Catalog (2449)

A classic mid-century bell-shaped sterling silver double jigger. This example is a little taller than some, lending a more elegant appearance. The neck is stamped “Web-Sterling.”

• Origin: America, ca. 1960
• Condition: excellent, no monograms or dings
• Height: 4-3/8”
• Weight: 49.2 grams

A nice sterling silver double jigger with a turned ebony handle. The jigger has a smaller and a larger cup, each in bell form. The jigger is marked by Edward San Giovanni, who worked in Ridgefield, CT during the 1940s and 50s.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms. Dimensions: 2-13/16 in high; 5-1/8 in long. Weight: 38.8 gr.

A classic mid-century sterling silver jigger by Smith & Smith and retailed by Black, Starr & Gorham, one of America's leading luxury stores in the 1950s. The jigger is simply decorated with a series of three incised rings that do double duty as markers for variously sized pours. The bottom is fully hallmarked. The jigger is presented with its original felt pouch and gift box, both marked "Black, Starr & Gorham."

• Origin: America, 1950-62.
• Condition: excellent; no dings or monograms; light staining on gift box.
• Dimensions: 2-7/16" tall.
• Weight: 29.4 grams.

A wonderful pair of Modernist sterling silver cufflinks from Taxco, the center of Mexican silver jewelry production in the 20th century. The design is strongly geometric, but has an organic quality as well--almost like a leaf shape. The interiors are nicely oxidized to contrast with the appliqued silver spheres. The backs are hallmarked with the "3M" mark attributed to Miguel Melendez' output from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Melendez was a master silversmith and worked as a designer for many of Taxco's most important makers such as Margot.

Origin: Mexico, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent, all original, beautiful patina. Size: 1-1/4" x 13/16". Weight: 18.0 grams.

A stunning Mikimoto 18K yellow gold ring set with a 10.50 mm South Sea Akoya pearl surrounded by curved rows of round brilliant cut diamonds. The pearl has white body color with slight rose overtones. The nacre has bright luster. The surface is free of blemishes. The diamonds are D/E color and VVS clarity, with good symmetry and polish. The quality of workmanship, materials and overall design are so obviously special, that the ring is immediately identifiable as Mikimoto. The interior of the shank is fully hallmarked for 18K gold and bears Mikimoto’s oyster shell mark. The ring is presented in its original box and is accompanied by its original Mikimoto grading certificate. It is also accompanied by a 2010 independent NAJA appraisal confirming the above information and stating a replacement value of $16,500.

Origin: Japan. Condition: excellent. Finger Size: 5 (could be enlarged with disturbing the marks). Size: crown, 3/4” wide; 9/16” high. Total Diamond Weight: 1.37 carats.

A classic 14K yellow gold "Tree of Life" pin by Mikimoto. This design is an enduring classic available only from the higher-level Mikimoto boutiques. The pin is set with twelve cultured pearls, ranging in size from 4.89 to 6.79 mm. The pearls are of exceptional AAA quality, with cream body color, rose overtones, a bright luster. The back is marked with Mikimoto's oyster shell signature.

• Japan, circa 2010
• Excellent condition
• 1 1/4" x 1 11/16"
• 8.2 grams

A classic 14K yellow gold “Tree of Life” pin by Mikimoto. This design is an enduring classic available only from the higher-end Mikimoto boutiques. The pin is set with twelve cultured pearls, ranging in size from 3.99 to 5.42mm. The pearls are of exceptional AA quality, with cream body color and pronounced rose overtones. The luster is very bright and the surfaces are nearly blemish-free. The back is marked 14K and has Mikimoto’s oyster shell signature. At Mikimoto’s Place Vendome boutique in Paris, this pin is currently offered for approximately $1,500. Origin: Japan. Condition: excellent. Size: 1-3/8” x 1-1/8”. Weight: 6.0 gr.

A classic vintage Mikimoto 14K yellow gold pin featuring ten cultured Akoya pearls, ranging in size from 6.25 to 7.58 millimeters. The pearls are estimated at A+ quality, with cream body color and rose overtones, and strong orient. The nacre is thick and lustrous and the surfaces are blemish-free. The back is signed with Mikimoto’s hallmark.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent. Size: 1-7/8” x 1-1/4”. Weight: 12.1 grams.

A classic vintage Mikimoto brooch featuring pearls set in 14K yellow gold. The swirled design includes ten pearls of superb quality, estimated at AA quality. The surfaces are smooth, the luster is bright and the body color is cream with rose overtones. The pearls range in size from 5.5 to 7.7 millimeters. The gold “leaves” are pierced to provide a sense of lightness despite the pin’s relatively generous size. The back retains the original typical Mikimoto clasp and is signed with Mikimoto’s hallmark and “K14”.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-1/4” x 1-3/8”.

Elegant signed Mikimoto 14K yellow gold brooch set with a cluster of five pearls. The pearls are of the exceptional quality that only Mikimoto produces--a beautiful luster and very white body color. The back is stamped with Mikimoto's hallmark.

Origin: Japan, ca 1970. Condition: excellent, no damage, all original. Size: 1" x 2"; pearls 5-6mm. Weight: 5.0 grams.

An elegant 18K yellow gold, Akoya pearl and diamond heart ring by Mikimoto. The diamond-studded heart is centered with a cluster of three 4.3-4.5mm pearls, graded as extra-fine AAA—the highest possible quality rating. They have fine luster and white body color with rosé overtones. The diamonds are E/VVS. The interior of the shank is stamped with Mikimoto's hallmark.

The ring is accompanied by a 2006 written Bailey, Banks & Biddle appraisal for $2150.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1990. Condition: excellent. Finger Size: 6-3/4. Dimensions: heart, 5/8" x 1/2". Weight: gr. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .20 ct.

Gorgeous pair of signed Mikimoto 18K yellow gold, pearl and diamond earrings. Each earring features a cluster of five 6.0—6.5 mm pearls, topped with a golden bow and sprinkled with prong-set round brilliant-cut diamonds. The pearls have white body color with strong rosé overtones. The luster is bright and the surfaces are free of blemishes. The pearls are extra fine AAA—in other words, the absolute finest quality available anywhere in the world. The diamonds are of equally fine quality, rated at E color, VVS clarity. The backs have posts and omega clips. Each earring is marked with Mikimoto’s shell hallmark and “750” for 18K. The earrings are presented in their original Mikimoto hinged box, along with the original Mikimoto gift box.

The earrings are accompanied by an August 2006 written appraisal for $6,500 by Bailey, Banks & Biddle’s Mikimoto specialist appraiser.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-3/32” x 15/16”. Weight: 16.5 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .25 carat.

A magnificent pair of signed Mikimoto earrings featuring 13.75 mm mabe pearls in 18K yellow gold twisted knot settings accented with diamonds. The pearls are of the finest quality, estimated at AA. They have cream body color and extraordinary cream body color with rose overtones and superb luster. The brilliant round-cut diamonds are of similarly fine quality, estimated at VVS clarity and E color. They are bead set in 18K white gold to accent the color. The backs are finished with posts and omega clips. The posts could be easily removed for wear as clips-on earrings without altering the Mikimoto signature. The backs are signed with Mikimoto's oystershell mark flanked by "NY", indicating that they were made for Mikimoto's flagship New York store on 7th Avenue, and "18".

Ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-1/16" diameter. Weight: 23.5 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 2.5 carats.

Superb Mikimoto 18K yellow gold and pearl brooch in the shape of a cello. The cello’s body is set with 25 fine AA pearls graduating from 3.8 to 5.2 millimeters, and the tailpiece is studded with three round brilliant-cut diamonds. The f-holes, fingerboard, pegs and scroll are worked in gold and are beautifully detailed. The pearls are of exceptional quality with light cream body color and rosé overtones. The luster is very bright and the pearls are well matched. The diamonds are SI1/2 clarity and G/H color. Mikimto figural brooches are very rare. The back is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark and “750” for 18K gold. An equally fine brooch in our collection, in the shape of a harp (Item #514948) was appraised in March 2006 by the Mikimoto specialist at Bailey, Banks & Biddle for $3,250.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1990. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-1/4” x 1-1/8”. Weight: 10.5 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .1 carat.

A classic Mikimoto ring featuring a cluster of 6.3mm pearls crowned with a star of six round brilliant diamonds of G color and VVS2 clarity. The pearls have fine luster, with cream body color and rose overtones, and are graded AA. The shank is stamped with Mikimoto’s hallmark and for 18K gold.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: crown, 5/8” diameter. Finger Size: 7. Weight: 5.4 gr. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .18 ct.

Superb Mikimoto brooch in the shape of a harp. The harp’s sounding board is set with a row of ten fine AA pearls graduating from 3.3 to 5.8 millimeters, and the strings are studded with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The neck and column, both worked in gold, are beautifully detailed. The pearls are of exceptional quality with light cream body color and rosé overtones. The luster is very bright and the pearls are well matched. The diamonds are SI1/2 clarity and G/H color. Mikimto figural brooches are very rare, and this example is nearly certainly a custom-made piece. The back is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark and “750” for 18K gold. The brooch is accompanied by a March 2006 written appraisal from the Mikimoto specialist at Bailey, Banks & Biddle for $3,250.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1990. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-1/32” x 1-5/32”. Weight: 11.8 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .12 carat.

A lovely pair of 18K yellow gold set with cultured pearls by Mikimoto. Each earring features a pair of 7.3mm pearls with very fine luster, blemish-free surfaces and cream body color with rose overtones. The pearls are simply nested in a swirl of gold. The backs are marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark and “750” for 18K.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent. Size: 5/8” x 9/16”. Weight: 6.1 gr.

Beautiful 29.75” strand of pearls by Mikimoto. The 6.0-6.5mm pearls are joined with a 14K yellow gold clasp set with a 3.3mm pearl. The strand comprises 113 pearls having medium cream-rose body color with Mikimoto’s classic rosé overtones. The nacre is thick and the luster is very fine. The quality is appraised at fine AA, indicating that they just border on the elusive AAA quality. The clasp is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark. The strand is presented in its original white satin folio marked "Mikimoto Fifth Avenue".

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, securely strung; the satin folio has a champagne stain in the interior. Size: 29.75”, 6.0-6.5mm.

Accompanied by a June 2005 Bailey, Banks & Biddle written appraisal for $6,500.

A lovely strand of Mikimoto cultured pearls finished with a signed 18K yellow gold and pearl clasp. The strand comprises 113 6.0x6.5 mm fine-quality pearls, graded as A+. They have cream body color, nice silver overtones, and bright luster. The pearls are well-matched and are finished with Mikimoto’s signature bow-shaped 18K gold clasp set with a small pearl and signed with Mikimoto’s oyster shell hallmark. This strand has slightly smaller pearls than are usually used in opera length strands, giving it a lightness that makes it more versatile and appropriate for current fashion. Mikimoto currently prices strands of this quality and length at approximately $8,000.

Origin: Japan. Size: 32-3/4” long. Condition: excellent, secure stringing.

A classic 14K yellow gold “Tree of Life” pin by Mikimoto. This design is an enduring classic available only from the higher-end Mikimoto boutiques. The pin is set with twelve cultured pearls, ranging in size from 4.01 to 5.18mm. The pearls are of exceptional AA quality, with cream body color and pronounced rose overtones. The luster is very bright and the surfaces are nearly blemish-free. The back is marked 14K and has Mikimoto’s oyster shell signature. At Mikimoto’s Place Vendome boutique in Paris, this pin is currently offered for approximately $1,500.

Origin: Japan. Size: 1-3/8” x 1-1/8”. Weight: 5.9 gr.

A beautiful double-strand pearl and 18K yellow gold bracelet by Mikimoto. The bracelet comprises 48 pearls, graded as fine AA. The pearls are 6.5 to 7.00 mm. The color is medium cream with rose overtones. The luster is bright and the nacre is of medium thickness. The pearls are beautifully matched, as would be expected of Mikimoto. The strands are separated by two gold station spacers and are completed with an 18K yellow gold box clasp with repousse floral decoration and a 4.2 mm pearl. The clasp is fully hallmarked for 18K and is signed with Mikimoto’s oyster shell hallmark. The strand is accompanied by a 2010 independent NAJA appraisal confirming the above information and stating a replacement value of $4,650.

Origin: Japan. Condition: excellent, no pearl damage, secure stringing. Size: 7-1/4” long.

Beautiful Mikimoto 18K yellow gold and pearl brooch. Opposing swirls of gold surround a cluster of five Mikimoto pearls, ranging from 5 to 6 millimeters. The quality of the pearls is excellent (estimated at AA quality), with very high luster and a bright white body color and rosé overtones. The back is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark and “750” for 18K gold.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1990. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-27/32” x 13/16”. Weight: 8.5 grams.

Vintage pair of sterling silver screwback earrings set with 5mm and 6mm Mikimoto pearls. This is the classic style produced by Mikimoto in the mid-20th century—beautiful pearls set in the simplest possible way so that the pearls take center stage. The pearl quality is very nice—estimated at A+. They have an ivory body color with rose overtones and the luster is bright. The backs are marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 13/32” x 7/32”. Weight: 5.0 grams.

A very good example of a mid-20th century pearl and jade cluster ring by Ming's of Honolulu. Wook Moon opened his shop in 1940 and specialized in creating interesting designs that combined traditional Hawaiian motifs and gems popular in the South Pacific and Asian communities. This cluster ring features are green, black, white, yellow and red jade spheres nestled among ivory-colored pearls. The jade has good translucency and the pearls have very attractive luster, smooth surfaces and distinct gold overtones. Most rings by Ming's had gold leaves interspersed among the gems, but this example is particularly attractive because there are no leaves--just 22 colored spheres tightly packed into a very large cluster. The back of the ring is constructed with a double shank to provide more stability. The setting is entirely handmade and is stamped "Ming's" and "14K".

Origin: Hawaii, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, all original. Finger Size: 8-3/4. Dimensions: crown, 1-1/4 x 1-1/8". Weight: 14.7 grams.

Fabulous brass and copper picture frame in the Aesthetic Japonaise style. The basketweave pattern of the brass frame is detailed with raised copper decorative elements that include a crane standing in a stream, bamboo and cherry blossoms. The back has an easel. The frame is 3.5" x 2.75". The oval opening with glass is 2.25" x 1.5". Circa 1870.

A nice pair of vintage 14K yellow gold cufflinks, the faces designed as a pair of discs joined by a diamond-shaped reserve. Each of the discs is engraved in a starburst motif, while the reserves feature oval star sapphire cabochons. The sapphires have good translucency and even, grayish-blue coloring. The stars are very distinct, bright and well-centered. The backs are marked "14K".

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent. Size: 1-1/4" x 11/16". Weight: 15.1 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: 5.75 cts.

A handsome pair of Modernist 14K yellow gold cufflinks in the form of three-sided pyramids. Each side is has an incised border surrounding a bead-set round sapphire. The stones have very attractive cornflower blue color. The connectors to the toggle backs are stamped "14K."

• Origin: America, ca 1960
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: faces, 25/32" x 25/32" (20 x 20 mm)
• Weight: 11.0 grams
• Approximate Total Sapphire Weight: .28 carat.

An elegant modernist-style brooch in 14K yellow gold accented with pearls, diamonds and sapphires. The brooch is composed of a pair of gold arcs, one highly-polished and the other textured. The intersection of the arcs is set with a cluster of variously sized cultured pearls interspersed with prong-set round brilliant-cut diamonds and blue sapphires. The pearls range in size from 3.6mm to 6.75 mm, and are of very fine Mikimoto-like quality. The body color is cream with a silvery overtone. The nacre is thick and the surfaces are good. The sapphires and diamonds are also of good quality and nice color. The back is marked “14K”.

Origin: America, ca. 1965. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-9/16” x 1-5/8”. Weight: 12.0 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .06 carat; sapphire, .2 carat.

A nice pair of modernist 14K yellow gold and pearl earrings. 5.2-millimeter pearl studs suspend faceted gold bars that, in turn, suspend open-work gold spheres studded with pearls. Each sphere comprises a dozen 4.9 millimeter cultured pearls of very good quality. The body color is cream with rose overtones. The luster is bright and the surfaces are smooth. Each of the spheres is completed with the addition of prong-set seed pearls. The spheres dangle freely and exhibit lots of movement. During the late 1950s and 1960s, scientific knowledge became an inspiration for jewelry designers who began turning pieces like “Sputnik” rings. The arrangement of the pearls and the underlying gold structure of these earrings is clearly based on atomic-level molecule models. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-3/8” long; 5/8” diameter. Weight: 8.5 grams.

A striking modernist 14K yellow gold link bracelet, with enlaced circular and oval links. The interplay of shapes creates a very chic look. It can be worn alone or with a collection of charms. The reverse is stamped for 14K gold and has an indistinct maker's mark.

Origin: America, ca 1940. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 7-3/4" long; 5/8" wide. Weight: 25.2 grams.

A pair of Modernist 14K gold and sapphire cufflinks in the brutalist style. The gold surfaces are etched in a Florentine finish that contrasts nicely with the rich blue sapphires. The toggles are marked "14K".

• ORIGIN America, ca 1970
• DIMENSIONS 1 1/8" x 3/8"
• WEIGHT 14.8 grams
• APPROXIMATE TOTAL GEMSTONE WEIGHT: sapphire, .84 carat
• CONDITION excellent

An interesting pair of Modernist free form tumbled spotted moss agate stones in sinuous 14K yellow gold cage settings with bean backs. The agates have interesting spotted markings in shades of gray and brown as well as surface-reaching matrix in a cream color. The settings are clearly hand-crafted and designed specifically for the stones. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

Dimensions: faces, 11/16” x 11/16”. Weight: 15.0 gr.

A handsome and heavy 14K yellow gold ring in a flattened chain link design similar to the classic Gucci “Cuban Link” design. The ring is substantial enough to be worn by a man, but the openness of the design and the split shank makes it equally attractive for a woman. The interior is stamped 14K.

Origin: America, ca. 1965. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: crown, 7/16” x 3/4". Finger Size: 8-3/4. Weight: 9.4 grams.

A heavy pair of mid-century 14K yellow gold dome cufflinks in a Florentine finish, each centering a gypsy-set round brilliant cut citrine. The gemstones are medium slightly brownish orangy-yellow in color and constrast nicely with the surrounding gold. The toggle backs are marked “14K”.

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent. Size: 5/8” diameter; 3/8” deep. Weight: 14.0 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: 2.0 carats.

An outstanding 14K yellow gold and pearl ring in a sophisticated modernist the design. The split shank creates a flat crown enclosing a row of three pearls, graduating from 5.3 to 6.6 mm. The quality of the pearls are easily on a par with Mikimoto. The luster is superb, the color is cream with rosé overtones, and the surfaces are smooth. Overall, the quality is estimated at AA. The quality of the mounting itself, is likewise superb. The interior of the shank is marked "14K".

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: crown, 3/4" x 7/16". Finger Size: 4-3/4 (could easily be enlarged). Weight: 9.5 grams.

A superb modernist bracelet in 18K yellow gold set with multi-colored gemstones by Bruno Guidi. Guidi was the lead designer and chief goldsmith the the acclaimed Brazilian jeweler Haroldo Burle Marx for more than 30 years. Each piece was created entirely by hand starting from a piece of gold, without the aid of any molds or pre-made elements. In this bracelet, each of the ten links features a colorful cabochon gemstone native to Brazil—amethyst; citrine; moonstone; and blue, pink and green tourmaline. The links are individually hinged so the bracelet is flexible and comfortable. The clasp is stamped "Brazil 18J Bruno Guidi."

After Burle Marx's death in 1972, Bruno Guidi and his brother Flavio continued working for a few years, making many of the designs they had originally created for Burle Marx.

Origin: Brazil, ca. 1992. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 1/2" wide; 6-1/2" long. Weight: 41.9 gr. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: 7.7 cts.