Estate and Fine 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.

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.

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.

This beautiful raised relief cameo is an breathtaking example of the highly skilled art of repoussé -- and is made by the master himself!

Until his death in 2008, artist and jewelry designer Henryk Winograd was regarded as one of the world's greatest masters of traditional silversmithing and America's leading practitioner of the art of repoussé.

Repoussé is a metalworking technique in which malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a raised, 3-dimensional design on the front. Definition and details are then added to the front through embossing and chasing.

Masterfully crafted in 99.9% pure silver -- Winograd's preferred metal of choice -- this sizeable piece features a high relief of a beautiful bacchante with a wreath of grapes and leaves adorning her wavy locks.

Pendant is signed with the Winograd hallmark HW999 and comes with a sterling silver chain.

The perfect gift for any art or wine lover!

Measurements

Pendant Length: 2"
Width: 1 3/8"
Height: 5/8"
Weight: 37.8g

Marked: HW999

Chain Length: 15"

Condition: Very Good
There are a few dings and small dents on the back of the piece. There also are a few small dings and dents along the outside edge of the pendant, which don't visually distract from the piece. They are more noticeable by touch. Flaws do not detract. Priced accordingly.

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but pearls are her chic, sophisticated sister! Put them together and you've got a winning combination!

Fashioned in 14k white gold, this striking ring features two beautiful opalescent cultured pearls intersected by a band of three petite diamonds and milgrain detailing. 

A great gift or heirloom piece. 

Measurements

Length: 3/8"
Width: 5/8"
Height: 1/4"

Size: 5.75

Total Weight: 10g

Marked: 14k 

Condition: Very Good
Shank has light surface scratches, which is normal with vintage jewelry. Does not detract. 

Paul? Peter? Petunia? Polina? If your name begins with P, then this is the ring for you!

Fashioned in 14k yellow gold, this great unisex ring features and oval shield with a 3-dimensional white gold letter P. Shank tapers on the sides for a sleek, classic look. 

This ring is so smooth and polished it easily slides on and is very comfortable to wear. 

Measurements:

Length: 5/8"
Width: 3/8"

Size: 8.5

Weight: 5g

Marked: 14k

Condition: Very Good
Ring has light surface scratches, which is common with antique jewelry. Shank is ever so slightly misshaped. Does not affect fit. Flaws do not detract. Priced accordingly.