Egyptian Style Stone Bead Necklace String

Formed of a wide band with faux-ropework borders and plaited brown hair, hinged outer cover with the locking mechanism formed as two clasping hands, three circular openings with decorative cuts on each arm; inside engraved with 'Dbre 14/74'. 8.44 grams, 24.71 mm overall, 17.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



From the old family collection of a West Country, UK, lady; acquired by descent from her grandfather circa 2001.

This ring features the ancient fede motif of two hands clasped together. These symbols represented love and fidelity. The ring was likely a token of love symbolising everlasting devotion, or possibly a betrothal ring. The motif of the two clasped hands was already in use in ancient Rome, as a symbol of pledging of vows, which derives from the Roman dextarum iunctio (right hand joined). Fede rings remained popular throughout Europe until well into the 19th century.

Of facetted deep blue glass, enclosed within an elegant silver filigree cage mount retaining traces of its original gilding; the domed screw-cap similarly decorated with scrolling filigree ornament and fitted with a suspension loop, indicating that it was intended to be worn on a chain or ribbon, with an original clear glass stopper. 4.62 grams, 28 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Delicate in scale yet refined in execution, the bottle is a characteristic example of late 17th-century English personal luxury wares.

Oval orange carnelian gem showing two goats, one resting on top of a large stone while the other is standing against another boulder. 1.66 grams, 17 mm



UK private collection, acquired on the English art market in the 2000s.