Large Hubei turquoise silver pendant Necklace, c1960
Price: £225
This is a very large ovoid pendant with a beautiful piece of Hubei turquoise set in a beaded silver mount. It is paired with a silver herringbone chain that is not original to the piece. Both pieces are marked '925'. Hubei indicates a type of turquoise renowned for its colour and quality, from the Hubei Province of China.
Statement necklace in the manner of Lalaounis c1990
Price: £75
This is a wonderful quality necklace comprising two tiers of Etruscan design elements and numerous acorn form drops. This is made to emulate the designs of Lalaounis a very popular jewellery designer and goldsmith who worked in Greece until his death in 2013. It has three tiers of drops and the swirl design is the main design element. The origin of this necklace is unknown but it is amazing quality and is drenched in buttery gold plating.
Long Art Nouveau necklace with multiple drops c1930
Price: £75
This is a very elegant long necklace that has central pendant suspended from a web of glass beads with two corresponding plaques on the sides. It has brass and glass elements with no clasp as it is an over the head design.
Balinese tiger's eye Necklace, C20th
Price: £55
This is a full necklace comprising a large square tiger's eye stone with horizonal striations in a setting which employs Balinese motifs, highlighting the tradition of Balinese silver work. The mounted stone is suspended from a very thick snake form chain that complements it perfectly. There is a mark for '925' guaranteeing the quality of the silver. The abstract and bold forms present an arresting and attractive design which should appeal to a collector of contemporary costume jewellery.
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!
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!
Lot of 3 Chinese bangles
Price: £35
This is nice lot of three bangles, one cloisonné and two cinnabar. The larger cinnabar bangle is beautifully detailed on black ground, the thinner cinnabar is more typical and has more age, the cloisonné is lovely work on a blue ground.
Taxco collar necklace set with obsidian, 1950s
Price: £95
This is a very striking necklace comprising stations of undulating heavy silver wave shaped links and obsidian round stations. It is marked 'Mexico' '925' and with a covered maker's mark where only a 'J' is visible. This may be Jorge Gomez or Justo Castillo since the work resembles their style.
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.
Egyptian Revival necklace depicting Tutankhamun c1980
Price: £45
This is a a dramatic necklace in the Egyptian Revival style. It has a large central pendant with three drops with stations all the way around depicting Tutankhamun in a rather humorous way. This necklace appears to be a museum edition from possibly the British Museum or the Met in New York. The reverse of the stations and pendant are also finished with Egyptian designs. A very well thought out and finished piece.
Art deco style necklace with large blue stone c1970
Price: £50
This is a beautiful necklace in an Art Deco lariat design. It comprises one oval stone with a long hanging drop of a large blue stone. It has diamante encrusted stations all around. Unsigned.
Indian tribal necklace, 19th century
Price: £175
This is a very unusual and rare tribal necklace that is from India, most likely from the Rajasthan region. It features a large silver disc with a free form design, This is strung with a necklace that has thousands of garnet beads. The pendant is marked 925 which indicates that it was exported to the west.
Incredible long jade necklace with large carnelian pendant
Price: £135
This is a constructed necklace comprising numerous large celadon colour beads interspersed with different coloured jade beads. There is a ox carving at one of the stations and it ends in a large carnelian disc pendant and silk tassel. This necklace is a very long opera length.
Art Nouveau comb with coral fish and pearls
Price: £45
This is a beautiful piece of Art Nouveau, a celluloid hair comb with an inset carving of a koi fish in coral and seed pearls. It is carved with swirls and incised with very fine designs.
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.
Victorian Scottish Agate and paste citrine brooch mounted as a necklace c1900
Price: £125
This is a constructed necklace comprising a very fine Scottish agate and paste citrine brooch that has been reset with a Victorian belcher chain. This is a great way to repurpose these brooches the we hope catches on as there are so many beautiful agate brooches that are neglected.
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.
Stunning rope and tassel necklace, signed, c1990
Price: £45
This is a very striking necklace with twisted rope motif ending in two large tassel drops. It has a signature monogram that we cannot seem to find so perhaps you will know! :) This might be quite a find.
Art Deco French jet and pearl necklace c1940
Price: £40
This is a wonderful and unique necklace comprising square stations of faux pearls ending with 6 strands of French jet beads. This really is an Art Deco find for the collectors.
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.
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.
Art Deco Scottish agate necklace
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace comprising carved stations of different Scottish agate stones, the stones are slightly graduated and are connected by gilt brass spring like connectors. With original screw clasp.
Heavy silver curb collar necklace, Mexico 1970s
Price: £125
This is a striking necklace comprising a large curb chain connected to two bead work chains to create this statement look. It is unmarked but is quite typical Mexican silver work.
Egyptian Revival suite of a necklace and earrings, 20th century, c1980
Price: £65
This is a lovely set of a necklace and earrings in silver both with typical Egyptian iconographic designs and Egyptian silver hall marks.
Articulated fish bracelet, D Molina Taxco c1990
Price: £300
This is a very substantial bracelet that is finely articulated to imitate fish scale, a very common design theme employed by the
Taxco silver designers, D'Molina, and produced by them for quite a few years due to the popular demand for this striking pattern. It is marked 'D'Molina' 'MEX 925' 'TM-90' and dates to the late twentieth century.
Pair of Italian faux tortoiseshell earrings, 1980s
Price: £15
This is a wonderful pair of earrings that have large fan shaped faux tortoiseshell drops and metal clips that are marked BREV PAT (see image). BREV., which stands for "Brevetto." This is the Italian term for license, and the stamp signifies that the particular design or piece has been licensed or patented. These earrings are VERY light and the clips are brilliant making these very easy and pleasant to wear.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Suite of Art Deco banded carnelian necklace and earrings c1920
Price: £95
This is a very unusual suite comprising matched beautiful Scottish banded agate beads. The earrings are very Art Deco with a long chain drop. Both have brass findings.
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.
Victorian Whitby jet mourning brooch
Price: £75
This is a quite large brooch in a scroll work design and Greek key edging. It is Whitby jet a fossilised wood stone that is from the Jurassic period that is found in the North York moors in northern England. Whitby jet was the main material for mourning jewellery during the Victorian age for obvious reasons.
French cockerel brooch 1920s
Price: £75
This is a very striking large brooch in hand worked brass with enamelled feathers, head and feet. It is very cleverly made to give you the effect of many voluminous tail feathers.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
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.
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.
Outstanding Taxco silver bracelet c1960
Price: £295
This is a heavy and substantial bracelet made in the style of William Spratling (1900-1967) the father of Taxco who opened his workshop there, Taller de las Delicias, in the early 1930s . His designs continued to dominate the Taxco silver districts of Mexico and this piece is an excellent example of this. Its design elements reflect the Art Deco styles of the 1930s and 40s that are softened by the scroll work. This bracelet is marked 'Mexico', '925', 'C-11'. C-11 is the registration number of the silversmith and all Taxco silversmiths had these registration numbers. It has a very sturdy integrated clasp.
Oriental Silver Metal Box decorated Dragons and Chrysanthemum, C20th
Price: £25
A silver metal box and cover of rectangular form with spreading feet, the surface with highly detailed cast decoration, a swirling dragon on the lid and profuse chrysanthemum to the sides, the interior lined in wood and the base with a two character mark within a diamond shape frame. Similar examples are catalogued as both Chinese and Japanese and the same mark appears on some. The style of decoration here, particularly the rendering of the flowers, suggests more Japanese work than Chinese and a dating to the early C20th when the cigarette box was a favourite form for export to the West.
Chinese Silver Bangle with Dragon Heads, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese silver bangle of simple loop form terminating in two Dragon’s heads. One head with a small circular pad marked 925, Twentieth Century.
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.
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.
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.
Art Deco paste bracelet by Schreiber & Hiller c1930
Price: £75
This is a very rare bracelet marked DGRM 1138525. This is a German patent number held by Schreiber and Hiller and pertains to the type of fluid link that has been designed to hold channel set stones. This patent was issued in September 1930. The company ceased to trade during WW2.
Victorian style Czech glass statement necklace c1930
Price: £65
This is a beautifully designed necklace that features a central lariat pendant set with red glass stones. Necklace has corresponding red bead.
Incredible Taxco collar necklace c1960
Price: £350
This is a very rare example of Taxco silver. it boasts 150 grams of silver that has been formed as a ribbon like collar ending in two modernist plaques with pebble formations. It is marked Sterling 925 Mexico
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.
Dyed Howlite faux turquoise Statement Necklace, C20th
Price: £10
This is a very bold and striking necklace comprising large pieces of died howlite with a silver plated fitted clasp.. Howlite is a gemstone and relatively rare. It’s mined only in parts of the U.S. and in Canada, where it was first discovered in 1868 in Nova Scotia. Howlite resembles white marble or porcelain thanks to its milky-grey colour. It has a porous surface and opaque transparency. It usually has darker or black veins running through it but can sometimes be found with no veins whatsoever and pure white in colour. Howlite can be dyed into other colours. It’s frequently used as an imitation of turquoise, as it tends to display the matrix patterns that turquoise has.. This piece displays a very good simulation and large necklaces such as these are loved by fashion icons like Iris Apfel - although hers are the real McCoy!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
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.
Chinese cloisonne bangle with raised enamel decoration circa 1900
Price: £35
Chinese cloisonne bangle, the exterior with raised enamel decoration of stylised scrolling foliage set on a speckled gilt ground between two bands of stylised floral sprays and clouds on a brick red ground, the interior finished in blue enamel; gilt rims to the top and bottom. The style of decoration suggests a circa date in the early twentieth century.
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!
Tigers Eye bracelet with a large central carved dragon bead, certificate for 2012
Price: £15
This is a very striking bracelet comprising very high quality tigers eye beads and a carved dragon. It comes with original certificate of authenticity dated 2012 from Thailand.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Art Deco necklace with blue paste stones 1930s
Price: £75
This is a very elegant and simple necklace where the central stone is the star. It has blue glass bead stations ending in a large round pendant and briolette drop. It has a barrel clasp. The mount is gilt brass.
Liberty Dollar 1922 mounted as a pendant on necklace
Price: £35
This is a very interesting piece of ephemera that can be worn. It is a Liberty silver dollar encased in a filigree design. It has been "married" to a torque necklace so it really stands out at the neckline. You definitively won't see many of these around town! :)
Art Deco chalcedony brooch or pendant
Price: £65
This is a lovely and delicate brooch with bail for a pendant. It is set in silver that has a modern floral design is both polished and textured giving it a very fine and detailed look. The stone is a Scottish chalcedony stone. Marked 925
Victorian Glass buckle circa 1900
Price: £10
This a very unusual buckle in a shield shape comprising a single piece of moulded glass with a gilded design, mounted in brass with beaded edging.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Exceptional Paste necklace 1940s
Price: £25
This a very delicate and bright paste necklace with seven floral stations interspersed with single stones. Set in brass with barrel clasp.
Large coral effect stretch bracelet, C20th
Price: £10
This is a striking coral effect bracelet comprising 15 large stations which are most likely dyed. If not truly authentic, it captures the essence of true coral jewellery, with a distinctive appearance of luxury.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
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.
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!
Edwardian Transitional necklace c1920
Price: £75
This is a stunning necklace comprising blue glass bead stations in a lariate style ending with a large blue glass pendant with three drops. It is transitional as it is a bit later than Edwardian so has both Edwardian elements and Art Deco elements in its design. It is set into gilt metal with a screw barrel clasp.
Regency style statement necklace c1950
Price: £125
This a very usual necklace comprising brass and glass elements that have a "rather" regency style in the design. Maybe more of a nod to the design is more accurate. The central pendant has a central stone surrounded by glass leaves and flowers. It is a lariat style with green and blue glass beads that perfectly match the central pendant.
English silver filigree floral necklace
Price: £35
This is a lovely filigree necklace comprising 17 small floral filigree stations. Unmarked silver
Stunning opera length string of rock crystal beads
Price: £35
This is a very long strand of approximately 95 graduating facetted rock crystal beads that have been recently restrung using pink cord. This necklace is difficult to date but judging form the type of beads it is most likely early 20th century or could be Victorian.
Art Deco glass bead necklace
Price: £20
This is a simple and elegant necklace comprising clear and green glass beads
Unusual 1950s puka shell and coral necklace
Price: £20
This is a beautiful necklace comprising numerous graduating polished puka shell stations interspersed with coral beads.
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.
Taxco clamper bracelet, attr. to Justo or Jorge Castillo, 1940s
Price: £450
This is a very unusual bracelet that is designed in a double fan form. It has a a three dimensional soft design with large mill grain work around the shapes. It is signed 'Taxco', 'JC 925', 'Sterling', 'Hecho en Mexico' ('Made in Mexico').
Justo and Jorge Castillo come from the Los Castillo workshop. Los Castillo was an influential and ongoing design and manufacturing enterprise established in 1939 by Antonio Castillo and his brothers Justo and Jorge and their cousin Salvador Teran. Los Castillo is known for sterling jewellery and fine pieces in "married metals" combining various metals such as silver, copper and brass. Castillo who arrived in Taxco in 1923, began his long career working for William Spratling at Taller de las Delicias. He married Margot van Voorhies prior to opening Taller Los Castillo bu they were later divorced in 1946. (see The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks, 2013)
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.
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Pair of Taxco Mexican silver earrings, c1980
Price: £75
This is a stunning pair of earrings comprising large oval malachite stones set in silver with beading and rope twist work around the edge. They are from Taxco, the silver district in Mexico, and date to the 1980s. Marked 'Mexico', 'TZ-16', '925', they have been adapted from clip to post earrings to make them more easily wearable.
American Art Deco silver and marcasite brooch
Price: £35
This is a very interesting brooch in an Art Deco architectural design. It comprises marcasite and paste stones set into silver. It is marked Sterling which indicates that it is American. A real find the vintage collector.
Chinese Pale Celadon Jade Bangle, probably Nineteenth Century
Price: £45
A Chinese Pale Celadon Jade or Jadeite Bangle, of typical stout circular form, the mottled stone of a pleasing pale celadon colour with typical dark grey and black inclusions.
Jade is usually divided into two types, nephrite jade and jadeite jade. The latter is heavier and slightly harder, making it more difficult to scratch. The weight of this piece suggests that we do have jadeite here. The stone was selected for carving on the basis of its attractive appearance and the finish, which bears no trace of machine tooled manufacture, suggests a pre twentieth century dating, but certainty in these matters is notoriously difficult
The size of this piece is unusually large, suggesting that it would have been intended for a male wearer. This too suggests an earlier rather than later time of manufacture. The stone is exceptionally pleasant to the hand and would have been an elegant accompaniment to any wardrobe.
Cherry amber Bakelite necklace, Germany 1920s
Price: £125
This is a very beautiful necklace comprising graduated bright and clear facetted cherry amber Bakelite beads, strung with braided and knotted orange thread and with a spring ring clasp. These necklaces are quite rare and the clear red colour here, enriched by the faceting, is one of the most desirable.
Butler and Wilson Skull Necklace, boxed, modern
Price: £125
There is certainly a hint of the macabre in this ‘halloween’ necklace made by the well known British firm, Butler and Wilson. Founded by Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson in 1969 and initially trading from the once famous Antiquarius antiques market in Chelsea, the company is best-known for its crystal costume jewellery and their pieces have been worn by celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. The firm still trades today and their current range does include a number of skull design pieces but this necklace is around 15 years old. Silver metal and crystals are used to create five skull heads, the largest acting as a pendant with five skull drops. These are linked by a chain which terminates in a spring closure which has a circular medallion embossed with the firm’s name. The necklace comes with its original box which remains in excellent condition. Not perhaps to everyone’s taste but certainly a statement accessory!
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.
Massive Egyptian Revival long necklace c1930
Price: £195
This is a very unusual necklace in the Egyptian Revival style that was popular in during the Art Deco period. This one is a very large enamel and brass pendant suspended for a long rope chain. The pendant is depicting "Horus" which was very important deity for the ancient Egyptians.
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
Intricate Czech glass necklace 1930s
Price: £65
This is a beautiful necklace comprising an indicate multi layered design set with purple and lavender stones. The metal work is in the typical filigree design and it is silver tone.
Group lot of three jade necklaces
Price: £45
This is a fun group three necklace that have been combined as they would look good worn together. They each have knotted cords and jade beads. Each one has a unique carving. One is a heart and there are two pigs. Pigs represent luck and wealth. The quality of the stones and carving is excellent. The necklaces are adjustable in length.
Stunning suite of necklace and bracelet by Hobe 1950s,
Price: £350
This is a beautiful set of necklace and earrings be Hobe, one of the most collected makers around. It comprised a large statement necklace with three strands of large glass bead stations in amber and black glass with gold tone fittings. One of the most striking parts of both the necklace and bracelet is the corresponding clasp on each that is a large black stone surrounded by the amber glass stones that perfectly complement the piece. This also means that it can be work with hair up or hair that is in a shorter style. The bracelet has the same elements as the necklace. Both are marked Hobe. It is worth noting that these are in pristine condition which makes them all the more rare. All the findings are original.
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 and the form of mark here suggests a more later dating within their range.
Victorian Silver Buckle set with Paste Stones, German circa 1900
Price: £85
This is a striking silver buckle of rectangular form with two bands of brilliant paste stones surrounding four stylised flower head paste stone clusters, the reverse plain and marked 900 which implies manufacture in Germany where the standard for silver was a minimum of 800 parts to 1000 with 900 parts to 1000 as one of the alternatives (as opposed to the more usually found 925). There is in addition a double mark with a star and a wheel which may well be the maker's mark, but this is hard to identify.
The sparkling stones and high quality mounting (there is a considerable weight of silver in this piece) would have made this buckle a notable addition to the Victorian ladies' wardrobe and it could equally well catch the eye today.
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.
Fun vintage jade necklace with hook and ring closure c1980
Price: £25
This is a lovely necklace comprising celadon jade beads with a jade ring and dragon head hook that is a feature of the necklace. The jade is most likely treated or stabilized.
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.
Pair of chandelier silver earrings 20th century
Price: £35
This is a striking pair of earrings comprising three drops of incised silverwork with drops. The silver has been plated with gold and rose gold to give a tri colour effect. Is marked 925.
Egyptian Revival scarab ring, 1930s
Price: £25
This is a wonderful and unusual ring in the form of a scarab with filigree work on the shoulders. Bears marks that are illegible but most likely this is Egyptian silver.
Large Cinnabar and filigree silver brooch, 1930s
Price: £45
This is a large carved cinnabar lacquer brooch that was very typical of the 1930s. The carefully detailed plaque, modelled with peony blooms, is mounted in silver with a filigree work border.
Chinese cord bracelet with jade stones carved as fish
Price: £15
This is a modern bracelet comprising six carved fish beads interspersed with round beads. it is on a typical adjustable cord.
Art Deco Czech glass necklace with enamel and glass stones, 1930s
Price: £45
This is a stunning statement necklace that is typical of Czech glass jewellery. It is inset with stones to emulate aquamarine. It also has unusual enamel work set on an architectural design that is quintessentially Art Deco. It is brass that would have been more gold in colour in its time.
Triple strand of amber Bakelite beads, British 1930s
Price: £750
This is an imposing three strand necklace comprised of assembled graduated marble effect butterscotch amber beads joined at the head with a silver clasp. The beads have recently been restrung with wire to make the whole more robust and safer to wear. The three strands interlock perfectly and the selection of beads has been carefully chosen in respect of colouring and size to produce a striking ensemble which is bound to impress.
Taxco bracelet set with carved obsidian stones c1950
Price: £55
This is a bracelet that is often seen in different forms and must have been quite popular in its time. It is silver with a gold colour wash and set with carved obsidian stones. Aztec face heads alternate with square stone stations and the surrounding silverwork borders depict the headdress of the Aztec face carvings with scrollwork to the square stations. Marked 'Heche en Mexico' with an eagle head which denotes 925 silver.
Art Deco statement necklace with real pearls and paste stones c1920
Price: £100
This is a very rare necklace that is in a lariat design. The central pendant has a lace design set with real seed pearls and paste stones. There is also a large teardrop shaped natural fresh water pearl.
Nefertiti suite of pendant necklace and earrings, 20th century
Price: £75
This is a wonderful set of matching earrings and a necklace all depicting the familiar profile face of Nefertiti. They are in solid silver, not hollow, and each bear very tiny Egyptian hallmarks, one of which is visible in the last image.
American 1980s statement necklace with intaglio pendants
Price: £55
This is a very striking and large statement necklace comprising a chunky choker with 5 faux intaglio pendants. All are mounted in an antique gold tone setting. The maker is unknown but could have been a 'runway' piece, few of which are marked.
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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.
Large Scottish agate specimen brooch 1910
Price: £55
This is a unique large oval brooch set with a slice of agate with that has beautiful markings that really highlight the stone.
Victorian Chinese turquoise beads 1900
Price: £400
This is a Chinese graduated turquoise bead necklace. The stones are untreated and natural colours and markings really make this a stunning example. It is very finely graduated so they imperceptibly decrease in size which adds to the elegance and quality.
Monochrome tubular bead necklace, Modern
Price: £95
This is a rather fabulous necklace that feature very large tubular beads that are half crystal and half onyx. They ae paired with smaller crystal beads with black inclusions. The large beads adre very unusual. It has a silver clasp.
Victorian ladies watch chain c1900
Price: £40
This is a lovely chain comprising different silver stations with engraved details with an Albert clasp. Can be easily used as a bracelet or part of a necklace. Clasp is marked Sterling 925
Faux pearl necklace c1910
Price: £15
This is a lovely necklace that features very lustrous faux pearls in natural shapes. The central pendant is a massive 25 mm faux pearl.
Georgian neck brooch c1820
Price: £85
This is a very unusual brooch meant to be warn at the neck. It comprises white metal and brass elements. It has a hanging garland that moves and then there are three chains attached. It has a typical Regency design. It has been restored so the pin and clasp are not original. Nor are the chains original although they compliment the brooch so well this most likely is an authentic restoration back to its original state.