Time Dances By - Victorian & Ivory Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
VJ159	DELICATE PEACOCK EYE RING ( Arts & Crafts Jewelry Peacock Eye Sterling Silver Ring ): This seductive “Peacock Eye” Ring is the embodiment of the Arts & Crafts Movement. (c. 1890-1920) The peacock eye motif was associated with the Aesthetic Movement that included the Pre-Raphaelites of the art world. You can see peacock feathers in many of their exquisite medieval style paintings. The practitioners of the Arts & Crafts Movement were revivalists of a sort, but they re-interpreted the past. They rebelled against the excesses of Victorian ornamentation. In jewelry the intrinsic values of the materials was of secondary importance to design and workmanship. Most Arts & Crafts artisans preferred silver to gold and cabochon cut gemstones to faceted ones. This dazzling blue and green “peacock eye” is hand crafted foiled glass. There is currently a growing interest in the Arts & Crafts style and principals. These “peacock eye” pieces are in high demand and difficult to find. I love their unique iridescent shine and intense colors. This is the first Sterling Silver mounted peacock eye ring I have had. (Marked “Sterling”) The oval domed “eye” is bezel set high above the mount. The top and bottom of the setting are decorated with delicate forget-me-not flowers. The triple split shank band features tiny markings almost like squares, perhaps miniature snake scales. The ring band is narrow (1/16" wide), but could be sized. This Antique Peacock Eye Ring is a ring size 6 1/4. Delicate, almost lace like in appearance, this ring is a rare treasure. A special ring for a lady looking for an authentic Arts & Crafts Period jewel. Condition: Excellent. No chips. Size: 1” high, 1/2” wide, 1/4” deep. The center “eye” measures 3/4” high, 3/8” wide. This is a ring size 6 1/4.	$375.00
VJ144	ARTS & CRAFTS PEACOCK EYE NECKLACE ( Arts & Crafts Jewelry Peacock Eye Necklace ): This rare peacock eye bead necklace is a treasure from a recent buying trip. It is the embodiment of the Arts & Crafts Movement. (c. 1890-1920) The practitioners of the Arts & Crafts Movement were revivalists of a sort, but they re-interpreted the past. They rebelled against the excesses of Victorian ornamentation. In jewelry the intrinsic value of the materials was of secondary importance to design and workmanship. Most Arts & Crafts artisans preferred silver to gold and cabochon cut gem stones to faceted ones. These dazzling blue and green Peacock Eye irregular shaped beads are hand crafted foiled glass. Seven shimmering beads are strung together on a bronze colored foxtail chain. There are hand-tied knots on each side of the Peacock Eye beads and the necklace closure is a spring ring clasp. The bronze colored chain is an unusual, but perfect compliment, to the blue and green eyes. There is currently a huge revival of interest in the Arts & Crafts style. These “Peacock Eye” pieces are scarce and in high demand. I love their unique iridescent shine and intense colors. Wear them with denim or silk – for work or play. Condition: Excellent. The spring ring clasp may be a replacement. Size: Total length of necklace is 31 1/2”. It is long enough to wrap twice around your neck, but the full splendor of the beads is best displayed when worn long. Each Peacock Bead is approximately 5/8”.	$500.00
VJ155	LUSTROUS TORTOISESHELL CRESCENT ( Victorian Jewelry Tortoiseshell Brooch / Pin ): This dazzling designed Victorian brooch is made of polished Tortoiseshell. (c. 1870) The Victorians were very fond of Tortoise and used it for hair ornaments, combs, brushes, fans and small boxes – as well as jewelry. Tortoiseshell is molded using heat and then polished. It was considered appropriate for mourning after Prince Albert’s death. Most common in jewelry were lustrous-feeling chains, lockets, earrings and brooch sets. This large inverted crescent has graduated beading along the top curve. There is a long drop that dangles from the inside of a beaded edge horseshoe shape. The drop at the bottom has been hand carved. The pin back has a C clasp closure. Nature’s palette is combined with a classical design to produce this captivating Antique Victorian Brooch. Condition: Excellent. Size: Entire brooch hangs 3 ½” long, 2 ¼” wide. Dangle drop chain is 2” long. Crescent is ¼” deep.	$400.00
VJ145	SWIRLS OF AGATE IN LACE ( Victorian Jewelry Agate Earrings ): Light and delicate, these stunning Victorian Banded Agate Earrings speak of romance and refinement. (c. 1880-1900) Torpedo shaped drops are dramatized by the use of agate with intricate patterns of swirls and striking natural layered banding in subtle shades of chocolate, taupe and white. Please note that the agate was cut to form a match between the two earrings. At the rounded ends of the drops you can actually see the natural crystallization within the stone. The agate rounds at the top both display vertical stripes. Delicate lacelike 14KT frames with engraved scrolls and curls form the perfect setting for these seductive and alluring earrings. The agate drops are free swinging within their frames. The pierced ear backs with safety clasps go into your ear from the front and they snap closed. Unabashedly feminine, both the luscious color pattern and shape of these earrings harmonize to form a perfect balance of beauty in concert. Condition: Excellent. All original. Size: 2 ¼” long, ¾” at widest point.	$999.00
VJ137	TASTE FOR THE FAR EAST ( Victorian Jewelry Coral Earrings ): The “Grand Period” of Victorian jewelry (c. 1861-80) found Revivalism in full swing. International exhibitions whetted appetites for jewelry from exotic places. You could see mogul jewelry from India, gold mounted tiger claws, Egyptian scarabs, carved nuts from Australia, Etruscan style ornaments and influences from the orient – Japan & China. With hairstyles changed to once again reveal the ear, earrings returned, growing in size and popularity. Of Chinese origin, these bright and colorful coral bead earrings will light up your face. Many tiny, hand cut and polished coral beads have been strung with coral colored thread over a lightweight round core, until they resemble tiny pomegranates. The setting is gilt gold retaining all of its shine and richness of color. Shepherd’s hook ear wires are used to make these exotic “ear bobs” dance in your ears. A fascinating and beautifully crafted pair of earrings to delight a new century. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” long from top of hook, coral encrusted ball is 3/4” in diameter.	$275.00
VJ153	THE ART OF PIQUÉ ( Victorian Jewelry Piqué Tortoiseshell Earrings ): Piqué is by definition gold and/or silver inlaid into another material, such as Ivory or Tortoiseshell. By the mid-19th Century, this beautiful art found renewed popularity as a decoration for jewelry. The piqué jewelry fashion seemed to follow the popularity of Tortoiseshell. The lightness of the material lent itself well to earrings. These late Victorian Earrings are a sleek and chic example of the popular torpedo shaped drops with 4 flat tapering triangle sides. (Most likely English - c. 1870) The deep natural tone of the chocolate shell is the perfect counterpoint for the inset precious metals, as the light is reflected from every angle. Charming gold floral motifs grace the round tortoiseshell beads atop these articulated earrings, accented by the original gold earwires. The painstaking and laborious process of piqué, while delighting its admirers, faded from sight due to its time demands upon the creators. Its association with half-mourning as decreed by Queen Victoria ended with her death. Fashionable ladies rejected all dark colors in favor of silver and light or colorless stones which emerged as the Edwardian styles took the stage. These dainty and feminine earrings capture the essence of the 19th Century– never to be repeated again. Condition: Very good. A few tiny dots of silver piqué absent. Not visible to the naked eye. Size: Total length 2”, drop is 1 ½” long, ¼” wide at top.	$725.00
IV040	ROMANTIC ROSES ( Victorian Jewelry Ivory Earrings ): Roses never lose their romantic feminine appeal. I was fortunate to find these long, finely hand Ivory carved rose earrings on a recent buying trip. Victorian Romanticism found its perfect expression in carved floral motifs. The “Language of Flowers” captured the fashionable Victorian’s imagination and an abundance of blossoms and foliage provided ample proof of their interest in the elaborate symbolism of nature. A single rose carries the sentiment – I love you. Flattering to all skin tones, these long carved pierced earrings are just lovely and a fine example of the carver’s art. (c.1860-80) When you move your head these Ivory blossoms “dance” in your ears. The Sterling Silver (tested) pierced ear wires may not be original. “Flowers have their language. Theirs is an oratory that speaks in perfumed silence.” These earrings are a true Victorian treasure no collector or flower lover should be without. Condition: Excellent. No chips or damage. Size: Roses hang 2 5/8” including ear wire, 3/4” wide, 3/8” deep.	SOLD!
VJ151	AIMING FOR YOUR HEART ( Victorian Jewelry Sterling Silver Arrow Brooch / Pin ): Arrows were a popular motif among the sentimental Victorians. They denoted mortality or “wounded by love”. (How Victorian is that!) This beautifully crafted large Sterling Silver Victorian brooch (dated “1848”) will capture your heart. Wonderful engraving runs the length of the arrow shaft and beveled arrow head. The feathered portion of the brooch appears to be decorated in two different stamped patterns. The real fun begins with the silver looped chain that ends with a suspended fully rounded dangling drop. The pin closure is really fascinating. To open the pin you pull the arrow point forward, thus releasing the pin stem. After you have the stem in place on your garment, you push the pin stem into the little slot that looks like a V closure and then push the arrow head point firmly back into place. It works something like a trombone clasp. This captivating Antique Brooch has registry marks reading “30MARCH, 1848”. (Think of it – over 150 years old!) It also is stamped with the maker’s mark “H&T”, the Hillard & Thompson Co., Birmingham, England. A thoughtful gift for a loved one. It looks wonderful on jackets, sweaters or even shawls. Elegant, refined and a lot of history all in one sleek silver brooch. Bound to win you compliments at work or out on the town in the evening. Condition: Excellent. A few light scratches – they are antique, too. Size: 4 ½” long, 1 ¼” wide, drop hangs 1 ¼” below the arrow tip.	SOLD!
VJ139	CLASSICAL REVIVAL AMPHORA URNS ( Victorian Jewelry Tortoiseshell Earrings ): I recently acquired these aristocratic and superbly crafted Victorian Tortoiseshell Earrings. (c. 1860-70) The Romantic Period ended abruptly with the death of Prince Albert in 1861 and the beginning of the Civil War in the U.S.A. – causes for deep mourning on both sides of the Atlantic. By the 1860’s, Revivalism was in full swing. Women were wearing Etruscan-style amulets and other “classical” ornaments. The “Grand Period” of Victorian style had begun. Tortoiseshell emerged as a popular jewelry material. It as also considered suitable for half-mourning. These truly elegant Antique Tortoiseshell Earrings in the shape of amphorae urns are suspended from round bead surmounts and have shepherd’s hook earwires. The popular amphora shape is derived from an ancient Greco-Roman handled urn with a tapered base. These are “book piece” earrings shown on Page 54 of “Warman’s Jewelry – 3rd eddition”. Animal rights were not a big issue in Victorian times. They thought the supply of nature’s bounty was endless, but they were wrong. Highly desired by collectors, these earrings are a reminder of the simple and classical beauty produced by Victorian artisans. The very essence of 19th Century, you will treasure these earrings for another lifetime. Condition: Excellent and Rare. Size: 2 3/4” long, 5/8” wide. Bead and amphora are fully rounded.	$750.00
IV042	THE ROSE SCENT OF ROMANCE ( Victorian Jewelry Ivory Brooch ): Roses never lose their romantic and feminine appeal. This exquisite hand carved Victorian Ivory Brooch of cabbage roses and forget-me-nots conveys the floral message “Never forget that I love you”. (French, c. 1860-80) During the reign of Queen Victoria the “Language of Flowers” became a form of communication between friends and lovers. Romanticism found a perfect expression in carved Ivory bouquets and sprays of blossoms. This breath taking extravagant spray of cabbage roses and forget-me-nots is a superb example of the master carver’s art - you can almost smell the scent of roses. A miracle of survival, there are no flaws or chips in this delicate antique brooch. The Ivory patina is rich and warm and you can see the grain marks on the back. There is replacement safety clasp pin back. Imagine yourself wearing this captivating example of the timeless beauty and the romance of roses. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 1/2” wide, 1 1/2” high. You can wear it horizontally or vertically.	SOLD!
VJ113	MYSTERIOUS MOONSTONES ( Edwardian Jewelry Moonstone Bracelet ): Seventeen round cabochons of moonstones sit side-by-side in Sterling Silver mounts in this cool and mysterious bracelet. (c. 1920) The moonstone is a variety of feldspar which is very light and delicate in appearance. It is nearly colorless, but with a milky depth that often takes on bluish, gray and white tones. The vogue for colorless gems came into fashion in the 1880’s and is one of the distinctive materials of the Edwardian (Belle Époque) period. Frequently set in silver, it echoed the Arts & Crafts movement with its use of cabochon cut stones, rather than faceted colored gemstones. The graduated moonstones in this elegant bracelet are referred to as “Cat’s Eye” moonstones. When examined closely, each one has a vertical white line (seen well in photos). Each stone is set into a Sterling Silver coronet claw mount – so light and airy. The clasp is a V-spring and box clasp. Press down on the V-spring and pull out of the box clasp to open. A heavenly form to grace your wrist. The subtle interplay of light in the moonstones is both alluring and haunting. Condition: Excellent. No flea bites. Size: 7 5/8” long when clasped. Center stone is 3/8” in diameter. Setting 3/8” deep.	$675.00
VJ117	RIBBONS OF WHITE ENAMEL OVER GARNETS ( Victorian Jewelry Garnet Earrings ): These feminine and appealing garnet earrings convey the essence of the Mid-Victorian Grand Period. (c. 1870) Complex in design, rich in color, these tear drop shaped earrings are 18KT gold with white enamel accents. The gold drop base is hollow – you can see the 2 tiny holes on the back – which makes them very light weight. A delicate studded rope border frames the bezel set cabochon garnet. A beautiful and unusual oval cut red-purple rhodolite garnet forms the centerpiece of each earring. The raised ribbon-like motifs above the garnet feature finely executed white enamel accented with gold stripes. The 14KT gold shepherd’s hook ear wires have been added over the years. In the Language of Gemstones, garnets have always represented fidelity and virtue. Garnets are the birth stone of ladies born in January, but remain highly popular every month of the year. Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 5/8” long, 5/8” wide, 1/4” deep.	$600.00
VJ110	FABULOUS VICTORIAN SWIVEL FOB ( Victorian Jewelry Watch Fob Necklace ): Here is a regal and elegant combination of Victorian splendor. (c. 1860-80) This Antique Pendant is a large and ornate Victorian watch fob. It has an abundance of heavy gold filled relief work comprised of leaf and floral motifs. A sumptuous and thick setting, this fob is also a swivel setting. Intense hues of black, brown and white banded agate with a beveled edge are on the front side and it swivels to a dark green agate. The necklace is made of 12mm banded agate beads which have been re-strung and knotted on silk. The agate color range swirls from gray to brown. The lighter beads accent the rich deep colors in the fob. Now this necklace will remain strong and sturdy. There is a twist barrel clasp. As wearable today as it was over a hundred years ago. Condition: Excellent. No cracks. Gold work is so amazing. Size: Necklace length is 18”. Fob is 2” long, 1 1/2” wide, 1/2” deep.	$550.00
VJ093	CARNELIAN PROMISE OF HOPE ( Victorian Jewelry Scottish Brooch/Pendant ): To the Victorians, the Anchor was a symbol of Hope, an emotion that provided a refuge from the travails of living in a time when death was always near. Faith (Cross), Hope (Anchor) and Charity (Heart) was an extremely popular Victorian motif found in all types of jewelry. This large Antique Carnelian and Sterling Silver Anchor Brooch (c. 1860) is an outstanding example of the Scottish style that Queen Victoria loved so well. The carved carnelian part of the cross is beautifully striated when held up to the light. The silver portions of the brooch are delicately engraved and a twisted silver rope coils itself around the anchor. The original pin stem has been replaced with a shorter version and with the addition of the ring at the top, this anchor brooch becomes a lovely pendant. The C clasp closure is original. Such a bold statement look will always be a fashion favorite. Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 1/4” long, 1 5/8” wide.	$300.00
IV051	CLASPED HANDS OF FRIENDSHIP ( Victorian Ivory Jewelry Hand Pendant ): The hand is a recurring romantic symbol in Victorian jewelry. I think that the most beautiful of hands were carved from Antique Ivory. This pendant is actually a seal to be used on letters, but I had a ring added so that you can wear it as a pendant. (c. 1840-60) The message of the hand had a variety of meanings depending on how it was depicted. Clasped hand such as these superbly rendered Victorian Hands symbolized friendship. The elegance of these two hands with carved ruffles at each wrist implies a close bond between these two women, sisters or friends for life. Examine the delicate fingers with tiny fingernails – notice that one of the hands has a tiny carved ring on the first finger. The orb at the bottom is exquisitely rendered with a large floral motif on the bottom. You can clearly see the fine graining of the Ivory on the hands. The Sterling Silver work has detail that it is a pleasure to study. (Including some almost invisible British hallmarks.) The flat silver seal portion has never been engraved. With the addition of the bale loop this small masterpiece of the master carver’s art becomes a wearable treasure for another generation to enjoy. And remember to pass it on! Condition: Excellent. Very clean with no chips. Size: Including bale 3 5/8” long. Carved Ivory portion 2 5/8”. Bale ring has 1/4” opening. Ivory orb at bottom is 3/4” in diameter.	ON LAYAWAY!
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	Victorian & Ivory Jewelry
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