Officially launching today, Bentley & Skinner is one of the newest, and most exciting, additions to 1stdibs‘ stable of estate jewelry dealers. Specializing in fine antique jewels, exquisite engagement rings, Faberge and silver, the London-based dealer has been in business since 1880. Jewelers by Royal Appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Bentley & Skinner was first invited to supply jewelry to the Royal Family in the latter years of Queen Victoria’s reign.
With a number of superb jewels to choose from its collection, the first handful of pieces offered by Bentley & Skinner on 1stdibs is a spectacular selection, indeed. From an exceptional Art Nouveau dragonfly pendant by René Lalique to an elegant Georgian diamond floral tiara worn by Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary on her wedding day to Matthew Crawley, Bentley & Skinner is a promising addition to the 1stdibs estate jewelry lineup, raising the bar with its superb estate jewels.
Here are a few highlights from this week’s postings from Bentley & Skinner on 1stdibs:
Rene Lalique Aquamarine Dragonfly Pendant
An important Rene Lalique dragonfly pendant, the pendant set to the centre with a cushion-shaped aquamarine, within an open framework of four opposing dragonflies decorated with plique-a-jour enamel wings, embellished with circular- and rose-cut diamonds, to a green enamel baton link chain, measuring approximately 520mm in length, signed Lalique, with original fitted case by R.Lalique, 40.Cours, La Reine, Paris
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
The Downton Abbey Georgian Diamond Floral Tiara worn by Mary on her wedding day to Matthew Crawley
An Important Georgian diamond tiara, the tiara in the form of a garland spray of leaves and floral clusters, pave-set throughout with old-cut diamonds, weighing an estimated total of 45 carats, cutdown collet-set in silver to a yellow gold mount, convertible to two brooches, gross weight 75.5 grams on frame, circa 1800.
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Highly Important Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Portrait Brooch by Carlo Giuliano, recognized to be arguably the most significant 19th century Egyptian Revival jewel.
An important Egyptian-Revival Giuliano Pharaoh head brooch, the brooch centred with a Pharoah enamelled en ronde bosse wearing a headdress of old-mine and rose-cut diamonds surmounted by a cushion-shaped ruby, flanked by a pair of white enamel horses, their fanciful costumes including plumes and collars in polychrome champleve and cloisonne enamel, anchored by lotus blossoms, bells and three pendant pearls, signed C.G for Carlo Giuliano, with original fitted leather case signed C. Giuliano, gross weight 33.2 grams, circa 1865-1895
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Art Deco Oriental Natural Pearl Diamond Chandelier Earrings
An important pair of Art Deco pearl and diamond fringe drop earrings, the two natural saltwater pearls measuring approximately 8 x 12mm and weighing a total of 10.04 carats, accompanied by Gem & Pearl Laboratory certificate, each suspended within a brilliant- and french-cut diamond-set openwork flexible surround, with a fringe of five tassel drops beneath, the diamonds estimated to weigh a total of 2.5 carats, all rub-over set in white, with peg and scroll fittings, circa 1920.
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Faberge Enamel, Chalcedony and Gold Bell Push
An important Faberge chalcedony, gold and enamel bell push, enamelled translucent blush and pearl grey with sunburst guilloche background, with circular cabochon-cut blue chalcedony pushpiece set within beaded border, varicolour gold arabesques and paterae, and chased laurel leaves with rosettes at intervals raised upon oval green chalcedony base with four compressed reeded feet, measuring approximately 8 x 5 cm, signed by workmaster Johan Victor Aarne, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908, 56 standard, gross weight 113.7 grams
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Art Deco Tutti Frutti Diamond Pendant Watch by Lacloche Freres
A fine LaCloche diamond and gemset pendent watch, the rectangular watch back set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspended by a run of wedge-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, the top and base embellished with carved ruby, sapphire and emerald, brooch pin fitting, circa 1927 .Made by Verger for Lacloche
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Panel Bracelet
An important Art Deco emerald and diamond open panel bracelet, the bracelet comprised of six square open panels of a geometric design, with fancy lozenge-shaped links, encrusted throughout with brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 40 carats, embellished with calibre-cut emeralds, all set to a platinum mount, circa 1930, gross weight 76 grams.
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Edwardian Fine Burmese Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
A turn-of-the-century Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring, the central round-shaped faceted sapphire weighing 4.84 carats, to a graduated cluster surround of old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 2.40 carats, claw-set in silver to a yellow gold mount, to a tapered fluted yellow gold shank with diamond-set shoulders, gross weight 6.3 grams, circa 1900.
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs
Superb Rare Art Deco Cartier London Coral Rock Crystal Diamond Brooch
An important Art Deco Cartier brooch, the brooch comprising an openwork rectangular plaque with two central coral bars with rock crystal sides, with fan-shaped diamond and onyx terminations, all set to a platinum mount and brooch fitting, gross weight 9.1 grams, signed Cartier London, circa 1926
Available at Bentley & Skinner via 1stdibs