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Double ram’s head silver bracelet

Antique double ram's head sterling silver torque bracelet This impressive and finely detailed solid silver hinged bangle is sure to delight! In the Etruscan Revival taste, two rams regard each other closely. They have impressive curled horns, fringes of fur and fully dimensional little heads. They each wear an ethnic collar with beading and soldered filigree wire work. The bangle has a sprung wire hinge, so it opens a little and is really easy to apply to the wrist. We don't recommened wrenching it fully open. We believe this to be an antique late Victorian item though there are no date marks. The heads with their collars measure around 35mm in length and 23mm at their widest point. The plain body of the bangle is 7.5mm in width. The bangle's internal circumference when closed is around 6 7/8". The silver is all oxidised around the animals' head, though we have given the piece a light overall polish.

Stamped 925 to denote solid sterling silver Gross weight: 45g Condition: good antique

£138.00 Read more

Diamond and pearl enamelled mourning ring

Victorian rose cut diamond and pearl black enamel 18ct gold mourning ring with inscription circa 1846 The jewellery of our predecessors doesn't come any sadder or sweeter than this little flower. At the centre sits a lovely rose cut diamond held in tiny silver claws, as was the custom of the era. Five luminous silvery pearls sit around it to form a pansy, which according to the jewellery language of the time indicated the wearer was dwelling in her thoughts. Inside the band we learn why, as here is the inscription, "Ellen Watson ob 30, april 1846". The full set of crisp hallmarks, which include the duty mark, confirm the ring was made in 1846, no doubt commissioned by Ellen's daughter or sister when they were in mourning for her death. The delicate, leaf-like shoulders have lovely black enamel detailing for a gothic look that feels really edgy today. The flower measures around 8.2mm with a rise of 4mm. The shoulders taper to a band of 1.8mm. The date letter has been struck seemingly by accident on the outside of one shoulder. The flower has space for a locket behind it, now vacant.

Size: J (UK) / 4 3/4 (US) Hallmarked: yes Maker's mark: ES (indistinct) Date letter: k (1846) Assay office: London Composition of gold: 18ct Gross weight: 2g Condition: noticeable wear to at least two pearls; pretty good otherwise

£290.00 Read more

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Carnelian fob seal with monogram

Ornate Victorian yellow gold fob seal set with monogrammed carnelian Elaborate scrolled gold work forms the top of this magnificent fob seal. This was likely the prized accessory of a Victorian lady or gent, worn at the end of their watch chain. A vivid orange carnelian has been carved with the monogram HN within a frame. It tests as gold and does appear to be solid - though it might have some base metal inside to give it strengh. The condition is very clean and nice. It measures 30.4mm in height. The carnelian set terminal measures 20.4 x 17mm. The bail has an inner diameter of around 4.9mm. The outside of the bail has a width of 5.3mm. Pretty beaded finial to top. We believe it dates to the late Victorian era, circa 1900.

Hallmarked: no Tested as low carat gold (9ct+) Gross weight: 12g Condition: good

~~£190.00~~ £140.00 Read more

Vintage pearl half hoop ring

Vintage seven stone pearl 9ct gold half hoop ring A clean line of seven uniform ivory pearls forms the ultra delicate aesthetic of this marvellous ring. The half round pearls are all held in pretty claws, and set open back in an intricate crown-like gallery. The setting between each pearl looks like a little tulip flower from the side. The top of the ring measures approximately 20mm across with a width of 4.4mm and a wise of 4mm; each pearl is around 3.1mm. The shoulders taper to a dainty band of 1.4mm. The ring looks gorgeous all by itself but truly enhances any other band it is stacked against - think turquoise, ruby, emerald - anything vivid will stand out against these creamy white pearls. What is really clever is that it looks like you are wearing a full eternity band, but without any of the discomfort or impracticality that would bring. We don't recommend you getting this ring wet. It will come in a leatherette ring box.

Size: N 1/2 (UK) / 6.75 (US) Hallmarked: yes Maker's mark: ...J (indistinct) Assay office: London Date letter: indistinct, possibly x (1997) Composition of gold: 9ct Gross weight: 1g Condition: lovely!

£248.00 Read more

Ivy leaf bangle

Victorian rolled gold ivy leaf pattern hinged bangle circa 1880 A very sweet, quality little bangle of circa 1880, with a highly detailed ivy leaf pattern to one side and plain to the other. The ivy leaf was used to represent fidelity. It is hinged with a good snap in fastener, and fitted with a base metal safety chain for a bit of added security on the wrist. It appears to be composed of a layer of rose gold applied over a base metal. There is one dent to the patterned side and a little out of shape from wear but otherwise good for age. The width is approximately 7mm - the inside diameter is around 16.5cm / 6.4in (small).

Hallmarked: no Gross weight: 14g Condition: one ding to patterned side and a little out of shape; wear to metal interior; overall good

£60.00 Read more

Superb 18ct gold fish with red glass eyes

Very fine vintage 18ct gold articulated fish with red eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This wonderful example is likely American made. It has very finely articulating scales all in highly polished, buttery 18ct gold. The gold has a subtle rose undertone. The scales are very close together making the fish extra flexible. A nice closed jump ring is set through the fish's mouth. We love the chunky tail and vibrant red glass eyes. This little fish has twin matching babies available for purchase here.

Clearly stamped '18k' to tail Measures approximately 3.7cm Gross weight: 1g Condition: damage to glass eye; good overall

£150.00 Read more

Enchanting 14ct gold fish with turquoise eyes

Fine 14ct gold fish with turquoise cabochon eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a European jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This imaginative and striking example is likely an import from Portugal. Its beautiful wiggling scales are realistically textured, and capture the movement of a real little fish. The body is in yellow gold, while the bail, head and tail are more pink in tone. The mouth is open in a perpetual gasp. The bail is set to one side so she will sit at an angle on your chain

Measures approximately 5cm including bail Gross weight: 3g Marked 14k to bail Condition: excellent

£200.00 Read more

Fine gold fish with ruby eyes and pearl in mouth

Antique gold articulated fish with ruby eyes and pearl in mouth The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. Here we have a superb buttery gold little charm of fantastical form - he is set with a pearl to his lips; his eternal bait. His eyes are set with two lovely flat cut, deep pink rubies, while his body is comprised of hypermobile, engraved scales. His tail has a pretty striped detail. The jump ring has a tiny break where he was cut off a charm bracelet. His face has a nice sin texture.

Measures approximately 3.3cm total Hallmarked: no Tested as around 14ct gold Gross weight: 1g Condition: very good

£120.00 Read more

Fine antique 22k gold fish with red eyes

Extremely fine antique 22k gold moving fish with natural red gemstone cabochon eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This spectacular example is crafted of the highest carat of yellow gold and is Indian in origin. It doesn't move in the way of a typical articulated fish; at rest she sits with a beautiful curve, and when you go to move her you realise her body and tail are articulated to move upwards, so she straightens in a most sinuous and majestic movement that is highly unusual and quite fascinating. Her eyes are set with wonderful mellow red cabochons that blaze out from the yellow of the gold, possibly untreated rubies. Her lip is set with a fine fixed gold loop ready for your chain. Her body is lightly textured, and her flowing tail is scored with pretty pattern detailing.

Measures approximately 5.4cm in length Gross weight: 2g Unmarked 22k gold Condition: very good

£250.00 Read more

Ornate silver collar

Chunky Victorian 18 inch ornate silver collar, crica 1870 An absolutely quintessential item of Victoriana, this elaborate silver collar is sure to delight! Also known as a book chain, these classic necklaces came to prominence in the 1870s in both the US and the UK. The Victorians would wear these collars over high-necked black dresses - a striking and iconic aesthetic that would form perhaps the most recognisable image of the era. They are to be worn with the integral bolt ring to the front, making for an easier application, and in Victorian times would almost always have a large enamelled locket or cross attached. Our wonderful English example is of uniform width throughout, consisting of chunky ribbed belcher links, each alternate link decorated with a small orb to the top and a large orb to the bottom. The reverse of each link is fitted with a stud to make the chain stand out more against the neck - such thoughtful craftsmanship. The whole design is ultra tight and precise, making for stunning, clean lines of these splendid beads that look almost like a fringe of twinkling gemstones. This necklace certainly has a look that is edgy and modern, despite its 150 year age. It can be worn as it is, or charms can be placed on the bolt ring; it can be stacked against other chains, for example a gold long guard chain for an ultra luxurious look. So fabulous!

Hallmarked: no Tested as solid sterling silver Length: 18 inches Gross weight: 34g Condition: two studs to the reverse are missing; general wear, very good overall; in uncleaned condition - can be cleaned/polished as desired

£270.00 Read more

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Foiled amethyst locket back brooch

Fine Georgian foiled amethyst and gold locket back brooch Here we have a splendid brooch of circa 1830, comprising foiled amethysts in cut down, closed back gold settings. The stones are all flat cut, with one round cut added as a replacement at a later date. They vary in colour from pale lavender to deep, dark purple. At the centre of the brooch is a vacant domed crystal compartment with a wonderful hinged aperture to verso. The original 'c' clip and pin are in fine working order, together with a later gold safety chain. The piece measures around 23.8mm in length and 18mm in width, with a thickness of approximately 8.1mm. Each stone measures around 4mm in its gold setting.

Hallmarked: no Acid tested as low carat gold Gross weight: 6g Condition: two visible chips to amethysts and one a replacement; small chip to edge of glass locket back

~~£195.00~~ £155.00 Read more

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Old cut diamond carved half hoop

Victorian old cut diamond 18ct gold carved half hoop ring circa 1890 A fine and substantial high carat gold ring, set with five glittering diamonds. It was likely the prized engagement ring of a Victorian lady, and must have been kept for best as it has so little wear after around 130 years. The round cut centre stone measures approximately 3.2mm, flanked by four graduated stones. Two of these are round cut and two are more of a cushion cut, with the prongs squeezed a little tighter to compensate. It is not particularly noticeable unless you are looking with a loupe. The bigger cushion cut measures around 2.2 x 2.7mm, while its round-cut counterpart is 3mm. The round cut outer diamond is 2.5, and the cushion cut one 2.1 x 2.4mm. Each diamond is cut the old way, with the tip of every culet cut off. Together their very approximate carat weight would be around .4. The setting is a splendid carved, scrolled mount, ornate with backholing and high claw settings that create a wonderful, clean line of these most desired of stones. The band is heavily made in unmarked yellow gold, and feels really comfortable on the hand. It is around 2.4mm. The top of the ring is 18mm across, with a width of 5.1mm and a rise of 4.5mm. This is a ring of timeless design and will give you polish and elelgance on any occasion.

Size: M (UK) / 6 (US) - can be sized by your jeweller Hallmarked: no Circa 1890 Tested as 18ct gold Gross weight: 4g Condition: diamonds have internal flaws and are a little silvery in colour; overall very good

~~£300.00~~ £240.00 Read more

Rose gold mourning brooch

Unusual rose gold Georgian mourning brooch circa 1810 A splendid mourning brooch containing the most beautiful woven hair under a thick panel of glass. It is set in wonderful rose gold and is curved, smooth and chunky. It has its original 'C' clasp and a yellow gold pin (very sharp!). The brooch is around 12.1 x 26.3mm; the pin is 30.3mm. The condition is very nice with only minor wear to the surface of the glass. An historical piece of true quality.

Tests as low carat gold (approx. 9ct) Gross weight: 3g Condition: surface wear to glass; minor wear to gold

£135.00 Add to cart

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Ornate hair work brooch

Small Georgian ornate seed pearl gold brooch with inscription circa 1825 A truly sweet little brooch with a bevelled glazed panel of hair work at its centre, framed by a border of tiny ivory seed pearls. A further border of ornate gold work makes this piece a little object of art. It depicts a carved floral motif that speaks to the neo-classical sentiment of the era. To the reverse a white metal pin and original 'C' clip are in good working order. An inscription in beautiful Engrosser's Script reads, "A Pledge of Friendship", so interestingly, this is not a mourning piece, as one might expect, but rather a token of amity. It was likely worn every day by a young Georgian lady, on her lace, and put away each night in her jewellery box. It measures 14.2 x 21.2mm. The pin is around 22mm and extends a little further.

Tests as low carat gold Gross weight: 4g Condition: light scuffs to glass panel; wear to gold; visible lead work to reverse

~~£120.00~~ £60.00 Read more

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Garnet and seed pearl conversion ring

Georgian flat cut garnet and seed pearl lace pin conversion ring This special, one of a kind piece has been made from the sweetest original 15ct gold lace pin of circa 1800. It is set with three foiled, flat cut garnets all tipped with tiny natural seed pearls in a fascinating historical style. Charmingly the seed pearls vary in colour, being more ivory in tone to one end and more of a warm, light champagne hue to the other. One has a very sweet little 'beauty mark' to its centre - this, we believe, occurred naturally in the pearl and has been set in the piece for interest. The garnets do show a bit of age-related wear in their foils, but this is just a delightful piece all round. The former brooch has been beautifully smoothed to the reverse and precision set to an unmarked 9ct gold band of 2.7mm width. The top of the ring measures around 18.7 x 11.9mm, and sits with a flat, low profile on the hand.

Size: L (UK) / 5.5 (US) Unmarked Gross weight: 2g Care advice: do not submerge ring in water as this will degrade the foils Condition: some light wear to pearls, including a small chip to one; overall good - please see photos

~~£270.00~~ £220.00 Read more

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Vintage garnet and pearl ring

Heavy vintage garnet cabochon and seed pearl 9ct gold ring A fine vintage ring made in the Antique taste, the domed centre set with an open-backed garnet carbuncle, encircled by a halo of wonderful ivory seed pearls. The elaborate shoulders depict posies of little carved flowers accented by beads. The oval top of the ring measures 16.8mm north to south, and 12.8mm in width. It rises by around 6.5mm. The garnet in its gold setting is around 9mm, with a width of 7.6mm. The ring is 19.2mm across both shoulders. The band is a good 2.4mm in width. This is a lovely solid piece of jewellery with an ornate and feminine aspect on the hand.

Size: O (UK) / 7 (US) Hallmarked: yes Composition of gold: 9ct Assay office: London Maker's mark: HB Date letter: indistinct; possibly S (1971) Gross weight: 5g Condition: as original; please see photos

~~£340.00~~ £200.00 Read more