faberge jewelry: antiques

Showing posts with label antiques. Show all posts

Showing posts with label antiques. Show all posts

Stables

It has been rainy and foggy for two straight days here in South Carolina. Thursday was the last I was able to ride and the weather was so very nice that I went on a long ride with several of my friends. I stayed way too long at the barn afterwards. Yesterday, I spent more time getting acquainted with my new computer which was easier to do since I could not ride due to the heavy rain. Change can be very good; however, I find myself more resistant to change when it involves computers, cameras, and phones. Today, I decided to take a break and focus on a future barn design for my property. I could just use the search feature on my new computer and not worry for several hours about all the more detailed features of the new computer. What type of design, stalls, type of roof, flooring, lighting, tack room, feed room, wash stall? So many things to think about and of course every barn looks better with the right landscaping. The rain? The new computer? They are still here; I just forgot about them for awhile.

I am ready to have the pastures green again! My friend Karen and her horse Bandit enjoying

the final lush days of the pasture in late fall. My photos

Good design buts needs some lush landscaping

I could be happy with this garden at one end of the stable!

Veranda Magazine

Antiques-French Polish

French Polish~~~French Polishing

Some of us just like the use of the word French in front of our favorite things, wine, cheese, bread, chateaus, and more. Now what about French polish or French polishing? It is actually a technique for finishing wood and not a material or product.

It involves the use of many layers of thin shellac that eventually yield a glossy surface on wood that is not only time consuming to acquire but breathtaking to view. Some collectors of fine furniture refer to the technique as “the icing on the cake”. It is costly and also time consuming; yet the richness that is captured with the process produces a piece that captures the eye. The technique was perfected by a Frenchman or so I have read around 1820. I have also seen credit given to Viennese craftsmen during the late 18^th century. Next time we will go into more about the process and the little insect called Laciffer Lacca that is part of the process. Yes, a little insect. Below are some pictures of antique boxes with that little something extra….French Polish.

From the Victoria & Albert Museum-18th. C Knife box

Two Rare Tea Boxes-Antiques.com

A Stunning Cave à Liqueur from my Innentory

                       A closer view of that beautiful technique called
                         French polishing; the wood is resplendent

Mother of Pearl

I am drawn to Mother of Pearl....Are you? Each buying trip that I go on I find myself always drawn to anything with Mother of Pearl. Sterling silver flatware, serving pieces, boxes, small chairs with MOP inlaid, and my list could go on. Recently I have noticed that when it comes to the home more products are available with MOP. I came across a few that were specifically for bathrooms. Hope you enjoy them.

(source HGTV C. Bauman)

Bowl from Thompson Traders

I have this bowl for a bathroom without the Mother of Pearl
How did I miss this one?

Love the use of multi colors!

                                     Mother of Pearl Tiles-Maybury House
                                               http://mayburyhome.com/

More luscious tiles from Maybury House

Equestrian

The weather has been great for the last week. So great that it has had an impact on my schedule and work. I find it so difficult to think about leaving the barn and coming back to my desk. Very cool mornings that warm up to comfortable temperatures are my ideal for riding. Once out in the fields and bridlepaths it is hard to head back to the barn and reality.

To add to the distractions the weather causes; the fall polo season is in full swing. The past weekend I left the barn then headed over to watch hunter trials and then a polo match. Far too many choices are coming up over the next weeks...might have to start taking my Ipad and try to fit some work in there somewhere.

I have new inventory for my antique business that needs to be photographed and listed. A buying trip that needs final plans. Well, maybe tomorrow.

My friend Kate and her Belgium Paint, Cracker Jack leading the way

Beautiful blue fall sky at the hunter trials
(photo by me)

                                     Action packed fall afternooon
                                           (photo Aiken Polo)

                                     Who can resist a face like this?
                                                (photo Aiken Polo)

Cottages & Creatures

At last! A touch of Fall is in the air. We have actually had a few nights in the 50's and the weather has been lovely for watching the sunsets on the back porch. Though each season has its own special charm; fall might be my favorite of all! Turtlenecks and flannel shirts make me happy after a long hot summer. Pansies and pumpkins also! As I begin to plan my fall gardens my thoughts turn to the inside of my new cottage. Chesapeake's Cottage is in need of a coffee or cocktail table. My favorite pine table is too big for my little cottage and other pieces I have are...well just not right. One day I think round maybe an overstuffed ottoman. Maybe 2 small storage cubes, maybe a wicker trunk on wheels, maybe a glass top iron table. I keep looking around my storage room thinking surely an antique dealer would have something that would work....especially for her own house. So as of this post....no firm decision has been made. But the journey has been fun! Have a great weekend!

(photo from Country Living)
Perfect for little ones!

(photo from House Beautiful)

(photo from HGTV)

(photo HGTV)

(photo Simon Uption)

I love this table but it needs to be lower!

(photo Veranda)

Such a peaceful room and great table too!

(photo Veranda)

Another great table!

First Plover's Egg found! (in the Garden of Adin)

First Plover's Egg found! (in the Garden of Adin)

Extravagant estate engagement ring with one 6 crt bulky stone

The sign of springtime!

ANTWERP, March 28 (Reuters) - In Friesland, the Northern part of Holland, it is an old tradition to offer the first found plover's egg in the springtime to the Queen. This first found egg (called in Dutch: "eerste kievitsei") is a symbol for the beginning of the springtime. So, still today although forbidden in the rest of Europe but allowed in Friesland on cultural historical grounds, people hunt for the first egg.

The Gardener of Adin, not aware of this yearly contest, stumbled upon a nest full of eggs when weeding the Garden of Adin, becoming the unintentional winner of this folkloric event.

Click the picture to see the Plover's Egg in all its glory.

Antiqualy yours,
The Adin team
www.adin.be

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complete inventory
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Guide To Purchasing Antiques

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique pieces, such as antique clock or antique Chinese porcelain etc.

The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Read the whole article at: frenchantique.wordpress.com

Palm Beach Show Unveils Lecture Series

The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show announced the lecture series program at its sixth annual event, being held, Feb. 14-17, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Art, jewelry and antique aficionados will have the opportunity to view and purchase from the extensive collections of more than 200 international exhibitors and attend lectures presented by an all-star line-up of knowledgeable and respected speakers on a variety of topics such as: “Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design” by John Loring, Design Director of Tiffany & Co. and “The Art & Passion of the Italian Renaissance” with Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, President of Amici degli Uffizi and Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, USA.

“It has always been our goal to provide an environment that fosters the understanding and appreciation of antiques in addition to offering an enormous selection of high-quality items,” said Kris Charamonde co-owner and show manager. “We believe the lecture series enhances the total show experience and is well received by our guests each year.”

The lecture series is free and open to the public. Individual lectures take place twice daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The lecture series is as follows:

Feb. 14
1 p.m., “Tiffany Glass and the Quest of Beauty” with Arlie Sulka, owner and managing director of Lillian Nassau LLC

3 p.m., “Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design” with John Loring, design director of Tiffany & Co.

Feb. 15
1 p.m., “The Greatest Art Collectors of All Time” with Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, president of Amici degli Uffizi, Italy and Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, USA

3 p.m., “The Most Beautiful & Important Images of Florida: 1564-1838” with W. Graham Arader, owner of Arader Galleries

Feb. 16
1 p.m., “John L. Volk: A Remarkable Life” with Jane Day, president of Research Atlantica, Inc.

3 p.m., “Collecting Rarities in Silver: Every Treasure Tells a Story” with Spencer Gordon of Spencer Marks Ltd.

Feb. 17
1 p.m., “American Art: What’s Hot, What’s Not” with Debra Force, owner of Debra Force Fine Art Inc.

3 p.m., “Full Circle: Recurring Themes & Influences in 200 Years of Jewelry Design” with Simon Teakle, director of Estate Jewelry for Betteridge Jewelers.

From: www.palmbeachshow.com

Platinum Art Deco diamond pendant with huge magnificent moonstone

Platinum Art Deco diamond pendant with huge magnificent moonstone

A touch of history ...
Platinum Art Deco diamond pendant with huge magnificent moonstone

(you can click the picture to get to its descriptive page)

In Antiquity, as well as in the Middle Ages people believed that the cosmos is reflected in gemstones. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist traditions mingled with Pagan legends led to the association of certain precious stones with different days, months, astrological signs, Tribes of Israel and Apostles but also with healing powers for social, physiological, metaphysical and even medical conditions.

The moonstone is assigned to the planets Neptune and Venus. The combination of moonstone with Venus is interesting as still today it's considered to be a woman's stone. The moonstone is the birthstone or month stone for June. Moonstone should protect travellers, especially from danger by sea, reconciles lovers, brings good fortune, inner growth and strength. (Not that we necessarily promote or believe such claims, but we think they make for interesting conversation.)

In semi-precious stones there are gems and gems but this cabochon cut moonstone is the gem of gems. This top quality fine blue moonstone shows an incredible "three-dimensional" depth of color, which one will see clearly only when playfully tilting the stone and moving it. Transparant with a violet hue when playing with it in the light. Blue moonstones in fine qualities are becoming increasingly short in supply and push up the prices accordingly and to find one in this size is even more rare. Executed in platinum with six old mine brilliant cut diamonds in line pointing towards the moonstone, this jewel is an example how frugal and yet beautiful Art Deco can be.

Antique jewelry object group: necklaces
Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe it is of Belgian origin.
Style: Art Deco - (styles overview)
Style specifics: Abstract motives and geometrical forms are quite typical for the Art Deco period.
Period: ca. 1920 (events and facts in 1920)
Material: platinum - (precious metals)
Diamonds: Six old mine brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 0.70 crt. Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
Precious stones: moonstone - (precious stones)
Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and moonstone for June. - (general birthstones explanation)
Hallmarks: No trace. - (general hallmarks info)
Condition: excellent condition - (our condition scale)
Dimensions: Approximate dimensions moonstone length 1.90 cm (0.75 inch), width 1.17 cm (0.46 inch), thick 0.89 cm (0.35 inch), pendant height 4.35 cm (1.71 inch), chain length 42.50 cm (16.73 inch)
Weight: 11.00 gram (7.07 dwt)

Reference Nº: 08211-4184

See also our:
art deco pendants, art deco jewelry, pendants or our latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July
August -September - October - November or December.

Additional information:
jewelry glossary - wall of fame - visit us in Antwerp - subscribe to our mailinglist.

What is antique jewelry? - What is estate jewelry? - What is vintage jewelry?

Antique Engagement Rings

If you want an engagement ring that is unique and classy at the same time, you might consider giving your lady love an antique engagement ring. Nowadays, brides-to-be are showing their unique style and individuality by selecting antique and estate engagement rings. Many couples look at the future brightly by purchasing something from the past.

You may choose that extraordinary engagement ring from many fine collections of beautiful yet unusual and non traditional antique engagement jewelry.

A lot of women choose Art Deco and Edwardian antique engagement rings studded with sapphires and diamonds. Both these pearl and diamond antique engagement rings are evocative of the romantic era of the past. Old-fashioned filigree diamond engagement rings boast of exceptional workmanship and superior quality that makes it look good on any woman's hand.

Also popular are antique engagement rings with eclectic gemstones, antique rubies and antique sapphires. Does your future bride like nontraditional colors? Then go for an aquamarine antique engagement ring. It is the perfect combination of modern and antique styles.

By Marcus Peterson, read the rest of this story at: european-antique-furnitureauthority-s.blogspot.com

For Green Jewelry, Refuse Real Coral

As Americans seek "green" items to preserve the planet, ranging from lightbulbs to dishsoap, they might want to consider their jewelry. Purchasing a necklace in the Midwest -; if that necklace contains coral -; can harm ocean ecosystems thousands of miles away.

Divers have harvested red coral for over 5,000 years. But new technologies, which allow coral harvesters to dive deeper and take more coral, have made the practice more destructive. Some scientists say that 20 percent of the world's coral has been destroyed, and that another 23 percent may be lost in the next 30 years.

Coral proves essential to healthy ocean ecosystems. Over 5,000 types of coral exist. Different species grow in different depths and temperatures, where they create "coral forests," which provide homes and food for thousands of marine species. Coral can also create barriers between oceans and shores, helping protect land from ocean storms.

Coral is a slow-growing organism. Some reefs never recover from heavy harvesting.

Americans help fuel the demand for coral. The U.S. imports more precious red corals than any other nation -; 26 million pieces between 2001 and 2006. That's 80 percent of the live coral that is taken from reefs each year.

The push has been for government to enact tougher regulations to protect coral, but when it comes to jewelry, the buck can end with the American consumer. Oceana, an international nonprofit group that works to protect the world's oceans, offer these tips to protect coral reefs:

Avoid buying coral jewelry. No one needs coral jewelry, but some communities do need reefs to survive. Consider purchasing jewelry made from other materials.
Buy imitation coral. Imitation coral, which can be made from resin, wax or wood, looks just like coral but doesn't impact oceans.
Buy coral jewelry second-hand. If you must have real coral, consider shopping for coral jewelry in second-hand shops, antique stores or vintage boutiques. You can have your necklace without fueling the demand for more coral harvesting.

For more information, visit www.oceana.org.

From: http://readitnews.com

Victorian parure in Classical style with ancient Roman coins

Victorian parure in Classical style with old Roman coins, wire works and lotus

A touch of history ... Victorian parure in Classical style with ancient Roman coins, wire works and lotus

(you can click the picture to get to its descriptive page)

Fashion in the last quarter of the 19th century was strongly inspired by Etruscan archaeological finds and the Pompeii excavations. Combine this with the impact on the fashion of Egyptian motives caused by opening of the Suez channel in 1870 and then take a good look at this magnificent parure. We see original antique coins, skilfully elaborated filigree work, big red stones and stylised lotus flowers.

It then becomes obvious that the jeweller who made this was not only an excellent craftsman but also very creative in combining the distinctive styles into a typical 19th Century Western European interpretation of different styles of ancient jewelry. To have the piece look even more authentic the good man in his enthusiasm incorporated no less then nine original ancient silver coins.

The age of the coins is around a stunning 2,000 years! It would be too much to describe them all but on the one hanging down in the center we recognize an elephant and the word CAESAR. Gaius Julius Caesar (July 13, 100 BC – March 15, 44 BC) was a Roman military and political leader. He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He also issued coins featuring images of elephants, suggesting that he favoured this interpretation of his name.

To our experts, who are used to see a lot of jewelry, it was the thrill of the month to find a silver parure from the Victorian era that has such a strong historical and classical expression. It is therefore that, although we hardly ever offer silver jewelry, we gladly make an exception for this parure. This, to us, is a "piece unique" and looks even more magnificent when being worn.

Antique jewelry object group: parures, necklaces, bracelets and earrings
Country of origin: unknown
Style: Victorian eclectism - (styles overview)
Style specifics: Typical for the Victorian era is the marriage of various sources of inspiration, in this case the Neo Egyptian style the classical style and the archaeological style.
Period: ca. 1880 (events and facts in 1880)
Source of inspiration: the antique world (Etruscans, Egypt, Greece and Rome)
Material: silver (except the system of the earrings that is gold) - (precious metals)
Technique: Filigree; this is in fact thin wire twisted into refined motifs. This technique demands very high skills and precision from the maker.
Precious stones: All stones in the parure are red strass or
paste used as ruby-imitation. In the necklace there are nine stones (eight round and one heartshape), the bracelet has one big heart shape and six smaller round brilliant cut stones. The earrings have one pear shaped stone each. - (precious stones)
Birthstones: Ruby is the birthstone (or month stone) for July. - (general birthstones explanation)
More background information on: neo egyptian, eclecticism, archaeological jewelry, eclecticism jewelry, parure, paste jewelry, Julius Ceasar
Hallmarks: No trace. - (general hallmarks info)
Condition: excellent condition - (our condition scale)
Dimensions: Circumference necklace approximately 45.00 cm (17.72 inch), circumference bracelet approximately 17.80 cm (7.01 inch), height earrings approximately 2.80 cm (1.10 inch)
Weight earrings: 3.50 gram (2.25 dwt)
Weight bracelet: 34.80 gram (22.38 dwt)
Weight necklace: 74.00 gram (47.58 dwt)
Weight parure: 112.30 gram (72.21 dwt)

Reference Nº: 08311-4252

See also our:
all parures, victorian bangles, victorian bracelets, victorian earrings, victorian necklaces, victorian parure, victorian jewelry or our latest acquisitions, antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry

The National Jewelry Institute is presenting "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization". The exhibit has pulled 135 pieces of jewelry from museums around the world, some more than 7,000 years old. The exhibit is open at the Forbes Galleries on Fifth Avenue, New York through December 31 and then will travel to The Field Museum in Chicago where it will be on display February 13-July 5, 2009.

What is nicer than the sight of one piece of antique jewelry?

answer: Two pieces of antique jewelry!

Typical regional Dutch Victorian golden filigree earrings

(you can click the picture to get to its descriptive page)

A touch of history ... Typical regional Dutch Victorian golden filigree earrings.

Though filigree has become a special branch of jewel work in modern times, it was anciently part of the ordinary work of the jeweler. A. Castellani states, in his "Memoir on the Jewellery of the Ancients" (1861), that all the jewelry of the Etruscans and Greeks (other than that intended for the grave, and therefore of an unsubstantial character) was made by soldering together and so building up the gold rather than by chiselling or engraving the material.

In Holland this type of jewelry was rather popular too, especially for the many region distinctive styles Holland had till the end of the 19th Century. By the look at their jewelry it was possible to know a lot about the wearer, his or her marital status, religion, which part of the Netherlands they came from, even the little regions. There are still a few Dutch cities where you can find older women wearing their region specific dress but it's to be expected this will be gone within one or two generations.

Because of their delicate nature, not many of this type of earrings have survived over the years. Something we as antique jewelry dealers notice as we hardly ever find them anymore.

OBJECT GROUP : earrings
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe it is of Dutch origin.
STYLE : Victorian
PERIOD : 1870
MATERIAL : 14K yellow gold
TECHNIQUE : filigree and granulation - This jewel features a filigree decoration, which is in fact thin golden wire twisted into refined motifs, in this case elegant little balls. You can also notice the use of granulation on this piece. Granulation is a technique where the goldsmith uses very small balls (granules) of metal, which are not soldered to the piece but welded. Both techniques
demand very high skills and precision from the maker.
WEIGHT : 6.20 gram (3.99 dwt)
HALLMARKS : No trace
CONDITION : Excellent condition - (our condition scale)
DIMENSIONS : Height approx. 5.03 cm (1.98 inch)

WHEN REFERRING TO THIS PIECE : Mention the following number: 08122-4264 or click here.

Click here for a general birthstones explanation

or click on the following links to see more of our:
all our filigree jewelry
victorian earrings
victorian jewelry
long pendent earrings
all earrings
Latest acquisitions

WALL OF FAME:
Read our customers' reactions.

INVITATION:
You are always welcome to visit us in our Antwerp gallery (preferably by appointment).

Protecting & cleaning jewelry increases the value

Cleaning Jewelry and protecting your fine Antique Jewelry and estate jewelry by storing it in the best possible condition, makes it more sought after and therefore more valuable. However cleaning fine jewelry is fraught with danger especially for the over-enthusiastic new collector.

Some of the cleaning jewelry tips on this page are from the book, by Judith Miller,"How To Make Money Out Of Antiques", 1995.

AMBER
Gently wash in warm soapy water. Thoroughly rinsed and dried. wipe on a little olive oil with cotton wool, then wipe off.

AQUAMARINE
Cleaning jewelry with aquamarine involves gently washing the stones with tepid soapy water, then rinse and dry.

CAMEOS
Clean Cameo jewelry by first removing grease with a small artist's brush dipped in white spirit. Then brush over the affected area with a solution of warm soapy water plus a couple of drops of ammonia. Rinse by brushing on clean water, before drying with a piece of chamois leather.

CORAL
Remove grime with cotton buds dipped in a solution of warm water plus a little detergent. remove stubborn deposits with a paste of crocus powder and water, again gently applied with a cotton bud. Finally, when cleaning jewelry with real coral rinse with clean water.

DIAMONDS
Wash in warm soapy water removing stubborn grease and grime by brushing on a little methylated spirits and ammonia.

EMERALDS
Gently wash in a solution of warm soapy water and a few drops of ammonia.

IVORY
Wipe down with a soft sloth moistened with warm water and a little detergent. The wipe with clean water and dry thoroughly. Finally, wipe on a little almond oil and leave for a couple of minutes and wipe off.

JADE
Clean with a soft cloth moistened with warm soapy water and a couple of drops of ammonia.

JET
Clean by gently rubbing with pieces of fresh bread. This unusual method really brings out the shine!

OPALS
Clean opal jewelry with cotton buds dipped in warm, soapy water. Rinse, applying clean water with cotton buds dry.

PEARLS
Cleaning pearls is a subject in itself. Click here for cleaning and caring of Pearls.

RUBY - RUBIES
Clean ruby jewelry by gently rubbing with cotton wool bud dipped in warm soapy water. Then rinse and dry thoroughly, before lightly wiping down with a piece of chamois leather moistened with alcohol.

SAPPHIRES
Clean in the same way as Rubies (above).

TORTOISESHELL
Build Your Own Website! Wash with warm soapy water, rise and dry thoroughly. Then, either apply a fine, white wax polish or wipe on a little almond oil.

TURQUOISE
Clean with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits.

Read more in our Antique Jewelry Glossary

Adin Antiques & Collectibles Recommendations

Antiques & Collectibles Recommendations in Adin, CA, USA

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