09 Jul Marcus & Co. Jewelry: Sell a Brooch, Ring, or Cufflinks
At C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla, we have a lot of favorites in the world of antique jewelry. But one of the jewelry designers we most admire is Herman Marcus, who established the firm Marcus & Co. in 1892. Whenever Marcus & Co. jewelry is brought into our shop from a seller lucky enough to own a signed Marcus & Co. piece, we are excited at the opportunity to buy the item, and share with the seller all everything we may know about their Marcus & Co. jewelry.
One of the key factors that set Marcus & Co. apart from its contemporaries was its commitment to craftsmanship and design. The company employed skilled artisans who created intricate and innovative jewelry pieces using a wide range of techniques, including enameling, gem setting, and metalwork to create intricate, multi-dimensional pieces. They paid meticulous attention to the composition, ensuring that the jewelry designs harmoniously blended organic elements with precious materials.
Marcus & Co. Art Nouveau & Art Deco Jewelry
Marcus & Co. embraced two significant design movements of the time: Art Nouveau and Art Deco. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Art Nouveau emerged as a popular artistic style characterized by organic forms, flowing lines, and natural motifs. Marcus & Co. was at the forefront of this movement, and their jewelry designs reflected these aesthetic principles. They incorporated elements such as delicate flowers, twisting vines, sinuous curves, and motifs inspired by nature into their creations. The jewelry pieces were often adorned with gemstones, pearls, and colorful enamels, creating intricate and visually captivating designs.
Marcus & Co. also played a significant role in the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. As the 20th century progressed, artistic tastes shifted towards a more geometric and streamlined style, which gave rise to Art Deco. Marcus & Co. adapted to this new aesthetic, incorporating bold geometric patterns, symmetry, and sleek lines into their jewelry designs. Their Art Deco pieces often featured geometrically cut gemstones, such as emerald-cut diamonds, along with contrasting materials like onyx, coral, and black enamel.
Types of Marcus & Co. Antique Jewelry
Marcus & Co. created a wide range of jewelry pieces, showcasing their versatility and mastery across various styles and techniques. Here are some of the different types of jewelry that can still be found on the antique jewelry market in San Diego, and which C. Blackburn Jewelers purchases from the public:
Necklaces: Marcus & Co. produced an array of necklaces, ranging from delicate and intricate pendant necklaces to bold statement pieces. Their necklaces often featured elaborate designs, incorporating gemstones, pearls, enamels, and intricate metalwork. They explored various motifs inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, and animals, as well as geometric patterns during the Art Deco era.
Brooches: Brooches were a popular form of adornment during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Marcus & Co. created exquisite brooches that were highly sought after. Their brooches featured intricate designs, often incorporating natural motifs, such as flowers, insects, and birds. The use of gemstones, pearls, enamels, and meticulous metalwork added to the beauty and craftsmanship of these pieces.
Bracelets: Marcus & Co. crafted a variety of bracelets, ranging from delicate bangles to intricate cuff bracelets. They created bracelets in different styles, including the flowing and organic designs of Art Nouveau and the geometric and streamlined aesthetics of Art Deco. These bracelets were often adorned with gemstones, pearls, enamels, and engraved details.
Rings: Marcus & Co. designed and produced an array of rings, capturing the essence of the respective time periods. Their rings featured a wide range of gemstones, from vibrant colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds to sparkling diamonds. They incorporated unique and innovative settings, such as elaborate filigree work, ornate metalwork, and geometric patterns.
Earrings: Marcus & Co. crafted earrings that complemented their other jewelry creations. Their earrings ranged from intricate and dangling designs to more understated studs. They experimented with various materials, shapes, and styles, including chandelier earrings, hoop earrings, and gemstone-studded designs.
Tiaras and Hair Accessories: Marcus & Co. also created regal tiaras and hair accessories for special occasions. These pieces often featured intricate metalwork, gemstones, and pearls. The designs ranged from delicate and ethereal to grand and ornate, reflecting the styles of the respective time periods.
Accessories: In addition to jewelry, Marcus & Co. crafted other accessories such as cufflinks, dress clips, and vanity cases. These pieces displayed the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as their jewelry creations.
Where to Sell Marcus & Co. Jewelry
Marcus & Co. jewelry is highly collectable, with some pieces even appearing in Museum collections of late 19th and early 20th century artwork. This is why sometimes Marcus & Co. jewelry is sold via an auction house such as Sotheby’s or Christies. However, you can sell Marcus & Co. jewelry immediately as C, Blackburn Jewelers, without the often substantial fees and wait times associated with an auction house.
Call 858-251-3006 to tell us about your item or send us a message in the contact form below. Please provide as much details as possible about your Marcus & Co. brooch, ring, bracelet, necklace, cufflinks or other item made by Marcus & Co. To send photos and a text message, please use the following number:
Text Message & Photos:
619-723-8589
