modemodern vintage and antique jewelry accessories and decorative arts
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All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1141287
modemodern
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Amazing huge 21 strand faux pearl necklace with large cast goldtone metal elements which slide along the strands and hold the pearls together. Also with matching slide clasp. Circa 1980, probably an unsigned Cadoro. I have seen these exact cast goldtone elements on several signed Cadoro pieces. Great size -- 42 inches long and 1 inch wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #978699
modemodern
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Stunning dramatic Kenneth J. Lane long drop clip earrings perfect for resort and summer. Circa 1965. Made from raffia paillettes (sequins) sewn in fish scale patterns and with tiny white glass beads and larger wooden beads sewn around the outlines. Marked K.J.L. on the clip backs. From a Philadelphia estate. Great size -- 3 1/2 inches long and 2 3/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. One earring has had some slight reinforcing of threads at the top back for security. Photos enlarged to ...
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 : Designer : Pre 1980 item #717664
modemodern
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Beautiful vintage engraved chain necklace with a toggle closure, in gunmetal gray. Not marked but the style of chain, and the overall look, is characteristically French, and it came from an estate with other signed French jewelry. Probably 1970s. Perfectly on trend; oversized chains and gray tones are key current looks.

Wearable length is 15 1/2 inches. Just over 5/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Period : Pre 1950 item #769701
modemodern
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Stunning and very substantial vintage Chinese bracelet with five sections connected by hinges, in gold washed silver filigree backed with solid silver panels, each with a charming carved genuine apple jade Buddha figure. Not marked but tests positive for sterling silver. Circa 1940. It weighs 71 grams. With a slide clasp and safety chain. Great size -- just under 1 1/4 inches wide, 1/2 inch deep, and 7 3/4 inches long clasped. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Bakelite : Pre 1950 item #763947
modemodern
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Fabulous vintage Bakelite bangle with very complex carving. Cherry vanilla marbled, with pierced decoration around the edges. Tests positive for Bakelite. Guaranteed vintage and original. From a collection. Standard 2 1/2 inches inside diameter, 1 inch wide, and 7/16 inch thick. Excellent condition. It is a bit dusty; I have brushed it but have not cleaned it further so as not to disturb the oxidized finish. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Victorian : Pre 1910 item #697937
modemodern
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Stunning heavy and substantial early silver wide curved link bracelet. Marked 835. Austrian or German. Circa 1900 or earlier. Substantial at 53 grams. With an ornate Etruscan revival design comprised of many large and small applied silver beads. With a slide clasp and safety catch. The backgrounds of the curved links have a fabulous oxidized gunmetal finish.

7 3/8 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1980 item #813771
modemodern
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Vintage French necklace with a huge green Gripoix poured glass center drop surmounted by a fluted goldtone disk shaped bead, chunky resin faux pearls, and disk shaped goldtone metal elements with matching green poured glass cabochons. With hook clasp and textured extender chain in goldtone metal. Marked FRANCE on the hook of the clasp. Circa 1960 or 1970. A fabulous piece in a great statement size and perfectly of the moment; the statement necklace is the "it" accessory of the season. Wearable...
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 #818307
modemodern
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Heavy brilliant green glass beaded necklace with silvertone hook and matching extender chain. The hook is marked MADE IN FRANCE. The beads are strung on fine metal wire. The beads are lead crystal and possibly Swarovski. Circa 1960. 17 1/2 inches wearable length. The center drops about 3 inches. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Deco : Pre 1930 item #697137
modemodern
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A fabulous and early vintage sterling necklace with square cut crystal stones and a huge pear shaped cut crystal drop. The clasp is marked STERLING and the other elements test positive for sterling. Circa 1920. Beautifully made and detailed. The edges of the square stone settings are engraved with delicate patterns. The stones are brilliant and glittering.

A classic collectible Art Deco piece, and currently perfectly of the moment as well. The fashion world is in the midst of a major Ar...

All Items : Vintage Arts : Decorative Art : Textiles : Accessories : Pre 1940 item #725768
modemodern
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Stunning vintage 1930s Art Deco bag made from fine fabric mesh covered in dozens, maybe hundreds, of brilliant prong set colorless rhinestones, over an ivory fabric base layer. With an engraved silvertone or silverplated frame and a flat cover which is studded with colorless stones. The cover flips up to open, and has a rhinestone decorated catch, and a silvertone metal chain. With an ivory silk lining, and matching ivory silk change purse or mirror cover (there is no mirror). A fabulous...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1166376
modemodern
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Super chic vintage Art Deco revival Yves Saint Laurent necklace with a centerpiece in slightly matte goldtone metal with large red resin stones, on a "gaspipe" chain finished in dark gunmetal tone. Marked YSL. Circa 1980. 1 7/8 inch wide at center and 16 inches wearable length. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Jewelry : Pre 1990 item #741109
modemodern
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Fabulous sculptural modernist necklace by Danish designer Gerda Lynggaard in frosted Lucite on black fabric cord. Circa 1980, an early piece. From a Baltimore estate. Marked GERDA LYNGGAARD MONIES COPENHAGEN on the attached lightweight metal tag. The Lucite beads are solid and heavy and with a great smooth matte finish. Very wearable and versatile -- it can be tied and worn several different ways.

Wearable length is up to about 30 inches. The center drop is an additional 5 1/2...

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 : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1960 item #837277
modemodern
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Beautiful French rope necklace in the style of Chanel; possibly an early unsigned Chanel. Circa 1960. With large Gripoix poured glass beads, glass based faux pearls, rhinestone rondelles, and distinctive fluted goldtone metal beads which I have had on two other confirmed French pieces. The chain elements are also French. The green beads are 17 mm long, the red beads are 21 mm long, and the blue beads and pearls are 10 mm in diameter. 44 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. Excellent condi...
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 : Vintage Arts : Decorative Art : Textiles : Accessories : Pre 1950 item #725766
modemodern
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A simply exceptional vintage French Art Deco evening bag covered in glittering paillettes (sequins) in soft colors of slate blue, pale green, and pink, on a black background with tiny clear glass bugle beads around the borders. With a rose goldtone frame with decorative engraving, and a matching rose tone chain. Circa 1940. With a kiss snap closure, black fabric lining and a fabric tag embroidered MADE IN FRANCE. The colors are brighter than the photos depict.

5 1/2 inches by 6 1/2...

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #715014
modemodern
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Stunning vintage French clip drop earrings in silvertone metal with prong set colorless strass stones, faux pearls, and melon shaped openback poured glass stones in a fabulous green. With open wire clip backs. The connecting elements have dainty engraved decoration. The stones are probably Gripoix. Circa 1950 or 1960.

Nice size -- 2 3/4 inches long and 1 1/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. There are a few tiny fleabites on one pearl but it is not visible when the earrings are worn. The ...

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Unsigned : Pre 1940 item #818300
modemodern
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Fabulous torsade necklace with a sliding pendant, in aged brass, with purple and jade beads and "Peking" glass accents. 1930s French. I have owned a signed French necklace with the same repousse enameled decoration. The necklace has a strand of purple glass beads wrapped around several strands of twisted brass wire in classic French style. The torsade ends in filigree caps, large green and purple glass beads, and a screw barrel clasp. The pendant has a huge openback unfoiled purpl...
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 : Unsigned : Pre 1950 item #748511
modemodern
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Stunning vintage three stranded glass beaded French necklace with pink, blue, green, pale yellow, lavender, and colorless poured glass beads. 1940s. The beads are hung from fine brass chains. Beautifully designed; the beads alternate between plain head pins, glass based faux pearl ends, and tiny prong set colorless rhinestone ends. With a hook clasp and extender chain with matching beads. Very modern and wearable with its casual and densely draped design. Fresh and fabulous for ...
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #985400
modemodern
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Dramatic and very wearable necklace of finely made flexible chainmaille, or chainmail, in goldtone metal with a silvertone toggle clasp. It drapes and molds beautifully. Marked EVE FRANCE DESIGNS NYC on an attached metal hang tag. Eve France is a New York based independent jewelry designer. Her pieces have been sold at Nieman Marcus. This piece is circa 1980 or 1990. Perfectly on trend with the glam, edgy look of the metals, chains, and studs which are all over the runways and fashion maga...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Designer : Pre 1970 item #961398
modemodern
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Glam statement size vintage clip back earrings by Kenneth J. Lane. Circa 1965. In red Lucite with brilliant colorless rhinestones, all set in dark goldtone metal. Marked K.J.L. on the backs. 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Bakelite : Pre 1980 item #946443
modemodern
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Animal prints are a top trend and this fabulous piece makes a super statement. Vintage, circa 1970. This feels like Lucite with a lacquered overlay finish forming the zebra pattern on the outside and also on the inside. 1 1/8 inches wide, 1/4 inch thick, and 2 5/8 inches inside diameter. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail. Display form is life size.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Costume : Pre 1940 item #1141280
modemodern
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Beautiful early vintage long sautoir necklace in small coral glass beads with larger lapis glass beads and brilliant strass rondelles. 1920s or 1930s. Such a fabulous contrasting color combination. Continuous strand. This has been restrung for security and one set of rondelles are new replacements but this is not at all noticeable. 64 inches long. The blue beads are 3/8 inch/10mm wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. 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 : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Mexican : Pre 1950 item #691471
modemodern
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Outstanding vintage Los Ballesteros Mexican bracelet in solid sterling silver. Marked with the Los Ballesteros mark, also marked HECHO EN MEXICO, STERLING 925, and with design number 39. An early piece, circa 1940. With slide clasp and safety chain. Very substantial at 87 grams/3.1 ounces. Very flexible and drapes beautifully because of its weight. A stunning and super wearable collectible piece.

1 1/8 inches wide by 1/8 inch thick and 7 inches long clasped. Excellent condition. Photos e...

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Jewelry : Pre 1990 item #653938
modemodern
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A fabulous collar necklace in clear Lucite with a textured goldtone center element/clasp in the form of a stylized snake with very large inset hematite stones. Circa 1985. The front clasp is magnetic and the back is hinged. The Lucite elements are solid, of course, and brilliantly clear. This piece is probably French; I have seen similar unsigned pieces identified as French. Perfectly of the moment; clear Lucite accessories are a very significant current fashion trend and many designers are...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Arts and Crafts : Pre 1910 item #864634
modemodern
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Antique circa 1900 gateleg bracelet in 9KT gold with Persian turquoise stones and luminous moonstones. Marked 9CT using the English designation. It weighs 10 grams. The spring ring and opposite jump ring of the clasp are new replacements in 14KT gold, invisibly soldered by a professional jeweler. 3/8 inch wide and 7 1/2 inches wearable length. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Edwardian : Pre 1920 item #843187
modemodern
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Fabulous chandelier drop earrings in sterling with brilliant rock crystal stones in openback deep settings with tiny prongs. Circa 1910 or 1920. The backs of the screw posts are marked STERLING. The stone settings have tiny millegrain decoration. Nice size -- 2 1/4 inches long and just over 3/4 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Earrings : Pre 1990 item #978702
modemodern
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Fabulous chic 1980s drop clip earrings by the French designer Edouard Rambaud. In a signature French style, with heavy goldtone "molten" cast metal and carved ebony cabochons. Weighty and substantial. Marked EDOUARD RAMBAUD PARIS. 2 5/8 inches long and 7/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.
All Items : New Century : Jewelry : Necklaces : Pre 1990 item #1207586
modemodern
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Amazing statement size 1980s Yves Saint Laurent necklace with slightly matte goldtone dimensional square and geometric linked elements and five strands of graduated large black Lucite beads, with hook clasp and extender chain. Marked YSL on the back of one square link, and also marked YVES SAINT LAURENT in script and 53/525 on the oblong link opposite the hook clasp. Wearable length is 25 inches (inside strand). Outside strand is 30 inches. The center drops about 4 inches. Excellent ...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Mexican : Pre 1940 item #1063917
modemodern
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Vintage necklace with large openwork drops with incised decoration alternating with smaller drops with silver hemispheres. Circa 1935, with early pre-eagle marks. Marked E BARENA (the R, E, and N are obscured), TAXCO, MEX, and 925. This name is listed in "The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart. This piece and most of the other Mexican silver I have listed came from one long time collector's estate. Substantial at 72 grams. 15 inches wearable length an...
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Silver : Mexican : Pre 1950 item #1063924
modemodern
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Beautiful dimensional bracelet with repousse work in pre-Columbian style motifs. Circa 1940. Marked STERLING 925 TAXCO MEX and signed CP or OP. It weighs 51 grams. This piece and most of the other Mexican silver I have listed came from one long time collector's estate. 3 3/4 inches wide in front and with a wearable length (when the edges meet) of 6 1/2 inches. Overall excellent condition. The tips of the longest "fronds" have some very slight unevenness which is most likely from the ...