modemodern vintage and antique jewelry accessories and decorative arts
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All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1067461
modemodern
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Fabulous vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer heavy link necklace in goldtone metal in a very primitive barbaric style. Marked SCHERRER PARIS and MADE IN FRANCE and JEAN-LOUIS SCHERRER in script on the toggle clasp. With huge asymmetrical champagne colored resin stones simulating citrines and small colorless strass stones. Jean-Louis Scherrer worked as an assistant at Christian Dior, 1955-59, designed for Louis FĂ©raud, 1959-61, and founded his own label in 1962. 17 1/2 inches wearable lengt...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Bracelets : Pre 1990 item #1067467
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Fabulous very big 1980s bangle in dark wood with three large detailed dimensional leopard head decorations. Marked DOMINIQUE AURIENTIS PARIS. The leopard head elements are based on 16th century Benin bronze leopard head masks which were worn as waist or hip ornaments. The leopard was a symbol of royal power in Benin and was also depicted in statues, full size masks, and other objects. I am also listing a matching necklace in wood with a leopard head. Great size -- 1 1/4 inches wide, ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Bracelets : Pre 1990 item #1076026
modemodern
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Stunning 1980s very heavy and substantial ebonized wood bangle with goldtone metal appliques in the form of African masks. There is a place inside (pictured) where there was a signature plaque which is now lost, and this piece is almost certainly by Dominique Aurientis. From the same estate as the signed Dominique Aurientis wood and goldtone metal mounted bangle I have listed. Inside diameters are 2 1/2 inches and 2 3/8 inches. 7/8 inch wide and 1 inch thick. Excellent condition. Photos ...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1078452
modemodern
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Beautiful vintage marbled translucent Bakelite bangle in malachite green by the French fashion house Carven with goldtone metal mountings in rope motifs. Marked CARVEN, DEPOSE (for registered), and dated 67 with copyright symbol. Tests positive for Bakelite. 7/8 inch wide, 1/2 inch thick, and 2 9/16 inches inside diameter. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail. Display form is life size.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1078484
modemodern
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Fabulous vintage French long sautoir with 24 large Gripoix glass beads, no two the same, and small glass based faux pearls, wired along a chain which is ornately detailed in the French style. The metal is darkened goldtone. Spring ring clasp. Long enough to wear doubled or tripled. Probably circa 1950 or 1960 but possibly earlier, given the aged metal. Wearable length is 60 inches. The largest bead is 3/4 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail. Display form is life size. ...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1078491
modemodern
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Fabulous signed French necklace in dark silvertone metal with brilliant pink, green, lemon, and colorless glass stones. Circa 1960, and possibly for Dior by Countess Cissy Zoltowska (Cis) or by Francis Winter. Slide clasp. It appears that there originally was a signature tag on the back of the clasp (pictured). I am also listing separately the matching earrings, which are marked very faintly MADE IN FRANCE and with another mark on each earring. The additional mark is very faint. It could possibl...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1078492
modemodern
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Fabulous signed French drop screwback earrings in dark silvertone metal with brilliant green, lemon, and colorless glass stones. Circa 1960, and possibly for Dior by Countess Cissy Zoltowska (Cis) or by Francis Winter. Marked very faintly MADE IN FRANCE and with another mark on each earring. The additional mark is very faint. It could possibly be the Cis "Z" mark but is too faint to attribute definitely. I am also listing the matching necklace. 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Excellent conditio...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1078493
modemodern
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Amazing huge vintage bracelet in dark silvertone metal with faux pearls and glass stones in shades of pale blue, some with a pinkish aurora borealis finish, and palest lemon. Definitely French, circa 1960, and possibly for Dior by Countess Cissy Zoltowska (Cis) or by Francis Winter. I am listing a very similar necklace and earrings which are marked France. With distinctive French construction elements such as "piecrust" settings and dogtooth prongs. The slide clasp, metal finish, and openwork el...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1090417
modemodern
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Fabulous very wearable and versatile long sautoir necklace of very large turquoise poured glass beads and baroque glass based pearls, all wired with dark goldtone metal. Circa 1950 or 1960 or possibly earlier; the clasp is an early spring ring without the thumb tab. Probably French. 44 inches long and 1/2 inch wide at turquoise beads. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail. Display form is life size.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1090424
modemodern
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Beautiful unusual French sautoir necklace with large dark violet blue and white translucent glass beads, opaque molded glass beads simulating carved lapis, small brilliant faceted blue and lavender purple glass beads, and large ornate stamped goldtone metal beads, all wired in dark goldtone metal. Spring ring clasp. 55 inches long and 5/8 inch wide at the metal beads. Excellent condition. One metal bead has some loss to the finish; pictured but not noticeable when worn. Photos enlarg...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1090430
modemodern
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Fabulous very long French poured glass sautoir with thin dark goldtone metal chains and luscious glass beads simulating carved jewels in six colors: green, blue, cranberry, purple, topaz, and a beautiful dark pink tourmaline color I have not seen before in French jewelry. Circa 1950 or possibly earlier; the clasp is an early spring ring without the thumb tab. 60 inches long and just under 5/8 inch wide at the largest beads. The largest beads are 7/8 inch/24 millimeters long. Excellen...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1980 item #1103022
modemodern
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Stunning vintage sautoir in heavy goldtone metal with 8 different two sided stations with poured glass cabochon stones simulating carved jewels, in topaz, ribbed molded amethyst, ruby, sapphire, emerald, onyx, carnelian, and garnet, plus one solid metal station. In the Renaissance revival style which was popularized by Chanel. Incredible construction -- each chain link is individually soldered, and the stone settings are all very finely detailed. Very heavy and substantial. Probably circa 1970 o...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1980 item #1103029
modemodern
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Very interesting vintage French statement size cuff bracelet in what feels like black suede (or possibly Ultrasuede) with large prong set stones, tiny gold glass beads at each end, and fine gold metal chain weaving between the stones, and with embroidered edges. With a magnetic clasp in goldtone metal with tiny brilliant strass stones on each end. The large stones feel like Lucite. This piece is typical of the type of French couture jewelry made by Lina Baretti for various designers, in unusual ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Contemporary item #1103043
modemodern
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Luminous French poured glass bezel set necklace in goldtone metal with glass paste stones in opaque black, transparent opaline, and gold foiled opaline. With drops evenly spaced throughout the length. Marked HISTOIRE DE VERRE, MADE IN FRANCE, AND H DE V on the attached metal tag. Lobster claw clasp.

From an estate, it was made by Thierry Gripoix, the grandson of Suzanne Gripoix, who made haute couture jewelry for jewelry for Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and others. Thierry Gripoix has ma...

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1940 item #1115004
modemodern
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Fabulous unusual early vintage necklace made from marbled Bakelite beads in honey amber with a hint of cherry and butterscotch/egg yolk colors, and carved black wood beads, all wired in darkened brass with brass caps and clasp. Marked MADE IN FRANCE, and MOD DEP, which stands for Modele Depose. Circa 1935. The honey/cherry and butterscotch beads test positive for Bakelite using Simichrome. It weighs 84 grams, but that of course includes the wood beads and the metal findings. Wearable length i...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Rhinestone : Pre 1970 item #1115165
modemodern
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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 : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 2000 item #1115167
modemodern
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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 : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1115169
modemodern
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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 : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1123946
modemodern
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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 : Earrings : Pre 2000 item #1123948
modemodern
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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 1980 item #1123950
modemodern
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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 : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1129592
modemodern
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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 : Costume : Pre 1960 item #1129596
modemodern
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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 #1129599
modemodern
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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 : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1141265
modemodern
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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 : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1141283
modemodern
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1960s earrings with French clip backs, and red poured glass cabochons at the top, and strands of red, blue, green, and colorless glass beads wired in goldtone metal, with filigree caps. Marked DEPOSE MADE IN FRANCE. 3 inches long and about 1 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Rhinestone : Pre 1920 item #1166353
modemodern
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Very early 20th century antique two level tiara in dark goldtone metal with bands of prong set brilliant paste rhinestones terminating in hinges with star form decoration. Probably French, circa 1910 or 1920. It is hinged and can be worn many ways. So perfect for a bridal veil, or just with a fabulous updo! Opens to about 3 inches at center. 1 inch at center when closed. 6 1/4 inches diameter and about 13 inches inside circumference. Excellent condition. All stones are brilliant and ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Earrings : Pre 2000 item #1166356
modemodern
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Stunning statement French long drop clip earrings with clear Lucite chain links and faceted glass beads surmounted by brilliant strass rhinestones, all mounted in dark brass tone metal. Circa 1990, probably French, from the same estate as the strass hair clips I am listing, which are marked Made in France. Great size -- 3 5/8 inches long and 7/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1166367
modemodern
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Beautiful French necklace with amazing huge green melon shaped beads, small red glass spacer beads, and brilliant rhinestone rondelles held in dark brasstone metal. Possibly an early Chanel. It has been professionally restrung. There are probably one or more green beads missing, as they are not exactly perfectly graduated, however, this is not extremely noticeable when worn. There are also rhinestones missing from some of the rondelles; these have been strung at the back. The clasp, ...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1970 item #1166370
modemodern
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Fabulous beautifully detailed French necklace with wired contruction, with black glass beads terminating in very finely detailed goldtone cast metal crown form elements, with a hook close, surmounting a long tassel with matching beads and fine goldtone metal foxtail chains. The glass bead strands on the tassel loop back on themselves. All elements and construction are characteristically French. Wearable length is 20 inches. The drop is 7 1/2 inches long. Excellent condition. There ma...
All Items : New Century : Fashion : Accessories : Pre 1990 item #1167713
modemodern
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Fabulous statement making early Karl Lagerfeld wide corset style belt in buttery super soft black leather, completely lined with pale beige leather, with a large dimensional center element in goldtone metal. Buckles in the back. Circa 1980. Marked KARL LAGERFELD MADE IN FRANCE on cloth label, and also marked CUIR VERITABLE MADE IN FRANCE on the leather lining. Sewn in pieces and curved so that the front dips slightly below waist level, and the back hits right at waist level. 2 5/8 in...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1178270
modemodern
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Beautiful unsigned Chanel necklace, 1980s, with lengths of heavy sculpted goldtone metal chain links and elements alternating with handknotted large white baroque Gripoix glass faux pearls. Very heavy and finely made. It weighs 227 grams. The form, a long sautoir with handknotted pearls alternating with chain, and the materials and construction, are Chanel standard. These necklaces typically are signed with an attached metal hang tag. Continuous strand with no clasp and long enough t...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Bracelets : Pre 1990 item #1178277
modemodern
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Showstopping 1980s signed Hermes bangle in heavy gold plated metal with two horse heads. Marked HERMES PARIS, with the Hermes logo, and MADE IN FRANCE. A classic fabulous equestrian piece. Substantial at 97 grams. 1 inch wide at the center. The horse heads are 1 1/2 inches long together. Inside diameters are 2 5/8 and 2 1/8 inches. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1920 item #1207457
modemodern
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Antique Edwardian necklace with large black glass, or French jet elements and a pendant with a genuine banded agate onyx stone mounted in gold filled metal, with gold filled round links and matching spring ring clasp. Circa 1900. 17 1/2 inches wearable length and the pendant is 2 3/8 inches long with bail. Excellent condition with some very slight flea bites to the edges of the glass elements and one larger loss, pictured but not noticeable when worn. Display form is life size. Photo...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1960 item #1207473
modemodern
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Ethereal long wired glass beaded sautoir with pale blue beads, glass based faux pearls, and large molded opaline glass beads, circa 1950. Probably French. 54 inches wearable length. The large opaline beads are just under 3/4 inch or 18mm wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #1207482
modemodern
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Glittering French hand made drop rhinestone earrings with constructed three dimensional ovals of soldered metal, with prongset stones in blues shading from light aurora borealis pink to dark blue, and larger aurora borealis stones in piecrust settings at the top, circa 1960, possibly by Cis, Countess Cissy Zoltowska. Marked MADE FRANCE. With many hallmarks of the Cis style, including the exotic color progression, the piecrust stone settings, and the dark silvertone metal. 2 1/4 inche...