Kensington House Antiques and Sterling Silver Kensington House
Antiques
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Art Nouveau : Pre 1910 item #925156
Kensington House Antiques
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A very fine Art Nouveau enameled 14K yellow gold cattleya orchid brooch by A. J. Hedges. This quality of this piece is stunning. The enamel fades from a milky semitranslucent texture near the center of the flower to very translucent pale shades at the edges of the petals. The color shifts from a greenish-cream color to a pure pink along the very edges. The orchid is fully three dimensional, and the throat is set with a small seed pearl. The stem, enameled in mottled pink and green extends below the flower. Hedges was among the very best of the Newark enamellers, but their products are very difficult to find. Along with Whiteside & Blank, their enamel flowers tend to be larger and more complex than those of most other American makers. The back retains the original pinstem and clasp stamped with Hedges’ hallmark and “14K”.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage. Size: 1-1/4” x 1-1/2”. Weight: 7.6 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Designer Signed : Pre 1970 item #1485485
Kensington House Antiques
A wonderfully heavy vintage silver bracelet by Hermès. The bracelet has a triangular profile that stands well out from the surface of the wrist and a masterfully constructed so that it is flexible, but appears rigid when being worn. The inside edges of each link are parcel gilt, so the bracelet sometimes shows the slightest gold hue. This is probably the heaviest Hermès bracelet we have seen. The bracelet is presented in its original vintage fitted Hermès gray box. The bracelet is fully hallmarked with French first standard (950/1000 pure) silver marks and Hermès maker’s mark indicating it was made in the company’s own ateliers instead of being farmed out to other makers as was sometimes the case. The clasp is also signed “Hermès.”
  • Origin: France, ca. 1960
  • Condition: excellent
  • Dimensions: 11/16” wide; 3/8” high; 8-1/4” long
  • Weight: 148.0 grams.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #1343588
Kensington House Antiques
$4,200.00
A fine handmade Victorian 18K yellow gold necklace with an extraordinary length of 46 inches. Alternating links are decorated with a twisted rope motif. The necklace is has a spring ring clasp at one end and a tension pendant clasp at the other, so it can be worn full-length or doubled, with or without an pendant. Wound six times, it can be worn as a bracelet, as well. Marked “18” for 18K.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, all original. Length: 46”. Weight: 47.4 gr.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #1297566
Kensington House Antiques
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A very heavy 18K yellow gold bracelet worked in the form of interlaced knots, the center of each set with an old mine cut diamond. The diamonds are set in silver in the traditional manner of the 19th century. The stones have good J/K color and SI1 clarity. At 8-1/4" long the bracelet is very generously sized. The box clasp is marked "Waler 18K".

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent. Weight: 41.0 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 1.0 ct.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1485478
Kensington House Antiques
$1,195.00
An elegant Georgian 18K gold fob seal worked in a floral pattern and set at the base with an amethyst tablet engraved with an armorial crest. The floral design continues up the shoulders to the loop by which the fob would have been hung from a watch chain. Tested and guaranteed 18K gold.
  • Origin: England, ca. 1815
  • Condition: excellent
  • Dimensions: 3/4" x 11/16" x 1-3/16"
  • Weight: 13.2 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre 1980 item #1403045
Kensington House Antiques
$925.00
This 23-1/2" 18K yellow gold box chain is heavy enough for a large pendant or locket. Box chains are especially attractive with more contemporary designs, and unlike some other chain styles, they don't crimp or become easily tangled. In addition to the primary clasp, the chain also has a safety chain. Marked with French 18K gold hallmarks and master goldsmith's mark.
  • Origin: France.
  • Condition: excellent; one spring ring has been replaced with a gold filled spring ring.
  • Dimensions: length: 23-1/2"; width 1.5mm.
  • Weight: 11.1 grams.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1930 item #1220853
Kensington House Antiques
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A fine pair of heavy 18K yellow gold double-sided baton cufflinks. The unusual reeded end-caps echo the center ring on each baton, giving this pair a more sophisticated appearance than most baton cufflinks. The faces are connected by heavy chains. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

Origin: America, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: faces, 3/4" long. Weight: 9.4 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1980 item #1263977
Kensington House Antiques
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A handsome and heavy pair of 18K yellow gold double-sided cufflinks, the faces set with lapis plaques. The exposed gold borders give the cufflinks a modernist feel. The stones have nice, deep coloring with small flecks of pyrite. The faces are joined with removable connectors. Both the connectors and the backs of the faces are marked with Continental 18K gold hallmarks.

Origin: Europe, ca. 1970. Condition: very good. Dimensions: 5/8 x 1/2 in. Weight: 14.7 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1950 item #1369248
Kensington House Antiques
$1,450.00
A heavy pair of vintage 18K yellow gold double-sided cufflinks. Each round face is decorated with a band of opaque royal blue enamel surrounding a collet-set round brilliant cut diamond. The diamonds are about I/J color and are SI1 clarity. The faces are finished with pierced gallery sides. The quality of workmanship is excellent. The bar connectors are marked “750” and have a worn maker’s mark.

Origin: Europe, ca. 1940

Condition: excellent, no enamel damage

Size: 5/8” diameter

Weight: 14.5 grams

Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .20 ct.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1930 item #1251143
Kensington House Antiques
$895.00
A classic pair of heavy 14K yellow gold Edwardian cufflinks. The oval faces are simply finished with an engraved border. Cufflinks of this type are usually fairly lightweight, but this pair has noticeable heft. The backs of the faces and the connectors have 14K marks.

Origin: America, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: 3/4 x 9/16 in. Weight: 17.1 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1950 item #1456716
Kensington House Antiques
$1,450.00
A terrific pair of Art Deco double-sided cufflinks in 14K yellow and white gold by Harvey Avedon. The front faces feature a white gold circle engraved in a pattern of off-center concentric circles surrounded by a yellow gold border. The yellow gold back faces are decorated in a matching pattern of concentric circles. The design is typical of the strong geometric motifs used by Avedon from the late 1940s on. He was a maker of fine cufflinks, lighters and other men's accessories. Avedon was featured by many upscale retailers including Tiffany & Co.The connectors are marked “Avedon” and “14K”.
  • Origin: America, ca. 1940
  • Condition: excellent, all original
  • Dimensions: faces, 3/4” diameter; back faces, 9/16” diameter
  • Weight: 20.5 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1970 item #1350545
Kensington House Antiques
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A wonderful 18K yellow gold cocktail ring featuring a "forma livre" (free-form) green tourmaline by the famed mid-century Brazilian designer Haroldo Burle Marx. Burle Marx invented the technique of carving and tumbling forma livre stones in 1948, and the style became his signature. The tourmaline has a deep green color with just a tiny hint of blue undertones, and is set in a florentined finished typical of Burle Marx's work. The interior of the shank is fully signed with Burle Marx's marks.

Burle Marx worked in his native Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. He was chosen by the Brazilian government to create state gifts for Empress Nagako of Japan, Empress Farah Diba or Iran, Queen Margarethe of Denmark, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi or India. In Hollywood circles, he was a favored jewelry of Merle Oberon and Natalie Wood.

Origin: Brazil, ca. 1965. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: crown, 1-1/4" long x 11/16" wide x 1/2" deep; shank tapering to 1/8". Finger Size: 5 (the signature is placed in a way that the ring can be sized up). Weight: 16.5 gr. Approximate Gemstone Weight: 26.0 cts.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Modernism : Pre 1970 item #1468887
Kensington House Antiques
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An elegant pair of 18K yellow gold earclips by Haroldo Burle Marx set with intricately carved jelly tourmalines in the “forma livre” (free form) style. Burle Marx was particularly known for his use of stones fashioned by carving or tumbling rather than faceting, a technique he invented in 1948. The tourmalines have greenish blueish overtones. The elongated shape of the stones, mirrored by the shape of the settings looks very good on the ear. The gold surfaces are worked in both the stippled and brushed textures often seen in Burle Marx jewels. Each earring is stamped with Burle Marx’ complete markings. Posts could be easily added to compliment the omega clips.

Burle Marx worked in Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. The Brazilian government commissioned him to make state gifts for Queen Elizabeth, Japan’s Empress Nagako, Iran’s Empress Farah Diba, Denmark’s Queen Margarethe, India’s Indira Gandhi, and many others. Among Hollywood royalty, he was a favorite of Merle Oberon and Natalie Wood.

  • Origin: Brazil, ca. 1970
  • Condition: excellent
  • Dimensions: 15/16” x 3/4”
  • Weight: 16.8 grams,

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Modernism : Pre 1980 item #1465963
Kensington House Antiques
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An elegant pair of 18K yellow gold earclips by Haroldo Burle Marx set with intricately carved jelly opals in the “forma livre” (free form) style. Burle Marx was particularly known for his use of stones fashioned by carving or tumbling rather than faceting, a technique he invented in 1948. The moonstones have bluish overtones with broad flashes of pinkish-orange. The elongated shape of the stones, mirrored by the shape of the settings looks very good on the ear. The gold surfaces are worked in both the stippled and brushed textures often seen in Burle Marx jewels. Each earring is stamped with Burle Marx’ complete markings.

Burle Marx worked in Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. The Brazilian government commissioned him to make state gifts for Queen Elizabeth, Japan’s Empress Nagako, Iran’s Empress Farah Diba, Denmark’s Queen Margarethe, India’s Indira Gandhi, and many others. Among Hollywood royalty, he was a favorite of Merle Oberon and Natalie Wood.
  • Origin: Brazil, ca. 1970
  • Condition: excellent
  • Dimensions: 1” x 5/8”
  • Weight: 15.8 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1970 item #1352635
Kensington House Antiques
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An extraordinary modernist fringe necklace in 18K yellow gold and green tourmaline by the famed Brazilian modernist jeweler Haroldo Burle Marx. Burle Marx invented the technique of carving and tumbling forma livre ("free form") gemstones in 1948, and the technique became his signature. Most often, he used colorful stones native to Brazil—tourmalines, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, etc. The tourmalines in this necklace are of the finest quality, with pure deep green coloring that contrasts beautifully with the gold mounting. Burle Marx never used pre-cast elements in his jewelry, and each piece was completely raised by hand from a gold ingot. All the plain gold links are accented with a brushed texture, and the links set with tourmalines have a contrasting florentined finish. The back of the clasp is stamped with Burle Marx's signature and 18K marks.

Burle Marx worked in his native Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. He was chosen by the Brazilian government to create state gifts for the empresses of Japan and Iran, the queen of Denmark, and the prime minister of India, among others. In Hollywood circles, he was a favored jeweler to Natalie Wood and Mergle Oberon.

Origin: Brazil, ca. 1965. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: 2-1/16" wide from the necklace line to the bottom of the central drop; overall necklace length, 16" (our jeweler can hand-make additional matching links to achieve your desired overall length.) Weight: 81.2 gr. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: 57.58 cts.

NOTE: We also have a matching ring acquired from the same source (Item #1350545).

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1960 item #1345673
Kensington House Antiques
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An extremely rare pair of 18K yellow gold and citrine cufflinks by the mid-century Brazilian jewelry designers Roberto and Haroldo Burle Marx. The Burle Marx brothers were particularly know for their use of colored gemstones fashioned in the "forma livre" (free-form) style. Haroldo invented the technique of carving and tumbling forma livre stones in 1948, and the style of the swivel mechanism suggests that the cufflinks are relatively early—probably around 1955. The gold sunburst setting of these cufflinks shows the design hand of Haroldo's older brother, Roberto. The citrines have a deep honey color accented beautiful by the shades created from the carving. The backs are fully marked with Burle Marx's hallmark and marks for 18K.

Marx worked in his native Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. He was chosen by the Brazilian government to create gifts for visiting heads of state and their wives, including Empress Nagako of Japan, Empress Farah Diba of Iran, Queen Margarethe of Denmark and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India. In Hollywood circles, he was a favored jeweler of Merle Oberon and Natalie Wood.

Origin: Brazil, ca. 1955. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: faces, 7/8" diameter. Weight: 12.8 gr. Estimated Gemstone Weight: 5.8 cts.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1970 item #1379844
Kensington House Antiques
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A fascinating 18K yellow gold cocktail ring featuring a "forma livre" (free-form) amethyst by the famed mid-century Brazilian designer Haroldo Burle Marx. Burle Marx invented the technique of carving and tumbling forma livre stones in 1948, and the style became his signature. The amethyst chosen for this ring has distinct color zoning that creates an interesting interplay of deep and light purple coloring. The setting is finished in the florentine style typical of Burle Marx's work. The interior is stamped "750" for 18K. The ring is unsigned, but is definitely by Burle Marx.

Burle Marx worked in his native Brazil, and his only international boutique was at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. He was chosen by the Brazilian government to create state gifts for Empress Nagako of Japan, Empress Farah Diba of Iran, Queen Margarethe of Denmark, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of Indian. In Hollywood circles, he was a favored jeweler of Merle Oberon and Natalie Wood.

  • Brazil, ca 1965
  • Very good condition; very light wear consistent with age to the stone visible under 10x magnification
  • Crown Dimensions: 1-3/16 long; 7/8" wide; 3/4" high.
  • Shank tapers to 1/4" at the back
  • Finger Size: 5-1/4
  • Weight: 23.4 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Period : Pre 1950 item #1301117
Kensington House Antiques
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An elegant small 14K gold enameled flower pin featuring a pair of white four-leaf clovers with green veining. Each flower is centered with a seed pearl. During the Victorian era, flowers were used to symbolize specific sentiments, and the white clover meant “think of me.” Small pins such as this were often given as presents to new brides and are sometimes called honeymoon pins. The back of the pin is stamped with Hammerman’s mark and 14K.

Origin: America, ca. 1946. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage. Dimensions: 1-1/8” x 9/16”. Weight: 2.4 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Scandinavian : Pre 1930 item #284899
Kensington House Antiques
$135.00
Lovely sterling silver brooch worked in soft white guilloche enamel and featuring a painted enamel bouquet of blue gentians. The workmanship is very fine. The back is marked "S925S" and retains the original c-clasp which indicates an early date.

Origin: Scandinavia, probably Denmark, circa 1920. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-5/8" diameter. Weight: 14.5 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1980 item #1298417
Kensington House Antiques
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An 18K yellow gold buckle ring enhanced with enamel in Gucci's trademark Kelly green. The simplicity of the design is classic Gucci. The interior of the shank is signed "Gucci 18" Italy".

Origin: Italy, ca. 1970. Dimensions: shank, 3/16" wide. Finger Size: 6-1/2. Weight: 3.4 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1950 item #1472136
Kensington House Antiques
$3,995.00
An outstanding 18K gold pendant set with an amazing enameled alpine scene by Carlo Poluzzi (1899-1978), the greatest Swiss enamellist of the the 20th century. Poluzzi sometimes used the very difficult technique of applying translucent enamel over an engraved gold plate to produce brilliant sunrise or set effects as seen in the left side of the sky in this example. This required multiple coats of different colored enamels which increased the likelihood of unwanted cracks during the multiple firings. Poluzzi was perhaps the only enamellist capable of this technique in the 20th century, and indeed, the scene is signed at the lower left. Of course, this example is also signed at the lower left. In the 1920s, Poluzzi (still in his low 20s) became the master of Emaux de Genève, the provider of the highest quality enameled dials and cases for luxury horlogers such as Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Gubelin. This plaque is set as a pendant by the Gubelin. The Holbein-style setting features square cut rubies and emeralds amid swirling gold foliage. The gemstones are of very fine quality with intense, saturated coloring and excellent clarity. The reverse is stamped with Gubelin’s hallmark and the Swiss gold mark for 18K.
  • Origin: Switzerland, ca. 1945
  • Condition: excellent, no enamel damage
  • Dimensions: 1-5/8” x 1-7/16”
  • Weight: 26.6 grams
  • Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: ruby, .8 carat; emerald, .47 carat
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1930 item #1393712
Kensington House Antiques
$1,495.00
A very fine pair of Art Deco cufflinks, the front faces comprising carved natural green jadeite discs edged in black enamel. The jade plaques, with bright grass green coloring with moderate mottling and translucency, are carved in a traditional stylized floral motif. The faces are connected to yellow gold backs engraved with concentric rings in a target pattern. The front and back faces are constructed with identical structural elements, so they are entirely original. The faces are joined with clips so a face can be removed when fitting into a cuff hole. The faces and connectors are stamped with French 18K gold marks and with an illegible master goldsmith’s mark.
  • Origin: France, ca. 1920.
  • Condition: excellent; no cracks to jadeite; a couple of minute fleabites to the enamel on one face; gold faces have light surface scratching consistent with age.
  • Dimensions: front faces, 11/16” diameter; back faces, 5/8” diameter.
  • Weight: 11.1 grams.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #1388731
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A fine green-toned cat's eye chrysoberyl cabochon surrounded by delicate scalloped border set with seed pearls centers this Victorian stickpin conversion ring. The stone displays excellent chatoyancy, with a clear milky white streak down the center of the stone that seems to "wink" as it is rocked from side to side. The surrounding pearls pick up the creamy color of the eye. The setting is 18K gold attached to a 14K shank.
  • Origin: France, ca 1890.
  • Condition: converted to a ring; no chips or scratches to stone.
  • Dimensions: crown, 15/32" x 5/16".
  • Finger Size: 6 1/4.
  • Weight: 1.6 grams.
  • Approximate Gemstone Weight: 1.24 carat.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Period : Pre 1920 item #59238
Kensington House Antiques
$275.00
Lovely Edwardian brooch featuring beautifully-crafted floral swirls and filigree of yellow gold surrounding a carved oval plaque of chrysoprase centered with a collet-set white sapphire. The pinstem is marked with partially illegible marks. The maker's mark "WW" (or "MM") is clearly stamped. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

Origin: Continental, circa 1910. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-11/16" x 13/16". Weight: 4.0 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Art Nouveau : Pre 1910 item #1065651
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A lovely silver, plique-a-jour enamel, mother-of-pearl, and paste pendant in the German Art Jugendstil or Nouveau taste. The pendant is worked with very attractive enameled cells in shades of teal, cream and rose. German Art Nouveau pieces from the Pforzheim school tend to be more linear and symmetrical than those from France, and this piece is a classic example. The use of a collet-set mother-of-pearl oval is the center position is very typical of the work of Otto Prutscher, the leading German Art Nouveau jewelry designer. The back is marked "Depose 900" and is signed "HS" or "SH".

Origin: Germany, ca. 1900. Condition: appears to be converted from a brooch; no enamel damage. Size: 1-1/8" x 1"; chain 16-1/2" long. Weight: 6.3 gr.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Silver : Pre 1950 item #1008369
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A handsome pair of sterling silver cufflinks by Georg Jensen. The rectangular faces are severely designed in the Art Deco style, with only a series of parallel raised bands as decoration. The solid connectors are attached to hinged oval backs. The cufflinks are marked with the pattern number 80 and bear post-1945 Jensen hallmarks.

Origin: Denmark, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent. Size: 15/16" x 3/8". Weight: 15.6 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Gold : Pre 1970 item #1031831
Kensington House Antiques
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A very rare pair of 18K yellow gold cufflinks designed by Soren Georg Jensen for the firm founded by his father, Georg Jensen. Designed in 1962, during his first year as the firm's artistic director, these cufflinks are a clear example of the stripped-down, modernist sculptural direction the younger Jensen wanted to pursue. Jensen's gold jewelry is considerably rarer than silver, and was often retailed by Jensen at ten times the price of the same design in silver. The cufflinks are appropriately hallmarked and have the design number "1091".

Origin: Denmark, ca. 1965. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 11/16" diameter. Weight: 17.4 grams.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre 1980 item #1406515
Kensington House Antiques
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A glamorous pair of drop earrings in a formal Georgian style set with rose cut diamonds and richly colored pear-shaped rhodolite garnets. The gems are set in silver-topped 12K gold to heighten the color of the diamonds, in the manner of period Georgian jewels. The main body of the earring is hinged and swings freeely from the surmounts. The earrings are completed with a diamond-set fringe at the bottom edge. The rose cut diamonds have nice sparkle that nicely complements the rich purple color of the garnets. Tested and guaranteed 12K gold.
  • Dimensions: 2 3/8" long from top of earwire.
  • Weight: 8.2 grams.
  • Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .62 carat; rhodolite garnet, 1.4 carats.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Cufflinks and Accessories : Silver : Pre 1837 VR item #1079620
Kensington House Antiques
$650.00
An extremely rare pair of 18th century silver double-faced cufflinks set with old European cut colorless paste gemstones. The crystals are held in place in traditional cut-down settings typical of the period and the faces are joined with the quatrefoil connector almost always seen on this type of cufflink. The backs of the crystals are foiled in silver to provider a brighter appearance. Cufflinks such as these are usually broken up into two pairs of earrings, so it is quite uncommon to find a pair in original condition.

Origin: England, ca. 1780. Condition: excellent, original patina. Size: 17/32” diameter.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Pre Victorian : Pre 1800 item #1476644
Kensington House Antiques
$2,450.00
A very fine and rare Georgian locket in the “giardinetti” style featuring an oval rock crystal compartment bordered in gold completely surrounded by silver leaves and flowers set with 117 rose cut diamonds in closed-back settings typical of the period. The matching bail is in the form of a countess’ coronet. This piece is a very rare survival from the Georgian period. Tested and guaranteed silver and 18K. The bail is stamped with illegible hallmarks.
  • Origin: probably France, ca 1780
  • Condition: excellent, a few minor scratches on the back crystal and a small nick to an interior edge of the front crystal
  • Dimensions: 1-3/8” x 2-7/16” (including bail)
  • Approximate Total Diamond Weight: .59 carat
  • Weight: 14.2 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1492024
Kensington House Antiques
$9,750.00
A stunning pair of lage Georgian or early Victorian transitional earrings worked in 18K gold and silver. The earrings, each in form of a convolvulus (morning glory) blossom feature a variety of antique cut diamonds, mostly cushion and mine cuts. The smallest stones are rose cuts. The diamonds are of excellent quality, mostly eye clean and with superb, warm sparkle as the earrings dangle freely. The expert craftsmanship that allowed the diamonds to be set very close together with little metal showing gives the earrings a dramatic appearance when being worn. Most of the diamonds are set “a jour” (open to the light at the back), but the largest center diamonds in the rosettes at the top of each earring are set in cut-down mountings which suggests the earrings were made in the transitional period between the Georgian and Victorian eras. The backs of the rosettes have a layer of 18K gold so the silver wouldn't tarnish the wearer's earlobes. The wires are 18K gold and are probably replacements of the originals.
  • Origin: likely English or possibly French, ca 1830-40
  • Condition: excellent
  • Dimensions: 1-1/2” x 11/16”
  • Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 6.16 carats
  • Weight: 8.8 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1487923
Kensington House Antiques
$1,850.00
A fine example of a French-Flemish croix papillon (butterfly cross) from the northern region of France around Calais. Jewelry scholars believe these were actually made in Belgium (a French region at the time) where they were known as “croix à la Jeannette” (Jeanette crosses). They were popular across the French regions of Picardie and Pas-de-Calais and into Normandie. This example retains all three of its original parts, each worked in gold and silver and set with table cut diamonds. Croix papillon in original condition are somewhat uncommon as they were often separated into multiple components to satisfy inheritance among multiple daughters. The filigree work is very finely done. The upper portion retains its original pair of slides, as these crosses were traditionally worn high from a wide ribbon tied around the neck. At some point, likely in the later 19th century, a pin stem and c-clasp were added for wear as a brooch. Today, the cross can be worn as a brooch or as a pendant suspended from a chain using the slides. There is a partial hallmark with the guarantee stamp “D” suggesting the cross was assayed at Liège.
  • Origin: France/Belgium, ca. 1790-1820
  • Condition: excellent, all parts intact
  • Dimensions: 1-15/16” x 3”
  • Weight: 13.2 grams
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Other Metals : Period : Pre 1837 VR item #1373719
Kensington House Antiques
$575.00
A rare gilt bronze watch fob with a carnelian seal with an allegorical figure depicting "Temptation" in the form a hooded monk with hands piously folded across his own chest while standing next to a nude woman. The woman is pressing against him and appears to be whispering into his ear. Virtuous themes presented gentlemen of the era with an opportunity to indulge in a little erotic naughtiness. The figure is enhanced with detailed engraving.
  • England or France, circa 1830
  • Very good condition; light wear to gilding; no engraving on carnelian; better in person than the photos
  • 1-1/2" x 7/8" x 11/16"
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1401871
Kensington House Antiques
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A nice Georgian locket in the form of a Maltese cross with a central rock crystal locket compartment. The arms of the cross are made from faceted carnelian plaques mounted in gold around the central compartment. The compartment was intended to hold the woven hair or perhaps a miniature portrait of a loved one. The Cross of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John was created in 1126 based on designs from the Crusades. The eight points of the arms represented truth, faith, repentance, humility, justice, mercy, sincerity and endurance. During the latter Georgian era, romantic notions of history caused the Maltese cross to become a very popular fashion accessory. Tested and guaranteed 12K.
  • Origin: England, ca. 1800.
  • Condition: excellent; no damage to gold mountings or carnelian; the cross retains its original fluted gold bail; a small (1/32”) flake to one corner of a rock crystal cover.
  • Dimensions: 1-7/16” x 1-7/16” (excluding bail).
  • Weight: 9.0 grams.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1800 item #562293
Kensington House Antiques
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A marvelous Georgian cross pendant worked entirely in seed pearls and centering an oval cut citrine in a 9K gold push-up setting. Seed pearl jewelry became popular during the last quarter of the 18th century and remained in fashion for about fifty years. The forms were cut from pieces of mother-of-pearl then drilled with tiny holes. Strands of horsehair, bleached to become white and translucent, were used to sew hundreds of tiny natural seed pearls to the form. The center citrine adds a bit a sparkle to what would otherwise be a very chaste piece. Some of the pearls in this piece are quite large for seed pearl jewelry. Although pearls are associated with purity, crosses are difficult to find in seed pearl jewelry. The 14K gold bale is recent.

Origin: England, ca. 1775. Condition: excellent, some glue reinforcement of the horsehair in places on the back. Size: 2” x 1-3/8”.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1366825
Kensington House Antiques
SOLD, PLEASE VISIT US AGAIN!
A lovely Georgian mourning pin worked in 9K yellow gold, the center crystal-covered compartment bordered in faceted jet. Lighter-colored hair is somewhat less common that dark hair, and it contrasts particularly nicely with the black border. The reverse is engraved "Wm Dumelow/ob. 16 Mar/1811 At 42." Tested and guaranteed 9K.

Origin: England, 1811. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: 1" x 9/16". Weight: 3.3 grams.