Antique & Ancient Jewelry Auction

This Thursday (February 5, 2015) at noon, an amazing collection of antique and ancient jewelry dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the early 1900s will be auctioned off by Alex Cooper Auctioneers.  These amazing (and rare) jewels come from the estate of award-winning author and Egyptologist, Barbara Mertz.  

Barbara Mertz (Frederick, Md., 1924-2013) was an Egyptologist and the author of several best-selling mystery novels as well as supernatural thrillers.  She received a PhD in Egyptology and became a published writer in 1964 writing under her own name and two pseudonyms: Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels.  She became fascinated by ancient Egypt when she was only 13 years old, but did not travel there until the early 1960s.  She first wrote two nonfiction books on ancient Egypt, but is best known for her mystery and suspense novels.  Her exceptional collection of jewels includes more than 150 pieces!

To participate in this amazing auction and to see the full auction listing, click here.  

And, keep reading to see a few of my personal favorites from the Mertz Collection!  

Lott 116 - Rare antique natural alexandrite & diamond ring with cushion-shaped natural alexandrite,
approx. 5 carats set in 9K yellow gold surrounded by 20 old European cut diamonds.

Lot 145 - Victorian floral brooch / hair comb with 18 carats of old-mine cut diamonds attributed
to R. & S. Garrard & Co., London, circa 1880, mounted in silver & 18K gold.

Lot 7 - Middle Kingdom necklace comprising 32 biconical gold beads & 20 amethyst beads with a rare
amethyst Horus falcon pendant that is 17 inches long overall & has been restrung with a modern gold clasp.

Lot 100 - A lady's 18k gold artisan-made, circa 1930, crocodile brooch coiled around a baroque pearl, with
rubies as eyes & diamonds along the back & tail.

Lot 143 - Dark green jade tablet fob engraved with coat of arms & motto, "Pax in Bello," in 14K yellow gold setting, Victorian.

Lot 67 - Continental Renaissance Pendant from the late 19th century, centered with a vignette of a
maiden & goat in 22K white & yellow gold enhanced with enamel & set with emeralds, diamond chips & pearls.

Lot 45 - Castellani gold micromosaic  from the 3rd quarter  of the 19th century.  Roman style image of a flying
dove set in a gold frame with raised letters "VITA TIBI" ("Life to Thee") & the Castellani trademark on the back.

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