Larter & Sons Period Rings

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentlemen's accessories during the late 19th century and for much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in lesser metals.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of handsomely designed, finely crafted men's rings reflecting the arts and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements matching the beauty and themes of the rings.  Below is Larter & Sons' advertisement summarizing the rings in the collection.  Advertisements for the individual rings can be found in earlier posts.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed in Larter & Sons Period Rings. 

 Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels

can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Larter & Sons Period Rings - Ancient Egypt

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentleman's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of finely designed and crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements that matched the beauty and theme of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter's ring inspired by ancient Egypt.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Egyptian Revival Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include several pairs of Art Deco cufflinks set with bright blue sapphires, an elegant Carrington dress set, striking guilloche enamel cufflinks by Krementz and a number of other richly engraved cufflinks from the early 20th century.

Egyptian Revival  Stylized lotus blossoms and splayed papyrus fronds surround bright blue sapphires and radiant sun bursts adding Pharaonic splendor to these Art Deco cufflinks.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

Sapphire and Gold  Rich blue sapphires set amid bright gold centers of concentric circles, stylized acanthus leaves and finely milgrained edges.  The Art Deco jeweler let no chance escape to embellish this richly detailed design.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

Lavender and Gold  Arresting Art Deco cufflinks with lavender and black enamel centers accented with yellow gold pinstripes and borders.  Created by Krementz & Company in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $975

Carrington Elegance  Sparkling diamonds in platinum set amid radiant waves etched in mother-of-pearl all surrounded by jazzy platinum borders  A jazzy example of the Carrington sense of understated elegance.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  $1,625

Winter Jazz  Radiant checkerboard centers surrounded by bold Jazz Age borders.  These Art Deco cufflinks glimmer with the frosty elegance of icicles glittering in the early morning sun.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $875

Pharaoh's Pool  Waving papyrus reeds and elegant anthemia surround a rippling pool of golden water or, perhaps, it is a hidden garden maze.  Art Deco cufflinks with the mysteries of ancient Egypt.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  $875

Pizzazz  Bright Art Deco cufflinks with intricately engraved platinum centers surrounded by yellow gold borders with stylized palmette corners.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1920.    Cost:  $485

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a fierce dragon, a golden bug and a lapis lazuli scarab.

Regal Dragon  A fierce dragon watches menacingly while maintaining a certain regal composure.  The dragon is beautifully rendered - note the fine details of the wings, the scales along the neck and body and the expressive features of the head.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.
Cost:  $425

The Gold Bug The diamond-set head, elongated shield-shape body and golden forelegs of this abstractly rendered insect are framed by dramatically outward sweeping wings.  A wonderful example of American Art Nouveau design.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.
Cost:  $475

Scarab and Serpents  The mysteries of ancient Egypt ... two serpents with entwined tails surround a scarab carved in lapis lazuli.  A stylized lotus blossom rest atop the serpents and scarab.  This stickpin was created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  $725

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

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include striking Victorian moss agate bean backs, a pair of Krementz roaring lions, Art Deco green and gold cufflinks from Larter & Sons and a mysterious Art Nouveau warrior princess from Link & Angell.

Moss Agate  Victorian moss agate cufflinks featuring a swirling tangle of green inclusions that brings to mind seaweed floating in filtered sunlight along the ocean floor.  Crafted in 10kt gold,  circa 1900.
Cost:  $765

Roaring Lions  A roaring lion announces his authority among the windblown grasses of the savanna.  The lion is beautifully sculpted with a flowing golden mane and fierce, piercing eyes.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900. Cost:  Sold

Green and Gold   An elegant pair of gold cufflinks with green enamel accents.  The beautifully engraved centers teem with jazzy, undulating lines that create a rippling, wave-like pattern.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920. Cost:  $785

Warrior-Princess  Art Nouveau jewelers often celebrated heroines from myth and history.  These cufflinks feature a warrior-princess with a resolute stare and flowing golden tresses.  Crafted in sterling and silver-gilt, circa 1900. Cost:  Sold

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a striking Egyptian Revival stickpin set with a bright sapphire from the Art Deco period.

Deco Egypt  Alternating papyrus stalks and palmettes surround a brightly glowing sapphire.  A striking example of the Egyptian theme jewels of the Art Deco era.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920.    Cost:  $465

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Egyptian Revival Cufflinks and Jewels

Egyptian Revival cufflink, circa 1890.

For centuries artists and architects, mystics and jewelers have been inspired by the arts and artifacts of ancient Egypt. Cufflink and jewelry makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were no exception. The jewels they created often reflected the popular fascination with the mysteries and ruins of the venerable kingdom of the Pharaohs. Here is a sampling of Egyptian Revival cufflinks and jewels from the Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

In the Victorian era interest in the Egyptian past was sparked by archeological expeditions which highlighted ancient civilizations and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The cufflink illustrated above is a striking, beautifully sculpted example of the prevailing Egypto-mania. Created by Sloan & Co. around 1890, the winged scarab appears ready to leap into flight with dramatic, upward sweeping wings and tightly sprung legs. A rich, antique finish gives the gold an aura of ancient splendors and the mysterious past. For the ancient Egyptians - and perhaps the late Victorians, as well - the scarab was a symbol of life and resurrection imbued with amuletic powers.

Krementz Art Nouveau cufflink, circa 1900.

In the 1890s Art Nouveau jewelers wedded a strong personal vision with a sense of mysticism and fantasy to create jewels of unbridled imagination. They turned away from the revival styles of earlier decades in an effort to create something new. And, yet, the fascination with the Egyptian past persisted.

Krementz & Company was one of the early proponents of Art Nouveau design in North America. The above Krementz cufflink brings together the exoticism and sinuous curves of the new fashion with an elaborate headdress and ostrich feather plumes suggestive of the splendor of the Pharaohs.

During this period Sarah Bernhardt captured the public imagination with dramatic roles as Cleopatra and other heroines and heroes of myth and history. Costumed in the jewels of Rene Lalique and celebrated in the posters of Alphonse Mucha, the French actress was both a patron and muse to the Art Nouveau. Perhaps the exotic design of these cufflinks was inspired in part by the actress lauded as "The Divine Sarah".

WAB Egyptian Revival cufflinks in 14kt gold, circa 1920.

As the figural designs of the late Victorian and Art Nouveau periods evolved into the abstract, geometric designs of the Art Deco era, the discovery of King Tut's tomb sparked a renewed interest in the Egyptian past. The stylized motifs and geometric designs of the ancient Egyptians spoke to Art Deco jewelers, designers and architects.

The above cufflink created by Wordley, Allsopp & Bliss (WAB) illustrates the Art Deco take on Egyptian Revival. Stylized papyrus fronds and lotus blossoms in an abstract cruciform design are surrounded by jazzy, zigzag borders along the beveled edges of the cufflinks. WAB was a leading cufflink maker of the Art Deco era and excelled at creating jewels that captured the spirit and elegance of the age - both the ancient and the modern.

The fascination with the Egyptian past was expressed in many forms of jewelry and decorative objects. Here we illustrate a Victorian pin with a winged scarab flanked by two green-eyed peacocks and a stickpin created by Hans Brassler of a stylized scarab set with a richly colored bloodstone.

These and other fine cufflinks from the past can be found
in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

For stickpins and brooches visit the Antique Stickpin Gallery
and Antique Brooch Gallery.

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Jewelry Galleries include a beautiful pair of blue enamel and garland cufflinks by Larter & Sons, bold Art Deco pinstripe links, elegant George O. Street tiger eye cufflinks, and a pair of English cipher cufflinks. Other recent additions include an Egyptian Revival stickpin by Alling & Company and a wonderful "Serpent de Mer" stickpin by French jewelers Plisson et Hartz.

Garlands and Blues   Classically inspired wreathes of festive garlands surrounding centers reminiscent of exploding fireworks.  The elegant design is beautifully set off by rich blue enamel borders.  Crafted in 14kt gold by Larter & Sons,  circa 1925.

Art Deco Pinstripes  Elegant Art Deco cufflinks with golden pinstripes alternating with brightly polished bands of white gold.  A nice example of the geometric pinstripe designs of the later Art Deco period.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1930.

Tiger Eye  Elegant cufflinks with beautiful tiger eyes set in finely crafted yellow gold.  The domed tiger eyes feature rich brown edges shading to glowing, honey yellow "eyes."  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1940.

English Ciphers  The Victorians loved richly detailed ciphers of entwined letters and contrasting fonts.  These British cufflinks feature a flowing, organic "L" interlaced with a Gothic, wooden "E".  Crafted in 9kt gold, circa 1928.

Alling Egyptian Revival  The flowing, geometric design of this stickpin is a wonderful example of the inspiration jewelers in the the early 1900s found in the arts and architecture of ancient Egypt.  Created by Alling & Company in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.

Serpent de Mer  A writhing sea serpent clutches a luminous pearl.  In the late 1800s French jewelers created a menagerie of fantastic and mythological creatures.  This boldly sculpted sea serpent with life-like fins and a tail that appears to be floating in water is a wonderful example.  Crafted in 18kt gold,  circa 1900.

The above fine cufflinks and stickpins, can be found in
the Antique Cufflinks Gallery and the Antique Stickpin Gallery

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Jewelry Galleries include intriguing bloodstone cufflinks from Sansbury and Nellis and a winged-scarab stickpin by Hans Brassler, Jazz Age lapis lazuli and gold cufflinks, Art Nouveau foliate scroll cufflinks, and elegant sapphire and diamond cufflinks with intricately engraved platinum tops.

Heliotrope  Heliotrope is a beautiful gemstone with the mesmerizing appearance of fiery embers smoldering in a dark ashes.  These elegant cufflinks were created by Sansbury & Nellis during the Art Deco era.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920.

Scarab and Bloodstone  A wonderful interpretation of a winged scarab by Hans Brassler.  In this imaginative jewel, the jeweler combined elements of Art Nouveau, Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts design while evoking the mysteries of ancient Egypt.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1910.

Lapis and Gold   The rich blue of lapis lazuli accented with small bits of fools gold beautifully captures the elegant, raucous spirit of the Jazz Age.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.

Feathery Scrolls  Art Nouveau flowing, feathery scrolls.  The flowing design of these cufflinks may have been inspired by crashing waves along a rocky shore or ferns unfurling in the early Spring.  Created by Link & Angell in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Sapphire and Diamonds   Beautifully engraved cufflinks set with rich blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds.  The hexagonal borders feature intricate geometric designs in the Art Deco fashion.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1920.

The above fine cufflinks and stickpin, can be found in
the Antique Cufflinks Gallery and the Antique Stickpin Gallery

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink and Jewelry Galleries include a little bit of everything - an Egyptian Revival gold scarab brooch, several antique stickpins and a mesmerizingly elegant pair of cufflinks from the 1920s.

Mesmerizing Elegance  Mesmerizingly elegant cufflinks with stippled borders outlined in black and a profusion of floral and geometric elements.  Created by Wordley, Allsopp & Bliss in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.

Serpent and Wings  The messenger god Mercury carried a staff with fleet wings and entwined serpents.  This stickpin appears to be a variation with soaring wings and a single serpent.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.

Arts & Crafts  The Arts & Crafts movement created jewels of tranquil beauty that found inspiration in natural, organic forms.  This elegant stickpin with a small sparkling diamond is a wonderful example.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Ancient Egypt  A golden scarab, peacocks and soaring wings - what more could you ask for in an Egyptian Revival brooch?  This richly detailed brooch is crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

The above cufflinks and other fine jewels from the past,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery
and the Estate Jewelry Gallery

Recent Additions

Antique Cufflinks

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include striking Carrington purple enamels, Fritschze Art Deco diamond cufflinks, a pair of Huger pintstripes and beautifully engraved gold cufflinks from about 1900.

Classical Elegance Elegant cufflinks intricately engraved with repeated waves reminiscent of moire silk. The beautifully engraved centers are surrounded by reeded borders. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Art Deco Diamonds Elegant Art Deco cufflinks with intricately engraved centers and dramatic geometric borders. Small diamonds sparkle in box settings with millegrain edges. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

Carrington Purple Striking purple enamel over an engine-turned pattern of radiating, scalloped circles. The purple centers are surrounded by borders of white enamel and yellow gold. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

White Pinstripes Brightly polished pinstripe centers surrounded by Art Deco borders with stylized floral elements and intricate scrolls. Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.

Estate Jewelry

Recent additions to the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery include several lucky talismans - a four-leaf clover and a winged scarab.

Four-leaf Clover A beautiful Art Nouveau brooch of a four-leaf clover set with a small diamond. A wonderful example of flowing, almost surreal Art Nouveau design. Created by Whiteside & Blank in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Winged Scarab Soaring wings surround a scarab carved in dark spinach-green Jade. The winged beetle rests atop a stylized lotus blossom. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

The above cufflinks, stickpins and other fine jewels from the past,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery
and the Estate Jewelry Gallery