Edwardian Sterling and Enamel Wreath Brooch. Restraint and opulence within the same moment describes the beauty of Edwardian jewelry from yesterday. This elegant brooch sets a refined tone, and will not overwhelm your own natural good looks.
The 1 1/8” sterling wreath is accented with a green central brilliant, reminiscent of demantoid garnet, and is further enhanced by white brilliants. Green enamel and precise cutwork brings life to the leaf sprays that gracefully tendril upwards. Patina untouched. Signed BAB, for B.A. Ballou and Company, Providence Rhode Island, active 1870 to present. Very good condition. Dates c1910. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH19-05 - $50
Figural Sterling Art Nouveau Glove Clip. The Art Nouveau period was so short (1890-1910) that good jewelry in this category is rare. Gianna's Gems hasn’t seen a figural Art Nouveau sterling glove clip in decades. This one is a stunner.
This antique clip measures 2 3/8” long. A young woman wears great hair and a feathered hat. (Did you see the feathered hats at Prince Charles’ second wedding?) Breezy ribbons and lily-of-the-valley festoon the border. Her décolletage is also a bit ruffled by the Spring winds. She is posed in thought for a moment, but there is no trouble in her carefree life. The medallion is marked “sterling” and the applied gold is intact. The back clip is silver on brass. No maker’s mark is visible, but much of the back is obscured by the clip. Condition is excellent.
You could use this rare piece in so many ways. Originally, the clip was attached at a skirt waist to hold a woman’s gloves. You could attach a floral nosegay. You could hold a large velvet ribbon around your waist with this lady, or place her to hold a silk scarf at your neck. The clip is very strong. A touching memento from yesterday. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH21-05 Art Nouveau Sterling Glove Clip~ Close-up Art Nouveau Sterling Glove Clip ~Back
- $460
Art Nouveau Inspired Hearts Set. Your perfect tan will be showcased by this necklace and earrings set! Smooth, cool white enamel hearts contrast and reveal your soft skin. The flowing linked hearts could be right from an Aubrey Beardsley pen and ink illustration. Note the "whiplash" line which was the most characteristic element of yesterday's Art Nouveau jewelry designs.
The goldtone necklace measures 18" closed and attaches with a fold-over clasp closure. The 1" tall heart post pierced earrings complement the necklace without being redundant. Excellent Condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! LH6-05 - $60
This item has recently been sold.
This item has recently been sold.
Antique Amethyst Stickpin. This antique stickpin measures 2 1/2" long and the head measures about 5/8" long. A faceted, marquise-shaped amethyst is prong set in an open setting with incised floral flourishes. The setting is gold plated. Very good condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH163-07 - $38
Antique Art Nouveau Butterfly Brooch. This antique cast copper on brass butterfly brooch measures 1 7/8" across. The butterfly wings are beautifully detailed with the tracery of fragile veining. Six piercings through the metal add to the feeling of delicacy.
Art Nouveau jewelry is known for its naturalism, in rebellion to the rigid formality and symmetry of Victorian jewelry. The butterfly symbolized transformation and a return to nature.
In this piece you see the period's relaxed form and observation of nature. C-clasp type closure. Very good condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH80-05 Antique Art Nouveau Brooch ~ Back - $110
This item has recently been sold.
Antique Art Nouveau Rose & Ribbons Watch-Holder Brooch. This antique Art Nouveau watchholder brooch portrays the romantic mood of the period. It measures 1 1/4" across. This pin has very, very subtle painted coloration over the gold wash: green over the rose leaves, red on the inner rose petals and underneath the coiled ribbons, and oxidized silver on the outer rose petals.
Ribbons were a perfect design motif to portray the exhuberant use of curved line in the Art Nouveau period. The Art Nouveau style was heavily influenced by the Symbolist movement. Nouveau jewelers used the same icons, such as symbolic flowers, over and over so the meaning became familiar to the public.
The back shows the long tapered watchholder and the older style safety clasp, which is bent to clear the watch hook. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH152-07 - $55
This item has recently been sold.
Pink Gold Filled Engraved Art Nouveau Watch Pin. The sinuous, soft curves of Art Nouveau design were all about feminine mystery. Craftsmanship was more important than costly materials. The stage actress Sarah Bernhardt helped popularize the jewelry of the movement.
This elegant c1905 antique Art Nouveau watch pin measures 1 1/16" across. The pink gold-filled pin is cut out and hand-engraved in an elaborate woven pattern. The back has the watch hook and an antique c-clasp for closure. Very good condition. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH170-07 - $52
Antique Art Nouveau Single Flower Brooch. Flowers, with their extensive history of symbolism, became very important ciphers during the Art Nouveau period. Flowers, particularly orchids, lilies, sunflowers, poppies, daffodils and irises, were a language for this new form. The meaning was often sensual.
This antique brooch has a 1" diameter. Dates c1895-1905. Sculpted, gilt flower petals are arranged around a seed pearl. Photo of the back of pin shows construction and antique c-clasp pinback. The face of the flower has a softening patina and color variation. Very pretty. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH173-07 - $53
Lacy Sterling Cutout Brooch. This Edwardian-inspired sterling estate brooch reminds Giannas of a delicate cutwork textile. Its lace-like appearance is due to a very fine casting comprised of four pieces. The elegant symmetry of the design, showcasing "diamonds", is an example of the Edwardian asthetic. Its jewelry was designed for high society.
The sinuous silhouette looks striking against dark colored clothing. The brooch measures 2 3/4" across. Rhinestones are set into and around a black enamel oval plaque in the center, and into the plant tendrils to each side. "925" plaque on back. Excellent condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH213-07 - $72
This item has recently been sold.
This item has recently been sold.
This item has recently been sold.
Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Poppy Stickpin. The poppy was a beloved Art Nouveau motif. It's symbolism is complex. It can mean a sleeping state--as in Dorothy's slumber in The Wizard of Oz's poppy field. It has also meant death (and sometimes resurrection) since ancient times because of its blood-red color. Poppies also are associated with the effects of war and battlegrounds. They favor disturbed soil and will fill a battlefield after other plants have abandoned the land. WWI's Flanders Field is the most famous example.
This antique sterling stickpin measures 2 1/2" long. The poppy head is 3/4" wide. It is shown in full bloom. The center of the flower shows the large cup-shaped stamen whorl. This piece, as seen from the back, has the "puffy" appearance typical of the period. It is signed sterling, partly visible under the attached pin. Very good condition. The front has been lightly polished and the back has been left untouched. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH357-08 Another View - $80
Antique Edwardian Sterling Camphor Glass Necklace. This antique Edwardian period sterling necklace has a period sterling chain of interest. The chain measures 19" long and is a beautiful variant of what we believe was called a spectacle chain, because of the shape of each link. The jump ring is marked "sterling."
The sterling and camphor glass pendant measures 1 3/4" tall. The glass is engraved with a ray pattern on the reverse and set with a small diamond. The frame is trimmed with decorative and milligrain patterns. Marked "sterling" on reverse. Very good condition. So hard to find these now. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH373-08 Another View - $260
