Museum Quality Dieppe Carved Ivory Cameo Brooch "Song of Bernadette"	This is a truly amazing find!  Large Dieppe carved ivory cameo brooch, depicting a young woman with a bird.  I was struck by its beauty at an instant; somehow, the woman's face reminded me of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, France.  Like most avid collectors, I had my mind set on acquiring this beautiful piece.  If you are not familiar with Saint Bernadette, there is a web of information on this one of the most revered figures of the Catholic Church.  The story of St. Bernadette was played on screen by Jennifer Jones in a movie called "The song of Bernadette".  Though the movie isn't accurate, it was a deeply moving interpretation of the short life of St. Bernadette.
Victorian Carved Ivory Lily of the Valley Cameo Brooch Pin	This Lilly-of-the-Valley Ivory Brooch is a superb example of the art of Victorian carving. Captured with life-like details, each tiny bell shaped flower and leaf reveal the talent of a master carver.  During the time of Queen Victorian (1837 - 1901), the language of flowers served as a unique form of communication between lovers and friends. This Lilly-of-the-Valley brooch conveys the message "return to happiness" and "you have made my life complete".   It is occasionally referred to as "the tears of the Virgin Mary" for its purity.  One of my personal favorite in this collection, this is truly an amazing work of art.   Both the carving and the original safety-clasp pin back are in excellent condition.
Victorian High Relief Carved Ivory Cameo with Carved Floral Frame	Victorian high relief carved ivory cameo, set in its original matching carved frame with floral decoration. It is in flawless condition other than few light hairlines on the cameo, but they do not affect beauty of this cameo at all, which is quite rare for its age. The lines around the ring of the frame are not hairlines, but carving lines. There is a light hairline under the bust, but it is not noticeable when displayed. Natural cross-hatching graining on surface can be seen under the bust and around her hat. This is most likely an Austrian or German origin based on her dressing, feathered hat, and its decorative frame. The frame itself is a work of art, carved with rose, lily of the vally, forget-me-not, daisy, and acorn leaves. The frame is in flawless condition, not a single damage as far as I can tell.  Measures approximately 4" in height with the frame, over 3/4" in depth. The cameo itself is about 2" in length.
Victorian Hand Carved Ivory Cameo Kiss of a Dove Brooch Pin	This early 1900 depiction of a young girl with kissing dove is one of the most unique character cameos we collected.  Originated from Germany, this ivory cameo is in marvelous condition, depicting a Victorian young girl from an aristocratic family.  Her curly hair was adorned by an elaborate feather hat with flowers, wearing a school girl outfit.  The dove is standing over her shoulder and kissing her at the lips.  She is not wearing any jewelry like other portraits I have seen.  She is simply an embodiment of purity as expressed by the gentle kiss of a dove.  Highly detailed and in very high relief, the master carver channeled his idea of pureness and youthfulness through the young girl, giving her eternal life in the form of a treasured art.
Exquisitely Carved Ivory Floral Cross Pendant Victorian Era	Exquisitely Carved from a single piece of ivory, this Victorian era cross is an exceptional artwork!  The floral motif is highly three dimensional with realistic appeal.  The cross comes with original matching ivory bale.  Measures 4 5/8" in length by 2 1/8", the bale is about 9/16" in inner diameter.  Creamy natural patina evenly across, and there are evident transparent graining on the back.  An amazing 150-year old treasure!
Museum Quality Victorian Carved Ivory Cross Pendant with Rose/Floral Motif	Magnificent!  This Victorian carved ivory cross pendant is truly a one of a kind find.  Measures approximately 4.5" in length by 2.5" in width.  The floral motif was so meticulously executed, it will make your head spin and ponder the question how they were able to carve such treasure depicting this level of complexity.  The cross is complete with its own wreath, all carved in ONE single piece of ivory!  No doubt carved by a master carver, who else could breathe life into a still substance?  It is in absolutely pristine condition.  This is far by the highest quality cross I ever come across, and most likely one of the highest quality cross survived the ages.  I have seen many other ivory crosses listed on google, none has ever come close to the quality and size of this particular piece of treasure.  People often claim their collection to be part of the Dieppe ivory art, but they simply have no idea what that really entails.  Dieppe stands for one of the highest carving quality and for its level of difficulty in term of sophisticated aesthetic expression that applies to the carving.  Collecting ivory is not about the quantity, it’s all about the quality.  I have always been extremely selective, and this cross far surpasses my expectation in just every respect.  One of the unique details I will point out is that the back of the cross is not plain; rather, it is sort of carved to allow light passing through to achieve a more vivid dimensional effect.  Of course, it is also much harder for the carver to deliver such added effect, which demonstrates why this cross is so exceptional.
Victorian Carved Ivory Lady's Fan w. Grape Vine Motif	In Victorian times every high society girl or woman was accompanied by a hand fan.  It was not because hand fans were used as cooling instruments, but also as convenient communication devices, mainly for transmitting more or less furtive love messages.  This carved ivory hand fan is an exquisite delight to my collection.  The motif was done in elaborate grapes, leaves, and vines.  As in nature, grapevine was dormant and leafless in winter, but in summer it produced the most beautiful show of abundance and fast growth that often spoke for the message of prosperity.  A wonderfully crafted hand fan reflects social status as well as level of wealth.  This carved ivory fan is in excellent condition with natural patina; it is monogrammed with the initial "M" and binded by silk.  I have included a summary of the "Language of Victorian Fan" for your interest.
Victorian Carved Ivory Hand w. Roses Brooch Pin	Token of affection, hand jewelry was one of the most prominent representations of the Romantic Victorian art.  This particular brooch depicts a lady's hand holding a bouquet of roses, lily of the valley, and forget-me-not.  Every detail was meticulously excuted and nothing of the slightest importance was overlooked.  Very high relief sentimental piece.
Victorian Carved Ivory Lions Head Bangle Bracelet	Lion often is used as a symbol of strength, courage, and royalty.  This carved ivory bangle speaks exactly the message it wants to convey.  During Victorian times, I suspected either the royal or the wealthy class could have commissioned this fabulously carved bangle.  It's in marvelous condition as matched by its superior life-like carvings.
Victorian Carved Ivory Brooch Pin in Grapevine Motif
Substantial Extra Wide Carved Ivory Bangle Bracelet
Victorian Hand Carved Ivory Bacchus Cameo Brooch Pin
Victorian Carved Ivory Cherub Cameo Pendant
Victorian Carved Ivory Bangle w. Ribbons	This is a substantial sized bangle, hand carved in genuine ivory, depicting a knotted ribbon.  In Victorian time, ribbon is the eternity symbol of "paths of life and love".  This one conveyed such message and was probably presented as an engagement or anniversary gift between love ones.
Victorian Carved Ivory Cameo Brooch Pin	During Victorian times, cameo was a popular token of love, friendship, or mourning.  There were almost unlimited subjects and themes involved.  Materials used spread from precious metals and jewels to natural substances like ivories, bones, corals, and to man-made materials such as celluloid or plastic.  While many were carved from traditional mythological characters, some were inspired by and modeled after actual individuals.   This particular cameo is unmistakably Victorian treasure, survived for the past century with no damage to the carving.  Patina is smooth and warm.  The depiction is a Victorian lady, possibly from aristocratic family, given her cleanly braided hair that looped over her head, the large chandelier drop earrings, and that substantial heart pendant sitting over a strand of pearl necklace.   The facial feature was amazingly beautiful and serene, as well as her pose that delivered a sense of grace and class.   Wrapped by fancy rope border with engraved backing to enhance her presence, this cameo was truly a magnificent treasure that spoke for the sophistication and elegance of the period.
Exquisitely Carved Victorian Ivory Cross w. Grape Vine Motif	This is delicately and ornately carved antique ivory cross is an excellent example of the panicle of the Victorian carving.   A harmonized arrangement of grapes, vines, and leaves adorn this enchanting cross. The subject of choice could not be more appropriate since grapes represent Christ and the Christian faith. The back is flat grained Ivory.   A superbly crafted cross that is a center attraction in this collection.  In excellent condition.
Victorian Hand Carved Ivory Cherub Cameo Brooch Pin	While I have several ivory cherubs in my collection, this particular one is my all time favorite.  It was not because the subject matter was usual, but the carving of this little angel exhibited the most serene expression I have ever come across.  In the Victorian era, little cherubs of this kind were carved in memory of one's lost child given high mortality rate in those times.  Mothers were consoled when believing the souls of their little ones were accepted in heaven and transcended into little angels.  Given the facts these were mourning jewelries, peacefulness of the expression highlighted desirability.
Large 18mm Carved Ivory Bead Necklace
Victorian Carved Ivory Cameo Brooch Pin
Large 18mm Carved Ivory Bead Necklace
Deeply Carved Victorian Ivory Rose Pendant	Rose spoke of the language of love was the most popular subject of the Victorian era and beyond.  Over the years, we had come across many ivory roses in just about every conceivable dimension and skill levels.  With that knowledge, I admit this is by far the most gorgeous depiction of a rose.  It is not just because it is in deep relief (the difficulty levels rise with relief levels), but also because of its realistic expression of bloom.  The wide opening petals that fold over at the edge were further characterized by its delicate curves.  It is like the rose is "smiling" at you with bundle of happiness.  I would suspect this piece was commissioned by someone who was deeply in love.  It took a master carver to bring about the complicated feeling of love and transcend it into a stunning work of art.  In pristine condition with no damage to the carving.
Victorian Carved Ivory Frame with Floral Borders	Elaborate tiny floral details made us believe this ivory frame was carved with Chinese origin, where most laborious carvings were from.  This frame, however, was custom made for Western societies as it incorporated some Western details along with its Eastern origin.  The usual ivory frames from China were carved in complete oval, with narrow borders.  This particular piece was carved in an eggshell shape, with wide floral borders, beaded inner circle, ridged side borders with scalloped curves that were of fashions of the West.  Yet the crysthenum and peonies, which were symbols of royalty in Chinese culture, replaced the usual roses and forget-me-not in Western culture.  A harmonic combination that was made from genuine ivory, with clearly evident cross-hatching graining from the back of the frame.
Exceptionally Carved Victorian Ivory Hand Holding Rose Brooch Pin	The hand is a recurring romantic symbol in Victorian Jewelry.  Love, affection, and friendship are but a few of the variety of meanings a hand depicted.  Different subjects depicted with the hand carving delivered a variety of messages.  This particular one is holding a blossoming rose along with forget--me-not, so it is most likely an item of affection.  While the subject matter is not unusual, the carving itself is a magnificent work of art.  It was just unbelievable how exceptional the carving actually was as you can see nothing of slightest detail was missed by the master carver.  The hand nails, knuckles, and dimples are all coming to life in this carving.  The hand is carved in high relief, with no damages to the hand or rose, the surface was left in satin finish, unlike many that were highly polished.
Victorian French Dieppe Carved Ivory Brooch-Museum Quality	This Dieppe carved ivory brooch is far by the most amazing treasure in the entire collection.  I believe while every item in the collection is of exceptional beauty, there has to be a definitive piece that soars above the rest.  No other piece comes close in terms of quality and rarity to the delicacy and splendor of such blissful creation.  At 3.5”, the brooch is generously sized, but the carver did not sacrifice precision to dimensions.  Every tiny detail is meticulously executed.  The carving was so elaborate that one would be mesmerized at first sight by its intricate display of floral arrangement.  I have seen many pieces on display at the British Museum, but they all fell short in comparison.  Leave no doubt this is the ultimate representation of the work of master carver, and I truly doubt I would ever come across another one of similar quality.
Victorian Carved Ivory Rose Pendant w. Chain Link Necklace	Another delightful example of Victorian art.  It is not the rose; I am speaking of the ivory link necklace.  You simply cannot find many of link necklaces left from the Victorian era because they are just almost impossible to carve.  While large links were easier to carve and assemble, they looked ridiculous.  This necklace was made from tiny links that were carved from genuine ivory.  Each link was carved into a form of a ring and was cut only once on the ring.  There was no gap or opening on the ring; it was simply a cut line.  Once all the tiny pieces were carved, they were linked together which gave the rise to the name "link necklace" or "chainlink necklace" as it was called.  Ivories are brittle, but they are also minimum pliable only if they are not dried out.  Through the cut line, each ring was able to link together yet created an illusion of seamlessness.  Without close inspection, one simply arrived at the conclusion these were made from one solid piece of ivory.  We were fortunate enough to have obtained five of these necklaces over the past, that's how we learned the unique process of making these necklaces.  The time and effort that goes into one of these necklaces were burdensome.  Most carvers preferred other subjects due to the time involved, which eventually made these necklaces so scarce.
Victorian Hand Carved Ivory Wheat Sheat Brooch Pin	Meticulously hand carved by a master carver, this exquisite Victorian brooch features a sheaf of wheat motif. (c. 1870-90) An Ivory brooch such as this captivating French piece would be given as a token of marital bliss or sorrow. The wheat sheaf was representative of divine harvest and marital fertility. If this image appeared on a memorial piece it conveyed sorrow over the death of an aged loved one.   One of the most beautiful Antique Ivory brooch I have come across.
Large Carved Chinese Ivory Picuture Frame with Floral Motif	A fine example of Victorian picture frame, made from geuine ivory, with floral borders excuted by Chinese carver.  Large oval frame with very detailed floral motif.  Excellent original condition.  Warm patina.  Backed by carved ivory stand.
Rare Victorian Oxford Print Ivory Prayer Book with Monogram Incredible Huge Blooming Victorian Ivory Rose Pendant with Chain Link Necklace
Victorian Carved Ivory Cameo Lady with Feather Brooch Pin
Spectacular Victorian Carved Ivory Lily of the Valley Cameo Brooch Pin	This is another prized brooch in this collection.  While lily of the valley is a common theme in Victorian art, it is also one of the most difficult theme to carve.  Perfectly preserved carving is almost impossible to find, this one was fortunate enough to be in prestine condition after 150 years.  The carving is extremely difficult given the relief, but the skill level to carve this brooch went even further by depicting a branch of lilies bridge above the base of the brooch.  It is completely hollow underneath.  Ivories are soft carving materials, such level of skill is unimaginable in today's world.  A treasure that will be cherished for many years to come.
Victorian Carved Ivory Cupid Cherub Brooch Pin
Victorian Carved Continental Ivory Box with Rose Motif.
Victorian Carved Ivory Morning Glory and Wheat Sheaf Brooch
Victorian Carved Ivory Cameo Reminiscence of Titanic	I absolutely adore this brooch!  It is such an unique piece that I simply can't let it pass me by.  The woman in the carving reminds me of Rose in the movie "Titanic" all the way to her costumes and jewelries.  Her wavy hair was bring to life by its master carver, and that Chandelier earrings drape beautifully to her neckline.  What impresses me the most wasn't just its authenticity to its time period, but its level of skills in carving.  I have seen many cameos, either they are raised to a side face or they are carved with full face turning slightly towards either end.  This one is so unique that I am truly taken by its mastery.  When I first saw this brooch, I  actually thought it was another side view carving, but how wrong I was!  It has a full face turning 180 degrees to the right that I have never seen on any cameo for all my years as a collector.  The reason for slight turning of face for full face carving was that it gets more difficult to carve a symmetric face as it turns to either side.  As you can see in the photo, the face is carved with perfect symmetry, that is not something you see even on collector's piece.  It's beaded edge has some missing beads, but all that was forgiven considering the unbelievably carving.  I love it truly!
c.1870 French Dieppe Carved Ivory Cross Pendant	I love items that bear dates. Not only does it help in establishing the proper period to categorize, but it also lends an "air of mystery" as to who owned the piece in times past.  What I have here is an amazing cross pendant, still nestled in its original casket-shaped presentation box.  Ivory cross wasn't uncommon in carving, but they are usually carved in four separate pieces--the corpus, arms, and the cross itself.  This little cross is unique, it is carved from a single piece of ivory.  Yes, the body of Jesus and the cross were carved as a complete work of art.  And given the size of the cross, you would be just as amazed as I was when I first saw this cross.  The carver did not spare the effort due to its size.  The facial feature of Jesus was carved in every bit of detail as you might expect in a large cross.  Dieppe was famous for its ivory carving, and micro carving is something French Dieppe was known for.  The cross, though not an example of micro carving, is as refined as it gets.  Nothings was damaged, not even a slightest hairline; it is in perfect condition.  There is a carved bale at the top to insert a chain or ribbon or cord; the hole is small so if you are wanting to suspend the piece from beads, the cross would have to be strung at the same time AS the beads! The INRI is present at top and yes, there is a definite patina of age. Turn the cross over to reveal a scrimshaw back (black ink in a handcarved notation) that includes the date 1870 and the previous owner's name - Cornelie (Cornelia).  Grain of the ivory is apparent in every dimension of the cross.  It  measures 1-5/8" wide x x 2-3/4" high.  The box measures 3-1/8" x 2-1/8" and does have its fair share of old age.  Part of the paper border is missing on the inside but the velvet as well as the silk lining is in nice shape for its age.  One hinge has slipped from the side but could be reinserted with some glue.  Closure clasp does not work.  Well, its better to have the original box than not, even if there are a few condition issues.