Egyptian Revival statement necklace signed EBE c1930
Price: £110
This is a beautiful necklace comprising heavy brass elements and lapis glass beads. The central pendant has the Egyptian bird god Horus flanked by Tutankhamun on a serpent scroll work background. The pendant is set with lapis glass cabochons that match the beads. Most likely Czech glass elements assembled in France.
Scottish Agate beads with purple banding c1920
Price: £125
This is a constructed necklace comprising large Art Deco Scottish Agate beads in the very rare purple colour. These have been strung with modern amethyst and calcedony bead stations. Has a modern silver clasp. This necklace is very long and can be very easily wound around for a double strand.
Silver plate Perfume Bottle with attached Stopper and Chain, Burmese late C19th
Price: £45
This is a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting two confronting Burmese lions between the sacred pearl on the face with a key pattern border and stylised scrolling foliage to the sides, the neck with rope work and the stopper attached by chain which comes out to reveal the scent wand. The style of representation of the lions suggests the country of origin and the piece probably dates to the late nineteenth century. It is fitted to a very long necklace chain, probably later, creating a very wearable piece of fashion history which is both practical and decorative.
Silver plate Perfume Bottle with attached Stopper and Chain, Burmese late C19th
Price: £45
This is a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting two confronting Burmese lions between the sacred pearl on the face with a key pattern border and stylised scrolling foliage to the sides, the neck with rope work and the stopper attached by chain which comes out to reveal the scent wand. The style of representation of the lions suggests the country of origin and the piece probably dates to the late nineteenth century. It is fitted to a very long necklace chain, probably later, creating a very wearable piece of fashion history which is both practical and decorative.
Pink and yellow enamel butterfly brooch, Norway c1950
Price: £45
This is a very lovely quality guilloche enamel butterfly brooch in pink, yellow and lavendar. It is from Norway and can be attributed to Hroar Prydz but it is not marked with his mark so it could be from another workshop. This design was very popular so there would have been those who made similar designs. It is marked Sterling.
Taxco Fish Brooch c1940
Price: £25
This is very delicate small silver brooch that depicts a charming and cheerful fish. It has a textured surface and the eyelashes are detailed. It is marked with a maker's monogram 'JG' or possibly 'GG' and in addition there is an "Eagle" mark '3' below the words 'Heche en Mexico', indicating a dating to the 1940s.
Edwardian silver fleur-de-lis collar necklace circa 1910
Price: £85
The ‘fleur-de-lis’, a stylised form of lily symbolising fertility and purity, has been used as decorative motif for centuries and is particularly associated with the French royal family. It is more normally found as a single pendant necklace but the Victorians produced various collar necklaces in silver with the motif. These tend to be slightly heavier in construction than the example here suggesting a slightly later dating probably to the Edwardian era and most likely English manufacture. The finely cast silver fleur-de-lis leaves are joined by links and terminate in a spring ring closure presenting a delicate accessory, perhaps for a young lady.
Please note that the necklace is not marked for silver and has not been tested.
Chinoiserie necklace with peking glass plaques c1960
Price: £45
This a lovely necklace by an American company called "Exquisite". It has faux jade or Peking glass plaques and oriental motif gold tone stations. It is signed or marked Exquisite.
Silver rose ring, 20th century
Price: £35
This is a very elegant ring that comprises very detailed depictions of a rose with foliage. There also seems to be two little daggers on the edges. Not sure what those are for, maybe they are a type of flower that looks dagger like.. :) Marked 925
Egyptian Eye of Horus braclet c20th
Price: £25
This is a cool bracelet that features a silver Eye of Horus flanked by Ankh symbols. These are put together on a double faux leather cord. With Egyptian hallmarkes
Art Deco Cicada Necklace, probably English 1930s
Price: £35
This is a very unusual necklace comprising horn that has been carved into beads and a complementary cicada pendant. Cicadas are a very common Art Deco motif and are seen mainly in brooches. The modelling here is highly stylised but more than a nod to this popular motif of the period. This is most likely the work of English craftsmen and most elegant in the simplicity of its design.
Balinese tigers eye Necklace, C20th
Price: £55
This is a full necklace comprising a large square tiger's eye stone with horizonal striations in a setting which employs Balinese motifs, highlighting the tradition of Balinese silver work. The mounted stone is suspended from a very thick snake form chain that complements it perfectly. There is a mark for '925' guaranteeing the quality of the silver. The abstract and bold forms present an arresting and attractive design which should appeal to a collector of contemporary costume jewellery.
Arts and Crafts garnet and moonstone earrings c1910
Price: £55
These earrings are are wondeful quality. They are set with vibrant square cut garnets and finished with large moonstone cabachons. They are set in silver with millegrain work. They are marked 925.
Taxco bracelet with rivet details c1980
Price: £85
This is an outstanding bracelet that feature heavy stations of silver set with brass rivet decoration. It boasts a typical box clasp that is also set with this rivet detail. This motif is quite rare. It is marked TM-79 Mexico 925
Victorian rolled gold and black and white agate Brooch, English c1920
Price: £50
An attractive brooch in which an agate stone of rounded rectangular octagonal form, the grey surface with clearly defined striations in grisaille and white, is framed by an elaborate rolled gold mount with a rococo style border, scrolling milled cord joining two stylised leaf shape panels at each end with round balls in gold tones in between, the bottom with a gold chain loop and a hanging drop and the reverse with a bar clasp. As with the other rolled gold and agate brooch in this sale, the design of the mount suggests the 1920s
Egyptian Revival statement necklace c1920
Price: £85
This is quite an early example of Egyptian Revival pieces made available for the general public. It is a short necklace in a breast plate design with two hanging pendants with many of the standard Egyptian symbols and icons cast in brass and decorated with enamel painting. This would have been quite a modest item in its time, created for those who wanted a taste of the glamour of the Egyptian era.
Art Nouveau Fairy earrings c1930
Price: £25
These are a pair of earrings comprising a pink paste stone with a suspended Mucha style fairy figure ending in a long faux pearl. These are post and butterfly earrings that are quite light and easy to wear.
Victorian facetted cherry amber beads with intergrated clasp c1900
Price: £150
This is a set of rare amber beads in all graduated and matched in colour. It has a screw clasp that is also a bead. These beads have a glowing quality that is only present in the highest quality amber.
Victorian facetted amber bead necklace c1900
Price: £125
This is a lovely graduated honey coloured amber bead necklace. They are beautifully colour matched and are of excellent quality.
Outstanding opera length Victorian amber beads c1900
Price: £175
This is a beautiful long necklace comprising graduated facetted cognac colour amber beads with a barrel clasp.
Art Deco citrine and pink sapphire brooch c1920
Price: £175
This is a lovely silver stickpin style brooch set with large citrines and pink sapphires. It is in a spray design with scrollwork and beading. This is Indian in origin and it unmarked.
Perfume Bottle Brooch, probably French mid C20th
Price: £55
A perfume bottle brooch, the bottle and stopper suspended from a white metal clasp with a ‘pull’ fastening pin and beading at the edge, the glass heart shape body encased in silver metal filigree work, the face with a beaded border surrounding blue metal trellis work with studded rosettes, the reverse with a similar border surrounding a clear glass panel, the white metal cover with a red bead at the top and similarly decorated with a glass wand attached and a screw fitting matching the top of the bottle. There are no ready parallels for the decoration here but the work is most likely continental and probably French with a dating to the mid twentieth century.
Large silver fancy link Bracelet, modern
Price: £50
This is an unusual variation on the chainmail bracelet form where a triple series of interlocking oval links are combined with small rolled wire beads, quite a demand on the silversmith’s skills. The ends terminate in a ball and clasp fastening and the clasp is marked ‘925’ with a double oval. The style suggests a late twentieth century dating with perhaps English craftsmanship.
Egyptian Revival Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are Egyptian icons, enamel flies and gilt leaves set on a cartouche design plaque.
Art Deco paste collar necklace by Schreiber & Hiller c1930
Price: £125
This is a quintessential Art Deco piece by Schreiber and Hiller. It is marked DGRM 1138525. This is a German patent number held by Schreiber and Hiller and pertains to the type of fluid link that has been designed to hold channel set stones. This patent was issued in September 1930. The company ceased to trade during WW2.
Art Deco bee motif necklace 1930s
Price: £125
This is a very unusual and beautiful necklace comprising three stations with three dimensional bees interspersed with blue glass cabacons. It is set into gilt metal and has some enamel work on the flowers. It appears to Czech in origin based on the mounts and type of necklace.
Charming Dog motif Earrings c1930
Price: £15
This are very unusual and charming pierced earrings with dog heads that appear to be beagles or some sort of hound. They are set with paste stones and faux pearls.
Art Deco French jet and pearl necklace c1940
Price: £25
This is a wonderful and unique necklace comprising square stations of faux pearls ending with 6 strands of French jet beads. This really is an Art Deco find for the collectors.
Unique Butler & Wilson Neoclassical Tiara 1980s
Price: £195
This is a very unusual piece of vintage Butler & Wilson from the 1980s. It is at the very least quite unique and it is possibly bespoke. It it extremely ornate and beautifully made with mounted festoons, putti and swans. It is finished with a large crown which is quintessential B & W. It is set with faux pearls. There are faux pearls that encircle the swans necks and hanging faux teardrop pearls along the edge. All this is built on a stiff mesh frame. It bears the Butler & Wilson mark.
As most people who love costume jewellery know, Butler & Wilson have been and are a powerhouse British brand that have been designing costume jewellery since the 1970s. Pieces like this one are quite collectable due to their age and design. There are many collectors around the world that collect both vintage and new pieces. This one is for you!
Modernist Silver White Anthurium Brooch, Mexico, 1970s
Price: £25
This is a very unusual brooch that has two white anthurium flowers and gilt stamens. It is marked 'Made in Mexico'.
Edwardian rolled gold and white agate brooch, c1910
Price: £45
An attractive brooch combining an oval piece of cloudy white agate with red inclusions mounted in a rolled gold rope twist frame with stylised floral petals decorated in an abstract design. The reverse has a bar clasp and is fitted with a guard chain implying that the wearer was intended to take some care of this elegant accessory. The combination of the milky white stone with its coloured detail and the gold coloured surround is particularly appealing and the design of the mount suggests a dating to the early 1900s.
Zuni Cuff Bracelet set with Kingman Turquoise, marked, New Mexico 1970s
Price: £550
This is a heavy silver cuff bracelet comprising a large oval Kingman turquoise stone set into a typical Zuni design featuring clean lines and millegrain work. The Zuni Tribe, located 34 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico, is an extensive community with over 10,000 members and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the realm of jewellery manufacture. Many of their pieces employ the use of turquoise and the colouration and features of the stone here indicate a provenance from the Kingman mine in North West Arizona. This exceptional piece has the stamped maker's mark 'CIRCLE J.W.' 'STERLING', possibly for Jack Whittaker, an artist known for other pieces in a similar style, and is a prime example of Zuni work, highly fashionable at the time of manufacture in the 1970s and highly desirable today.
Victorian large 9ct gold brooch set with amber c1900
Price: £200
This is a very rare brooch comprising a very large oval piece of egg yolk amber with inclusions that show fossilised organisms. This is set in a typical Victorian 9ct gold setting. It is unmarked.
Massive natural coral beads
Price: £175
This is an unbelievable bit of set of graduated coral beads that are natural in both colour and shape. They are ready to be strung to your taste, either as a choker style like Iris Apfel or possibly to mix it with other beads. This size of bead does not come up often and they are only getting more rare.
Mille fiore bead flapper necklace c1930
Price: £50
This is a a very detailed necklace disc and cubed shaped mille fiore beads strung together with three strands of microbeads ending in a long tassel detail.
Art Deco necklace with large green glass pendant 1930s
Price: £45
This is a very striking necklace comprising green glass bead stations ending in a massive green paste stone. The element are gilt metai. Most likely it is French.
Egyptian Revival souvenir bracelet c1900
Price: £95
This is very beautiful bracelet comprising very detailed cast brass station depicting Egyptian iconography. This is most likely from the Paris Worlds Fair in 1900 that showcased Egyptian modernity, antiquities, and culture. There are six stations with a wonderful Tutankhamun charm at the closure.
Taxco bracelet with abalone panels c1950
Price: £85
This is an older Taxco bracelet comprising joined silver panels set with abalone stones. The stones are shaped into ovals or squares designed as Aztec masks. It is marked Hecho en Mexico, Taxco. It is not marked but is 950 silver and dates to the mid C20th.
Silver and marcasite statement brooch, 1956
Price: £125
This is a real showstopper of a brooch. It is very large in a floral spray and ribbon design. It has numerous silver marks including an English import mark from 1956. The other marks indicate that it is most likely continental possibly Belgian or Swiss.
What stands out with this brooch is the quality of the workmanship. It is encrusted with hundreds of marcasite stones that are all prong set. There is not one missing stone. We get so used the costume versions of a brooch like this; it is such a pleasure to see an original.
Two jade carvings mounted as a necklace
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising two large jade carvings that have been joined together on a very thick herringbone chain. The carvings are 20th century but they have the look of a more archaic style. This is a very interesting piece that is totally unique. It is all silver.
Danish silver brooch, Niels Erik From, marked, c1960
Price: £45
This is a wonderful quality silver brooch made by Danish silversmiths Niels Erik From. It is in a characteristic Danish wreath design typical of the modernist designs developed by the firm in the 1970s. Established in 1931, the company took its name from its founder Niels Erik From (1908-1982) and initially concentrated on pieces in the style of the Danish Arts and crafts movement, later adapting to the changing fashions of the time. Niels Erik From's son joined with his father in the 1960s and continued the success of the business, running it himself for a few years after his Father's death but finally closing down in the late 1980s. The firm's designs remain highly collectible and this brooch is an excellent example of their later work. It marked ' Sterling' 'Denmark' 'N.E.From' '925 S'.
Danish silver floral brooch, Max Standager c1960
Price: £45
This is a large brooch in a typical modernist floral design by Max Standager, a silversmith who worked in Copenhagen from 1961 to 1985 and was well known for his organic form designs. It is marked 'Sterling' '925' 'Denmark M.S'.
Florentine style garnet and gold brooch, 20th century
Price: £150
This is a delicate brooch in an oval floral shape comprising many garnet stones of excellent quality. The largest central stones measure 4 x 3 mm. The design is typical of Italian renaissance with fine Mille grain work. Bears illegible mark. It appears to be gold but has not been tested.
Necklace and earrings constructed with English silver watch fobs c1920-1950
Price: £225
This is a fascinating suite of a necklace and earrings that have been made using hallmarked silver men's watch fobs from the early to mid twentieth century, seven in all. They are mainly for winning competitions, one for tap dancing in 1945 and the others for various sports and events. The largest central fob is from a men's society similar to the masonic lodges. It has its coat of arms on the front and is dated 1922. The necklace is a vintage belcher chain of approximately the same age as the fobs. All in all, bit of history to adorn the neck!
Art Deco brooch with large zircon stone c1930
Price: £175
This is a silver bar brooch set with European cut diamonds and a large blue zircon. It is set in an elegant Art Deco design that shows off the central stone. It is unmarked.
Aesthetic Movement silver brooch and earrings c1890
Price: £125
This is a very rare set of a silver brooch and earrings that reflect Aesthetic Movement design, the stylistic revolution of the late 19th century which promoted decorative designs over more utilitarian or mass produced objects. One of the key elements was the influence of Japan which can be seen very clearly in the decoration of this set with its oriental inspired central design of birds and flowers.
The earrings have post and butterfly fittings and the pieces are not marked.
Jerusalem filigree silver gilt brooch/pendant c1950
Price: £55
This is a lovely example of filigree work. It is one of the hallmarks of Jeersualem silver. This brooch is very intricate work with inset faux turquoise, pearl and malachite stones. It is market rather illegibly but appears to be marked Israel 935.
Persian silver bracelet with inset enamel plaques, c1930
Price: £125
This is a rare bracelet comprising silver stations set with domed enamel plaques. The plaques have bird and floral designs and are set in silver with an integrated clasp with floral detail. The piece is unmarked but would be 800 silver. It is in excellent condition which makes it even more unique as these types of bracelet tend to have damage. The size and decoration of the plaques contribute to an elegant piece of traditional 'arm candy'!
Suite of Art Deco banded carnelian necklace and earrings c1920
Price: £95
This is a very unusual suite comprising matched beautiful Scottish banded agate beads. The earrings are very Art Deco with a long chain drop. Both have brass findings.
Massive Egyptian Revival long necklace c1930
Price: £195
This is a very unusual necklace in the Egyptian Revival style that was popular in during the Art Deco period. This one is a very large enamel and brass pendant suspended for a long rope chain. The pendant is depicting "Horus" which was very important deity for the ancient Egyptians.
Very finely carved soapstone pendant necklace
Price: £175
This is a wonderful necklace comprising a large carved soapstone plaque depicting the double fish, bat and heart symbols. These are symbols for good fortune, happy relationships and good luck. The are combined with jade and cherry amber beads which is a very striking combination. The is a silver clasp and the bale is brass.
Suite of Scottish agate necklace and bracelet c1970
Price: £50
This is a very unusual suite of two pieces that both have the same curved link design with similar agate stones. Both have full marks with a makers mark A Mc N. An extender chain has been added so it is very wearable.
Art Nouveau William Comyns silver buckle, 1901
Price: £250
This is a piece of true Art Nouvea design. It is a ladies silver buckle by silver maker William Comyns. It bears the hallmarks for Comyns, London 1901. There is also a design patent number Rd No 564 383.
William Comyns founded the company in 1858. He initially operated from the former premises of silversmith Robert Tagg at 2 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, where he registered his first maker’s mark (W.C in a four-tipped oval) in 1859. Comyns’ silverware was retailed by some of the world’s most prestigious firms, including Tiffany & Co., The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, and leading London retailers such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James.
Heavy silver necklace with heart shaped links c1970
Price: £145
This is a fun necklace comprising 15 stylised heart links. It has box clasp that is marked SU 925. It appears to be Italian in origin. Would be choker length for most women.
Sold silver and enamel Panda pendant necklace c1980
Price: £40
This is a super cute pendant in the form of a panda bear playing with a beach ball.The bear is made from solid silver with a texture to resemble his fur and black enamel detail. The beach ball is also enamel and the piece is marked 'SILVER'.
Long strand of Chinese cloisonne beads c1950
Price: £45
This is a beautiful strand of Chinse cloisonne beads in an unusual green colour. It has the original corresponding clasp also in cloisonne. These would be very fresh for the spring or summer.
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Taxco bracelet set with carved obsidian stones c1950
Price: £55
This is a bracelet that is often seen in different forms and must have been quite popular in its time. It is silver with a gold colour wash and set with carved obsidian stones. Aztec face heads alternate with square stone stations and the surrounding silverwork borders depict the headdress of the Aztec face carvings with scrollwork to the square stations. Marked 'Heche en Mexico' with an eagle head which denotes 925 silver.
Large Victorian turquoise Pendant, Indian c1900
Price: £95
This is massive piece of turquoise mounted as a pendant; the elaborate setting is in white metal with paste stones to the border. It was made in India for the European market. It is lovely as a pendant but is also an amazing single stone which could be remounted to suit.
Druzy Quartz and Onyx panel Bracelet, c1940
Price: £125
This is a very unusual and large bracelet comprising stations of black onyx together with fine druzy quartz. The panels are graduated with an integrated clasp. It is unmarked but probably of Scottish origin.
Pietra Dura jasper moth brooch c1920
Price: £175
This is a very rare pietra dura brooch that features inlay jasper in the shape of a moth. There are thee types of jasper finished off with malachite around the edge of the wings. There are also glass beads inset to mimick that markings. It is set in typical rolled gold.
Taxco rose station necklace c1940
Price: £150
This is a beautiful necklace comprising stations of very finely modelled roses alternating with bar links that encircle the whole necklace and are joined with a hook clasp. It is marked 'B-27' (for the maker) and ' 925' and dates to the mid twentieth century.
Suite of Taxco - necklace, bracelet and earrings c1960
Price: £475
This is an outstanding suite of jewellery made in the Taxco silver district in Mexico. It comprises graduating fine links of turquoise and silver. Both the necklace and bracelet of a fluidity that shows the beautiful quality of this jewellery. It bears the Birmingham assay import mark and initials LR presumably for the company that imported it to the UK. It also is marked 925. There are no Mexican hallmarks although the origin of these pieces is not in doubt. The necklace and bracelet have the signature box clasp and each is fitted with a safety chain.
Rennie Mackintosh silver scarf ring with scarf included, c1990
Price: £45
This is a very elegant scarf ring that bears the designs of Rennie Mackintosh. It is hallmarked with the mark of Mackintosh's estate copyright. It i also marked 925. The black and white silk scarf is included so you are ready to go!
Tigers Eye bracelet with a large central carved dragon bead, certificate for 2012
Price: £15
This is a very striking bracelet comprising very high quality tigers eye beads and a carved dragon. It comes with original certificate of authenticity dated 2012 from Thailand.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Art Deco paste bracelet by Schreiber & Hiller c1930
Price: £45
This is a very rare bracelet marked DGRM 1138525. This is a German patent number held by Schreiber and Hiller and pertains to the type of fluid link that has been designed to hold channel set stones. This patent was issued in September 1930. The company ceased to trade during WW2.
Taxco silver bracelet, c1980
Price: £50
This is a very recognizable Taxco design with heavy ball and bar stations. It has a typical Taxco box clasp that is marked 'Mexico' 'TC-314' '925 with additional stamped smaller marks including '925'.
Florentine style lapis and silver brooch c1900
Price: £35
This is a intricate brooch designed with scroll work and column details. It is Scottish due to the thistle design on the east west corners. This was always included in Scottish designs as it is the national flower.
Art Deco brooch with Shibayama style mother of pearl plaque c1920
Price: £225
This is a very rare silver brooch comprising a large oval onyx stone set with a very detailed and fine carved mother of pearl plaque. This is either a nod to Japanese shibayama designs or it was indeed imported from Japan and set into the brooch. The floral pattern shimmers and dances with the light and there is so much detail. It is a real work of art. It is set wth marcasite stones around the edge. It is marked illegibly but it is continental. Most likely French or Belgian.
Tibetan amulet necklace featuring Buddhist deity c1900
Price: £25
This is very interesting necklace that comprises a very large amulet or talisman in a flower shape, which is built up in steps and features a figure holding a sword. It is made from brass, that would have had bright gilding in its time. It is mounted with garnets and enamel work. There are some stones that appear to be turquoise and coral although these might be enamel. There is also an embossed lotus flower on the back.
The chain on this necklace is quite short for it to fit over a modern head so it would probably need a clasp in addition.
Victorian vulcanite anchor chain necklace with carved jet pendant c1880
Price: £195
This is quite a rare necklace as due to the type of link combined with the long length of the necklace. The links are a large anchor design combined with the finely carved jet pendant.
ABOUT VULCANITE
Exciting scientific and technological advances punctuated the nineteenth century. Growth and development with regard to jewelry-making techniques and new and innovative jewelry materials were an important part of these creative endeavors. Combining imitation gems with various imitation jewelry materials had already been en vogue since the early Eighteenth century and viable replacements for faux non-metallic jewelry materials were chiefly derived from plastics and rubber.
Uncured rubber is somewhat brittle and does not have the stamina to hold up over the long term necessary to be viable for jewelry use. It was not until Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanization process in America in 1844 and Thomas Hancock did the same in England, that jewelry production with a rubber composition was possible. Vulcanization is a high-heat process that adds sulfur to the mix and renders the result more durable than rubber or plastic alone. Both gentlemen exhibited their achievements at the Great Exhibition, displaying molds of items intended to substitute for the very popular, but exceedingly brittle jet.
One of the main purveyors of vulcanite jewellery was the Britannia Rubber and Kamptulicon Company, set up in 1854 at Cannon Street in the City, with the works in the East End of London at Bow Common, “for the purpose of manufacturing in England articles invented by Mr. Goodyear.” From 1866, they placed advertisements in The Times for ” Indiarubber chaines Benoiton, wholesale and export only,” offering a full range of industrial, household and ornamental goods including “Imitation Jet (India Rubber): Albert chains, Victoria chains, long chains, Latin, Greek, Maltese and Dagmar crosses, brooches, bracelets, earrings, waist-clasps, charms and trinkets, gauntlets and armlets, fancy black combs, and dressing combs,” assuring their customers that these items had the “the beauty of polish and deepness of colour of jet, without its dangerous quality of brittleness…You may dash a bracelet or chain of this material to the ground without injuring it.”1
Sources:
Lang Antiques (www.langantiques.com)
Gere, Charlotte and Rudoe, Judy. Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World: London, The British Museum Press, 2010.
Egyptian Revival necklace depicting Tutankhamun c1980
Price: £35
This is a a dramatic necklace in the Egyptian Revival style. It has a large central pendant with three drops with stations all the way around depicting Tutankhamun in a rather humorous way. This necklace appears to be a museum edition from possibly the British Museum or the Met in New York. The reverse of the stations and pendant are also finished with Egyptian designs. A very well thought out and finished piece.
Statement necklace in the manner of Lalaounis c1990
Price: £35
This is a wonderful quality necklace comprising two tiers of Etruscan design elements and numerous acorn form drops. This is made to emulate the designs of Lalaounis a very popular jewellery designer and goldsmith who worked in Greece until his death in 2013. It has three tiers of drops and the swirl design is the main design component. The origin of this necklace is uncertain but it is of amazing quality and drenched in a buttery gold plating.
Two brooches - Jerusalem Mother of Pearl and Egyptian Silver, 1950s
Price: £15
This is a lovely group of two very different brooches. One is a large very finely carved mother of pearl brooch that is known as Jerusalem Mother of Pearl. The other is an Egyptian filigree silver brooch depicting a camel.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Two marcasite convertable dress clip brooches c1940
Price: £35
These are two complimentary dress clips or brooches that have a distinctive designs. They are set with marcasite stones and can be either mounted as a brooch or used separately as dress clips.
Taxco charm bracelet, makers mark Castelan, 1950s
Price: £85
This is a fun bracelet comprising a heavy curb chain mounted with charms that have a Mexican motif. It bears the marks 'Castelan' , Eagle mark 15, '925' 'Sterling'.
Art Deco emerald cut paste stone ring c1920
Price: £55
This is a very elegant ring made up of silver set with marcasite stones with a large octogan cut purple paste stone. It is unmarked.
North American Turquoise pendant necklace c1990
Price: £150
This is a very striking necklace comprising a large pendant with a modernist design set with North American turquoise, most likely from the Kingman mine. The pendant is marked 925 and has been later paired with a complementary and heavy Balinese chain which is unmarked.
Vulcanite long necklace with Maltese cross and fob c1880
Price: £195
This is the holy grail of Vulcanite necklace due to the length and it also has two integrated Vulcanite pendants a Maltese cross and a fob that may have been intended to be engraved. The links are round and there are further links at the end giving it a lariat style.
ABOUT VULCANITE
Exciting scientific and technological advances punctuated the nineteenth century. Growth and development with regard to jewelry-making techniques and new and innovative jewelry materials were an important part of these creative endeavors. Combining imitation gems with various imitation jewelry materials had already been en vogue since the early Eighteenth century and viable replacements for faux non-metallic jewelry materials were chiefly derived from plastics and rubber.
Uncured rubber is somewhat brittle and does not have the stamina to hold up over the long term necessary to be viable for jewelry use. It was not until Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanization process in America in 1844 and Thomas Hancock did the same in England, that jewelry production with a rubber composition was possible. Vulcanization is a high-heat process that adds sulfur to the mix and renders the result more durable than rubber or plastic alone. Both gentlemen exhibited their achievements at the Great Exhibition, displaying molds of items intended to substitute for the very popular, but exceedingly brittle jet.
One of the main purveyors of vulcanite jewellery was the Britannia Rubber and Kamptulicon Company, set up in 1854 at Cannon Street in the City, with the works in the East End of London at Bow Common, “for the purpose of manufacturing in England articles invented by Mr. Goodyear.” From 1866, they placed advertisements in The Times for ” Indiarubber chaines Benoiton, wholesale and export only,” offering a full range of industrial, household and ornamental goods including “Imitation Jet (India Rubber): Albert chains, Victoria chains, long chains, Latin, Greek, Maltese and Dagmar crosses, brooches, bracelets, earrings, waist-clasps, charms and trinkets, gauntlets and armlets, fancy black combs, and dressing combs,” assuring their customers that these items had the “the beauty of polish and deepness of colour of jet, without its dangerous quality of brittleness…You may dash a bracelet or chain of this material to the ground without injuring it.”
Sources:
Lang Antiques (www.langantiques.com)
Gere, Charlotte and Rudoe, Judy. Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World: London, The British Museum Press, 2010.
Striking continental silver modernist bracelet c1960
Price: £35
This a very beautiful and detailed bracelet comprising panels with organic shapes in front of coral like designs. It is marked Sterling Foreign 925. It seems that it should be attributed to a particular jewellery designer as it is so unique and of such high quality.
Victorian enamel buckle c1900
Price: £40
This is a lovely example of these buckles in a scrollwork design with bright enameling in turquoise and pinks. It is brass.
Paris tourist novelty bracelet c1950
Price: £35
This is a fun bracelet in a tarnished silver finish. It depicts Parisian landmarks and the city's coat of arms. They have a 3D effect which is interesting.
Victorian set of matched Scottish agate Beads c. 1880
Price: £450
This is an incredibly rare set of large graduated and matching Scottish agate beads restrung with a 9k gold clasp and clear spacer beads. Matched sets like this come at quite a premium and can fetch eye watering prices. This set is a very fine example.
A very finely carved white pendent on traditional silk cord, Modern
Price: £25
This is a lovely piece of white jade that has been carved with a typical dragon motif and Chinese characters. It is strung onto a very well designed silk cord. This is quite a modest item and it is almost surely treated in some way.
Etruscan style garnet cross earrings c1910
Price: £65
These are a lovely and delicate pair of earrings comprising square cut stones surrounding a large cabachon. They are marked illegibly. Most likely Italian in origin.
Silver metal Perfume Bottle Necklace, probably Indian early C20th
Price: £55
A silver metal perfume bottle and attached stopper, the body spherical with a short cylindrical neck, the whole elaborately cast with bead work below and repeating fleur de lis above underneath repeating raised bosses, the neck with rope twist work and the stopper with beading. The stopper is attached by a short chain and the bottle itself has two lugs which attach it to the necklace chain. Many of the motifs here suggest Indian work, probably from the 1920s and made for the local market.
Outstanding Taxco silver bracelet c1960
Price: £295
This is a heavy and substantial bracelet made in the style of William Spratling (1900-1967) the father of Taxco who opened his workshop there, Taller de las Delicias, in the early 1930s . His designs continued to dominate the Taxco silver districts of Mexico and this piece is an excellent example of this. Its design elements reflect the Art Deco styles of the 1930s and 40s that are softened by the scroll work. This bracelet is marked 'Mexico', '925', 'C-11'. C-11 is the registration number of the silversmith and all Taxco silversmiths had these registration numbers. It has a very sturdy integrated clasp.
Islamic silver choker necklace 1920s
Price: £120
This is a very unusual choker length necklace featuring three heavy strands of woven silver held together with floral motif findings. The necklace has a screw clasp that has birds and mill grain work.
Victorian style copper bracelet with buckle detail 1950s
Price: £20
This is a lovely collectible piece of Victorian style copper jewellery. This would have had a gold wash on it originally. It has a bold buckle detail and a hammered sunflower design. It is marked "Exquisite".
Fun group of two porcelain brooches with paid of small earrings 1960s
Price: £15
This is a group of two brooches with matching earrings. All have inset porcelain plaques with a floral motif. The brooch with the purple flowers seems to have a monogram signature.
Celtic Style Pewter Brooch in the form of a Panthers Head, C20th
Price: £10
A pewter brooch in the form of a Panther's head, the mouth holding a horseshoe like ring inset with diamante stones, the design in a Celtic style and perhaps intended to represent a door knocker. There are no markings to this piece and its origin and dating are difficult to determine. Perhaps it can be seen to relate to Arts and Crafts pieces of the early C20th and manufacture in the South West of England (compare the Celtic Style brooch, Lot 13 in this sale) is perhaps a possibility.
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Silver Monogram Celtic Style Brooch Hallmarked 1878/1879
Price: £45
A Silver Celtic Style Brooch, the design with interlacing strands in a variety of surface textures, three of which seem to represent the letters 'S' 'S' 'E', hallmarked to the reverse with the stamps (from right to left) lion (fitness mark), anchor, (Birmingham Assay Office mark), 'd' (Date letter for Birmingham 1878 to 1879), 'EU' (Sponsors mark - the firm which submitted the item to the assay office - for Edwin Umfreville who traded at 119 Jermyn Street, St James's, London and offered items with bespoke monograms).
An advert for Edwin Umfreville appeared in 'The Bazaar, The Exchange and Mart - 19th April 1879' where one of his pieces is described. "Like all the “ E. U." jewellery that we have seen, the workmanship is first-class, and the design most tasteful."
Art Deco concave cut agate ring c1930
Price: £55
This is a very usual ring due to its central stone. The stone is a typical Scottish agate that has been carved into a concave shape. It is set in silver and surrounded with milgrain work.
Silver metal Perfume Bottle Necklace, probably Indian early C20th
Price: £55
A silver metal perfume bottle and attached stopper, the body spherical with a short cylindrical neck, the whole elaborately cast with bead work below and repeating fleur de lis above underneath repeating raised bosses, the neck with rope twist work and the stopper with beading. The stopper is attached by a short chain and the bottle itself has two lugs which attach it to the necklace chain. Many of the motifs here suggest Indian work, probably from the 1920s and made for the local market.
Early Taxco brooch with coral and turquoise c1950
Price: £450
This a very rare brooch set with amethyst, coral and turquoise stones. It is in a very recognisable Taxco design with the scrollwork and drops. It has a bale and can be worn as a pendant. It is marked Mexico 925 TJ-46.
Two long infinity strands of cultured pearls
Price: £45
This is a stunning pair of two 160 cm strands of cultured pears that have been dyed soft metallic tones of green, grey, peach, pink and gold. This makes quite a statement when worn together as multiple strands.
Art Deco Islamic silver bracelet with inset stones
Price: £195
This is a very striking bracelet that features a central plaque with inset turquoise, amethyst and carnelian stones. The setting has fine repousse stars and teardrop design with filigree work. The band is very wide and is comprised of a very fine woven silver. The clasp mirrors the plaque motif and has a bolt fitment.
Beautiful paste evening necklace c1940
Price: £25
This is a wonderful necklace comprising pink and clear glass stones with a large central pendant with a very unusual floral crown design. There are stones all the way around this necklace set in leaf settings.
Silver Pendant, Tutankhamun and Ankhsenamun, Egyptian 1950s
Price: £35
A small silver pendant cast in relief with two figures of a man and a woman representing the pharaoh Tutankhamun and his wife Ankhsenamun in typical court dress with stylised hieroglyph reliefs above, the reverse plain. Ankhsenamun's robe has a small stamped mark indicating that the piece is Egyptian silver and probably also giving the maker's name or the place of manufacture. Dating is likely to the 1950s. The pendant is fitted with a silver chain with '925' stamps.
