LONDON - The internationally acclaimed antique dealer S.J. Phillips will be presenting a dazzling array of exquisite jewels and precious objects, dating from the 17th century through to the mid 20th century, at Masterpiece London this summer. One of the Fair’s founder members S.J. Phillips has exhibited at every Masterpiece since it first opened its doors in 2010.

Many people rightly associate S.J. Phillips with outstanding historic, museum quality pieces, but this is just a small part of the business. Director Nicolas Norton, one of the great-grandsons of the original founder S.J. Phillips’, explains: “First and foremost we set out to offer superlative examples of classic jewellery, in terms of design, quality and craftsmanship all of which are infinitely wearable. Jewellery was designed to be worn and enjoyed and we are pleased to say that the majority of our customers do just that.” 

Well timed for the European summer, visitors to S.J. Phillips’ stand at Masterpiece will therefore find a fabulous selection perfect for all sorts of occasions. For example, a stylish pair of stunning earrings never fails to turn heads such as an magnificent pair of early 19th century drop diamond cluster pendant earrings (asking price in the region of £360,000). Or alternatively a more discreet but equally striking pair of 1920s jadeite bead and diamond scroll cluster pendant earrings by Cartier (asking price in the region of £220,000). 

A pair of 19th century drop diamond cluster pendant earrings, English, c.1840 (asking price in the region of £360,000). © S.J. Phillips

There is also a wide choice of chandelier style earrings notably a gorgeous pair of articulated amethyst and diamond fringe pendant earrings of geometric design made in France in the 1920s (asking price in the region of £28,000) or a pair sublimely elegant 19th century sapphire and diamond pendant earrings, c.1850 (asking price in the region of £46,000). For something more light-hearted and spot-on for summer there is a pair of Italian floral micromosaic and aventurine-glass pendant earrings, dating from circa 1860 (asking price in the region of £13,000).

A greater number of jewels available at S.J. Phillips are signed pieces by distinguished jewellery houses such as Cartier, Mauboussin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari but there are also a significant examples of exceptionally beautiful items by extremely talented but unknown European jewellers. Notable examples include a Deco diamond and vari-coloured gem set flowerhead panel bracelet c.1930 (asking price in the region of £150,000) and a carved emerald, ruby, sapphire and diamond tutti-frutti strap bracelet, French c.1930 (asking price in the region of £240,000), as well as a ruby and diamond four-row strap bracelet, c.1930 (asking price in the region of £48,000). 

A Carved emerald, ruby, sapphire and diamond tutti-frutti strap bracelet, French, c.1930 (asking price in the region of £240,000). © S.J. Phillips

The summer feel continues among the distinguished collection of gold boxes and precious objects. A particularly fabulous example is an ethereal 18th century German gold mounted quartz box, attributed to Friedrich Ludwig Hoffmann, Berlin c.1760 decorated with a charming simple spray of summer flowers and insects (asking price in the region of £500,000). Equally delightful is an early 17th century oval shaped enamelled miniature frame, made in Flanders, the back depicting a vase of flowers in full bloom (asking price in the region of £60,000). Likewise a small clear glass vase is contained with a delicately worked lattice-work of gold and enamel flowers and foliage. Probably of French origin it dates from circa 1890 (asking price in the region of £90,000). 

An 18th century German gold mounted quartz box, attributed to Friedrich Ludwig Hoffmann, Berlin c.1760 (asking price in the region of £500,000). © S.J. Phillips

S.J. Phillips will also be showing a select presentation of notable antique silver, as well as Faberge clocks and other precious objects. 

S.J. PHILLIPS Ltd is one of the oldest, family-owned, antique jewellery and precious objects businesses in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1869 and from the outset the company has enjoyed the reputation of dealing exclusively in pieces of superlative quality and beauty, many often with royal or distinguished provenance. Several can now be found in major international museums including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the British Museum, the Louvre, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to name but a few. 

For nearly 150 years was based on New Bond Street. The company moved premises to Bruton Street in February 2017.