A Ming Dynasry (1368-164), masterful gold ornament in the form of a bat; an emblem for "Happiness" in Chinese culture as the word for "bat" (Fu) is a homophone (sounds like) for the word for "Happiness". The delicate filigree work used to execute the charming creature is impressive. The purity of gold is 18-22K. The bat weighs 3.10 grams
A rare masterpiece of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644} gold filigree formed as a rampant dragon dress ornament. Adorned with artistic charm, note the details of the dragon's features; undulating floral elements, complete with the now vacant, centered cup mount once occupied by a pearl; the "pearl of wisdom" 7.75 grams of 18-22K natural gold. 2 1/4 inches Pictured also is the verso of the ornament.
From China, a stunning pair of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) 18K earrings in the form of the mythical dragon fish. Once overlaid in part with Kingfisher feathers, these fierce creatures are charming and masterfully executed. Note the fine filigree work that forms the heads. 10.73 grams
An ultra feminine Art Deco Period Necklace of Platinum and Diamonds modified with a platinum and diamond pendant set with an exquisite Gem Silica (Chrysocolla chalecedony)cabochon weighing 10.04 carats. Total diamond weight approx. 6 carats including an approx. 1 carat old-european cut diamond.
International concert pianist, Buenaventura Galvez de Reyes, known as La Galvez, is my great grandmother. She is mentioned in Dr. Jose Rizal's late 19th century novel, Noli Me Tangere; long considered as their nation's literary masterpiece by the Filipino people. This brooch was hers, given to her by my Great Grandfather, Jose Reyes who founded the first inter-island shipping company in the Philippines.
19th century silver and gold, turquoise, pearl, swallow brooch
This charming creature perched upon a lady's lapel will astonish with its delicacy and the meticulous setting of turquoise cabochons and pearls. But wait! The swallow moves en tremblant to the touch!
This amazing natural color, untreated jadeite and 18K gold buckle shows two dragons chasing after the pearl of wisdom. It measures 2.75 x 1.75 inches
Circa mid 20th century. Signed Loong Shing.
The turn of the century platinum and 18K yellow gold ring features a bright yellow Zircon weighing approx. 5.20 carats. Not to be confused with cubic zirconium, this natural stone is particularly rare due to its near pure yellow hue. 21 old mine cut diamonds grace this ring and weigh altogether approx. 2 carats.
A ring that could only have been worn by a member of the elite class in 19th c. Burma or Thailand. 22K gold is set with numerous Burmese rubies together with garnets, moonstone, emerald, sapphire and diamond. A stunning ring for the collector or fine gem enthusiast.
Worthy of any museum's collection, this rare bangle is an example of the masterful work done by the 19th century South Asian goldsmiths. The applied wire work and the red staining of the gold are quintessential elements found in early Indonesian jewels. A metallic bead contained within the bangle rolls around as the wearer strolls, making a delightful sound, thus alerting others of her arrival.
"Not a Polki" means NOT a "polki", which traditionally means an uncut diamond. Amazingly brilliant for a diamond that is likely cut shallow, this stone underscores the meaning of ADAMANTINE luster!
This diamond weighs approx. 2 carats and shines in the darkness as it reflects the slightest trace of light in a room. The top of the diamond is cut as a large table with crown facets and the stone is beautifully, scallop bezeled with a fleur-de-lys gallery, all in 22K gold. The gold has a lovely patina (oxidation.....yes, gold oxidizes) and the ring is suitable for all occasions!
Note the devotional red staining to the gold by the South East Asian goldsmith.
"The baroque splendor of the very rare tinik (thorn) or pinya (pineapple) cross is a Portuguese synthesis of the Javanese style of the late Majapahit period." Ramon N. Villegas from his book KAYAMANAN: The Philippine Jewelry Tradition
Midcentury Mexican Modern - a vintage Taxco silver brooch circa 1950. Signed 3M within the Taxco Silver circle. 3M has been loosely attributed to Miguel Melendez who apprenticed with William Spratling's Taller de las Delicias in the 1940's and then went to work for Los Castillo before going out on his own. 1 1/2" Item #226MSB
The high karat Precolumbian gold breast plate from Veraguas, W. Panama dates to the 15th c. and is of hammered native gold. The animal depicted is most likely the Panamanian crocodile or Largarto Aguja.
13.06 grams 22 karat+ gold
2 11/16" diameter
Provenance: Dale Flores Collection
This is a rare example of a Pre-columbian, gold tree frog pendant produced by the Tairona, a Pre-Hispanic, indigenous tribe from Colombia. It measures 2" from snout to tail. circa 14th c.
Inspired by the archeological discoveries at Ninevah in 1842, jewelry design of the period reflected the public fascination for the exotic images of ancient Assyria such as this depiction of a deified King Arshubanipal. The verso reveals a glass compartment, typical of Victorian brooches, into which, a sentimental locket of hair could be inserted and worn close to the heart.
FRENCH ART NOUVEAU, 18K gold, natural pearl and natural, vivid pink sapphire and diamond necklace by
Henry Spaulding, an American from Chicago, was employed by Tiffany and was sent to Paris to direct Tiffany operations in there, where he managed to forge friendships with the upper crust and develop Tiffany's popularity amongst the royalty of Europe. After some time he came back to Chicago to open a store in his name. Spaulding and Company was considered as one of the top stores in the US. He then opened a shop next to Tiffany and Co. in Paris, where this wonderfully feminine piece of artistic history was made. Spaulding was also on the committee for the Statue of Liberty.