A well modelled snake tie pin in 18ct gold. The snake has a natural pearl in it's mouth. This symbolises "Opportunity or hope". The snake symbolises “Eternal love and wisdom” It was made in France circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 9ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1900-1910 and features a fox running through a horseshoe. A great present for a hunting man. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A stunning bee brooch that was made in the late Victorian period, circa 1880-1900. It is a beautiful model and has been set with graded old mine cut diamonds and small rose diamonds. In the centre of the body is a sapphire and there is a ruby set in to each eye. The back brooch fitting unscrews so it can also be worn as a pendant. Bees toil day and night so this brooch signifies ‘efficiency’ and ‘organisation’. It is a beautiful piece of jewellery.}

Ladybirds were and still are viewed as the “granters of wishes”. When one lands on you, you should make a wish and blow on it gently to guide it to its next destination, at which time your wish will have come true. So this dear little pendant was made in the early 1900s and the enamelled ladybird has been mounted on to a faceted rock crystal with a briolette cut rock crystal drop. The chain is 9ct gold.}

A beautifully modelled 18ct gold ring of a lion's head that was made circa 1900-1910. He is holding a diamond in his jaw. It is a lovely and original Art Nouveau ring that could have been made in Belgium and was then retailed in France as it has the owl mark as well as the eagle's head.}

A good heavy gage 18ct gold signet ring. It has been engraved with a lion rampant with a ribbon above with "FORD" within. It is an impressive ring when worn and is a lovely subject.}

An attractive brooch of a duck that has been set with graded rose diamonds and two cabochon rubies for the eyes. It was made circa 1900-1910 and would have been worn on a stock or the lapel of a jacket.}

An attractive brooch that was made circa 1900-1910. The snipe's head has been set with graduated rose diamonds and has a ruby eye. It has been mounted on to a 9ct gold bar pin and would have been worn on a stock or a jacket lapel.}

A late Victorian 18ct gold ring that has been set with four graduated old mine cut diamonds and two rubies for the eyes. The snake motif in antique jewellery represented “Eternal love and wisdom”, so pieces such as this ring would have been a gift from an admirer. It was made in 1894.}

A beautiful and well modelled 18ct gold double snake ring that was made circa 1880-1900. It has been set with a pear shaped turquoise and a pear shaped amethyst. The turquoise stands for "Forget me not" and the amethyst stands for "Love" as Cupid is often featured with an amethyst in antique jewellery. The two entwined snakes signify "Eternal union". There are small rose diamonds in the eyes that add a subtle glint!}

A very unusual 14ct gold ring that was made either in Austria or Germany circa 1910. It features an owl's head with oak leaves on either side. The owl signifies wisdom and soundness. The oak leaves are ancient symbols of peace, wisdom and solidity, respectively. What a wonderful ring to wear on a daily basis.}

A well modelled solid 9ct gold French poodle charm that can also be worn as a pendant on a chain.}

A good quality 15ct gold tie pin of a crouching fox. His fur has been chased (engraved) in a realistic fashion. He was made circa 1870. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual brooch of a labrador chasing a cock pheasant. They are secured to each other via a gold pin that unscrews to allow it to go through material so that you only see the labrador and the pheasant. Both are studded with rose diamonds. The pheasant has an enamelled head and the labrador has a cabochon ruby eye. It would be an ideal present to a sportsman or woman.}

An unusual seal of a greyhound that was made circa 1860. The greyhound has been finely modelled and has a ring attached to the collar. The base is a plain oval carnelian. A lovely piece to wear on its own or with other items on a medium length chain.}

An attractive 9ct gold seal of a dolphin. Dolphins symbolise resurrection and protection. They have a playful nature, which reminds us to approach life with a sense of joy and humour. The base is onyx. This seal can be worn on its own or with other small pieces on a medium length chain.}

A charming 18ct gold pendant set with a domed rock crystal that has been carved in reverse then mounted on a mother of pearl plaque. A reverse crystal intaglio is a rock crystal cabochon with an intaglio carved into the flat back. The intaglio was also painted realistically with oils so, that when viewed through the top, the image appears three-dimensional. Finally, the back was sealed in order to preserve the painted areas. The technique originated in Belgium c. 1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. This technique was also practiced in England by Thomas Cook and his descendants who made crystals for Lambeth & Co. Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolour of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images. The motifs most commonly found are sporting themes – horses, dogs, foxes and birds. This relatively secret process passed through family members, so keeping it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. They remained in fashion until poorly made glass and plastic imitations flooded the market c. 1920s. The symbol of a bluebird in this example is the harbinger of happiness and is found in many cultures dating back many years.}

A 9ct heavy gage gold signet ring that was made in Birmingham in 1998. It is quite a large look and features an intaglio of an owl. Owls live within the darkness, which includes magic, mystery, and ancient knowledge. the size of this ring is S and a half but it can be sized up or down at no extra cost.}

An unusual 15ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1890. It has been set with a pear shaped cabochon cut lapis lazuli. Around it is a coiled snake. Lapis Lazuli has always been known as a stone of royalty and spirituality and the snake is a symbol of eternal love. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A lovely novelty brooch, as they are called, of a mouse (or rat!) eating a pearl. The mouse is 15ct gold and sits on a 9ct gold bar brooch. It was made circa 1900-1910. It has a safety chain for extra security in case he runs away!}

An unusual 15ct gold seal that was made circa 1820. It has been set with a plain faceted rectangular amethyst on the base. The amethyst has been foiled at the back to give it extra lustre. The stem of this seal is the most interesting part of it as it is composed of a coiled snake.  By the eighteenth century, the snake was no longer viewed a symbol of the decay of the corpse and had instead become symbolic of the re-birth of the deceased into the next, spiritual life so this seal was most likely a mourning jewel.}

An unusual 14ct gold square locket with a bee on the front that was made circa 1910 possibly in Austria.  The bee's wings are yellow gold and there is a ruby and a diamond set in to the body. It would look wonderful worn on a mid length chain.}

A striking 9ct gold brooch that was made circa 1910-1920 of a butterfly.  It has fine wedges of opal set over a solid piece of chalcedony. This enhances the colours which are composed of vivid blues, greens and reds. It is a highly decorative piece of jewellery and would enhance any lapel or dress.}

A beautiful and very wearable snake necklace that was made circa 1880 in Austria. The snake has a friendly face with ornate Royal blue enamel, engraving on the gold and cabochon ruby eyes. The body is flexible and the clasp is to the rear. There is a safety chain for added security. The snake motif in antique jewellery represented “Eternal love and wisdom”, so pieces such as this necklace would have been a gift from an admirer.}

A well modelled novelty brooch of an alligator. It is studded with graded rose diamonds and has a ruby eye. The front is silver and the reverse is gold. It would certainly attract comments when worn!}

A lonesome owl on a bar that was made circa 1900-1910. He is two colour rose and yellow gold and has cabochon green paste eyes. Lovely to wear on a lapel.}

A lovely 15ct gold Novelty brooch of a very wise owl perched on a branch. His body is studded with natural split pearls and he has cabochon ruby eyes. He was made circa 1900-1910.}

An attractive snake necklace made in 1960 in Birmingham. The firm that made it was called Smith & Pepper (1899-1981) Mr. Smith and his uncle Mr. Pepper became business partners. The business was set up in Birmingham in an area known as the Jewellery quarter in adjoining buildings 78 and 79 Vyse Street. The company became known around the world.  The firm made a wide range of jewellery, notably swallow designs, popular during the Wars wars and Egyptian style snake designs, after Egyptologist Howard Carter made ancient Egypt fashionable. It finally stopped trading in 1981.  For its 82-year history the firm was run as a family business.  The premises in Vyse Stree are now a museum.  The snake has ruby eyes, an engraved head and a stretchy articulated body. The snake motif in antique jewellery is a recurring design and represents “Eternal love and wisdom". It has a secure clasp at the back.  It looks very pretty when worn.}

A good 18ct gold tie pin with an intaglio of a race horse's head that was made circa 1880. It has been carved in reverse from rock crystal which is a difficult process. A reverse crystal intaglio is a rock crystal cabochon with an intaglio carved into the flat back. The intaglio was also painted realistically with oils so, that when viewed through the top, the image appears three-dimensional. Finally, the back was sealed in order to preserve the painted areas. The technique originated in Belgium c. 1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. This technique was also practiced in England by Thomas Cook and his descendants who made crystals for Lambeth & Co. Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolour of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images. The motifs most commonly found are sporting themes – horses, dogs, foxes and birds. This relatively secret process passed through family members, so keeping it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. They remained in fashion until poorly made glass and plastic imitations flooded the market circa 1920. This tie pin is a superb example of the art and is mounted in 18ct gold with a decorative border. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A very unusual silver gilt and enamel butterfly brooch.The enamel technique used here is plique-à-jour (French for "letting in daylight") is a vitreous enamelling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It is in effect a miniature version of stained-glass and is considered very challenging technically. There is a high failure rate. The technique is similar to that of cloisonné, but using a temporary backing that after firing is dissolved by acid or rubbed away. This brooch is in very good condition and was made circa 1900-1910.}

An unusual 9ct gold Novelty brooch with three owls perched on a bar that was made circa 1900-1910. They have green cabochon paste eyes and are two colour rose and yellow gold. Three wise owls to wear on your lapel!}

An unusual Novelty brooch of an owl with a moon above him perched on a small leafy branch. The brooch is 9ct rose gold with two colours of yellow and red gold on the owl. He also has cabochon emerald eyes. Owls live within the darkness, which includes magic, mystery, and ancient knowledge. Related to the night is the moon, which owls are also connected to. It becomes a symbol of the feminine and fertility, with the moon's cycles of renewal. What a wonderful brooch to give to someone you love.}

A very unusual 18ct gold pendant with a chained monkey in the centre. The monkey has been carved from malachite and has ruby cabochon eyes. It was made circa 1860. There was a fashion for malachite during the Victorian Age, and it was used in fine jewellery for the English gentry and grand sculpture in the palaces of the Russian Tsars. There was also a fashion for pet monkeys. Notes on Pet Monkeys and How to Manage Them by Arthur Patterson (London, 1888) advises that that the chief importers of monkeys to Britain were Cross, Carpenter, and Johnson of Liverpool or Jamrach and Abrahams of London. Monkeys were brought to Britain by sailors or dealers alongside traditional cargo from South America, India and south east Asia. Patterson’s book includes a price list for various breeds of monkeys, revealing that marmosets could be had for 15 shillings whereas an orangutan could be as much as £100. This pendant is a far kinder way of keeping a monkey nearby!}

A beautiful French 18ct gold tie pin of a Dragon. The winged beast is seen grasping a diamond in it's mouth, which is its prey. It was made in the Art Nouveau period. This was an artistic movement which peaked in popularity between 1890 and 1910 and influenced all fields of art, architecture and applied art. It is a French term meaning "new art" and is characterised by organic and plant motifs as well as other highly stylised forms. It was also heavily influenced by oriental art. It was in 1854, Japan reluctantly signed the Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity, which ended the island chain’s seclusion that had been in place for more than 200 years. The Americans, Russians, and British governments were all eager to capitalise on the new resources available, but it was France, under the leadership of Napoleon III who built shipyards in Japan in exchange for the right to import Japanese goods. The introduction of both modern and antique Japanese artistic designs created a fascination with dragons, lotus flowers and other natural themes that significantly influenced the motifs of the Art Nouveau period. This 18ct gold tie pin epitomises the period. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin}

A very unusual 15ct gold locket that opens to reveal seven compartments that can hold twelve photographs in total. On the front is a dove of peace. The dove has a small cabochon ruby in it's eye and the olive branch is set with three natural pearls. The use of a dove and olive branch as a symbol of peace originated with the early Christians, who portrayed the act of baptism accompanied by a dove holding an olive branch in its beak. So what a wonderful meaning and this locket would be ideal for holding photographs of your children.}

A very special 18ct gold double snake ring. There is a small rose diamond in each eye of one snake and small rubies in each eye of the other. It is a heavy gage and feels good when worn. The snake motif in antique jewellery represented “Eternal love and wisdom”, so pieces such as this ring would have been a gift from an admirer.}

A beautiful 18ct white gold model of a running fox that was made in the early 1900s. It has been set with graded diamonds and some rose diamonds and a small cabochon ruby in the fox's eye. It is in lovely original condition.}

A silver pair of earrings made by the firm Georg Jensen, depicting a pair of dolphins. They were designed by Arno Malinowski (1899 – 1976) who worked at Georg Jensen in Denmark from 1936 – 1944 and again, from 1949 – 1965. Malinowski participated in many exhibitions and won numerous awards for his designs. He received a silver medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1925, the Eckersberg Medal in 1933 and the Carlson Prize in 1936. These earrings featuring a pair of dolphins are one of his most popular designs. They haver clip on fittings for non pierced ears.}

A rare 15ct gold brooch of an otter. It is a beautiful heavy gage model and finely chased with a small diamond in it's eye. It would have been made circa 1900-1910.}

A rare model of a grouse set with rose diamonds, rubies and emeralds in a silver setting with a gold wash on the reverse. It was made circa 1880-1900 when sporting was at it's zenith. It would make a wonderful present to someone for the Glorious Twelfth!}

A rare and finely made 18ct gold eagle brooch by the well known maker Gaston-Eugene-Omar-Laffitte and made circa 1880-1900. Lafitte is also well known for his plique-à-jour enamel techniques. Winged female figures were a specialty. He Exhibited regularly at the Paris Salons. He also produced small silver repoussé and engraved accessories such as matchboxes, mirrors and lorgnettes. This brooch has a removable brooch fitting as it can also be worn as a pendant. The eagle is clutching an old mine cut diamond in his claws. It is in a platinum setting as the French started to use platinum about twenty years earlier than the English jewellers.}

An unusual solid 18ct gold novelty tie pin of a cat's head that was made circa 1900-1910. He has bright diamond eyes. A special piece for all you cat lovers out there ! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A silver pair of cufflinks made by the firm Georg Jensen, depicting a pair of dolphins. It was designed by Arno Malinowski (1899 – 1976) who worked at Georg Jensen in Denmark from 1936 – 1944 and again, from 1949 – 1965. Malinowski participated in many exhibitions and won numerous awards for his designs. He received a silver medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1925, the Eckersberg Medal in 1933 and the Carlson Prize in 1936. These cufflinks featuring a pair of dolphins are one of his most popular designs.}

Roger Doyle is a well known jeweller working in London. His commissions have included the Crown for the investiture of HRH Prince of Wales, and he has pieces in museums such as the Victoria and Albert museum. These amusing frog cufflinks were made in 2009. They are silver with an inlay of red, black and green enamel.}

A beautifully modelled fox head tie pin that was made in the early 1900s. The head has been set with rose diamonds and he has ruby cabochon eyes. This tie pin would be ideal for a sportsman. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A stunning 18ct gold brooch of four swallows perched on a tiny gate. Their bodies are studded with rose diamonds and they have tiny ruby eyes. There are twelve pearls on the gate. The swallow was considered daring, risk-seeking, and a symbol of change for good in the future. It also meant “Everlasting love” and “loyalty” as swallows mate for life. This brooch is comparatively rare and is called a "Novelty brooch". It was made in France circa 1900-1910.}

A good 9ct gold signet ring that was made in Birmingham in 1936. It has been engraved with the head of a spaniel. A must for any dog lovers!}

A charming 15ct gold brooch of a bee that was made circa 1900-1910. It is set with a large oval opal and a sapphire with natural split pearl set wings and cabochon rubies for the eyes. Bees toil day and night so this brooch signifies ‘efficiency’ and ‘organisation’. It is a beautiful piece of jewellery. https://static.antiquejewellerycompany.com/2018/10/809K.mp3}

An attractive 9ct gold seal with a lion on the top. On one side is carnelian and the other is bloodstone. Both stones are plain but can be engraved if wanted. There is another larger one to match this.}

An attractive 9ct gold seal with a lion on the top. On one side is carnelian and the other is bloodstone. Both stones are plain but can be engraved if wanted. There is another smaller seal that matches this one if you fancy two!}

An unusual 9ct gold cased seal with a well modelled Indian elephant. Beneath is a carnelian with the letters IH or LH in Gothick script. It was made circa 1860. These seals can be worn as a small collection on a chain or on their own.}

A well made silver lizard brooch. It has been set with graded marcasite and has small green paste eyes. Lizards of all kinds have a long history representing good luck. In Ancient Greece and Rome lizards also symbolised wisdom and good fortune. It was made circa 1920 in Germany. The German models are normally of a much higher quality than the English equivalent.}

A great looking silver brooch designed and made by the famous firm of “Theodor Fahrner” which was founded in Pforzheim in the Black Forrest in Germany in the 1920-1930 period. It has been set with a small turquoise and graded marcasite (iron pyrites)}

An amusing silver brooch of a seated cat with a swinging tail with a bow on it! It is set with graded marcasite (iron pyrites) A great gift for a cat lover.}

A cheeky silver squirrel brooch set with graded marcasite (iron pyrites) with a red past eye and a silver collar. It would look great worn on a lapel.}

A beautiful silver gilt butterfly brooch by David Andersen. Andersen opened his shop in Oslo, Norway in 1876 specialising in jewellery and silver wares. He died in 1901 and his sons took over company operations and designs. Today, David-Andersen (the company’s name since the early 20th century) is well known for its mid-century enamelled silver jewellery. This brooch is a good example of the firm's work with multi coloured enamel and it was made circa 1950. It is a lovely little jewel to wear.}

A good quality silver and pale blue translucent enamel butterfly brooch by Ivar T Holth that was made in the 1950s. Holth established his wholesale company in Oslo in 1943. The company quickly became one of the leading Norwegian jewellers. These butterfly brooches are always popular and easy to wear on their own or with others!}

An well modelled silver brooch of a dolphin jumping through a hoop. The hoop is studded with marcasite (iron pyrites) so it glitters like black diamonds. It would be very eye catching when worn on a lapel.}

A stunning 15ct gold pair of butterfly brooches attached to each other by a fine chain with a small suspended heart. The three pieces are set with natural split pearls. One butterfly has a ruby in its body, the other has a diamond. It was made circa 1900-1910. This is an unusual and very pretty piece of jewellery.}

A rare 18ct gold butterfly brooch that was made circa 1820. It has been set with pale brown carved banded agates. The gold work is fine and detailed around the agates. Butterflies were used to express beauty and elegance and represented a long life. They are also mourning symbols.}