A good Berlin iron collar with classical motifs. Berlin Iron gained international attention during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) when the Prussian Royal family requested that the aristocracy and upper classes contribute their precious jewellery to help fund the War of Liberation. In return, these citizens were given iron jewellery as gifts for their loyalty, and many of those pieces were inscribed with the phrase “Gold gab ich für Eisen” (I gave gold for iron). The craftsmanship is extraordinary and the pieces were given a matte black lacquer finish to help prevent rusting. The process had originated with the Gleiwitz Foundry in Silesia, Prussia, in the 1790s, it then moved to Berlin in 1804. Berlin iron is highly collectable today because of it’s rarity and it’s history.}

A pretty bracelet composed of cut steel beads that have been separately riveted on. This was a time consuming process and the intended end result was that the cut steel looked like rose diamonds especially when seen in candle light. This bracelet was made in the 1820s when cut steel was very popular and it is in good condition. We have a pair of these bracelets so they can be bought together for £990 or as a single piece for £495.}

A really impressive Georgian brooch which has been set with an unusual piece of bevelled green Vauxhall glass. It is surrounded by graded cut steel. Each piece of cut steel would have been individually riveted. It was made circa 1800-1820, most likely in Birmingham.}

A good example of a pair of cut steel earrings with arrow shaped drops. They were made circa 1800-1820. The basic design of cut steel jewellery is a thin metal baseplate onto which closely placed steel studs were riveted, which was an unbelievably time consuming operation. The baseplate could be made from various metals such as brass, tin or silver alloys. The idea behind the design was that the polished steel faces would catch the light and sparkle in a similar way to the then highly fashionable rose diamonds. They are in excellent condition for their age as cut steel can rust easily if not kept in a dry place.}

Berlin Iron gained international attention during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) when the Prussian Royal family requested that the aristocracy and upper classes contribute their precious jewellery to help fund the War of Liberation. In return, these citizens were given iron jewellery as gifts for their loyalty, and many of those pieces were inscribed with the phrase "Gold gab ich für Eisen" (I gave gold for iron). The craftsmanship is extraordinary and the pieces were given a matte black lacquer finish to help prevent rusting. The process had originated with the Gleiwitz Foundry in Silesia, Prussia, in the 1790s, it then moved to Berlin in 1804. Berlin iron is highly collectable today because of it's rarity and it's history. This bracelet is an excellent example with fine Gothick detail.}

A finely painted oval porcelain plaque of a cherub, the symbol of love, surrounded with cut steel. The reverse is mother of pearl. It was made circa 1800 and is in good condition.}

A stunning pair of Berlin iron bracelets with mirror backed cameos of the Goddess Nike which form the clasps. Nike was a goddess who personified "Victory". Her Roman equivalent was Victoria. She was variously described as the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, and the sister of Kratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Zeal). The production of iron jewellery reached its peak between 1813 and 1815, when the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute their gold and silver jewellery towards funding the Franco-Prussian war. In return the people were given iron jewellery such as brooches and rings, often with the inscription "Gold gab ich fur eisen" (I gave gold for iron) or, as in this case, with the addition of the cameos depicting "Victory".}

This is a smart silver Art Deco clip which is composed of marcasite and blue paste, which have been contrastingly set in to a pretty woven design. It looks really smart on a lapel, or in the middle of the neck on a dress.}

A fine example of Marcasite (iron pyrites) work inlaid in Sterling Silver with detailed strap. The hallmark dates the watch to 1960, made in Birmingham with maker's mark 'Y & E' The round face is easy to read and is marked 'Provita'.}

Theodor Fahrner pieces are always so well designed as with this example. It is silver gilt and set with marcasite which sets off the design. It was made circa 1930 and is fully signed,}

A good pair of Georgian cut steel buckles which have a left and a right setting in their original case.}

This necklace was designed by Theodor Fahrner who worked in Pforzheim, Southern Germany. He was a wonderful designer and created many timeless pieces which are as wearable today as they were then. It is silver set with marcasite to imitate diamonds.}

A very striking Art Deco watch which has been enamelled in black and red. It is set with different coloured chalcedony which has been carved to resemble leaves and flowers, and marcasite. It is articulated and was most likely made in France in the 1920s.}

In Germany Art Nouveau was known as Jugendstil, this became a major influence on the decorative arts by 1900. In 1907, the Deutscher Warbund was formed to promote an alliance between art and industry. It was a teaching institution started by Van der Velde and Hermann Muthesius, partly inspired by British design developments. Its influence is particularly evident in the mass produced jewellery designs of the company of Theodor Farhner in Pforzhiem, which was the centre of the German jewellery industry between 1900 and 1930. This brooch is from that period and typically Art Deco. It is signed.}

A stylish marcasite & silver wide bracelet, which has a hinged centre piece which opens to reveal a watch. it was made in the 1930s and is unusual.}

I love cut steel pieces. This example was made circa 1800. It is Georgian. Each piece of cut steel is separately riveted. It must have taken hours of patience!}

A nice piece of cut steel jewellery from around 1800. The cut steel was riveted bit by bit onto the frame, making it a very time consuming process. This piece has black Vauxhall glass to accentuate the design.}