Let's be optimistic and start off with the bull, which measures one inch long by 5/8 high, excluding pedestal. He is fully three dimensional and sports a pair of small (approximately 6 points each) but fully cut diamonds as befits such an enthusiastic fellow. The base is hand engraved with two stock symbols and prices: V 13 1/4, C 64, which no doubt had fond associations for the original owner...

comprising necklace (17 1/2 inches), bracelet (7 inches), brooch (1.75 inch diameter) and earrings. Excellent overall condition, though the safety needs to be reconnected and the threaded post-backs should be replaced with the "pinch" style backs (please see third photo).

Ruopoli worked for Black, Starr & Gorham in addition to making jewelry under his own name. He was a skilled modeller and his cast items are finely finished...

and a mighty handsome one, at that. With bad news swirling all around, what better way to brighten up the day than to buy yourself a little gift, preferably a silver one? Diameter 1 1/2 inches, excellent condition, clasp has been replaced with modern safety (please see third photo), unmarked.

comprising four double hinged arc form links each approximately 1 3/4 inches joined by three rectangular pieces. Some light scratches, and the locking screw is slightly off-vertical (a braver fellow than Yours Truly would bend it back straight) but the overall condition and quality are both superb. Weight 2.45 Troy ounces, length 7 inches. The double hinges provide for many possible shapes (see last two photos), making this a little piece of wearable sculpture...

Each link comprises a backing of pierced and hand-filed silver fused to a top portion of gold. It has a great feel "in the hand" and lies flat on the neck without kinking or fussing. The only mark appears to be "372 B" in a tiny hexagonal punch. I suspect that it is Spanish, and the B stands for Barcelona, but wouldn't stake my life on it. At any rate, we're hard pressed to think of a more attractive necklace that's ever passed through our establishment...

Just shy of two inches in both directions, mass 38 grams, opening for belt is 1.5 inches, some scratches as one might expect in an item that's been worn at waist level for the past sixty years but fine overall condition.

OK, let's get back to our ever-shrinking "gifts under one hundred dollars" category. This bracelet measures 6 3/4 inches long, and though reasonably priced it's well made-- each link is cast rather than stamped, which gives a pleasant heft (mass 27.2 grams). The condition is excellent, and you may view the maker's mark in photo number four.

A handsome (and now famous!) example of medallion jewelry, this pin features four different portraits. Length, 2 1/4 inches; excellent condition. Why is it famous? Please see Suzanne Marshall's fine new book "200 Years of American Manufactured Jewelry & Accessories", p. 45

warriors and one fair handsome maiden all of whom hang from a very Shiebler-esque pin so you can get the "look" for half the price! 2 7/8 inches long, no monogram, excellent condition, please see second photo for mark.

length 2 5/8; height 7/8 inches, excellent condition, no monogram. An especially fine example by this maker, whose jewelry tends to be a bit underrated (and undervalued) in the market at large.

length 7 1/2 inches, no monogram, excellent condition. If this one doesn't float your boat, please scroll down our list (or type Jensen into the search window and hit enter) to item 2088...

length 7 3/8 inches, weight .71 oz. Troy, excellent condition with tight clasp and properly functioning safety.

We've bought and sold many Jensen bracelets over the years and are well aware of the insults which they often suffer, but this one is free of deep scratches, hasn't been excessively polished, and has a wonderful smokey gray color.