Description: Victorian Austro Hungarian Silver Gilt Garnet Blackamoor Necklace.Original fitted box with retailer A Marx & Comp who also had a branch in Hamberg Germany. Research into the The Marx company reveals the following inforamtion about how the business was affected by the outbreak of WW1:-

"the National Archives in London hold documents from 1915 regarding British subject Ernest Marx, the owner of Messrs A. Marx and Co., jewellers of Regent Street, London. The documents hold details on payment of taxes to Germany, a claim against the company in respect of rent due on their property in Germany, and the detention of Ernest Marx at Ruhleben. There is also an enquiry from his wife, Mrs. M. Marx of Maida Vale, regarding the German authorities' insistence that on his release from Ruhleben he should be forced to reopen his business in Hamburg, Germany, in order that they might take half the takings"

Touchmarks on the clasp are typical austro-hungarian - Number 1 Ladies Head facing right and Letter A. This indicates that this piece is 950 finesness silver and made in Vienna between 1872 - 1922.

Description: French Belle Epoque French 18ct Bloomed Gold Diamond & Pearl Lavaliere Pendant. Louis XVI style and marked with French Eagle head marks and makers mark that reads C Fiot for Celestin Fiot who worked as a Paris Jeweller, - 75 rue de Turenne, Paris (1897-1924).

Jewelscollectingdust Private Collection

Description: 18ct Yellow & Rose Gold Girard Perregaux Crinoline Lady Watch Brooch Set With Diamond Sapphire Ruby Amethyst & Peridot. Articulated flower bouquet that moves to reveal watch face. Watch movement signed Girard Perregaux.

Victorian High Carat Gold 33ct Aquamarine Pendant Brooch. Small fixing also with this whereby the lower Pear Shape Aqua can be detatched and worn as a pendant. Hence becomes a brooch and pendant set. Its possible this was originally part of a much bigger suite of jewellery.

Description: 18ct Gold Diamond Enamel Key Pin. Origins of this are uncertain although it is thought that this is probably a presentation key given at the opening of a Birmingham hospital - possibly Jaffray Hospital in Birmingham that has now been demolished. There is interesting heraldry and symbols on this. The Left hand shield is the Royal arms for Prince Albert Edward. Edward was Victoria's heir and later became King Edward VII. These royal arms date from when he was Prince rather than King, this is indicated by the white bar (called a label). The exact detailing of the label indicates which royal child it is. The crown above the royal arms is also a Princes crown. Edwards personal arms would have been modified when he later became king.The right hand shield is for the Old town of Birmingham. Birmingham did not gain city status until 1889, and the use of the Town shield dates the pin to Pre 1889. This shield is also topped by a Coronet.

Other symbols on this also appear to be medical. The figure is thought to be Hygea - greek goddess of healing. She is normally shown with a serpent that feeds from a cup. The serpent represents medicine and the cup potency.

Jewelscollectingdust - Private Collection

Figural ring of possibly Adam & Eve - No markings - Possibly French 19th Century. Jewelscollectingdust Private Collection