Peace and Hope in an Earlier Time of Pandemic

Above is the cover of the 50th anniversary issue of the The Jewelers' Circular, a jewelry trade publication founded in 1869. The anniversary issue appeared shortly after World War I ended with the Armistice of 1918. The cover reflects the celebratory optimism of the time with the hope that economic prosperity and growth would return, advancements in science and technology would brighten the future, and world peace would prevail.

But, it was also a time of uncertainty and doubt as the world endured the ravages of the misnamed "Spanish flu" pandemic. By 1921 an estimated 500 million people had been infected with the virulent strain of the H1N1 virus (close to a third of the world's population) and 50 million people had perished throughout the world. In many ways this magazine cover speaks to the hopes and challenges of our own time as well as its own.

The artist who created the cover was Hans Brassler, a noted artist-jeweler of the early 20th century. Brassler was a gifted Renaissance man who in addition to creating covers for The Jewelers' Circular, designed silver flatware for Tiffany & Company, founded The Brassler Company in 1909 to create artistic, finely crafted jewels, collaborated in the 1930s to create a magnificent silver and gold dinner service for the auto magnate Lawrence Fisher, and designed jewel-set hood ornaments for Cadillacs as well as stained glass windows for the Detroit Cathedral. He was also the father of the noted 20th-century sculptor Margaret Brassler Kane.

Wishing everyone a happy Independence Day and peaceful and safe weekend!

Examples of the fine jewels created by Hans Brassler can found in the Antiques and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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  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

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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  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

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

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

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.

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  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

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

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.

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

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

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.


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

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

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

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


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.


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


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


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.


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

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks, Brooches and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include elegant Art Deco cufflinks set with sapphires and diamonds and a Carter dress set with smoky mother-of-pearl.

Sapphires and Diamonds  Beautifully engraved platinum cufflinks with striking blue sapphires, sparkling white diamonds and borders decorated in the best Art Deco taste.  Created in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1920.    Cost:  Sold

Carter Twilight   Dark mother-of-pearl set in white gold borders engraved with intricate, swirling scrolls.  The iridescent twilight shades of the mother-of-pearl contrasts beautifully with the brightness of the white gold.  Created in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery we have added an elegant tourmaline stickpin by Hans Brassler and a striking lapis lazuli stickpin by Hayden Wheeler.

Brassler Tourmaline  A verdant green tourmaline framed by a golden laurel wreath capped with inward turning scrolls.  A wonderful example of Hans Brassler's elegantly imaginative interpretation of Neoclassic design.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  Sold

Midnight Blue  Soaring Art Nouveau "wings" cradle a midnight blue lapis lazuli in an exotic flower or perhaps flames.  The deep blue lapis glistens with small bits of pyrite (fool's gold) that sparkle like stars in the night sky.  A small silvery pearl is set below.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.    Cost:  Sold

In the Antique Brooch Gallery we added an elegant Art Deco amethyst brooch.

Art Deco Amethyst  A striking Art Deco brooch set with a pale lavender amethyst. The glow of the subtly textured gold beautifully offsets the color of the gemstone.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1930.     Cost:  $365

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

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks, Brooches and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include elegant Victorian cufflinks set with sapphires, fierce Krementz lions, striking agate cufflinks by George O. Street and bright gold cufflinks with an "S" monogram.

Sapphires and Scrolls  Late Victorian cufflinks with elegant foliate scrolls surrounding deep blue sapphires set in the raised gold centers. The depth and fine details of the scroll work is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the era.  Created in 14kt gold, circa 1890.
Cost:  $925

Roaring Lions  A roaring lion proclaims his sovereignty over the windblown grasses of the savanna.  The lion is finely sculpted with a rich golden mane, sharp fangs and fierce, piercing eyes.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  Sold

Tree Agate Wonderfully graphic dendritic agates set in bright yellow gold bezels.  The agates bloom with dark inclusions that soar upward like ancient trees.  Created in 14kt gold,  circa 1910.    Cost:  $965

Elegant "S"   Resplendent cufflinks with one side featuring an elegantly engraved "S" in Old English script and the other sparkling with a small diamond set in a star.  Crafted in 10kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  $625

To complement the above cufflinks we have added a Hans Brassler peridot stickpin in the Antique Stickpin Gallery and a small garnet and pearl brooch by the same maker in the Antique Brooch Gallery.

Peridot Octagon  A wreath of festively interlaced scrolls frames a vibrant green peridot.  The peridot rests in a bezel finished with a milgrained (bead-like) edge.  An elegant stickpin created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  $435

Garnet and Pearls  A petit Classical Revival pin set with a fiery red garnet and small luminous pearls.  Created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  Sold

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

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks and Stickpins

I hope everyone has enjoyed pleasant holidays and is looking forward to a bright and prosperous New Year!

We have been busy in the gallery with the usual seasonal rush, but have managed to add several new pieces to the collection. These include strikingly beautiful Mermaid and Swan cufflinks by Krementz & Co. and elegant Art Deco Onyx cufflinks by Larter & Sons. In the Antique Stickpin Gallery there is a wonderful amethyst stickpin by Hans Brassler with a sparkling small diamond and laurel wreath sides that soar upward like raised wings.

Mermaid and Swan  A mermaid holding a sceptre sits amid gently swaying cattails while a swan glides by over the rippling water.  The scene is beautifully sculpted and the finely worked gold glows with the light of an early sunrise.  A masterpiece of Art Nouveau design.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  $1,325

Onyx Elegance  Elegant black onyx cufflinks with finely detailed Art Deco borders.  The contrast of the black onyx with the white gold borders perfectly highlights the striking geometric elegance of Art Deco design.   Created by Larter & Co. in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $565

Amethyst and Diamond  A rich purple amethyst rests in a golden laurel wreath framed by rising volutes.  Beneath the laurel wreath a small diamond sparkles.  A striking example of the imaginative neoclassically inspired jewels created by Hans Brassler.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  Sold

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

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks and Brooches

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include striking amethyst cufflinks created by Hans Brassler, a golden bit of architectural history, an elegant Carrington moonstone and platinum full dress set, an equally elegant Tiffany abalone and platinum dress set and smoldering tiger eye cufflinks by Sansbury & Nellis.

Amethyst and Gold  Glowing, rich purple amethysts set in distinctive, beautifully worked gold frames.  A miniature work of sculpture created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  Sold

Architectural History  Beautifully crafted cufflinks celebrating the Chicago Tribune's famous Tower Contest.  The 1922 competition was an international success drawing designs from many of the leading architects of the day.  An elegant piece of architectural history.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1922.    Cost:  Sold

Moonlight and Platinum  The shimmering adularescence of moonstone paired with the cool brilliance of platinum.  This elegant Carrington dress set glows with the dazzle and romance of the Art Deco era.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

Tiffany Abalone and Platinum   Dark aubergine abalone with iridescent flashes of red and green set in platinum.  A striking tuxedo set created for Tiffany & Co. in the late 1930s.  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold.    Cost:  Sold

Tiger Eye  Elegant tiger eyes set in finely crafted gold cufflinks.  The tiger eyes glow with honey-yellow "eyes" that shade to rich brown along the edges.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.    Cost:  Sold

New in the Antique Brooch Gallery is a striking amethyst and pearl brooch with radiating fleur-de-lys.

Elegant Amethyst  A beautiful brooch with a hint of Medieval elegance.  The lozenge-cut amethysts rest in the lobes of a golden quatrefoil while radiating fleur-de-lys are accented with small, luminous pearls.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  Sold

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