Product Description
Art Deco “Saturn” ring, freshwater pearl (Mississippi river pearl, certificate) and pave diamonds all set in platinum c. 1920
Art Deco “Saturn” ring, freshwater pearl (Mississippi river pearl, certificate) and pave diamonds all set in platinum c. 1920
BISMARCK FAMILY CROWN
HOUSE OF KOCH Germany
Chignon crown c. 1900
Moonstones and diamonds set in an elaborate platinum mount, original leather box
The renowned “House of Koch” made this remarkable bejeweled chignon for the Bismarck family of Lauenburg, Germany. It is an early example of exquisite work in platinum and is set with cabochon moonstones and rose cut diamonds. The jewelry firm, known as the “House of Koch” was founded by Robert and Louis Koch in 1879 in Frankfurt, Germany with a branch in Baden-Baden. By 1883, the jewelers had earned the coveted title of Jeweler of the Court of Frankfurt and crafted jewels for many European Royal families. In fact, their jewels were famous across Europe, and their fashionable styles were worn in the courts of several European royals including the King of Italy and the Czar of Russia. By the time Robert Bosch had assumed control of the firm in 1938, the Koch family was forced to “Aryanize” their jewelry house. It was common during the late nineteenth Century for prestigious families to retool old antique heirloom pieces to bring them up to contemporary fashion standards and since this chignon has characteristics of both the 18th and the 19th Century jewelry, it was likely made from older pieces owned by the Bismarck family. The company closed doors in 1987 and jewels from the great time of the House of Koch are very much sought after in today’s antique jewelry market.
WALTER DORWIN TEAGUE (1883-1960) USA
STEUBEN DIVISION, CORNING GLASS WORKS Corning, NY
Architectural “Sphere” bookends c. 1935
Polished clear lead crystal
Marks: Steuben (inscribed on one), 16 and 23 (one number inscribed on each)
Illustrated: House Beautiful, September 1937 and in the Steuben Archive
H: 4 1/2″ x W: 5″ x D: 4 1/4″