Gallery of Rare Jewels | David Humphrey Period Jewels

Antique Gem Set Ring

A ring that could only have been worn by a member of the elite class in 19th c. Burma or Thailand. 22K gold is set with numerous Burmese rubies together with garnets, moonstone, emerald, sapphire and diamond. A stunning ring for the collector or fine gem enthusiast.

Georgian Silver and Gold Ring

A wonderful Georgian, late 18th c. - early 19th c., silver, gold and diamond heart/bow ring Russian hallmarks

Gold bangle - Indonesia - 19th century

Worthy of any museum's collection, this rare bangle is an example of the masterful work done by the 19th century South Asian goldsmiths. The applied wire work and the red staining of the gold are quintessential elements found in early Indonesian jewels. A metallic bead contained within the bangle rolls around as the wearer strolls, making a delightful sound, thus alerting others of her arrival.

19th century silver and gold, turquoise, pearl, swallow brooch

This charming creature perched upon a lady's lapel will astonish with its delicacy and the meticulous setting of turquoise cabochons and pearls. But wait! The swallow moves en tremblant to the touch!

Rare 18th century Pinya crucifix - Philippines

Note the devotional red staining to the gold by the South East Asian goldsmith.

"The baroque splendor of the very rare tinik (thorn) or pinya (pineapple) cross is a Portuguese synthesis of the Javanese style of the late Majapahit period." Ramon N. Villegas from his book KAYAMANAN: The Philippine Jewelry Tradition

Precolumbian Gold Breast Plate

The high karat Precolumbian gold breast plate from Veraguas, W. Panama dates to the 15th c. and is of hammered native gold. The animal depicted is most likely the Panamanian crocodile or Largarto Aguja.
13.06 grams 22 karat+ gold
2 11/16" diameter
Provenance: Dale Flores Collection

Tairona Pre Columbian gold frog

This is a rare example of a Pre-columbian, gold tree frog pendant produced by the Tairona, a Pre-Hispanic, indigenous tribe from Colombia. It measures 2" from snout to tail. circa 14th c.

FRENCH ART NOUVEAU, 18K gold, natural pearl and natural, vivid pink sapphire and diamond necklace by

Henry Spaulding, an American from Chicago, was employed by Tiffany and was sent to Paris to direct Tiffany operations in there, where he managed to forge friendships with the upper crust and develop Tiffany's popularity amongst the royalty of Europe. After some time he came back to Chicago to open a store in his name. Spaulding and Company was considered as one of the top stores in the US. He then opened a shop next to Tiffany and Co. in Paris, where this wonderfully feminine piece of artistic history was made. Spaulding was also on the committee for the Statue of Liberty.

Italian Family Crest Brooch

Italian family crest brooch of enamel, gold, silver, diamonds and rubies. French Hallmarks. After 1838.

Phoenix Brooch

Phoenix Brooch of approx. 5.50 cts. of old mine cut diamonds set in silver on gold. Mid 19th century Russia.

English Pocketwatch

This 18K yellow, rose, white and green gold English pocketwatch is set with emeralds, diamonds and rubies. Dated to 1832 the watch was sold by the firm of Howell and James. The legendary gem specialist Edwin Streeter first worked as a salesman at the age of 19 at Howell and James.

Spectacular American Pre-War bracelet by Black, Starr & Frost

Platinum on gold, this ultra feminine diamond bracelet is also set with the very popular natural, unheated Montana sapphires of the period. Circa 1911 and signed BS&F.

Antique Cameo Broch

This large antique brooch is a treasure of museum quality. It dates to circa 1860 and features a carved onyx portrait cameo of the historical Greek youth, Antinous. Antinous lived a short but colorful life in the second century. It is well known that he was the favorite of Hadrian the Emperor. After his untimely death at the age of nineteen, Hadrian built many temples in his honor. He was looked upon as a hero and in this portrait cameo he is depicted as the mythical god, Dionysus. The detail and artistic merit of the carving is extraordinary. The cameo itself has been set into an exquisite Etruscan Revival frame of eighteen-karat gold, made also in the nineteenth century. Look carefully and you will see the masterful use of a technique known as granulation. Tiny spheres of gold have been fused to the substratum by the artist to express the sensitive design of this brooch, the perfect carriage for a wonderful cameo.
2 3/16 x 1 15/16 inches