Bertie Presents...

An unusual 18ct gold signet ring that was made in Birmingham in 1866. It has been set with a carnelian that has been engraved with a rearing cat. It is a pun on "Sans Peur" that literally means "Without Fear" The shouldersThe point on a ring where the central section meets the shank or band, often carved, decorated or inlaid with small diamond accent stones. More have a cut out Gothick trefoilA decorative ornament composed of three parts or leaves. More motif with black enamelA pigmented glass-like material used in powdered form and fused onto the metal surface of a piece of jewellery. More detail. This ring would certainly attract a lot of interest when worn}

A very striking large silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness. More butterfly brooch. The wings are well enamelled with yellow edges and turquoiseTurquoise is an opaque gem and is often formed in what is called matrix, a black or brown veining derived from the host rock in which the gem forms.  In fine jewellery, unblemished sky blue turquoise is the ideal, although regularly patterned matrix turquoise is also sought-after. More blue with pale purple spots over an engraved silver base. The main body is green enamelA pigmented glass-like material used in powdered form and fused onto the metal surface of a piece of jewellery. More with black eyes. It was made circa 1920-1930.}

A fun silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness. More teddy bear charm if you need bear hugs. We have two so they would be sweet presents for little ones!}

This is for all the horse lovers out there! It is 15ct62.5% pure gold (or 625 parts pure gold and 375 parts other metals). Popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras but was discontinued in the mid-1930s. More gold and was made circa 1890. In the middle is a horseshoe design set with alternate rubies and diamonds. On either side are scroll motifs set with further rubies and diamonds. It has a good clasp and a safety chainA small chain applied to a piece of jewellery with the purpose of adding additional security to prevent loss. On bracelets and necklaces a safety chain will often join the clasp ends should the clasp fail. On a brooch it is often attached to a small pin which is to be used in tandem with the main brooch pin. More for added security}

Something for horse riders! A well modelled silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness. More whip set with graded marcasiteThe marcasite of jewellery is in fact iron pyrite as marcasite itself is too brittle alone for the durability required of a piece. This jewellery marcasite is sometimes called ‘fool’s gold’ given its heavily metallic appearance. Marcasite of this kind also offers a kind of iridescence, explaining its use as a more affordable diamond replacement that wi... More (iron pyrites) that was made in the 1920s }

Something for all you Wild West fans out there! }

A pretty 14ct gold snake ring that was most likely made in Germany circa 1910. It is an unusual design and sits well on the finger. The head has been set with a ruby and in the middle is a natural split pearl. The body of the snake has been engraved in a realistic fashion. Snakes mean “Eternal love” so they were traditionally given as wedding rings or commitment rings and are as appropriate today as they were in the early 1900s }

An unusual 15ct gold locket in the form of a horseshoe that was made circa 1890-1900. It has been set with three sapphires and two rose diamonds instead of the nails. The sides have been engraved. It opens to reveal two compartments for photographs. An ideal gift to a horse lover }

A very unusual 18ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1880 and features a horseshoe set with natural split pearls. In the centre of the hoof is a carved banded sardonyx. The clever part is that the frog is the white part of the stone. This must have been a very tricky and precise job to achieve this. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin }

A good looking pair of 9ct gold snake earrings with ruby eyes that were made by Cropp & Farr in Birmingham in 1968. Cropp & Farr were a well known company who operated from Hatton Garden. In the 1947 Olympia fair British Industries Fair they were listed as “Manufacturers of Fine Quality Inexpensive Gem-Set Jewellery, Specialising in Coloured Stones and Diamonds. Aquamarines, Topaz, Zircons, etc also Gold Jewellery, Signets, Sporting Brooches, Charms, Cuff-Links and Gents’ Dress Sets”. Their pieces are always well made and wearable as with these earrings }

A useful 9ct gold stock pin that would originally have been used to keep a stock in place when out hunting }

A good 15ct gold model of a cock pheasant that was made circa 1910. It is three colour gold, yellow, rose and white gold which is a fine process and denotes high quality. His whole body has been hand chased. The pheasant’s eye is enamelled with red, yellow and black enamel. There is a gold safety chain attached. This brooch would be ideal to wear on sporting occasions }

A charming and unusual 18ct gold tie pin of two greyhounds. They are finely modelled and chased and have collars on with a lead that joins them together. They would have been going hare coursing. Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares. It is now illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs. This tie pin was made circa 1860-1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin }

This snake has real character! He is 9ct gold and has faceted green garnet eyes. The correct name is demantoid garnet and they come from the Urals in Russia. His body is on a inner spring so you can coil him around your wrist. He was made in 1960s in Birmingham. }

A charming tie pin that was made circa 1900-1910 of a chick.  it is beautifully modelled and his body has been set with rose diamonds with a ruby eye.  The use of a chick especially one newly hatched meant the birth of a child.  All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

A very well modelled heavy gage 15ct gold fox head tie pin that was made circa 1880.  He has been realistically engraved and has cabochon ruby eyes.  This style of tie pin would originally have been worn on a stock when out hunting but nowadays can be worn by both sexes on lapels.  All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

These brooches are really known as stock pins as they were originally worn as a safety measure to secure a stock when out hunting. In the event of an injury, the stock may be used as a temporary bandage for a horse's leg or used as a sling for a riders arm, using the hunting stock pin to secure the stock in place. Stock pins continue to be used today by those competing at dressage, show jumping, eventing and in the hunting field. The stock pin fastens the stock in place when a traditional stock is being worn or as an embellishment to a ready tied stock. Some riders choose to wear a simple stock pin, whilst others prefer more decorative and colourful stock pins. This stock pin was made circa 1910-1920 and is 15ct gold with platinum additions on the whip. The fox head has small diamond eyes. }

A well modelled 9ct gold charm of a terrier that was made circa 1910. It can be worn on a chain or a charm bracelet }

A sweet charm of a cat that was made circa 1910. It can be worn on a chain or a charm bracelet. }

A sweet 9ct gold charm of a bird that was made circa 1910. }

A lovely 15ct gold 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 when Novelty pieces were all the rage. It has a safety chain for extra security in case he runs away! }

A good example of a cut steel brooch that was made circa 1800-1820 in Birmingham. It is composed of a bee perched on a branch. It has been set with faceted cut steel. Cut steel jewellery was created from what was originally used for horseshoe nails in the 18th century. It was individually rivet set with small, individually faceted and polished steel studs, fashioned to catch the light and sparkle like the diamond cuts of that period. A lot of time was spent to create these little jewels and they are highly collectable today. This brooch is a good example of the art }

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 lovely silver brooch of a peacock that was made between 1920-1940.. The peacock motif was often used in both Art Nouveau. and Arts & Crafts jewellery. In ancient times, the peacock was the symbol of rebirth and eternal life. It has been set with graded marcasite (iron pyrites) and a red paste eye. It has a secure brooch fitting with an added safety chain }

A heavy gage pair of cufflinks that were made circa 1900-1910. They are platinum and 15ct gold and are composed of coiled snakes, one set with a sapphire, the other set with a diamond. The snakes are attached to 15ct gold links with two colour platinum and 15ct gold torpedo shaped ends. }

A really beautiful silver model of a leaping hind. She is set with white paste and a cabochon red paste eye. It was made circa 1900-1910. This would be a stunning present for a Scottish lass! }

This is a fabulous 18ct gold snake ring that was made in Birmingham in 1870. It wraps around the finger and the tail flicks across the body. In the head is an old mine cut diamond and two rubies for the eyes. It is quite a large size so can be worn by either sex. This ring can be resized, though please note there may be an additional charge to increase by more than three sizes. }

A pretty 15ct gold brooch of a pair of swallows in flight. They have been set with graded natural split pearls and have tiny cabochon ruby eyes. 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 was made circa 1900-1910. }

An excellent 18ct gold and carnelian ring with a fine engraved intaglio of an elegant horse motif and 'II I II I AHNA'. This may be an anagram of the horse's name. The translucent orange carnelian reveals curved internal banding. The stone is held in a closed back setting on a wide flat band with trifurcated shoulders. It was made circa 1840 and is a conversion from a former seal. }

In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, frogs symbolised fertility, while in classical antiquity, the Greeks and Romans associated frogs with fertility, harmony, and licentiousness! This little 15ct gold frog with his bright green garnet eyes is swimming furiously and would be a good talking point when worn. He was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

An unusual French 18ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1900-1910. It features a very well modelled cockerel's head. A great present for the man in your life! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

A charming silver piggy with character! He has been set with graded rose diamonds and has tiny ruby eyes. He can be worn as a pendant or a charm or can even be converted to wear as an earring! }

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 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 like horses, dogs, foxes and birds. This relatively secret process passed through family members, so keeping it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. This example is a highly detailed carving of a lady hunts woman riding sidesaddle on her horse with a hound beside her within an 18ct gold mount with rope work detail. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

A lion with attitude! Well modelled and made circa 1880 in England. The base is a carnelian stone which has been engraved with a monogram H A N. }

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

A foxy piece! A well modelled head of a fox set with rose diamonds. This little fox comes with a silver chain. }

A fine model of a dog's head, possibly a labrador. It was made circa 1900-1910. A good tie pin to wear out shooting! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

A very good looking 18ct gold snake ring that was made circa 1880. It has been set with an old mine cut diamond in his head and has two ruby set eyes. Snake rings were very popular in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods as they represented “Eternal love and wisdom”. It was made by the well known firm Charles Green who are known for good quality jewellery. It can be worn by a man or a woman. This ring can be resized, though please note there may be an additional charge to increase by more than three sizes. }

This 18ct gold locket is amazing. It has a shield shaped carnelian on one side and a shield shaped bloodstone on the reverse. Above is a well modelled eagle. It hinges open to reveal a glazed compartment for a photograph. }

An unusual 18ct gold brooch of a beautifully modelled old European hunting horn, most likely Belgian. Within it is a cabochon rock crystal that has been carved and hand painted in reverse with a horse's head on a flat back. The intaglio has also been painted realistically with oils so, that when viewed through the top, the image appears three-dimensional. The technique originated in Belgium c.1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. 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 like 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.1920. This brooch is a superb example of the art and is in excellent condition. }

A well modelled 18ct gold double snake ring that was made circa 1880-1900. It is set with a diamond in each snake’s head. Many examples of Victorian snake rings feature two snakes intertwined, suggesting that these pieces were intended as tokens of love and affection. This style would have been worn by both men and women. Snakes featured heavily in the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. They were reviled for their ability to shed their skin, meaning that they were seen as a symbol of regeneration and rebirth. This association with regeneration and fertility suggests links to the Victorian connotations between snakes and eternal love. This ring is a lovely example and can be worn on a daily basis. This ring can be resized, though please note there may be an additional charge to increase by more than three sizes. }

An unusual pin that is known as a Sûreté Pin pin. A sûreté is a stick pin with a fixed ornament on one end and a detachable ornament on the other. There was a fashion for these pins in the early 1900s. They come in all shapes and sizes from Chinese influenced ones to hunting pins such as this one. The hound and fox have been beautifully modelled and have been set with graded rose diamonds. Each animal also has a cabochon ruby eye. }

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 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 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. }

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. }

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 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. }

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. }

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. }

An unusual silver butterfly brooch set with two carved carnelian agates for the wings. The body has been enamelled in red and green translucent enamel over a decorated silver base. It was made circa 1920-1930. }

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. }