Objects of Vertu

Overview

Objects of vertu, also known as bijouterie, are exquisite luxury objects crafted from precious metals, gemstones, and fine materials. Highly sought after by collectors, these decorative works of art are admired for their exceptional craftsmanship, rarity and historical significance. While often created as display pieces, many objects of vertu are also functional, combining artistry with practical use.

Types of Objets d'Arte and Vertu

Examples of objects of vertu include:

• Boxes; including snuff, patch and pill boxes
• Bonbonnières and sweetmeat boxes
• Vinaigrettes
• Necessaires and étuis
• Scent bottles and perfume flasks
• Powder compacts
• Cases; including cigarette, card and vestas
• Seal fobs
• Wax seals
• Travelling clocks
• Chatelaines
• Portrait miniatures
• Religious icons
• Hardstone carvings
• Cane handles
• Decorative fans 
• Opera glasses
• Luxury writing instruments

Materials Used for Objects of Vertu

Materials we commonly enounter are:

• Precious metals: gold, silver and silver gilt
• Enamels
• Hardstones: jade, jadeite, rock crystal, lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger's eye, nephrite, serpentine marbles, pietra dura, hardstone mosaics, Derbyshire feldspar Blue John
• Organic materials: amber, ivory (where legally permissible), mother of pearl, tortoiseshell, shagreen, horn
• Diamonds and coloured gemstones
• Decorative techniques: lacquer, bronze, ormolu, metalwork

Makers of Objects of Vertu

We regularly offer rare and important pieces by internationally renowned makers including Fabergé, Cartier, Janesich, Boucheron, and other prestigious European jewellers and luxury houses. In 2023, we sold a Cartier gold, enamel and chalcedony carriage timepiece for £6,000 (+BP) and a Cartier 18ct gold and sapphire cigarette case for £5,000 (+BP).

Over the years we have achieved outstanding auction results for important private collections. Notable sales include a remarkable set of twenty framed 19th-century Indian portrait miniatures, featuring Maharaja Sher Singh, which realised £16,000 (+BP). Another memorable highlight was a charming 19th-century portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette, depicting the French queen wearing her iconic towering 'galleon' hairstyle, which sold for £1,400 (+BP).