modemodern vintage and antique jewelry accessories and decorative arts
Sort By:
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1141265
modemodern
SOLD
Two matching sumptuously long necklaces of unusual chain which is made of dark brass tone French filigree balls enclosing a "lamp cord" type of linked chain. The clasps are two different metals. Circa 1940s or possibly later. Each is 60 inches long and 1/4 inch or 5mm wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Sets : Pre 2000 item #1136167
modemodern
SOLD
Very big statement size modernist necklace and matching bracelet in dark goldtone metal with large beads in many different materials, including faux pearl, gunmetal gray metal, heavy solid green resin, decoupaged shellacked papier mache, and solid resin embedded with what looks like marbleized paper. Both pieces are marked CALLA and ITALY on attached metal tags. Hook clasps. Circa 1990 or later. The decoupage treatment includes cutout images of ivy leaves and strips of paper in many vari...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1980 item #1136164
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous vintage Les Bernard long necklace in dark brass/goldtone metal with heavy curb chain and large round stations in Etruscan/Byzantine style, two with Lucite cabochons in blue and green. Foldover clasp. Marked LES BERNARD. 1970s. Very substantial at 175 grams. Some Les Bernard jewelry was designed by Ugo Correani, who had his own line and also designed for Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, and others. Very rarely one sees pieces with both names. Although this piece is not marked with Correani's...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1135265
modemodern
SOLD
Amazing fabulous necklace of nine strands of genuine carved emerald beads in smooth oblong shapes and smaller faceted saucer shapes, with a sterling slide clasp. Clasp is marked STERLING on both ends. From an estate. Wearable length is 16 1/4 inches (inside strand). The outside strand is 19 inches long. About 2 inches wide. The large oval beads are 10mm by 7mm and the small beads are 5mm in diameter and 2mm thick. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show de...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1135261
modemodern
SOLD
Stunning Native American necklace with eight strands of oblong carved turquoise heishi beads, two large barrel shaped stations with inlay in turquoise, mother of pearl, spiny oyster shell, and what feels like smooth polished black resin, and graduated saucer shaped turquoise beads, with silver cone shaped terminals, and a hook and chain close. Probably Santo Domingo Pueblo, circa 1990. 31 1/2 inches wearable length and 1 1/4 inches wide at center. Excellent condition. There is a small lo...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Period : Pre 1980 item #1135257
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous statement making asymmetrical necklace with a double sided genuine mabe pearl gold mounted station strung among very large black onyx round beads, hand knotted with black thread. Circa 1970 or 1980. The gold tests positive for 14KT with jeweler's acid. Continuous strand and can be doubled with a necklace extender/shortener, which I will include. Each mabe pearl is 20mm in diameter. The pearl station is 21mm by 18mm overall. The onyx beads are 12mm in diameter. Wearable length is...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Strands : Pre 1950 item #1132649
modemodern
SOLD
Sumptuous vintage necklace with two strands of graduated oxblood red undyed Mediterranean coral spezzati, or branches, with a gold washed silver clasp. The color is a true red and darker than the photos depict. Best representation of color are the photos on light background. Circa 1940. The clasp is not marked but tests positive for at least 900 silver. 18 1/2 inches wearable length on the inside strand. It drops 3 1/2 inches in the center. Excellent condition. Some wear to gold wash on ...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Strands : Jewels : Pre 1910 item #1132648
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful long necklace of 98 antique Chinese turquoise beads which graduate from 6mm to 11mm in diameter. Circa 1900. These are prayer beads. The original intricately braided cord that they were strung on was very weak and I have had them professionally restrung, hand knotted on Chinese braided cord in dark brown which matches the matrix in the beads. Circa 1900. The beads have fabulous variegated aqua and green aged color and chocolate/black matrix. Continuous strand but it can be worn d...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1129599
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous French necklace by Countess Cissy Zoltowska (Cis), circa 1960. Cissy Zoltowska made couture jewelry for Balenciaga and others in Paris. In the United States her jewelry was also sold through Lord & Taylor and Bonwit Teller. Unsigned but it has many of her characteristic design and construction elements, including the chain and hook closure, the dark finished metal, the marbled glass cabochons which I have seen on other confirmed Cis pieces, the brilliant rhinestones, and the ve...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Pre 1960 item #1129596
modemodern
SOLD
A possible Rousselet, this fabulous necklace of glass based baroque faux pearls is marked FRANCE on the screw barrel clasp. Circa 1950 or 1960. The earrings came from the same estate and the pearls are a match. The earring clips are marked STERLING and also marked with design patent number 967955. Wearable length is 14 3/4 inches. The center drops 1 1/8 inches. The earrings are 5/8 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. Excellent condition. Two pearls are slightly darkened and one near the end has...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1129592
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous vintage long clip earrings with faceted black glass beads wired on dark goldtone metal with matching clips and findings. Marked MADE FRANCE. Circa 1950 or 1960. Great size -- 3 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. One tiny open air bubble (pictured but not noticeable). New grip pads included. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Pre Victorian : Pre 1837 VR item #1129419
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful large antique brooch in unmarked silver, with large glass paste stones with tiny black dots painted in the centers, mimicking the open culet (the flat bottom of the stone) of early diamond cuts. Circa 1800. With C catch and extended pin stem. The setting is silver with parts possibly silver plated. The center stone is very large, 13mm/1/2 inch in diameter, and the surrounding stones are 8mm in diameter. This piece appears to have some old repairs on the back, and is probably mi...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1123953
modemodern
SOLD
Statement making circa 1990 YSL necklace in heavy cast goldtone metal with large dimensional flower form elements, chains, and an adjustable toggle clasp. Marked YVES SAINT LAURENT. Wearable length is 18 1/2 inches. The center is 1 3/4 inches wide. Excellent condition and appears never worn. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1123952
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful sautoir necklace in glowing chartreuse poured glass, probably by the French maker Gripoix, designed by Deanna Hamro, an American designer who is no longer making costume jewelry but has moved to fine jewelry. 1980s. Marked DEANNA HAMRO on attached metal tag. All beads are hand wired in the French style with dark slightly matte heavy goldtone metal. Continuous strand. As with all Hamro's costume jewelry, it is made with the same couture technique and quality as French designer j...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1980 item #1123950
modemodern
SOLD
Very glam vintage circa 1960 or 1970 French necklace of gathered goldtone mesh and snake chains, with a center element of poured glass beads and prong set aurora borealis stones, and two tassels with matching poured glass beads in pink, peach, and green, with matching faux pearls. Hook clasp with matching bead. Wearable length is 27 inches. The center drop is 6 1/4 inches. Excellent condition. There is some slight verdigris at the top of the tassels and in the wiring of some of the beads...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Earrings : Pre 2000 item #1123948
modemodern
SOLD
Simply amazing six inch shoulder sweeping clip earrings circa 1980 or 1990, probably French. Amber color prong set poured glass cabochons surmount three tiered drops of wired glass beads and rhinestone rondelles, all held in silvertone metal. The glass beads are opaque smooth and clear faceted, in fabulous contrasting colors of amber, pale blue, citrine yellow, peach pink, and marbled cream. Photos are not capturing the colors and sparkle of these stunning earrings. 6 inches long and 2 i...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1123946
modemodern
SOLD
Luminous vintage aqua teal textured glass beaded clip earrings with all beads wired in dark brass and hanging from matching fine chains. French, 1950s or 1960s. Each earring has the same number of beads at the top and in the drops. 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1123945
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful very ornate necklace and matching clip earrings by the French maker Monette. I have had one piece by this maker before. Circa 1990. Very large molded Lucite beads are detailed in gold and mounted in heavy filigree caps, and connected with S shaped links. Top quality and beautifully made. Marked MONETTE OF PARIS and MADE IN FRANCE. Necklace is 44 inches long. The largest beads are 1 1/2 inches long. The earrings are 2 1/2 inches long. Excellent condition. One bead at the center ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Bracelets : Pre 2000 item #1123931
modemodern
SOLD
Spectacular carved wood cuff bracelet by the contemporary artist Patricia Von Musulin, with dozens of tiny sterling silver dots inlaid into the surface of the wood. Marked VON MUSULIN. Just over 1 3/4 inches wide, 1/2 inch thick, and inside circumference is 6 1/8 inches, including the gap, which is 1 1/8 inches. This will fit a 6 inch or smaller wrist. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Strands : Pre 1970 item #1123702
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous heavy vintage coral necklace of graduated barrel shaped beads in soft pink and salmon colors, warmer than the photos show. Circa 1960 or 1970. The coral is natural and undyed. Great to wear alone or to layer with other similar necklaces. It has been professionally restrung on a fine flexible gold finished wire, with a new gold filled filigree clasp. Substantial at 75 grams. Wearable length is 24 inches. Just under 5/8 inch wide at center. The largest bead is 15 mm by 10 mm and t...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1910 item #1123700
modemodern
SOLD
Lovely antique necklace of carved graduated coral beads in reds and oranges, with a tiny 14KT gold slide clasp. Circa 1900. The coral is undyed Mediterranean. The clasp tests positive for 14KT gold. It has been professionally restrung for security, on a very fine flexible gold finished wire. 24 inches wearable length and just under 1/4 inch wide at the center. The largest bead is 5 mm wide. Excellent condition. The clasp has a tiny indentation, pictured but not noticeable when worn. Disp...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Pre 1940 item #1123699
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful early vintage Chinese apple jade beaded necklace with a very finely carved and pierced oval element mounted with prongs in a 14KT gold setting with a slide clasp. Circa 1930. Marked 14K and tests positive for 14KT gold. The beads graduate from large to small and back again to large at either end of the center element. 15 inches wearable length and 1 inch wide at the center. The carved gold mounted element is 1 5/8 inches side to side and 1 inch top to bottom. The beads graduate...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Contemporary item #1119788
modemodern
SOLD
Amazing huge four strand necklace by the contemporary designers Jose and Maria Barrera. From an estate, this model was originally retailed by Nieman Marcus. Strands of huge dark red oxblood color coral chunks alternate with small coral spezzati branches, carved faceted coral beads, large round beads which look like coral, tiny faceted vermilion red glass beads at the clasp terminals, and goldtone metal nugget shaped beads. The coral is dyed. With hook clasp and extender chain in goldtone...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Contemporary item #1119784
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful three strand necklace of oblong carved turquoise beads. From an estate. With large very decorative sterling vermeil (gold washed) clasp which is marked 925 and also marked with what look like Italian maker's marks. 19 inches wearable length (inside strand) and 1 1/2 inches wide. The outside strand is 21 inches long. The largest beads are 7/8 inches or 20 mm long. Excellent condition. There is very slight wear to the gold wash at the "flip" bar of the clasp but this is not noticeabl...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Strands : Pre 1950 item #1119447
modemodern
SOLD
Beautiful vintage necklace of large round beads made from genuine natural translucent cherry amber. Probably circa 1930. Hand knotted with the original pale pink silk cord. Guaranteed genuine vintage amber. Three of the beads have small inclusions but most of the beads are clear, which is considered very desirable. The color is dark reddish brown under white photo lights. Under yellow incandescent light it is a warmer more red color. The beads have a beautifully aged patinated finish. 4...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Pre 2000 item #1119013
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous long clip earrings with four different cuts and colors of pale honey genuine amber. Circa 1990 or possibly earlier. Dark silvertone metal. The tops are softly faceted translucent stones surmounting wired beads which include opaque briolettes, translucent oblongs, and more transparent flat ovals. Great size -- 3 1/4 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Contemporary item #1117898
modemodern
SOLD
Stunning modernist necklace with very big oblong genuine polished rock crystal beads and saucer shaped sterling silver beads and solid hook clasp in a slightly matte finish. Marked KUO 925. By Alice Kuo, who is a contemporary jewelry designer. She and her husband Robert are a design team working in a modern style rooted in traditional Chinese art and design, using materials such as gemstones, lacquer, glass, and cloisonne. Their work is collected by designers Gianfranco Ferre and Jam...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Bracelets : Pre 1990 item #1115178
modemodern
SOLD
Stunning heavy limited edition bracelet in goldtone metal with large applied metal beads, twisted wire decoration, and etched designs. With three huge poured glass cabochon stones in green, blue, and purple, and two glass based faux pearls. Marked YVES SAINT LAURENT in script and 019/500, meaning of course, that this is the 19th of 500 made. 1980s. A fabulous classic statement piece. I had another one of these bracelets several years ago and was so excited to be able to get this one. Great size ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1115174
modemodern
SOLD
Luxe heavy beautifully made and detailed YSL long sautoir in goldtone metal with large textured Renaissance revival elements spaced with heavy S shaped links. Marked YVES SAINT LAURENT. 1980s. All the elements are substantial and solid cast metal, beautifully finished with great surface detail, and heavily gold plated. Great to wear alone or layer with other sautoirs. 45 inches long and 7/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Earrings : Pre 1990 item #1115172
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous shoulder sweeping YSL clip earrings made from tassels of iridescent multi color green and gold glass beads with goldtone metal beads, surmounted by rosettes of coral red passementerie silk cord with centers of glass beads sewn in an intricate pattern. 1980s. Marked YSL and MADE IN FRANCE. Great size -- 5 inches total length and 4 inches long from the clips. 2 1/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. Each earring has 20 strands of beads. One earring has had a strand expertly replaced (pictu...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1115169
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous vintage wired sautoir with coral color poured glass beads in many different shapes spaced along a goldtone chain. Probably French, circa 1950. Spring ring clasp. 60 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Most beads are about 3/4 inch long. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1115167
modemodern
SOLD
French designer Sonia Rykiel, in business since the 1960s, is known for her luxe casual knitwear. This statement size necklace and matching clip earrings, circa 1990, will add a very glamorous element to any outfit, from work to weekend to occasion. Marked RYKIEL on one leaf of the necklace, the earrings, and marked SR on the necklace clasp. Beautifully made and finished and the same quality as YSL jewelry. With a softly burnished slightly matte finish over hammered surface. Necklace has a weara...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Rhinestone : Pre 1970 item #1115165
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous singular clip earrings in substantial cast solid goldtone metal studded with brilliant prong set champagne peach color rhinestones, and goldtone metal beads wired between the top and bottom elements. 1960s or 1970s, not marked. Probably French. They have the same rhinestone studded metal construction and back construction as the signed French Simone Edouard earrings I have listed. Great size -- 3 1/8 inches long and 1 3/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail....
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1115163
modemodern
SOLD
Fabulous statement size long four tiered clip earrings with color changing alexandrite glass beads wired in silvertone filigree elements, in the style of Miriam Haskell and early Chanel, to look like Indian moghul jewelry. Circa 1960. The beads appear blue lavender in white light/daylight, and purple lavender in yellow incandescent light. Great size -- 3 3/4 iches long and 1 1/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Earrings : Pre 1990 item #1115159
modemodern
SOLD
Very glamorous shoulder sweeping long clip earrings in cast goldtone metal with brilliant prong set colorless strass stones at the top, and tassels of black silk cord knotted with ridged goldtone beads. 1980s, French, marked SIMONE EDOUARD. Very high quality construction. The metal elements are solid and substantial, and studded with the rhinestones. Each earring has 10 gold beads knotted among the silk cords. Great size -- 5 inches long and 1 inch wide. Excellent condition. All the stones are b...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1115052
modemodern
SOLD
Luminous 1980s Yves Saint Laurent drop necklace in goldtone metal with softly faceted peridot green resin cushion shaped stones spaced with chunky dimensional triangular links, and a center drop with a teardrop shaped green stone. Marked YSL, MADE IN FRANCE, and also numbered E8. 18 inches wearable length. The sides are just over 3/4 inch wide. The center drops 2 3/8 inches. Excellent condition. Two of the stones on close inspection (pictured) show slight glue lines under the backing of ...