Dreicer & Co., New York, “Bishop’s” ring, elaborately detailed Gothic Revival 18K gold ring set with a large round cut “Siberian” amethyst (approx. 55 carats TW), original leather and silk velvet and satin lined box, c.1880
The firm of Dreicer & Co. was one of the top luxury jewelry retailers in America during the first quarter of the 20th century. The firm is believed to have originated as J. Dreicer & Son representing the Parisian firm A. Eknayan and displaying an extensive array of diamond jewelry during the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The emphasis on diamonds at the St. Louis exposition would characterize the firm’s production and resulting strong reputation from about 1910 through the 1920’s. Though it is not clear in what year the firm opened its boutique in New York City at 560 Fifth Avenue, the luxurious jewels in platinum and diamonds as well as pearls within were comparable with Cartier’s luxurious designs. The firm maintained a branch at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. Dreicer & Co. is credited as the first company to introduce in New York many of the latest diamond cuts from Paris. The shop was liquidated in 1923 following the death of Michael Dreicer, the founder’s son, in 1921. Cartier bought Dreicer’s stock of jewels for $2.5 million
Belle Epoque large cabochon Amethyst pendant brooch (approx. 100+ carats TW) set with old mine cut diamonds and 2 fine old round cut diamonds (approx. 3 carats TW) all in a silver top gold mounting, c. 1895
Asian Art Nouveau inspired “Frog on a Lily Pad” ring, 18K white gold with a gunmetal surface, cabochon amethyst petals, a three dimensional frogs pave set with tsavorites and sapphire eyes, diamond details, marked, c. 2005
American Arts & Crafts ring, detailed and scrolling 14K gold mount with stylized leaves and blossoms surrounding a large cabochon amethyst (approx. 22+ carats TW), marked, c. 1915
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