The Silver Antiques Insider

Just Desserts With Beautiful Antique Silver!

October is National Dessert Month, and since there's nothing better than a gorgeous cake or pile of exotic fruit presented in a stunning piece of antique silver service ware, Nelson and Nelson thought we'd provide some sweet inspiration. Remember, life's too short to skip our favorite course! 


Looking for a sophisticated way to serve ice cream? Take a look at this lovely pair of sterling silver compotes by Georg Jensen, Copenhagen, Denmark, and designed by Johan Rohde, circa 1925. The compotes are hallmarked on the underside of each base with the Jensen crown hallmark for pieces made between 1925 and 1932, the GJ 925 S mark, Johan Rhode’s hallmark, Denmark, and style #242. There is also a presentation inscription on the underside of each foot commemorating a 25th wedding anniversary, dated January 5, 1928, indicating that this pair of compotes was made during that time. Love is sweet! For more information, click here. 

This stately silver two-tiered crystal compote would be exquisite for displaying cake or cupcakes, and was made in the Austro-Hungarian Empire circa 1840. The neoclassical design of this two-tiered masterpiece features a Greek style female figure holding the upper dish, with acanthus decorated stem and ancient animal form double-ring handle. For more information, click here.

Antique Inspirations For Downton Abbey Fans!

Since Nelson and Nelson is in the business of buying and selling antique silver and jewelry, we always turn an eager eye to the manner in which people and their surroundings are decorated in lavish period pieces--which is to say we loved Downton Abbey, the PBS miniseries that follows the lives of an aristocratic family in England on the brink of World War I. 

Now, while those of us in North America must wait until January, Series Two of Downton Abbey is already airing in the UK, and this very interesting article from the Daily Mail discusses the painstaking process of selecting props for each episode, which costs over 2 million dollars to produce!

"Each crystal glass is an antique from the era, as are the silver candlesticks, salt cellars and other condiment dishes. Some of the most stunning props actually belong at Highclere Castle, where Downton is filmed. Many others are sourced by the production team.

‘I travel the world to get the best prices for props,’ says art director Charmian Woods."

May we suggest that the Downton Abbey production team take a look at some of our exquisite (and nicely priced) Edwardian items?

This sterling silver mounted cut glass decanter was made by the silversmithing firm of Edward Streeter, London, in 1902. The cut glass body is cut in a hobnail motif with 4 heart shaped sections, and the silver lid, collar and handle are repousse and chased with floral, scroll and foliate motifs. This decanter would look fabulous at one of the lavish dinner parties hosted by the Earl and Countess of Grantham! For more information, click here. 

This is a pristine Edward VII period sterling silver cherub embossed dresser tray made in Birmingham, England 1906. The tray is fully hallmarked with the maker's mark RP, sterling standard town mark and date letter. The center of the tray is embossed and engraved with a winged female caressing a child amidst clouds. Perhaps a lovely item for chambers of Lady Mary? For more information, click here. 


This American Edwardian oval-shaped platinum brooch is decorated with a decorative figural bow and inlaid with small brilliant cut diamonds interspersed with strokes of inlaid emeralds. It would look wonderful on one of the American Crawley heiresses! For more information, click here.  

Antique Jewelry For Contemporary Tastes

New York City has been buzzing with Fashion Week festivities, and one of the prominent trends on the runways here has been a classically simple, streamlined silhouette. And while many assume that antique jewelry is often too fussy for modern tastes, Nelson and Nelson features some beautiful antique pieces that make a fabulous 21st-century statement. 

This unusual antique Victorian 15k yellow gold finely woven mesh rope chain features a beautifully formed figural snake head (with ruby eyes) and tail, which are delicately engraved to mimic the scaled skin of a reptile. Made in England circa 1880, this work of art is fully hallmarked and designed to hang just below the collar bone. For more information, click here.   

While these striking English Victorian 15 karat gold earrings were made around 1875 (during the height of the Industrial Revolution), they have a wonderfully contemporary aura. Approximately 1.5 inches in length, they are in excellent estate condition. For more information, click here. 

This timeless antique diamond, platinum and 14 karat gold Edwardian bangle bracelet was made in the U.S. circa 1910. The gold bangle frame is centered with a platinum and diamond-set geometric section featuring 9 Old Mine diamonds totaling approximately 1.0 carat. For more information, click here. 

More Than Just Antique Jewelry: David Webb

While Nelson and Nelson has a fine collection of antique jewelry, we also buy and sell signed jewelry from more recent decades. Among the pieces we have the pleasure of carrying are those designed by preeminent American jeweler David Webb.

From the moment he set up his jewelry business in 1945, with the backing of a New York socialite, Webb's designs caught the attention of the city's--and later the world's--elite. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lee Radziwill, Elizabeth Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor, Doris Duke and Gloria Vanderbilt were among the style icons who wore David Webb. In fact, his following was so devoted that one client actually had her ashes spilled in front of his atelier on 57th Street! 

Sadly, Webb passed away in 1975 and his company was recently relaunched. Fortunately, the magnificence of his design still shines through in the remarkable vintage pieces we offer. 

 Elegant and substantial, this flexible 18 karat yellow gold David Webb necklace is designed as graduated ropework links. Made circa 1970 and in excellent condition, it has a removable section and can be worn at two different choker lengths. For more information, click here. 

These timeless 18 karat yellow gold hand-hammered oval dome earclips were made by David Webb, New York, circa 1970. They are in excellent condition with original patina and weigh a substantial 24.1 dwts. For more information, click here.   

Antique Silver For A Distinguished Desk

Labor Day is coming up, and with that an end to summer's breeziness and a return to school and office. If you're ready to hunker down at work, why not do so with style and some select antique silver desk accessories from Nelson and Nelson?

The humble paperclip is taken to a beautiful new level with this beautiful sterling silver version decorated with an ornate scroll and leaf design. The raised pedestal holds the hinged mechanism that lifts up to secure a note, invitation, etc. Fully hallmarked, it was made by Frank W. Smith Co. Inc. of Gardner, Mass. and dates to 1895. For more information, click here. 

Ahoy! This swashbuckling letter opener/page turner features a parrot head fashioned in thick gauge silver with figural feathers all engraved. The wood blade has a very dark finish. This unique item was made in London 1886 by Ebenezer Newman. For more information, click here.

This Edwardian novelty item is designed as a square crystal inkwell with starburst-cut base and plain body and was made in Birminghman in 1907. The inkwell is topped with an American open-faced gold-plated watch by Elgin, Circa 1920. For more information, click here.