Catalog (2153)

A very good 14K yellow gold Albert chain worked in fancy links. The larger links feature central plaques with engine turned engraving surrounded in ornately scalloped and scrolled wirework. Each of the oval plaques is separated by thick round links. One end is finished with a bolt and the other with a dog clip. The chain was purchased in Spain, is likely Spanish in origin. Tested and guaranteed 14K gold.

• Origin: probably Spain, ca. 1880
  • Length: 16-3/4 (42.5 cm)
  • Width: 3/8” (9 mm)Weight: 31.1 g

Art Deco Sterling Silver RIONDO COCKTAIL Recipe Cocktail Stirrer An uncommon sterling silver cocktail stirrer with a paddle-form handle and a twist stem. The handle is engraved with the recipe for a “Riondo Cocktail” on one side and a gin martini on the other. Riondo was a high-end brand of Puerto Rican rum in the 1940s. The stirrer is hallmarked by Blackinton, maker of some of the best sterling silver figural barware of the Art Deco and mid-Century periods.

• Origin: America, ca. 1940
• Condition: excellent, a few pinpoint dings to the stirring sphere
• Length: 10” (25.3 cm)
• Weight: 29.8 g

A very rare Art Deco multifunction bar utensil in the form of a Jolly Old Topper snowman. His mouth acts as a bottle opener, while the stovepipe removes to reveal a corkscrew. The weighted head is heavy to use as an ice crusher and, of the course, the long stem is a stirrer/spoon. The Jolly Old Topper line was made by Steele & Johnson Manufacturing Co. before 1933. There were three variations including a corkscrew/bottle stopper combo, a corkscrew/jigger combo, and this more elaborate multifunction tool. Advertisements for the line included a poem entitled “The Jolly Old Topper.” His big mouth will uncap ale and beer; He has big ears and perhaps looks queer; Pull off his hat and you will see; Just why it is that he’s screw-ee”

• Origin: America, ca. 1925
• Condition: excellent
• Length: 11”

Mexican sterling silver jigger and bar stirrer utensil by Sanborns. The jigger is in a beehive form with each incised ring marking off 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz measures. The cup is entirely hand-hammered. The shaker spoon is in a simple design that complements the jigger form. The back is stamped with the Sanborns mark used from 1955 until the late 60s.

• Origin: Mexico, 1955-1970
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Length: 9-1/4"
• Weight: 50.6 gr

A classic French silver tastevin in traditional Burgundian form by the Parisian master silversmith Alexandre Vaguer. Due to its small size, the taster may have been intended to evaluate cognac, Armagnac, or calvados instead of wine. Unlike the usual decoration of “perles,” “godrons,” and “cupules,” this example has a smooth bottom that would be more useful with liquors. The sides are enhanced with repousse and engraved decoration of grape clusters and leaves typical of Burgundian wine tasters. The handle is in the traditional Burgundian form of two entwined snakes grasping an apple, thought to represent the Garden of Eden and the potential temptations of alcohol. Most interestingly of all, though, is that the entire tastevin was created from a single 5-franc coin, using only hammers and a few other hand tools to thin, spread, and shape the flat coin into a finished tastevin. Only a handful of masters were capable of raising a tastevin from a coin with the words “DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE” (“God protect France”), originally found around the outer edge of the coin, still visible along the top edge of the tastevin. The last silversmith proven to have mastered the skill stopped working in 1968. This example is stamped with the maker’s mark for Alexandre Vaguer, who began working in Paris in 1931 as part of the Atelier van Destel.

• Origin: France, ca 1935
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 2-3/16” x 2-15/16” x 11/16”
• Weight: 29.2 grams

A stunning Victorian brooch in the form of a comet or shooting star overlaying a traditional crescent moon. The imposing size and the combination of motifs makes this easily the very best celestial jewel we’ve handled. The pin is set entirely with rose cut diamonds in silver over gold. The largest diamond faces up with an appearance of about .55 carat. Overall, the diamonds have the appearance of roughly 4.5 carats. The stones in the crescent are set in closed backs while those in the shooting star or comet are set a jour. The brooch could easily be converted to a pendant by removing the pin stem and adding a bail. The back is stamped with French 18K gold and silver hallmarks.

• Origin: Probably English (French import marks), ca 1840
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 1-7/16” x 1-11/16”
• Weight: 13.6 g
• Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 4.5 cts (face-up appearance)

An elegant late Victorian pendant/brooch in the Art Nouveau taste worked in 18K gold. The design features a fuschia blossom set with old mine cut diamonds and accented with gold leaves and diamond-set swirls. The design is set with an additional .15 ct old European cut diamond to one side and supends another diamond drop weighing .20 ct. As is typical of jewelry of the period, the smaller diamonds are set in silver over gold to heighten their sparkle. In Victorian flower symbology, the fuschia blossom represented “good taste.” The back retains the brooch pin and clasp and two hooks to the piece can be worn from a fine chain. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

• Origin: probably France, ca. 1900
• Dimensions: 2-1/16” x 2-1/4”
• Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .71 ct
• Weight 9.8 g

A wonderful Victorian 14k gold pendant featuring a large oval citrine in a setting of two entwined snakes, each grasping the other’s tail. In Victorian symbology, this motif was often used to represent the eternity of love. The snakes are finely textured in a stippled pattern. The citrine has good, even coloring and perfect clarity. The pendant is suspended from a fine gold chain with four faceted citrine stations. Though the pendant, likely converted from a brooch, is Victorian and the chain is more recent, they look very good together. The chain is marked “14K” and the pendant tests 14K.

• Pendant, ca 1860
• Pendant, 1-5/16” x 13/16”
• Chain Length: 15-5/16”
• Approximate Total Carat Weight: pendant citrine, 18.97 cts; chain citrines, 7.28 cts total
• Weight: 10.9 g

A very good Edwardian gilt silver watch chain with niello decoration. Unusually, it suspends stirrup and riding crop fobs. One end is finished with a swivel clasp and the other with a large spring bolt. It could easily be paired with other silver chains to fashion a necklace. The chain is stamped with Swiss hallmarks used 1917-34.

• Origin: Switzerland, ca 1920
• Condition: excellent
• Chain Length: 10-1/2”
• Fob Length: 2”
• Weight: 31.5 g

A fine late 19th or early 20th century 18K gold necklace comprising a series of graduated palmette shaped links finished at either end with a fancy link chain. Each palmette features ornate beaded swirls and a floral design. The graduated sizes create an very elegant effect. The necklace is stamped with French 18K hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca 1900
• Condition: excellent
• Length: 17-1/2”
• Maximum Width: 9/16”
• Weight: 24.2 g

A very fine early “collier Bayadère” or bayadere necklace comprising four strands of seed pearls suspending a blue star sapphire and a seed pearl tassel set in 14K gold bell-form cap set with old mine cut diamonds. These are also sometimes called “sautoirs.” The sapphire has a violet tint to the blue and displays good asterism (star effect). The necklace is finished with a late 18th or early 19th century enameled clasp worked in 18K gold. Bayadères made with two tassels and no clasp were meant to be tied together with a simple knot, while others such as this example, suspending a single tassel, were made with a traditional clasp. The term “bayadère” referred to Indian maidens (“devadasi”) who performed complex ritual dances in Indian temples. Bayadère necklaces became very fashionable in the 1920s as Europeans grew more intrigued with Indian culture. This earlier example, probably dating to the last quarter of the 19th century, features a single tassel.

• Origin: France, ca. 1875
• Condition: excellent; minor enamel loss to clasp visible upon close inspection
• Necklace Length: 24”
• Tassel Length: 3-1/2”
• Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: star sapphire, 5.9 ct; diamond, .20 ct

A very nice two-sided 18K gold and beveled crystal photo locket, the gold rim ornately pierced in a foliate pattern. The rims of these sorts of lockets are usually worked in a simple reeded pattern, but this example is much more complex. The bail is also a screw that allows the frame to be removed to change the locket’s contents. The locket retains its original two photos and a small piece of woven hair. The bail is stamped with French 18K gold marks and an unidentified maker’s mark.

• Origin: France, ca 1900
• Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks
• Diameter: 1-1/16” (27mm)
• Weight: 6.7 g

A stunning 14K white gold filigree ring featuring rose and yellow gold appliques enclosing a stunning 7.09 ct oval amethyst. The gemstone has the distinctive lilac-pink tones of stones from Brazil called “rose de France,” but with very strong saturation that sets this particular stone apart. While the crown of the ring is of distinctly Art Nouveau style, the shank—enhanced at the shoulders with rose and yellow gold—has a more angular Art Deco feel. The interior of the ring is stamped “BL 14K.”

• Origin: America, ca 1930
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: crown, 3/4” x 5/8”
• Finger Size: 7-3/4
• Approximate Total Amethyst Weight: 7.09 cts
• Weight: 5.7 g

A nice Edwardian silver flat curb link watch chain with alternating sections of gilt and snakeskin niello links. The chain is finished with a dog clip at one end and a large spring-ring bolt at the other. The chain is stamped with Swiss 900 silver marks used 1917-1934.

• Origin: Switzerland, ca 1920
• Condition: excellent
• Length: 10-1/4”
• Weight: 19.7 g

An amazing 18K gold and enamel locket made in celebration of Switzerland’s sexcentennial (600th anniversary) celebration in 1891. Made as either a commissioned jewel for the wife of a government dignitary or as a “Grand Tour” souvenir, this locket is likely a unique piece. The front cover is worked in Swiss enamels depicting eleven of the Swiss cantons surrounded a center reserve featuring the coat of arms of the Swiss Confederation. The reverse is decorated with the coats of arms of the remaining eleven cantons that existed at the time of the celebration surrounded a bouquet of forget-me-nots. The flower is often used to symbolize the message “think of me” in Victorian jewelry, but in this case, also as a reminder that they grow abundantly in Switzerland’s alpine meadows. The locket’s edges are finished in a black enamel trail of ivy leaves and vines. Exposed gold surfaces are finished with a stippled texture. The locket’s interior retains the original frames, glass covers and Kelly green silk lining. The ornately pierced jump ring is also original. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

• Origin: Switzerland (likely Geneva), ca 1891
• Condition: excellent, no enamel damage or dings
• Dimensions: 1-5/16” x 2-5/16” (including jump ring)
• Weight: 32.2 g

An Edwardian lion locket exceptional for its very large size. The deeply three-dimensions lion’s head features a pair of ruby eyes and a brilliant cut diamond grasped in the jaws. The surrounding surfaces have a softly bloomed texture. The reverse is engraved with a period “AK” monogram. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

• Origin: America, ca. 1920
• Condition: excellent, no dings
• Diameter: 1-1/2”
• Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: ruby, .20 ct; diamond, .25 ct
• Weight: 15.1 g

A very unusual Art Nouveau 14K gold brooch in the form of a puffed heart clasped by a winged dragon. The heart is enhanced with repousse floral decoration and is centered with a seed pearl. The griffin clasps a second seed pearl in its jaws. Griffins were often used in jewelry to represent the concept of “protection.” When paired with a heart, the meaning could be conceived as “protecting love.” The back retains the original watch hook, and the clasp appears to be a replacement. The pin could easily be converted for wear as a pendant with the addition of a loop at the tip of each wing. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

• Origin: America, ca 1900
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 1-7/16” x 13/16”
• Weight: 3.3 g

A beautiful late Retro bracelet worked in 14K yellow gold from the esteemed German jeweler Lotos. Founded in Pforzheim in 1872, the house focused entirely on fine jewelry until the late 1950s when it began making insanely expensive eyeglasses frames in precious metals and set with gemstones. This bracelet dates to the years just after World War II while the company was still focused on fine jewelry. The simple design features contemporary open links studded with perfectly matched emerald cut green tourmalines of exceptional color and strong dichroism (the presence of two distinct shades of green in the same stone when viewed from different angles). The tourmalines each weight just over 2 carats. The hidden clasp is stamped “585” for 14K and is signed “LOTOS.”

• Origin: Germany, ca. 1950
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 7-3/8 long; 7/16” wide
• Approximate Total Tourmaline Weight: 8.16 cts
• Weight: 22.0 g

A classic modernist silver pendant or charm representing the Zodiac sign Virgo (“la Vierge”). A long-haired maiden holds a lily flower representing purity. The design is worked with a semi-matte finish and is enclosed in a polished frame. The pendant retains its original jump ring. The pendant is stamped with French second-standard (800/1000 pure) silver hallmarks in use before 1962 and an unidentified maker’s mark (A cross P).

• Origin: France, ca 1955
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 25/32” x 25/32” (20 x 20 mm) excluding bail and jump ring
• Weight: 4.6 grams

A classic mid-century silver pendant or charm representing the Zodiac sign Sagittarius (“le Sagittaire”). The pendant shows a gender-neutral person with a bow and arrow. The pendant is also engraved with the classic iconographical arrow symbol for Sagittarius. The pendant retains its original jump ring. The pendant is stamped with French second-standard (800/1000 pure) silver hallmarks in use before 1962 and an unidentified maker’s mark (A cross P).

• Origin: France, ca 1955
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3/4” x 13/16” excluding bail and jump ring
• Weight; 6.6 grams

A classic modernist silver pendant or charm representing the Zodiac sign Sagittarius (“le Sagittaire”). A long-haired maiden holds a bow and arrow. The design is worked with a semi-matte finish and is enclosed in a highly-polished frame. The pendant retains its original jump ring. The pendant is stamped with French second-standard (800/1000 pure) silver hallmarks in use before 1962 and an unidentified maker’s mark (A cross P).

• Origin: France, ca 1955
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 25/32” x 25/32” (20 x 20 mm) excluding bail and jump ring
• Weight: 4.6 grams

An elegant French 18K yellow gold chain featuring a row of palmettes that create a fringe around the neck when worn. Each is intricately pierced and enhanced with beaded decoration. The palmettes are finished at either of the chain with a row of matching oval links. The chain is stamped with French 18K gold hallmarks used until 1919.

• Origin: France, ca. 1900
• Dimensions: 16” long; 1/2” wide
• Weight: 11.3 g

An elegant Art Nouveau pendant/pin styled as a shooting star. The rays are pave-set with seed pearls, and additional pearls are set at the tips of spikes between each of the rays. The center is set with an old European cut diamond. The back retains the original brooch clasp and folding pendant bail.

• Origin: America, ca. 1910
• Condition: excellent
• Diameter: 1-1/8”
• Approximate Diamond Weight: .10 ct
• Weight: 4.0 g

A classic Retro 18K gold and platinum ring with a special twist—the use of natural “pierres de famille” instead of synthetic stones in modern cuts. The crown of the ring is centered with a good rose cut diamond of about .62 carat (with a face-up appearance of about 1.5 carats) flanked on either side by a graduated pair of cushion cut blue sapphires, and bordered on the outer edges with bands of old mine and old European cut diamonds. The sides of the crown are worked with a pierced gallery. Many Retro jewels were created during the World War II years, hence the frequent use of synthetic gemstones. This ring, however, features natural stones that were repurposed from the owner’s old jewels inherited from family into something more fashionable. The shank is stamped with French 18K gold and platinum hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca 1940
• Condition: excellent, typical wear to surfaces of sapphires
• Dimensions: crown 7/8” long x 5/8” wide tapering to 3/16” at the back of the shank
• Finger Size: 6
• Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, 1.22 cts; sapphire, 2.76 cts
• Weight: 8.6 g

An elegant 18K yellow gold brooch featuring an image of the water nymph Daphne, who was pursued by the sun god Apollo. His affections were not returned by Daphne and to save her from falling into his arms, Daphne’s father transformed her into a laurel tree. She was so impressed by the genuineness of his mourning, that the Daphne bowed her limbs and allowed Apollo to pluck laurel leaves which he fashioned in his own crown. Here, Daphne is shown wearing a bandeau of old European cut diamonds and with her head surrounded by arches of laurel. The wavy treatment of her flowing hair in the background is suggestive of her water origins. This medallion is almost certainly the work of sculptor Emile-Séraphin Vernier. Most jewels based on Vernier’s designs were made in France, but his designs were also licensed to American jewelers who created pieces in 14K gold. American examples such as this one typically have much heavier weight than their French counterparts. The back retains the original watch hook and pinstem with a replaced clasp. A bail for wear as a pendant could easily be added at the top. The back is also engraved “E.H.S. – S.B.H. 1925.” We believe the brooch is likely a about a decade older, probably around 1910 and that the engraving was when given as later gift. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

• Origin: America, 1910
• Condition: excellent, sharp detail, replaced clasp
• Dimensions: 31/32” diameter
• Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .08 ct
• Weight: 10.3 g

An elegant American Art Nouveau pendant worked in 14K yellow gold, set with natural river pearls and period. The design has a feather-like appearance that is at once substantial and airy. The center heart-shaped peridot is 2.35 cts and the suspended pear-shaped peridot is .94 ct. Both stones have fine coloring and fire. The barrel clasp is marked “14K.”

• Origin: America, ca. 1910
• Condition: excellent, all original
• Pendant Dimensions:1-11/16” x 2-1/16”
• Overall Length: 16-1/2”
• Approximate Total Peridot Weight: 3.29 cts
• Weight: 6.8 g

An elegant Art Nouveau necklace featuring a central pendant hanging from a single chysoprase station that in turn hands between two more ornate shield-shaped stations set with chrysoprase cabochons. The central pendant features an oval chrysoprase cabochon enclosed in gold whiplash curves and accented with old mine cut diamonds. The gold surfaces are beautifully enhanced with a snakeskin texture. The pendant also originally had a pinstem so it could be removed from the chain and worn as a brooch. The original hallmark was most likely on the pinstem or its clasp. Given the sophistication of the design and the quality of the workmanship, the necklace is certainly the product of one of the better American makers of the early 20th century. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

• Origin: America, ca. 1915
• Condition: excellent
• Pendant Drop Dimensions: 7/8” x 1-3/4”
• Overall Necklace Length: 17-1/4” (from clasps to central chrysoprase station)
• Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: chrysoprase, 7.74 cts; diamond, .20 cts
• Weight: 9.7 g

A classic Art Deco round locket worked in platinum and 14K rose gold. Both sides of the locket are divided diagonally into halves of platinum and gold, and on the front cover each of the halves is set with a almandite garnet. At first glance, the garnets look like rubies, but they have a more coppery color that more goes more nicely with the rose gold. The interior retains the original frame, glass and silk liner. Tested and guaranteed 14K and platinum.

• Origin: America, ca 1930
• Condition: excellent
• Diameter: 7/8”
• Approximate Total Garnet Weight: .22 ct
• Weight: 9.3 g

A fine heavy gold bracelet worked in a unisex modified curb link design. The bracelet has lots of movement and is very comfortable to wear despite its impressive weight. The concealed box clasp is stamped “14K.”

• Origin: America, ca. 1960
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 6-3/7” x 5/8”
• Weight: 59.2 g

A French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the unusual form of a large snail accompanied by a pair of baby snails. The snail is usually alone or occasionally with just one small snail. They are worked in chrome and are set on a mahogany base. The design is by the famed French Art Deco illustrator Benjamin Rabier, who had a side jpb designing entertaining barware. The twelve picks have red bakelite finials. Sets such as this were used on bar and café counters to serve cocktail garnishes, canapés, or even escargot.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930
• Condition: excellent; very light wear to wooden edges; all original
• Dimensions: 7” x 3-1/8” x 4-1/4”.

A vintage sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a syringe by Gorham. These were called “Martini Spikes” when sold by Gorham in the 1960s. The functioning plunger allows vermouth to be drawn up into the syringe and then dispensed in precisely calibrated doses for your medicinal cocktails. The syringe originally cost $10. The syringe is presented in its original fitted box and is accompanied by the illustrated instruction card.

• Origin: America, 1967-70
• Condition: excellent, fully functional, no monograms or dings; case near mint condition
• Length: 6.25”

A sterling silver jigger in the form of an 18th century tavern tankard. The jigger measures 2 oz. Luxury New York retailers such as Cartier and Tiffany sold a selection of sterling silver novelty barware made by their suppliers. In this case, Cartier chose J. C. Boardman & Co. The bottom is stamped “Cartier” and also has Boardman’s hallmark.

• Origin: America, ca 1950
• Condition: very good, a tiny pinpoint ding (1/16”) to one side, no monograms
• Height: 2.25”
• Weight: 67.1 g

A vintage sterling silver figural jigger by Gorham, the sides marked off with enameled stoplights in green, yellow, and red, meant to signify “go,” “caution,” and “stop.” Each light corresponds to the 1-, 2.5-, and 3.5-ounce markings on the jigger’s bottom. The bottom is hallmarked by Gorham

• Origin: America, ca. 1950
• Condition: excellent, a 3/16” ding at the edge of the bottom visible upon close inspection
• Dimensions: 2-7/16”
• Weight: 50.7 grams

A classic mid-century sterling silver double jigger by Gorham. The smaller cup measures 1 oz and the larger one 2 oz. The interior is stamped “Gorham Sterling.”

• Origin: America, ca 1950
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Height: 3-/ 2”
• Weight: 36.8 g

A classic mid-century sterling silver double jigger by Gorham. The smaller cup measures 1 oz and the larger one 2 oz. The interior is stamped “Gorham Sterling.”

• Origin: America, ca 1950
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Height: 3-/ 2”
• Weight: 37.6 g

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger by Thomae & Co. The rim is engraved “Only A Thimble Full.” The interior retains a softly gilt surface. Several companies made variations of thimble jiggers, but those by Thomae are among the best because of their superior weight and workmanship.

• Origin: America, ca. 1935
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Height: 2”
• Weight: 44.3 g