesting silver necklace, probably made in Turkey in the mid twentieth century. Four strands of wheat chain join seven circular plaques and terminate in a push pin clasp. The faces of the plaques are decorated with fleur-de-lis and scrolling foliage in a clover leaf format on a black ground and the square reverses are all stamped ‘925’. Similar decoration appears on the clasp.
The technique used is that of ‘niello’ work. (The word derives either from the classical Latin word ‘nigellum’ or the later mediaeval words ‘nigello’ or ‘neelo’.) Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead and used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. Added as a paste, it hardens to a black colour after firing and is then polished. Here it is the ground that formed from niello while the design shows though in silver, a less common version.
There is much skill in the craftsmanship here and the result is a piece of classic and timeless simplicity.
Very fine Indian silver repousse plaque Necklace, c1970
Price: £85
This is a necklace comprising a large pendant of elongated hexagonal shape with a traditional Indian repousse floral design. It has a double bale each with a rosette and is marked '925'. It is combined with a long snake chain which is later.
Stunning Berber North African necklace c1950
Price: £65
This a very striking necklace comprising seven stations in a typical Berber design with turquoise and coral mosaic inlay. These are connected with turquoise and coral beads. It is unmarked but is silver probably 900 grade. The clasp has been added later.
Large amber cabochon cuff Bracelet, c1970
Price: £95
This is a lovely cuff bracelet with a delicate floral design. The star of the show is the large Baltic amber cabachon; it is extremely good quality as indicated by its inner glow. Marked '925', this elegant piece is most likely from Denmark or one of the Baltic states.
Abalone and silver modernist design Necklace, modern
Price: £60
This is a very interesting necklace comprising geometric shapes set with abalone. The chain links mirror these shapes which adds an elegance and completeness to the design. The origin of this necklace is unclear but the work could perhaps be Greek or Cypriot. It is difficult to say definitively though as the design is so unique and abalone can be found in many parts of the world.
Prince Albert Necklace with T bar pendant c1900
Price: £95
This is a very lovely necklace comprising two Prince Albert figaro link chains combined with a T bar which would have been used to connect a gentleman's pocket watch to his waist coat. It has a markers mark 'HPJ' with an omega symbol and '925'. This could either European or American. The mark indicates that it is not British.
Art Nouveau repousse Pendant on later chain, c1910
Price: £95
This is a large repousse plaque pendant decorated in a typical Art Nouveau floral design. It is marked 'AL-P' which seems to suggest a European origin but more likely Belgium or one of the Scandinavian countries rather than France, to judge from the style. The plaque dates to the early twentieth century and is fitted with a later chain.
Victorian style Bracelet in Mother of Pearl and Silver, modern
Price: £95
This is a beautiful bracelet that has been designed with the Victorian era in mind. It has 14 herringbone chains that join two hemispherical plaques that have floral motifs set with marcasite stones, one also with an attractive and large circular mother of pearl plaque. While retrospective in style, this piece is contemporary and most likely European, possibly made in France or Belgium. It is marked '925'.
Siam silver cuff bracelet c1950
Price: £85
This is quite a rare cuff bracelet comprising heavy silver with worked silver spheres. It is marked 'Siam' 'Sterling', the typical mark for this type of silver, which is 925 grade. It is marked Siam as this was the name of Thailand until 1939 but the mark on jewellery continued until the 1970s and the pieces became quite popular souvenirs during the Korean and Vietnam wars. This specific design is found elsewhere but it is the Niello work pieces with dancers etc that are most associated with the tourist trade.
Silver metal Perfume Bottle Necklace, probably Indian early C20th
Price: £55
A silver metal perfume bottle and attached stopper, the body spherical with a short cylindrical neck, the whole elaborately cast with bead work below and repeating fleur de lis above underneath repeating raised bosses, the neck with rope twist work and the stopper with beading. The stopper is attached by a short chain and the bottle itself has two lugs which attach it to the necklace chain. Many of the motifs here suggest Indian work, probably from the 1920s and made for the local market.
Perfume Bottle Brooch, probably French mid C20th
Price: £55
A perfume bottle brooch, the bottle and stopper suspended from a white metal clasp with a ‘pull’ fastening pin and beading at the edge, the glass heart shape body encased in silver metal filigree work, the face with a beaded border surrounding blue metal trellis work with studded rosettes, the reverse with a similar border surrounding a clear glass panel, the white metal cover with a red bead at the top and similarly decorated with a glass wand attached and a screw fitting matching the top of the bottle. There are no ready parallels for the decoration here but the work is most likely continental and probably French with a dating to the mid twentieth century.
Edwardian silver and turquoise brooch c1910
Price: £55
This a very unusual brooch created from silver set with turquoise stones. It is in a crown shape and has nine large stones and numerous smaller stones. It is continental with the turquoise being most likely from the Middle East. It is unmarked and comes in its original box.
Scottish agate specimen bracelet c1970
Price: £85
This is rather interesting as it is a quite large bracelet comprising numerous stations of carved agate stones. It showcases all colours and types of agate from banded agate to chalcedony and makes a real statement. This bracelet definitely has star power. It is strung on elastic, as it typical for these types of bracelets, so it is very easy to get on and off and it is super sturdy in addition.
Scottish amethyst specimen necklace c1950
Price: £35
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising five graduated stations of Scottish amethyst. The patterns within the stones are very common in Scottish stones and this necklace shows the beauty of the irregularity of the stones. Scottish amethyst is sourced from various localities in Scotland, such as the Isle of Mull, Dundee, Fife, and Dumfries & Galloway.
Tibetan amulet necklace featuring Buddhist deity c1900
Price: £25
This is very interesting necklace that comprises a very large amulet or talisman in a flower shape, which is built up in steps and features a figure holding a sword. It is made from brass, that would have had bright gilding in its time. It is mounted with garnets and enamel work. There are some stones that appear to be turquoise and coral although these might be enamel. There is also an embossed lotus flower on the back.
The chain on this necklace is quite short for it to fit over a modern head so it would probably need a clasp in addition.
Opera length mille fiore station necklace and earrings c1950 and later
Price: £25
This is a striking and very long necklace comprising stations of mille fiore glass beads and red and black glass beads with paste stones in between. It is very elegant and detailed. It is meant to wrap around the neck and then hang down to the waist although it could be also wrapped around the neck a few times. It is paired with complementary earrings that have black glass and paste stones. The necklace is not silver and most likely would have had gilding in its time. The earrings still have a gold tone. The necklace dates to the 1950s and the earrings are later, most likely 1970s.
Victorian pinchbeck brooch with paste stone c1900
Price: £45
This is a lovely brooch in a cartouche shape. It is built up to a dome shape with mounted flowers and leaves. It is also set with very bright paste stones.
Pinchbeck is an alloy of copper and zinc, mixed in proportions to resemble the appearance of gold. It was invented by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clock and watchmaker, around the early 18th century.
Aesthetic Movement silver brooch and earrings c1890
Price: £125
This is a very rare set of a silver brooch and earrings that reflect Aesthetic Movement design, the stylistic revolution of the late 19th century which promoted decorative designs over more utilitarian or mass produced objects. One of the key elements was the influence of Japan which can be seen very clearly in the decoration of this set with its oriental inspired central design of birds and flowers.
The earrings have post and butterfly fittings and the pieces are not marked.