Edwardian gold, enamel and onyx vanity case, c1915
A nécessaire is a small clutch that carries a lady's essentials. (Provided that she is very wealthy, and the people around her are actually doing all the necessary heavy lifting.)
Here's an American 14-carat gold and enamel nécessaire/vanity case. The top ring slips over a finger and a cabochon onyx clasp opens it. Inside is a tiny mirror and two even smaller hinged makeup compartments, also in gold. It’s a perfect party accessory for a wealthy socialite.
The neoclassical design is the same on the back, though the rear cartouche is not engraved.
Neoclassicism in jewellery is not confined to any one period. It takes its design cues from the pared-down shapes, restraint, flatness and muted colours of classicism. (Romanticism is the opposite, celebrating exuberance, asymmetry and sculptured curves.)
As for its original owner: we found this in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of November 3 1921: "Mrs. Florence Allison of 5034 Washington ave and her daughter miss Jean Allison, returned Saturday from California, where they spent several months."
View a YouTube video of this vanity case here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in 14-carat yellow gold
• Approximately 60cm (6 1/4 inches) long including top ring, 3.2cm (1 1/4 inches) wide
• Weight is 54.5 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
A nécessaire is a small clutch that carries a lady's essentials. (Provided that she is very wealthy, and the people around her are actually doing all the necessary heavy lifting.)
Here's an American 14-carat gold and enamel nécessaire/vanity case. The top ring slips over a finger and a cabochon onyx clasp opens it. Inside is a tiny mirror and two even smaller hinged makeup compartments, also in gold. It’s a perfect party accessory for a wealthy socialite.
The neoclassical design is the same on the back, though the rear cartouche is not engraved.
Neoclassicism in jewellery is not confined to any one period. It takes its design cues from the pared-down shapes, restraint, flatness and muted colours of classicism. (Romanticism is the opposite, celebrating exuberance, asymmetry and sculptured curves.)
As for its original owner: we found this in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of November 3 1921: "Mrs. Florence Allison of 5034 Washington ave and her daughter miss Jean Allison, returned Saturday from California, where they spent several months."
View a YouTube video of this vanity case here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in 14-carat yellow gold
• Approximately 60cm (6 1/4 inches) long including top ring, 3.2cm (1 1/4 inches) wide
• Weight is 54.5 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
A nécessaire is a small clutch that carries a lady's essentials. (Provided that she is very wealthy, and the people around her are actually doing all the necessary heavy lifting.)
Here's an American 14-carat gold and enamel nécessaire/vanity case. The top ring slips over a finger and a cabochon onyx clasp opens it. Inside is a tiny mirror and two even smaller hinged makeup compartments, also in gold. It’s a perfect party accessory for a wealthy socialite.
The neoclassical design is the same on the back, though the rear cartouche is not engraved.
Neoclassicism in jewellery is not confined to any one period. It takes its design cues from the pared-down shapes, restraint, flatness and muted colours of classicism. (Romanticism is the opposite, celebrating exuberance, asymmetry and sculptured curves.)
As for its original owner: we found this in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of November 3 1921: "Mrs. Florence Allison of 5034 Washington ave and her daughter miss Jean Allison, returned Saturday from California, where they spent several months."
View a YouTube video of this vanity case here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in 14-carat yellow gold
• Approximately 60cm (6 1/4 inches) long including top ring, 3.2cm (1 1/4 inches) wide
• Weight is 54.5 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
