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.
LOT 26
Art Nouveau brooch with large amethyst and enamel work, c 1920
Estimate: £100 – 120
13d 1h 31m
£0.00
Etruscan style rock crystal and turquoise round brooch c1900
Price: £65
This is a very striking neck brooch comprising a very large facetted rock crystal stone drilled and set with a turquoise stone. It is unmarked silver. Probably Italian or Greek.
Victorian Silver Mounted Banded Agate Brooch, late C19th
Price: £100
An oval brooch formed from banded agate, the brown surface with amber and mustard colour striations, mounted in silver with a bar clasp to the reverse, the rounded border with four engraved collar devices. Found in a wide variety of locations, agate, a form of chalcedony with a wide variety of banding effects, has been used for jewellery from the earliest of times and was extremely popular in the late nineteenth century. The source here is probably Scotland which may imply that the mount is Scottish too, which would certainly not be inconsistent with its style but there is no firm proof of this.
Green Chalcedony silver mounted brooch with marcasite stones, 1940s
Price: £45
This is a silver mounted brooch, the central oval green chalcedony or chrysoprase stone bordered with an elaborate rounded hexagonal frame, the stylised flowers with scrolling foliage and a milled border, all set with marcasite stones, a bar clasp to the reverse and an engraved mark ‘925’ for silver. Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony distinguished by its shades of green and has been used for jewellery since antiquity. Maracsite, a brittle, metallic, semi-precious stone is also often used in jewellery and sometimes known as ‘white iron pyrite’ or more colloquially ‘fool's gold’. Its use here, combined with the elaborate design of the mount, suggests a dating to the 1940s
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.
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.
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
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.
Art Deco bar brooch with rectangular opal c1920
Price: £150
This is a very elegant brooch in a long bar design set with marcasites and a large opal doublet stone where a thin, natural opal layer is adhered to a dark backing to enhance the brilliance of the colours. It is silver and unmarked so is most likely continental and might possibly have been a ring that was later converted into a brooch.
Chinese agate carving with onyx beads, 20th century
Price: £35
This necklace is a lovely design with a large carved banded agate carving. It is paired with onyx beads and agate beads. It is elegant and undestated due to the monochrome palette but definitely makes a statement.
Butler and Wilson Skull Necklace, boxed, modern
Price: £95
There is certainly a hint of the macabre in this ‘halloween’ necklace made by the well known British firm, Butler and Wilson. Founded by Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson in 1969 and initially trading from the once famous Antiquarius antiques market in Chelsea, the company is best-known for its crystal costume jewellery and their pieces have been worn by celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. The firm still trades today and their current range does include a number of skull design pieces but this necklace is around 15 years old. Silver metal and crystals are used to create five skull heads, the largest acting as a pendant with five skull drops. These are linked by a chain which terminates in a spring closure which has a circular medallion embossed with the firm’s name. The necklace comes with its original box which remains in excellent condition. Not perhaps to everyone’s taste but certainly a statement accessory!
Mexican Silver Bolo Tie with Aztec mask Head, Taxco, c1950
Price: £125
The word ‘bolo’ derives from ‘boleadora’, an Argentine or Uruguayan lariat or lasso and is used to describe this semi formal type of neckwear in which a cord is held together by a medallion of some sort so that it can be draped around the neck. Mexican silversmiths working at Taxco, the artistic centre of Mexican silver production, produced versions of the bolo in which the medallion is in the form of a hardstone mask head set in silver. In common with many, this piece has an aventurine hardstone face in the form of an Aztec mask framed by an elaborate silver headdress. Through this runs a black cord with silver tips at each end. The mask is stamped at the back ‘925’ ‘TAXCO’ ‘Cheo’ ‘MEXICO’ with an eagle mark 185 at the top left. Dating is most likely to the 1950s. The bolo was regarded as semi formal wear for a man but can equally, or even better, serve a decorative piece of neckwear for a lady with a distinct hint of South American style.
Mexican Silver Bracelet with Aztec Designs, Taxco, 1950s
Price: £65
This is a fine example of a ‘classic’ bracelet design produced by the Mexican silversmiths working at Taxco, the artistic centre of Mexican silver production. The bracelet comprises four curved rectangles of silver joined with hinges and terminating in a square push clap. When assembled the pieces form a circular bracelet which sits snugly on the wrist. Each piece has an engraved design employing Aztec motifs, so often a source for decoration on Taxco jewellery, key pattern between a triangular and a stylised floral motif on a ground etched to imitate stone. The square clasp is stamped at the back with a diamond tablet with the characters ‘GURDO925’‘FP’ and an eagle mark 4. Dating is most likely to the 1950s. FP is the Taxco silversmith who would have been active in the 1940s and 50s based on this eagle mark.
Bakelite Ivorine Mourning Brooch, British c1930
Price: £25
This is a brooch formed from bakelite intended to mimic ivory with its off white colouring. It shows a hand holding a rose and the slightly antique style reflects the fact that this was originally a Victorian design, intended to be a mourning brooch, the material of which would have been ivory (see image 4 for examples in the British Museum). Developed in New York in 1907 and patented two years later bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. By the 1920s it became a popular material for jewellery and pieces were produced for some years thereafter. Dating here is probably to the 1930s or 1940s.
Russian Enamel Brooch, probably Rostov Finift, mid C20th
Price: £20
This delicate brooch with its elaborate filigree work has a circular painted enamel plaque painted in greens, pinks, light brown and yellow with scrolling lotus flowers and surrounded by fine silver decoration, with scrolling rope twist strands and slender milled ribbons inset with beads. The style and composition, combining enamel and silver work, is typical of the Russian maker ‘Rostov Finift’ (‘finift’ comes from the Greek ‘fingitis’ which means ‘gleaming’) many of whose pieces can be found on the market today. The art of painting on enamel was first developed in Rostov Veliky (125 miles northwest of Moscow) in the 18th century and continued thereafter with pieces of jewellery, made by Rostov Finift and in which enamels are surrounded by elaborate filigree work, appearing in quantity after the second World War. The pieces are not signed and attribution is mainly speculative but this brooch has much in common with other pieces believed to have been made by the same factory.
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.
Egyptian revival Tutankhamun head silver Cuff Bracelet, 1940s
Price: £75
The iconography here needs little introduction. This elegant silver cuff bracelet displays recurring portrait heads of Tutankhamun between two plain bands at each edge. The piece carries Egyptian silver hall marks which give some indication of its date. The central character, indicating silver, is a lotus flower apparently used from the 1940s. To the left of it can be seen a loop and two dots which is the date mark for 1942 to 1943 and to the right is a mark indicating the purity of the silver, possibly reading 800 thousandths. (see https://www.silvercollection.it /EGYPTSILVER HALLMARKS). This classic piece of Egyptian revival work from the 1940s is timeless and an elegant accessory for the 2020s!
Vintage Indian silver pendant Necklace, 20th century
Price: £85
This is an assembled necklace with both elements probably of Indian workmanship. The circular slide pendant has elaborate concentric bands, chain, cord and beadwork within a repeating stamped roundel border and terminating in a ‘V’ device. The reverse is plain with the stamped mark ‘925’. Pieces with similar designs also have the word ‘INDIA’ which most likely indicates the provenance here. The herringbone chain which has been matched with the pendant is clearly marked ‘INDIA’ with other marks in addition, probably those of the maker. The two combine to produce a bold piece of statement jewellery with timeless appeal.
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Bead Necklace, mid C20th
Price: £75
Cloisonne enamelling, a technique in which glass derived enamels are set on a metal ground and separated with fine wire divisions (the ‘cloisons’), is normally associated with solid forms such as vases and dishes but is employed here to create a series of thirty six similarly sized multicoloured beads in which irregularly shaped green, pink and red panels are separated by fine gold wire and laid on a gilt metal ground. These are linked with knotted cord and joined at the end by a gilt metal clasp and hook with embossed decoration of birds on a branch. The skill of the craftsmanship is obvious and produces a piece of decorative opulence. The work is Chinese and similar pieces are dated to the 1960s which seems reasonable here.
Outstanding Taxco silver and abalone Bangle c1980
Price: £200
This is a striking and large Taxco bangle that has been expertly set with curved abalone pieces and has a typical hinge and spring closure so that it is easy to get on and fits any wrist. It is marked 'TH-105', the Taxco silversmith reg number, 'Mexico' '925'.
Abalone and silver modernist design Necklace, modern
Price: £60
This is a very interesting necklace comprising geometric shapes set with abalone. The chain links mirror these shapes which adds an elegance and completeness to the design. The origin of this necklace is unclear but the work could perhaps be Greek or Cypriot. It is difficult to say definitively though as the design is so unique and abalone can be found in many parts of the world.
Art Nouveau repousse Pendant on later chain, c1910
Price: £95
This is a large repousse plaque pendant decorated in a typical Art Nouveau floral design. It is marked 'AL-P' which seems to suggest a European origin but more likely Belgium or one of the Scandinavian countries rather than France, to judge from the style. The plaque dates to the early twentieth century and is fitted with a later chain.
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.
Zuni turquoise silver pendant Necklace, modern
Price: £35
This is a delicate necklace with a pendant designed in the Native American Zuni style of fine inlay. It has the silversmiths initials 'RK' on the reverse together with '925'. It is combined with a strong box chain that is not original to the pendant.
Victorian style Bracelet in Mother of Pearl and Silver, modern
Price: £95
This is a beautiful bracelet that has been designed with the Victorian era in mind. It has 14 herringbone chains that join two hemispherical plaques that have floral motifs set with marcasite stones, one also with an attractive and large circular mother of pearl plaque. While retrospective in style, this piece is contemporary and most likely European, possibly made in France or Belgium. It is marked '925'.
Egyptian silver cuff bangle with portait plaques of Pharoahs
Price: £85
This is a very detailed bangle that comprises many placques that depict Egyptian rulers Nefertiti, Ramses III and Tutankhamun. These are interspersed with Egyptian lotus flower icons. Bears Egyptian silver marks.
Victorian carved celluloid cross c1900
Price: £45
This is a very unusual pendant comprising a very intricate carving in celluloid plastic. This type of plastic was also called Ivorine as it was meant to simulate ivory. This was most likely cast and then hand finished. It has its original loop.
1001 Arabian Nights Brooch c1930
Price: £20
This is a fun brooch that depicts a rather evil looking sorcerer. He has glass eyes and there is a large glass stone in his turban. The brooch is made from brass and would have had colourful enamel painting in its time. It also appears that originally there might have been drops from the ears.
Siam silver cuff bracelet c1950
Price: £85
This is quite a rare cuff bracelet comprising heavy silver with worked silver spheres. It is marked 'Siam' 'Sterling', the typical mark for this type of silver, which is 925 grade. It is marked Siam as this was the name of Thailand until 1939 but the mark on jewellery continued until the 1970s and the pieces became quite popular souvenirs during the Korean and Vietnam wars. This specific design is found elsewhere but it is the Niello work pieces with dancers etc that are most associated with the tourist trade.
Art Deco convertible brooch dress clips c1930
Price: £95
This is a wonderful example of these types of brooches. It is silver and is set with very high quality marchasit stones. It is marked silver on both the piece and the clips.
Native American Zuni inlay bracelet c1980
Price: £300
This is an incredible bracelet comprising stations of onyx, mother of pearl, turquoise and coral set in the form of a wishbone, a design that is favoured by the Zuni silversmiths of New Mexico who excel at this type of inlay work. It is signed 'PD' 'Sterling Handmade' and dates to the late twentieth century. 'PD' stands for palladium which implies silver with palladium or silver coated with palladium which was used as lower cost alternative to platinum or rhodium plating.
Jakob Bengel Machine Age necklace c1930
Price: £55
This a very collectable necklace by the jewellery manufacturer Jakob Bengel. It comprises five graduated triangular stations in galalith and chromed metal.
Jakob Bengel was a chain and costume jewelry factory, founded by Jakob Bengel in 1873 in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Until 1920, the company specialized in the production of watch chains and chatelaines but in the 1920s and 1930s it became one of the leading manufacturers of fashion jewelry in the Art Deco style.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
Silver frog brooch with green chalcedony c1900
Price: £35
This is a very small and elegant silver brooch from the late Victorian period in the shape of a leaping frog. It is set with green chalcedony and marcasite stones and is unmarked.
Neiger Brothers necklace with Egyptian Revival glass plaques c1930
Price: £225
This is Neiger piece with beautiful lapis glass molded plaques depicting Egyptian iconsography. It features an Art Deco design with machine age elements combined with more traditional marcasite stones. This one combines different styles that are perfectly balanced.
Catalin bead necklace with amulet c1950
Price: £55
This is a very unusual necklace comprising large dual-coloured grey beads. These are Catalin which is an early plastic. The beads have been Simichrome tested and are not Bakelite.
The beads are strung onto silk cord and end with a silvered metal amulet. This is most likely Turkish in origin.
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.
Art Deco Taxco bracelet c1940
Price: £100
This is a rare bracelet that is in a distinctive curved Art Deco design. It is a hinged bracelet that opens at the top. It is set with obsidian. It is marked Taxco MCC 950 Mexico TC-60
French Egyptian Revival necklace c1940
Price: £125
This a stunning necklace that features a sleek Egyptian design set with a glass plaque that is most likely Czech. It is in gilt metal with a newer chain. It is marked Depose with a French makers mark on the reverse.
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.
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.
French Art Deco Cartier inspired Tutti Frutti brooch c1930
Price: £150
This is a very rare brooch comprised of bright paste and glass stones set in silver with a barrel security clasp. It is ummarked, but undoubtedly from the French Art Deco period.
Early Neiger Brothers book chain necklace c1910
Price: £325
This is quite an early necklace by the Neiger brothers that features a large stylized central pendant depicting Sobekneferu or it might be conglomeration of different figures. This then has a hanging pendant with a molded glass plaque that depicts another Egyptian figure. The chain is interesting as it is a book chain style particularly popular in the Edwardian era.
Taxco Necklace and Bracelet set with obsidian stones c1960
Price: £150
This is a very elegant Taxco set of a necklace and matching bracelet both comprising silver stations in a leaf form set with obsidian stones. The necklace sits beautifully on the neckline and makes a real statement. Both pieces have a typical Taxco box clasp and are marked 'Mexico 950' 'TB-80' to indicate the silver quality and the maker.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
Keim Ltd London, silver putto dress clip c1930
Price: £35
This is a lovely little dress clip in the shape of a putto or cherub holding a torch. It is marked 'SILVER' with the maker's name 'KEIM LTD LONDON' and most likely dates to the 1930s.
Coral, amethyst and lapis earrings c1990
Price: £65
These are a striking pair of earrings that have a lot of detail. There are large cabachons of coral with pear shaped amethysts and small lapis cabochons. This is set in a leaves and foliage deisgn. They are marked 925. They appear to be Indian in origin. The coral is most likely colour enhanced to give it that vivid colour.
Taxco Mayan Sundial earrings, c1980
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate pair of stud earrings that depict a Mayan sundial, They are marked Mexico 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
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.
Taxco leaf shape brooch set with Abalone, c1950
Price: £45
This is a very lovely silver brooch that is leaf, or just possibly feather, shape, the veining set with abalone. It is has an oval mark 'RLC' surrounded by 'Taxco Mexico 925' and dates to the 1950s
Classic Taxco cuff bracelet, c1980
Price: £75
This is a striking bracelet in a typical Taxco diamond design. It is a cuff shape so brilliant for most wrists and easy to wear. It is marked Mexico TF-15 925. This mark indicates the Taxco silversmith.
Taxco silver elephant cuff bracelet c1970
Price: £85
This is an incredibly fine bracelet that features mother elephants and their babies. It is 3 dimensional with so much detail. Although it does not bear any makers mark it is most likely from the Taxco region due to the quality of the silver and the type of work. It is marked 925. There are times when due to the silver work there is no room for a makers mark so they leave it off. This seems to be the case here.
Silver hummingbird brooch with marcasite stones c1950
Price: £35
This is a lovely small brooch in a stylised hummingbird design. It is set with marcasites with a ruby eye. It is marked 925 so is most likely continental.
White chalcedony and marcasite ring, Birmingham 1951
Price: £65
This is lovely ring with a bright white chalcedony stone surrounded with marcasites. These are set in silver with full English hallmarks for Birmingham 1951 with a makers mark 'NBS', most likely for Neal Bros.
Taxco suite of necklace and earrings, malachite and onyx stations, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a quite rare suite of necklace and earrings that come from the Taxco region of Mexico. Both comprise stations of malachite and onyx that go all the way around each piece. The stations are each individually hinged which gives these pieces a fluidity and quality that only comes from the Taxco workshops. Both have the typical box clasp and are marked 'TN-57' 'Mexico' '925'. The TN number indicates the workshop although there is no definitive list regarding the numbers attached and an exact provenance cannot be determined.
Taxco silver bangle with onyx and sodalite mosaic decoration, 1990s
Price: £75
This is a beautiful bangle comprising a very heavy and thick band of silver set with sodalite and onyx in an inlay mosaic design. It has a typical push closure and is marked 'TS-98' '925' 'Mexico'. The TS letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
Zuni suite of necklace and earrings, New Mexico, 1990s
Price: £95
This is a suite of earrings and necklace by the Zuni silversmiths of New Mexico. They are known for their detailed mosaic work incorporating many different types of stone. Here we have mosaics on both the earrings and the pendant with turquoise, lapis, onyx and coral stones. There are also dangling feathers attached which is again typical of Zuni design. The chain is in a basket weave pattern and marked' 925'.
Modernist Taxco brooch 1980s
Price: £45
This is a lovely and substantial brooch that is fashioned in a stylised bow design. It could also be worn as a pendant. It is marked 'TC-132' 'Mexico' ' 925'. The TC letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
Navajo suite of Necklace and Earrings set with sleeping beauty turquoise, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a beautiful and high quality suite of a silver necklace and matching earrings set with ‘Sleeping Beauty’ turquoise. The necklace has three linked stations employing the overlay technique of building up different layers on the design, which represents flying eagles against a background of stylised clouds. Both the necklace and earrings are fitted with bright blue turquoise bead drops, the purity and colour of the stone indicating a provenance from the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ mine, located in Globe, Arizona, which was the only source for turquoise of this type and closed in 2012 enhancing the rarity of the stone today. For many years it was extremely popular among Native American artists, particularly from the Zuni Pueblo region.
The Navajo are a Native American people of the Southwestern United States with the largest reservation in the country, mainly concentrated in Arizona and New Mexico. Their silverwork, which they began to produce in the late C19th, came to enjoy great popularity and often employed the use of turquoise. This matching suite is an excellent example of their work. The necklace is marked ‘Sterling’ for 925 silver and the same material would have been used throughout, providing a perfect backdrop to the ‘sleeping beauties’.
Outstanding Egyptian Revival necklace c1960
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace that features a large central pendant that depicts a beautiful design of Egyptian iconography. This includes cobras, ankh symbols, Horus the bird god and Ramses II. It is all done in bright gold with enamel work. This is on its original rope style chain fashioned to allow the pendant sit on the upper chest. It is probably of American manufacture.
Convertible dress clip brooch with pearl and marcasite stones c1940
Price: £85
This is a silver brooch or convertible dress clip, the circular form set with a real pearl and marcasite stones. The main part of the brooch is silver and the clip fitting is most likely white metal. Although unmarked, it is probably American.
Long strand of butterscotch amber coloured beads c1960
Price: £25
This is a bold statement necklace comprising graduated round beads. These are made from an early plastic called Catalin. They have been Simichrome tested and they are not Bakelite. There are glass spacer beads and no clasp.
One of the beads has small pin prick holes as someone must have done a heated needle test for amber. See images.
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Bead necklace with jade carnelian and silver beads c1990
Price: £50
This is a very beautiful necklace comprising graduating beads that are yellow jade, bi colour jade and carnelian. There is a long drop comprising four strands with beads suspended on it to give it a many layered effect. The origin of this necklace is uncertain. it is super quality and is most certainly made by a jewellery designer. Marked 925.
Two watch fobs 1912 and 1923
Price: £35
This is a group of two gentleman's watch fobs. One says "Senior Rounder 1912" and the other "WLOC 1923". These would have been very meaningful to the person who had it on their watch chain. Unfortunately these details have been lost over time. Rounder was a game that resembled baseball so persumably that person played Rounder. These are very fine silver and are a piec ef ephemera that can be worn as a pendant.
Gentlemans waistcoat pin set with four watch fobs 1930s
Price: £150
This is a bespoke waiscoat pin with four hanging watch fobs. The owner was someone called R.S. Hollands as they all bear this name. They all have dates 1927, 1936 x 2 and 1934. There are different places on them and two have the designation of "Senior Rounder" and S.C.A.B.A. One also has the name Boosey and Co a company that manufactued brass instruments. Rounders is a game much like baseball. Mr Hollands definetly wanted to show these off. :) Thie is a piece of history that can be worn as a brooch, what could be better for a vintage collector?
Very fine Moroccan engraved silver bracelet c1930
Price: £95
This a silver bracelet comprising very finely engraved stations that are connected as links. These have been set with silver gilt camels and elephants together wilh Arabic letters. It has the usual barrel type clasp that is very secure. There are illegible hallmarks.
Silver and marcasite lizard brooch, American c1950
Price: £75
This is a very finely detailed brooch in the form of a lizard set with very small marcasite stones and green paste stones for the eyes. It is marked 'Sterling' which indicates American manufacture.
Scottish agate specimen bracelet c1970
Price: £95
This is rather interesting as it is a quite large bracelet comprising numerous stations of carved agate stones. It showcases all colours and types of agate from banded agate to chalcedony and makes a real statement. This bracelet definitely has star power. It is strung on elastic, as it typical for these types of bracelets, so it is very easy to get on and off and it is super sturdy in addition.
Art Deco Catalin Bakelite necklace, American c1930
Price: £125
This is a fabulous necklace comprising very large mustard coloured catalin beads in tubular, ovoid and globular shapes. Catalin is a form of plastic that is comtemporary with Bakelite. They are very similar as they are both composed of phenol and formeldehyde. The main difference is that Catalin was poured a poured liquid and Bakelite was moulded from a granular powder. Catalin is a brand name developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. It was used in a variety of applications, including costume jewellery, until the end of the second world war when it became too expensive, as every piece had to be individually cast and polished. Catalin jewellery is often incorrectly referred to as bakelite but has a distinction all of its own and this necklace is prime example of the fashion designs produced in the 1930s.
Monumental Mille Fiore glass bead necklace c1970
Price: £175
This is a very large long necklace comprising different types of Mille Fiore Venetian glass beads. The largest beads measure 31 mm these are the joins for a double strand of round and tubular beads on the higher part with barrel shaped beads on the lower part of the necklace. For vintage jewellery collectors this is one in a million. And for fashionistas this would go with everything. :)
Monumental Mille Fiore glass bead necklace c1970
Price: £175
This is a very large long necklace comprising different types of Mille Fiore Venetian glass beads. The largest beads measure 31 mm these are the joins for a double strand of round and tubular beads on the higher part with barrel shaped beads on the lower part of the necklace. For vintage jewellery collectors this is one in a million. And for fashionistas this would go with everything. :)
Blue Millefiore beads c1950
Price: £65
This a beautiful necklace comprising graduated beads that are the rare blue colour millefiore glass. These tended to be Venetian glass. They have the original barrel clasp and should probably be restrung.
Art Deco opaline glass necklace 1930s
Price: £125
This is a stunning strand of large tear drop opaline glass beads strung with conical silver beads. Opaline glass has been around since the 19th century and can be seen in jewellery from this time. These beads are of exceptional quality and appear to glow in both low light and daylight. There are flashes of pink and yellow that make these beads dance like they are lit from within. They are better quality than most authentic opals of this type. Has been fitted with a modern extender.
Faceted Opalite statement necklace c1970
Price: £95
This is a dazzling necklace comrising Opalite beads. These are facetted pear shaped beads as well as round beads. The luminosity within these stones are incredible they appear to be glowing in both sun light and indoor light.
Opalite is a type of synthetic glass often mistaken for a gemstone due to its alluring translucence and the play of colors similar to those seen in opals. Unlike natural gemstones, opalite is man-made, primarily from dolomite and metal to create its distinctive shimmering and milky appearance. It typically exhibits a soft, opalescent sheen with a blue or orange glow when light passes through it, making it popular in jewelry and decorative objects.(geologyscience.com)
Edwardian banded agate pinchbeck brooch c1910
Price: £45
This is an oval brooch with a large oval Scottish banded agate stone set in pinchbeck, which was the faux gold of the Edwardian period. The stone is the star of the show here.
Lapis and Lemon quartz torque necklace, modern
Price: £95
This is a very sleek necklace with a geometric pendant on a torque necklace. The pendant has a half moon shaped Lapis Lazuli stone and a fancy cut five sided lemon quartz stone. This is a very elegant and balanced piece. Both pendant and necklace are marked 925.
Cold painted brass necklace 1920s
Price: £50
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising stations of autumn maple leaves that cold painting in green and red to represent the change of the seasons. It has a bead chain and a hook clasp. Cold painting on metal refers to an enamel paint being applied to the cold metai i.e. not fired. The metal is gilt brass.
Nine strand authentic seed pearl necklace 1980s
Price: £45
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising 9 strands of real seed pearls. Three of the strands also have gold tone beads. It ends in a gold tone box clasp. Probably Japanese in origin. Pearls have a very high lustre and are of great quality.
Czech Egyptian Revival bracelet 1930s
Price: £30
This is a simple and elegant bracelet comprising stations of Egyptian motif panels and four station set with turquoise glass.
Fun 1970s button bangle
Price: £25
This is a super bangle comprising buttons encased in lucite. it has a rather homemade quality so it might have been made from a kit. This just adds to the vintage look and makes it even more fun! :)
Taxco Noahs Ark Earrings c1980
Price: £45
This is a pair of earrings that are very finely modelled. They depict Noah's Ark showing many of the animals. There are elephants, giraffes and lions on the deck with other animals looking out the portholes. There are even dolphins in the water! Although this theme can be found elsewhere in jewellery, these are a masterclass in design that only the Taxco silversmiths can deliver. They are both marked 'MEXICO' '925' and date to the 1980s.
Native American turquoise bead necklace with original clasp c1960
Price: £350
This is a very rare necklace comprising perfectly graduated turquoise discs. The stones represent the many different shades of turquoise that are found in and around Arizona and New Mexico. Each bead is separated by a very small amber bead, used because amber is soft and will not scratch the turquoise. The necklace ends with a matching clasp set with a turquoise stone that perfectly complements it. It has been restrung in recent times using very strong steel wire giving it durability for many years to come.
Large traditional Taxco Amethyst cross on chain c1950
Price: £175
This is a very traditional Taxco design in the form of a cross. It is set with rose cut and cabachon amethyst stones. It is marked Made in Mexico with makers mark JGD and 925. It has been paired with a complementary heavy chain that is Indian in origin.
Chinese cloisonné hinged Bangle, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese cloisonné bangle of typical circular form when closed, hinged to allow it to open and revealing the clasp opposite, the decoration in the cloisonné technique of polychrome glass derived enamels set in wire outlines (the so called ‘cloisons’ from the French word), the brick red ground set with stylised floral plum blossom sprays in enamels and clouds in a wire design. The style of work here suggests an early twentieth century dating and the hinged clasp was doubtless intended to assist the wearer as it could still do today.
Taxco torque statement necklace and bracelet, Daniela, 1980s
Price: £250
This is a fabulous set of necklace and cuff bracelet comprising two pieces of silver formed in a wave shape. One side is polished silver and the other side is oxidized silver. It is then set with a polished silver sphere that adds to the modern space age design. It is signed "Taxco Daniela 950" and "TD-09 Mexico 950". Daniela is the designer and TD-09 would be the Taxco registration.