Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The Back Story - Radiant Jazz Cufflinks



http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Richardson-Radiant-Wave-Cufflinks-J9286.htm
Radiant Jazz Art Deco cufflink.

The imagination and creativity of the cufflink makers of the late 19th and early 20th century is undoubted.  A quick scan of the Antique Cufflink Gallery is all that is needed to confirm.  What may be lesser known is that the same level of inventiveness and artistry is often evident in the linkages devised to hold the fronts and backs of the cufflinks together.

A hundred years ago cufflinks makers wrestled with two challenges:  to create cufflinks that could be easily put on a cuff and that would also remain safely in place when worn.  The inventive spirit of the age was brought to bear on this issue and a great variety of linkage designs and mechanisms was created.  The striking Art Deco cufflink pictured offers an interesting example of linkage design.  It was created around 1925 by the Richardson Manufacturing Co.


Art Deco cufflink, circa 1925
Reverse of Art Deco cufflink.

The linkage features a dramatically cut-out bridge that is hinged at one end and rigidly attached at the other. The hinged end allows the top of the cufflink to lie flush against the bridge as it passes through a button hole and the rigid end serves as a "push plate" allowing the wearer's thumb to help ease the cufflink through the cuff. As more angular, sometimes geometrically complex cufflinks came into fashion during the Art Deco era a little encouragement of the cufflink through the cuff was sometimes needed.

Once the front of the cufflink passed through the button hole, the top opened and lay flat against the cuff securely anchoring the cufflink in place. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The same careful thought that was applied to the design and crafting of the finely decorated tops was also applied to the linkages.


More examples of fine antique cufflinks can be found


Saturday, October 13, 2018

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks and Brooches


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include a colorful rainbow of opal, amethyst, jade and heliotrope cufflinks along with a classic button-style tuxedo set from Carrington & Company.


Custom opal cufflinks. (J9468)
Opal Fireworks  Brilliant opals dance with color like fireworks in the night sky.  A mesmerizing display of subtle flashes of blue, green and red that is beautifully captivating.  Custom crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1975   Cost:  $875


George O. Street tiger eye cufflinks. (J9408)

Tiger Eye  Beautiful tiger eyes set in finely crafted yellow gold.  The tiger eyes have dark brown/black edges shading to golden honey centers.  These elegant cufflinks were created by George O. Street in 14kt gold, circa 1920.   Cost:  $885


Carrington jade cufflinks. (J9462)

Carrington Jade II  Elegantly colorful cufflinks with striking mottled green jades set in gold.  The mysterious green depths of the jade play beautifully against the warm glow of the yellow gold.  Finely crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $675


Riker Bros. heliotrope cufflinks. (J9460)

Heliotrope  Mesmerizing heliotropes (also known as bloodstones) smolder like burning embers amid ashes.  Finely crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1940.   Cost:  $785


Carrington white tie dress set. (J9419)

Carrington Classic  A full dress set with pearl and mother-and-pearl centers surrounded by classic reeded and tied borders.  Created with Carrington & Co's inimitable sense of design and craftsmanship in 14kt white and rose gold,  circa 1925.   Cost:  $2,650


Carrington amethyst cufflinks. (J9458)

Purple and Gold  Regal purple amethysts set in brightly polished yellow gold.  These elegant cufflinks were created by Carrington & Co. 14kt gold,  circa 1900.   Cost:  $725



In the Antique Brooch Gallery a stunning Art Nouveau amethyst brooch by Whiteside & Blank and a Hans Brassler coral brooch have been added.

Art Nouveau amethyst and pearl brooch. (J9325)

Amethyst and Pearls  Beautiful Art Nouveau curves envelop a vibrant amethyst.  The flowing design is accented with four small pearls.  Created by Whiteside & Blank in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $625


Brassler coral brooch. (J9274)

Brassler Coral  A glowing coral cabochon amid an intriguing geometry of neoclassical and east Asian motifs. An early Art Deco brooch created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.   Cost:  $725


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


Friday, July 20, 2018

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks and Stickpins


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include striking purple enamel and pearl cufflinks by Carrington & Co. and elegant moss agate links by Larter & Sons.


Carrington purple enamel and pearl cufflinks. (J9476)
Carrington Purple  Striking purple enamel above a finely engraved pattern of radiating scalloped circles centered with a small luminous pearl.  A beautiful example of the guilloche enamel cufflinks of the early 1900s. Created in 14kt gold, circa 1925.   Cost:  Sold


Moss agate cufflinks crafted in gold. (J9472)

Moss Agate   Elegant moss agate cabochons set in polished gold bezels.  The moss agates swirl with beautiful green strands reminiscent of seaweed floating in filtered sunlight beneath the ocean's surface. Crafted in 10kt gold, circa 1950.   Cost:  Sold



In the Antique Stickpin Gallery there is Atlas supporting the weight of the world, a fiery Art Nouveau chimera by Carter, Howe and a fierce lion clutching a diamond.

Atlas stickpin. (J9475)

Atlas and the Pillars  Atlas carries the weight of the world on his shoulders framed by two classically-inspired pillars and a soaring arch.  This finely modeled, richly detailed stickpin is a miniature work of sculpture crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920.   Cost:  $485


Art Noveau fiery chimera stickpin. (J9474)

Fiery Dragon  A fierce dragon with a fiery red eye and a curling tail of flame-like acanthus leaves perches atop a finely sculpted Art Nouveau stickpin. Created by Carter, Howe in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $425


Fierce lion with diamond stickpin. (J9467)

Fierce Lion  A lion fiercely grasps a diamond in his snarling maw while staring menacingly with fiery red eyes.  The lion is beautifully sculpted with a finely detailed mane and an intensely watchful gaze.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920.   Cost:  $475


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


Friday, June 15, 2018

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks, Dress Sets and Stickpins


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include elegant dress sets by Carrington, a pair of elegantly opulent cufflinks from the Gilded Age and several finely crafted cufflinks from the 1920s.


Carrington diamond and mother-of-pearl cufflinks. (J9463)

The Gilded Age  Laurel wreathes finely sculpted in platinum surround mother-of-pearl centers set with diamonds.  These elegant cufflinks sparkle with Gilded Age opulence.  Created by Carrington & Co. in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1900.   Cost:  $1,325


Elegantly engraved gold cufflinks. (J9450)

Golden Elegance  Beautifully crafted cufflinks with richly detailed centers surrounded by borders of writhing, flame-like scrolls.  These cufflinks glow on the cuff with a golden elegance.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920.    Cost:  $625


Art Deco cufflinks with rose garlands. (J9461)

Garlands and Swags  Celebratory yellow gold centers festooned with rose garlands and surrounded by white gold borders with scrolling foliate motifs.  These elegant cufflinks date from the Jazz Age of the 1920s.  Finely crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.   Cost:  $875


Carrington onyx and pearl dress set. (J9454)

Onyx and Pearl  Elegant onyx centers surrounded by finely engraved platinum and set with small luminous pearls.  This full dress set epitomizes the sophisticated elegance of the Art Deco era.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1925.  Cost:  $2,575


Carrington white tie dress set. (J9419)

Carrington Classic  A full dress set with pearl and mother-and-pearl centers surrounded by classic reeded and tied borders.  Created with Carrington & Co's inimitable sense of design and craftsmanship in 14kt white and rose gold,  circa 1925.   Cost:  $2,650



In the Antique Stickpin Gallery we feature swooping bats, ancient columns and a trilogy of stickpins set with beautiful gemstones.

Art Nouveau bat stickpin. (J9470)

The Bat  A bat swoops down from atop a golden stickpin with a beguiling mien of charm and menace.  Created by Riker Bros. in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $465


Riker Bros. classical ruins stickpin. (J9457)

Ancient Architecture  Diminutive ruins of the classical world rendered in gold and accented with a luminous pearl and three ember-like rubies. A finely crafted architectural stickpin created by Riker Bros. in 14kt gold, circa 1900.
Cost:  $475


Art Deco coral and platinum stickpin. (J9464)

Art Deco Coral  A glowing coral cabochon rests in a finely sculpted platinum bezel with two swirling Art Deco curls anchoring the gemstone.  The bright sheen of the platinum contrasts beautifully with the ruddy pinkish hues of the coral.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1930.    Cost:  $475


Alling amethyst and arch stickpin. (J9455)

Amethyst and Arch   A rich purple amethyst set beneath a sweeping neoclassical arch with a fleur-de-lys at the apex and a heart motif at the base. A wonderful example of the imaginative, eclectic designs of the early 1900s.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.   Cost:  $435


Hans Brassler citrine stickpin. (J9466)

Citrine and Scrolls  A finely cut citrine with rich golden honey tones glows like a smoldering ember amid fluid, twisting scrolls.  This striking stickpin was created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    
Cost:  $485


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


Friday, March 9, 2018

New in the Gallery - Tuxedo Sets, Cufflinks and Stickpins


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include several elegant Carrington Tuxedo Sets and striking Art Deco cufflinks with intricately engraved designs by Kohn & Co. and Jacob Hookaylo.


Carrington onyx and diamond tuxedo set. (J9443)

Onyx and Diamond   The alluring interplay of black onyx, sparkling diamonds and the brilliance of platinum give this tuxedo set an inescapable Art Deco elegance.  Created by Carrington & Co. in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1925.   Cost:  Sold


Carrington mother-of-pearl tuxedo set. (J9447)

Carrington Mother of Pearl  Creamy white mother of pearl with beveled edges and gentle concave centers framed by bright white gold borders.  A striking tuxedo set in the elegant Art Moderne style.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1930.   Cost:  $1,325


Jacob Hookaylo garland and swag cufflinks. (J9428)

Garlands and Swags  Festive garlands and swags surround small pinwheels or stars.  Twining, foliate scrolls fill the hexagonal borders like streamers at a party.  Celebratory cufflinks perfect for any joyous occasion.  Created in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $845


Art Deco black enamel cufflinks.(J9425)

Gold and Black  Mesmerizing Art Deco cufflinks with intricately engraved centers surrounded by eight-sided borders and black enamel accents.  The inescapable elegance of Art Deco design!  Created by Kohn and Co. in 14kt gold, circa 1925.   Cost:  $765



In the Antique Stickpin Gallery a mesmerizing Hans Brassler jade stickpin and bright sapphire-and-diamond stickpin have been added.

Hans Brassler jade triangle stickpin. (J9441)

Brassler Jade  A nephrite jade glows with the dark green of the forest undergrowth in a golden setting of laurel leaves and tightly scrolled corners.  An elegant stickpin created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  $465


Art Deco sapphire and diamond stickpin. (J9452)

Sapphire and Diamond  An Art Deco stickpin set with a rich blue man-made sapphire and a sparkling diamond.  The bright white gold setting is finely engraved with dramatic scrolls and geometric motifs.  Fine wire filigree work surrounds the sapphire.    Cost:  $465


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


Wednesday, January 3, 2018

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks, Stickpins and Brooches


Wishing everyone the very best and good fortune in the New Year!  To help celebrate 2018 we have added several elegant jewels to the Antique and Estate Jewelry Galleries.
Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include roses and diamonds by Larter & Sons, as well as a Japanese garden.  Striking platinum and gold cufflinks by Durand & Company, trophies for the victor by Huger and classically elegant cufflinks by Whiteside & Blank.

Larter roses and diamond cufflinks. (J9434)
Roses and Diamond  A wreath of roses and leaves surrounds a brightly polished center set with a diamond.  The slight rosy blush of the antique gold adds to the charm of the design.  Created by Larter & Sons in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $725
Durand platinum and gold cufflinks. (J9442)
Platinum and Gold  Finely engraved cufflinks with radiant yellow gold centers that play beautifully against of the shimmering white of platinum edges. Created by Durand & Company in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1910.   Cost: Sold
Antique 14kt gold flower cufflinks. (J9438)
The Japanese Garden  An alluring tangle of wild chrysanthemums, leaves and sinuous vines with untamed tendrils curling upwards like drifting wisps of smoke. Elegantly crafted in 14kt gold about 1920.
Cost:  $685
William Huger finely engraved cufflinks. (J9435)
Symbols of Victory  Art Deco cufflinks beautifully engraved with symbols of triumph and victory.   The long edges are decorated with clusters of roses and the ends with ribbon-tied laurels.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  $685
Late Victorian neoclassical cufflinks. (J9424)

Classical Elegance  Late Victorian cufflinks in the neoclassical taste with wreathes or swags of laurel leaves framing the outer edges and dramatic, stylized anthemia (palmettes) at the ends.  Created in 14kt gold,  circa 1900. Cost: Sold

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery two fierce winged creatures by Carrington and Whiteside & Blank have come to rest.  Joining the fiery chimera are lotus blossoms by Carter, Howe and an Art Nouveau fantasy that appears to be a leaping alien.

Carrington dragon and diamond stickpin. (J9439)
Dragon and Diamond  A fierce dragon greedily clutches a sparkling diamond.  The sinuous shape of this large-sized stickpin is beautifully sculpted and richly detailed.  An elegant accessory to guard any tie or lapel.  Created by Carrington in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.   Cost:  Sold

Whiteside and Blank gargoyle stickpin. (J9446)
The Gargoyle  A winged serpent warily clutches a small pearl.  This little fellow is richly detailed and oozes with menacing charm.  The perfect miniature gargoyle to keep demons and goblins from your tie, lapel or hat.  Beautifully crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.    Cost:  $485


Lotus Rising  A golden lotus blossom opens as it reaches towards the sun.  The blossom is finely detailed in the Art Nouveau style and accented with three small pearls.  Beautifully sculpted by Carter, Howe in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.    Cost: Sold

Art Nouveau amethyst stickpin (J9430).
Nouveau Fantasy An elegant stickpin in the Art Nouveau taste of the early 1900s.  The center amethyst is cut en cabochon and framed by beautifully detailed goldwork.  Created by Day, Clark & Co. in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.    Cost:  $525


New in the Antique Brooch Gallery is a Hans Brassler brooch with golden roses framing luminous pearls and a lambent golden citrine.

Hans Brassler citirne and pearl brooch. (J9445)
Citrine and Pearls  A wonderful brooch set with a lambent golden citrine and bright, luminous pearls framed by golden roses.  Created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.   Cost:  $675

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