Catalog (2409)

A lovely 18K yellow and white gold, ruby and enamel love pendant (“medaille d’amour”) with a rebus spelling out Plus qu’hier, moins que demain,” (“More than yesterday, less than tomorrow.”) a line from the love poem written by Rosemonde Gérard to her husband Edmond Rostand (author of “Cyrano”) in 1889. The word “plus” is symbolized by a plus sign in white gold and the word “moins” by a minus sign set with rectangular cut synthetic rubies. The remainder of the text is highlighted in black enamel. In 1907, the Lyonnais jewelry Alphonse Augis created a love token based on the poem. This example has the starburst textured background paired with a bright-cut border in a style introduced in 1969. It is signed “A.A.” The medium size is perfect for either a neck chain or a charm bracelet. The pendant is fully stamped with French 18K gold marks and with Augis’ maker’s mark.

• Origin: France, 1975.
• Condition: excellent; sharp detail.
• Dimensions: 3/4” diameter (excluding bail and jump ring).
• Weight: 2.7 grams.
• Approximate Total Ruby Weight: .04 carat.

A wonderful Victorian 18K gold and jet watch chain that has been converted to a bracelet. The bracelet comprises variously-shaped baton and spherical beads. The original carved spherical watch fob and the crossbar dangle freely from the bracelet. The watch fob is carved in a stylized foliate pattern against a matte background. The spring ring is stamped "14K"; other elements are tested and guaranteed 14K.

• Era: ca. 1890
• Length: 7 3/8" (easily extended, if needed, with additional gold links).
• Condition: very good; one of the long beads has a 1/8" flake at one end and another long bead has a 1/16" flake at one end, but neither are easily visible without very close inspection.

A very good first standard (950/1000 pure) silver small-size tastevin by the highly regarded Dijon silversmith Marc Parrod. This example retains the classic round shape with a convex bottom, but the usual "godrons" and "cupules" gare replaced by repoussé grape clusters alternating with raised "perles". Each grape cluster is accented with stylized vines. Parrod was particularly noted for this unique variation. The handle is in a rather unusual shape slightly suggestive of the double snake handles sometimes found on tastevins from the Bourgogne region. These smaller tastevins are less common than the larger ones. Smaller tastevins from the Bordeaux region were often used for tasting Cognac, so perhaps the smaller Burgundian versions were used for some other spirit, as well as wine. The bottom and handle are stamped with first-standard silver marks and with Parrod's mark.

• Origin: Dijon, France, ca. 1903-1944
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms, sharp detail
• Dimensions: 2-1/4” diameter (excluding handle)
• Weight: 25.8 grams

A very good first standard (950/1000 pure) silver small-size tastevin by the highly regarded Dijon silversmith Marc Parrod. This example retains the classic round shape with a convex bottom, but the usual "godrons" and "cupules" are replaced by repoussé grape clusters alternating with "cupules". Each grape cluster is accented with stylized vines. Parrod was particularly noted for this unique variation. The handle is in the traditional form of two snakes grasping an apple, alluding to the the Garden of Eden snake and reminding the drinker of temptation. These smaller tastevins are less common than the larger ones. Smaller tastevins from the Bordeaux region were often used for tasting Cognac, so perhaps the smaller Burgundian versions were used for some other spirit, as well as wine. The bottom and handle are stamped with first-standard silver marks and with Parrod's mark.

• Origin: Dijon, France, ca. 1903-1944
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms, sharp detail
• Dimensions: 2-1/4” diameter (excluding handle)
• Weight: 24.6 grams

A superb 19th century Imperial Russian wooden Easter egg with polychrome decoration of Christ arising from the tomb flanked by a pair of angels. The scene is beautifully colored and shows dynamic movement. The reverse of the egg bears the gilt letters “XB” for “Christ is Risen.” The egg is completed with its original blue silk ribbon, appropriately worn with age. Careful examination of the drill holes in the egg show even oxidation of the wood’s unpainted surfaces and the paint has typical aligatoring, supporting a 19th century age.

Origin: Russia, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent; negligible paint loss. Dimensions: 3-5/8” long.

An Edwardian gilt silver ("vermeil") locket enhanced with bright turquoise blue guilloche enamel. The starburst design of the champleve is enhanced with gilt accents in the enamel. The locket retains the original insert frames on both sides. Stamped with English hallmarks; the city mark is obscured, so we can't be certain of the exact date letter, but we believe it to be 1917.

• England, ca 1917
• Excellent condition; no enamel damage
• Dimensions: 1" diameter
• Weight: 13.0 grams

Elegant Napoleon III circle brooch enclosing a delicate sprig of flowers set with 19 small rose-cut diamonds. The floral motif is worked in silver as was the practice in 19th century diamond jewelry. The white color of the metal was thought to show diamonds to their better advantage. The edges of the circle are beautifully pierced with a double gallery. The back retains the original extended pinstem and c-clasp, and back is marked with 19th century French hallmarks for 18K gold.

Origin: France, circa 1860. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1” diameter. Weight: 4.75 grams.

A superb pair of double-sided Art Deco silver cufflinks by E. Besseire & Cie. The hexagonal faces are decorated with red, green and black blocks of opaque champlevé enamels highlighted with silver shield-shaped and squiggle accents. The faces are connected bychains. The backs of each face are marked with Besseire’s maker’s mark and with assay marks for silver.

Origin: France, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent; no enamel damage (the green enamel has some porosity visible under magnification that is original to the making). Size: 17/32” diameter. Weight: 7.9 grams.

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenser lightly sprinkles a drip or two of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Sterling” and is signed “Cartier”. These watering cans were made for Cartier’s New York store.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: very good, two tiny dings barely noticeable in raking light. Size: 3” tall. Weight: 52.0 gr.

A very nice Victorian 9K gold buckle ring, fully engraved with an ornate floral and foliate pattern against a stippled background. The gold has faint rose tint. The ring shows almost no wear. The width of the band and larger finger size make this ring ideal for man. The interior of the shank is fully stamped with Chester hallmarks for 1896.

Origin: England, 1896. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Dimensions: 7/16" at the buckle, tapering to 5/32" at the back. Finger Size: 9-3/4. Weight: 4.5 gr.

A lovely 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby love pendant ("medille d'amour") with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") a line from a love poem written by Rosemonde Gérard to her husband Edmond Rostand (author of "Cyrano de Bergerac") in 1889. The word "plus" is symbolized by a plus sign set with rose cut diamonds and the word "moins" is symbolized by a minus sign set with rectangular cut synthetic rubies.

In 1907, the Lyonnais jewelry Alphonse Augis created a love token based on the poem. This example, signed by Augis, is of better than average quality, with intricate engraving on the background and a lovely engraved floral border. The oval shape is also less common the the usual circle. The use of rose cut diamonds, synthetic rubies and Augis' signature indicates that this is an earlier example. The smaller size is perfect as a pendant on a delicate chain or for wear on a charm bracelet. Fully marked with 18K gold marks, and Augis' maker's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1925. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 1/2" x 7/8" (from top of bail).

A fine Art Deco sterling silver pendant necklace by famed illustrator and jewelry designer McClelland Barclay. The square pendant shows a water lily and lily pad along with several buds in a stylized form. The pendant is suspended from its original silver chain. The reverse is marked "Sterling Silver" and is signed "McClelland Barclay".

Barclay was a noted illustrator, famous for his pin-up style advertisements for General Motors and for Hollywood movies. At the onset of World War II, he volunteered to join the Navy and painted many of the most important recruiting and propaganda images. In 1942, he started designing silver jewelry. He was stationed on ships in the South Pacific and sent his designs via mail to the manufacturing company, Rice-Weiner. He was killed when his ship was torpedoed in 1943.

Origin: America, 1942-43. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: pendant, 2" x 2-1/4"; chain length, 24-1/2". Weight: 35.5 gr.

A pretty ring converted from a French 18K rose and yellow gold and ruby stick pin. The design shows a detailed rose gold snake curled around a yellow gold flower. The serpent's head is set with an antique cushion cut ruby of rich red color. The 18K gold snake is mounted on a 14K gold band.

In Victorian times, the snake was used to represent never-ending love. Prince Albert gave a snake ring to Queen Victoria on the occasion of their marriage.

Size: 6-1/2 (can easily be sized up or down). Dimensions: snake, 11/16" x 3/8". Weight: 1.9 gr. Approximate Total Ruby Weight: .04 ct.

A delightful ring converted from a French 18K rose and green gold and ruby stick pin. The design shows a pair of ruby cherries hanging from a pair of green gold leaves (the photos are upside down). The rubies have a nice red color the perfect shade of juicy, ripe cherries. The 18K gold design is mounted on a 14K gold band.

Cherries are rife with symbolism ranging from the eternal soul to female sexuality. This ring would also be great for someone from Michigan!

Size: 6-1/2 (can easily be sized up or down). Dimensions: crown, 1/2" diameter. Weight: 1.7 gr. Approximate Total Ruby Weight: .06 ct.

An elegant ring converted from an antique French 18K gold and diamond stick pin. The design shows a coiled snake with a diamond-set head. The 18K gold snake is mounted on a 14K gold band.

In Victorian times, the snake was a symbol of everlasting love, without beginning or end. Prince Albert gave a snake ring to Queen Victoria on the occasion of their marriage.

Size: 6-1/2 (can easily be sized up or down). Dimensions: crown, 1/2" x 5/8". Weight: 2.4 gr. Approximate Diamond Weight: .01 ct.

A fabulous ring converted from an antique French 18K gold stick. The fleur-de-lis is beautifully embossed with lots of detail. A delicate row of three natural seed pearls accents the design. The 18K gold crown is mounted on a 14K gold band.

The fleur-de-lis ("lily") was the traditional symbol of French royalty.

Size: 6-1/2 (can easily be sized up or down). Dimensions: crown, 1/2" x 11/16". Weight: 1.9 gr.

A lovely 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby love pendant (“medaille d’amour”) with a rebus spelling out “Plus qu’hier, moins que demain” (“More than yesterday less than tomorrow”), a line from a love poem written by Rosemonde Gérard to her husband Edmond Rostand (author of “Cyrano de Bergerac”) in 1889. The word “plus” is symbolized by a plus sign set with rose cut diamond and the word “moins” is symbolized by a minus sign set with rectangular synthetic rubies.

In 1907, the Lyonnais jeweler Alphonse Augis created a love token based on the poem. This example, signed by Augis, is the classic version with the crepe de chine textured background enclosed in a plain border. The use of a rose cut diamond and the Augis signature indicates that this is an earlier example. The size is perfect as a pendant on a delicate chain or as a charm on a bracelet. Fully marked with 18K gold marks, and Augis’ maker’s mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1940. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 9/16” x 7/8” (from top of bail). Weight: 1.7 gr. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .01 ct; ruby, .04 ct.

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenses sprinkles a drip or two of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Cartier Sterling.” These cans were made specifically for Cartier’s New York store.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: very good, a very minor ding on the bottom rim and on the spill guard at the top. Dimensions: 3” tall. Weight: 51.2 gr.