Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Antique Cufflink Library



Art Deco cufflinks with diamonds, circa 1930.

April is traditionally a quiet month in the estate jewelry trade. After the hubbub of the holiday season and the first quarter rush of post-Christmas self-purchasers, Valentine's Day gift givers and early bridal shoppers, the relative quiet of April is a welcome pause. It gives me a chance to travel a little, tackle some projects outside the gallery, and in general relax. One of the projects I undertook during this brief sabbatical was to organize and update the articles I have written over the years about antique cufflinks and other estate jewels.

To make the articles more readily accessible and help a broader audience find them I have created an online library at www.ElegantCufflink.com. Although the library currently includes only about a half dozen articles, I will be posting additional articles in the coming weeks. I plan to have the online library fully "stocked" by the end of summer.

Meanwhile, I hope you find the articles enjoyable and informative. As always, if you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, just send me a note through this blog or to my email address - arthur@jewelryexpert.com.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include an elegant pair of Carrington onyx and diamond cufflinks, Art Deco cufflinks with an endless tangle of squiggles, shimmering cat's eyes set in mid century cufflinks by L.E. Garrigus and fraternal cufflinks from the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.


Carrington onyx and diamond cufflinks. (J9144)

Onyx and Diamond  Black onyx set with sparkling diamonds is perhaps the epitome of Art Deco elegance.  These beautifully crafted cufflinks were created by Carrington & Co. in 14kt gold around 1925.
Cost:  Sold


Art Deco Infinite Squiggle cufflinks. (J9179)

Infinite Squiggles  A seemingly endless tangle of golden squiggles give these elegant cufflinks a shimmering affect reminiscent of fine, watered silk.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1930.    Cost  $675


L.E. Garrigus cat's eye chrysoberl cufflinks. (J8977)

Art Moderne  Abstract cuff sculpture that beautifully captures the stark, modern designs of the mid century.  Set with shimmering cat's eye chrysoberyls.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1950.    Cost:  Sold


The Order of the Elks cufflinks. (J9192)

Order of the Elks  The elk, clock and star are symbols of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.  These richly detailed cufflinks were likely worn by a loyal member of the local lodge.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920.    Cost: $625



In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a striking Egyptian Revival stickpin by Hans Brassler, an elegant Belle Epoque stickpin from France and a roaring lion with fiery ruby eyes.


Hans Brassler Egyptian Revival stickpin. (J9136)

Pharaohs and Scarab  An Egyptian Revival stickpin with two Pharaohs flanking a heliotrope (bloodstone) scarab.  The two Pharaohs and other design elements are finely sculpted with a rich patina that throws the myriad details into high relief.  Created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  $885


French Belle Epoque stickpin. (J9184)

Belle Epoque  A beautifully designed French stickpin from the Belle Epoque period set with sparkling rose-cut diamonds, a luminous pearl and bright ruby.  Finely crafted in 18kt gold and platinum,  circa 1900.
Cost:  $775


Lion and diamond stickpin. (J9188)

Roaring Lion  A lion roars while clutching a sparkling diamond in his mouth.  The lion's fierce aspect is accented with fiery red eyes (likely rubies or garnets).  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.    Cost:  $475


These and other fine jewels can be found in
the Antique and Estate Jewelry Galleries