All Jewelry

Many people categorize Victorian jet jewelry as mourning jewelry, and that is often not the case. While it is true that jet -- especially the matte variety -- was used in a number of Victorian mourning jewelry pieces, it also was considered quite trendy and fashionable for the time.

This dazzling necklace is a prime example of just how à la mode jet can be!

Comprised of hand carved wheel shaped jet beads with sparkling pyrite centers, each bead is wire wrapped and connected to the next. A larger, wire wrapped pendant dangles from the center.

Pyrite was often used as a substitute for diamonds and adored for its ability to sparkle in low light.

Wearing pyrite (aka fool's gold) is thought to be good for your physical and mental health. It is also believed to help stabilize your mood and promote positive thinking.

Jet beads are attached to a 12k gold filled chain that fastens with a spring ring.

Measurements

Necklace Length: 18"

Pendant Drop: 1"

Markings: 1/20 12k GF

Condition: Good
Jet and pyrite are both fragile in nature and both tend to crack and chip easily. A number of the jet pieces are chipped, cracked or have dings and all of them have surface scratches. This is very common with jet jewelry. A few of the pyrite pieces also are chipped (See photos). None of the pieces are cracked all the way through and the necklace itself is structurally sound and wearable. But we do recommend wearing it with care given the delicate nature of jet in general. Priced accordingly.

One look at this beautiful, celestial locket and you would swear it was plucked out of the night sky!

Set with two luminescent mother of pearl cabochons, this eye-catching hinged locket practically glows when it moves. It really is quite striking.

Locket is gold plated and is attached by Albert clasp to a lovely 12k gold filled rope chain necklace with a delicate fleur de lis adjustable slide.

Such a sweet, romantic piece!

Measurements

Chain Length: 30"

Locket Size: 1" x 1"

Marked: 1/20th 12k

Condition: Very Good
Necklace and locket have light surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Some of the plating is starting to come off the locket and it looks like a new catch was soldered on at some point as it is a little messy. These flaws are only noticeable under close, magnified inspection. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

A symbol of rebirth, victory over death, the joys of heaven, and happiness, images of grapes are often utilized in Christian funeral rites.

Fashioned in shiny black molded French jet -- which is neither French, nor jet but just a fancy European-made black glass -- this beautiful brooch features three dimensional grapes and leaves shaped into a pseudo heart shape.

Brooch fastens with a C catch.

Measurements

Width: 1 1/16"
Length: 1 1/2"

Marked: None

Condition: Good
There are numerous small chips around the edge of the piece. The most notable being at the top of of the right side grape leaf. Most chips are on the back and not overly noticeable from the front. Does not overly detract. Priced accordingly.

While most people equate the rise of mourning jewelry with Queen Victoria, it actually predates the widow of Windsor by more than 200 years.

The 17th century was a time riddled with pestilence and death. Diseases ran rampant; many children were dying. Death was on the forefront of everyone's mind and was reflected in the macabre images of memento mori jewelry, a popular jewelry style of the period. Decorated with skeletons and skulls, memento mori jewelry was donned to remind the wearer that they too will die one day. 

However, people's views on death and mourning began to change around 1649 following the execution of King Charles I of England. Many loyalists wanted to show their sympathy and support for the fallen king and commissioned jewelers to make pieces designed with Stuart crystal (the king was of the House of Stuart) with a portrait of the king underneath.

This began a trend among the wealthy elite to have mourning pieces commissioned to remember lost loved ones and also marked the shift from memento mori to mourning jewelry. (Though it really was Queen Victoria who popularized the trend.)

This lovely ring is dated 1830, which is right at the tail end of the Georgian period. It is crafted in rosy 14k gold with a central glass compartment surrounded by tiny seed pearls.

Inside the compartment is a tiny piece of fabric with metallic copper thread. The original owner of the piece said the ring initially had a lock of hair under the glass, but the family thought it was unsightly, so the hair was removed and replaced with the fabric swatch.

The back of the ring bears the inscription: "J.B.M. obit. 5 Meÿ 1830"

This is a wonderful collector piece for any antique jewelry lover!

Measurements

Width: 3/4"
Height: 1/2"
Size: 8 3/4
Weight: 2.61g

Marked: There is a partial number and letter stamp on the outside of the shank, but we cannot make out what they say.

Condition: Very Good
Ring and glass has light surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Does not detract.

This wonderfully romantic bracelet blends antique sparkle with just a hint of blush.

Fashioned in sterling silver, this striking piece features dazzling marcasite links between beautiful oval quartz cabochons with just the slightest hint of pale pink. Quartz pieces have a number of inclusions giving each piece some depth and character.

Bracelet fastens with a spring ring.

Measurements

Length: 7 1/2"
Width: 1/2"
Weight: 18.05g

Marked: Sterling

Condition: Very Good
Bracelet has surface scratches consistent with age and wear. A few of the quartz pieces have more surface abrasions than the others. All the marcasite is present however a couple of them are cracked. None of these flaws detract. Priced accordingly.

Perfect for the archery lover in your life!

This lovely bow and arrow brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold with incredible fine detailing from the feathers to the string itself. Pin closes with a safety catch.

You are guaranteed to love this piece!

Measurements

Width: 13/16"
Height: 1 1/8"
Weight: 1.72g

Marked: 14k with the Baskin Brothers "BB" hallmark

Condition: Excellent
Light surface scratches consistent with age and wear. No major flaws to note.

A sacred symbol of existence, development, growth, renewal and life and death, the scarab beetle has been regarded as a treasured accessory for centuries.

Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. They also were worn for protection from the dangers of this life and the next.

This wonderful bracelet is crafted in sterling silver and features three natural, unpolished amethyst scarabs juxtaposed with modernist square links. It is a very different take on the traditional scarab bracelet of the time.  The scarab beads are hand carved on the top and bottom.

Bracelet fastens with an oversized spring ring.

Measurements

Length: 7 3/4"
Width: 3/4"

Marked: Coro Sterling

Condition: Very Good
Silver has light surface scratches consistent with age and wear. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

Whether you add charms or wear it as it is, this eye-catching bracelet adds just the right amount of vintage style to any modern-day outfit.

Fashioned in sterling silver, this heavy curb chain bracelet features a darling heart-shaped padlock clasp with a non-functioning key hole.

To open the clasp, just push on the left side of the shackle and it will release.

Padlock bracelets gained popularity in the Victorian era, however, this one is a later version. A true testament to its timeless aesthetic.

Measurements

Length: 7"
Weight: 35g

Marked: Silver

Condition: Very Good
Bracelet and lock have surface scratches consistent with wear and age. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

Victory and desire, the symbolism and mythology behind this brooch will almost make you blush!

Originating in Alexandria, Egypt in 300 BC, cameos have been used throughout the years as status symbols, charms of desire, and teaching tools. They were coveted, collected and popularized by the likes of Napoleon, Queen Victoria and Pope Paul II. One look at this ring and it's easy to see why cameos garner so much adoration.

Handcrafted by skilled artisans in the highly sought after sardonyx shell, this miniature work of art features a white, marble-like carving of Eros, the Greek god of desire (more commonly known by his Roman name, Cupid) passing his flame of love to Nike, the goddess on victory, who is perched upon a beautiful chariot.

Shell is set in 14k gold. Since the shell is naturally forming, it is irregular in shape. The setting has been created around the odd-shaped shell and therefore is not a flat.

This wonderful brooch fastens with a safety catch, which was added later as a replacement to the original C clasp. It also has an attached fold-down bail, which allows the wearer to add it to a chain and wear as a necklace.

Measurements

Width: 1.5"
Height: 1.5"
Weight: 8.49g

Marked: 14k

Condition: Very Good
As mentioned above, the original C clasp has been replaced with an early safety catch. In the photos, the tip of the pin is bent at a right angle. This has since been fixed. However, the entire pin itself is not straight, but it does not affect the way the piece is worn. Piece shows overall normal signs of light wear. Flaws do not detract. Priced accordingly.

Although agate jewelry has been produced in Scotland for centuries, it was Queen Victoria's adoration for all things Scotland, that thrust this distinctive jewelry into the spotlight.

Following the purchase of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Queen Victoria -- the consummate trend setter -- made Scottish dress and jewelry fashionable among the masses. It remained popular until the Queen's death in 1901.

This gorgeous necklace makes it easy to see why Scottish agate was so cherished. Hand carved into a shape of a heart -- a popular motif in Victorian times -- this striking pendant serves as a reminder of the thought and craftsmanship that went into selecting the perfect piece of stone. Just look at those immaculate vertical lines!

Pendant is mounted with rolled gold hardware, which has been polished and shined since these photos so it better matches the gold tone chain.

Measurements

Pendant Width: 5/8"
Pendant Height: 7/8"

Chain Length: 18"

Marked: None

Condition: Excellent
Pendant hardware and chain have a light patina consistent with age. No major flaws to note.

Take the beauty of the Art Nouveau era with you wherever you go with this gorgeous repoussé brooch.

Fashioned in a silver plated brass, this unusual brooch features a beautiful repoussé Gibson Girl with her trademark contemporary bouffant and waterfall of curls. She is framed by raised flowers to her right and a sizeable 3-dimensional tulip stem to her left.

Brooch fastens with a C catch.

Measurements

Width: 1"

Height: 1 1/8"

Marked: None

Condition: Good
The silver plating is starting to come off and the brass is showing through. Priced accordingly.

This gorgeous brooch is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Art Nouveau period. 

Handcrafted by master French medal maker and engraver Emile Dropsy for the well-known high end jewelry house Maison Savard, this striking brooch features a raised portrait of a lady holding a flower in exquisite detail. Unusual to similar pieces of the era, the back of this brooch also is beautifully decorated with leaves and scroll work -- a true sign of quality.

While Dropsy was relatively unknown in his time, his jewelry gained popularity in the late 19th/early 20th century, so much so that many replicas of his work have been created and sold.

This piece is signed on the front by the artist and the clasp is hallmarked Savard, which guarantees this brooch is authentic.

Measurements

Width: 3/4"

Height: 3/4"

Weight: 2.56 g

Marked: E. Dropsy, Savard

Condition: Good
This brooch has light surface scratches and a lovely vintage patina. There is a tiny hole in the side near the clasp. This may have been created in production as I have seen holes in similar Dropsy pieces. The main issue with this piece is the pin back as it has started to rust. It is still wearable with care. Dropsy pieces are highly collectable. In perfect shape, this brooch would be $200+ Priced accordingly.

We always say, "If this jewelry could talk...." Well, this one can!

This beautiful heart-shaped brooch tells the story of a secret courtship and romance in repoussé. Fashioned in a silver colored metal and layered with a top coat of sterling silver, this striking piece features the raised profile of a gorgeous Edwardian lady coming out of the center of a pansy.

In the Victorian era, the pansy flower was used to communicate affection between two lovers who were secretly courting (since any outward display of love or passion was frowned upon in those times).

This sweet brooch would make a lovely gift for your secret or not-so-secret love.

Brooch fastens with a C clasp.

Measurements

Width: 1 1/16"
Height: 1 1/16"

Marked: Sterling Top

Condition: Very Good
The heart is slightly misshaped and bent on the right bottom edge. (See last photo) Looking at it straight on you would not notice the bend and it lays correctly when worn. It also looks like a little bit of the detail has worn off on the edge of the right side. There is so much detail on this brooch it is hardly noticeable. Priced accordingly.