Category Archives: Antique Jewellery

Natural Pearls, rare beauties of the natural world, and how we identify them

Natural pearls are a very rare thing. They have grown by accident, and are the product of incredible good fortune. Once upon a time people would dive, time after time, into the ocean, searching for the one elusive “oyster” that … Continue reading

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A Brooch With Greatness

A brooch is something that makes a statement to the world. It’s often worn on a coat, blazer or jacket, it isn’t limited to a time of day or a type of clothing. Women and men wear brooches equally. The … Continue reading

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A Pearl is a Pearl, isn’t it?

When we think of a pearl, we tend to think of a round white shiny object that comes from an oyster of some sort. A pearl may well fit that description, but there are so many variations available, it is … Continue reading

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Art Nouveau Pendant at Auction

To be offered in the Spring 2014 sale, June 22, this pendant is an elegantly simple jewel. It came to the auction in a fitted box, can you imagine a workshop set up specifically to build boxes that are made … Continue reading

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Jewellery carries a message

These antique jewels are the perfect representation of the dying days of the Victorian Empire. Beautifully made mourning jewels conveyed a message of good taste in fine craftsmanship, and remembered someone who can’t be with the wearer any longer. A … Continue reading

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Portrait Cameo

Cameos are small art works often in the form of carved gems. We associate cameos with a white to cream figure on a pink to orange-brown background in the most traditional carved shell cameos. While some of the finest work … Continue reading

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Scallop shells in art, including jewellery art

The shell, a symbol of birth, features in art, and, of course, jewellery throughout history. The delicate pendant, lot 187 in the November 24th, 2013 auction features a small cherub, or putto, seated on a scallop shell, and playing a … Continue reading

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Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are the original gems. Someone, long ago, was eating an oyster and bit on something, rolling in the palm of our ancient ancestor, it was the first gem, ready to wear, produced through the efforts of a little … Continue reading

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Arts and Crafts Pendant

Lot 202 in the upcoming Dupuis auction November 24, 2013. This beautiful hand made pendant, dated 1913, seems to be a blend between Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts. The centre features a panel with a clear cover on the … Continue reading

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