Tiger Claw Necklace

Tiger Claw Necklace
India, c. 1865

 In Nineteenth Century India, a tiger’s claws were considered to be powerful charms against evil. They were frequently used as amulets. Visitors to India, especially the British, found this custom charming and started to bring tiger claw amulets back to Britain as souvenirs. By the middle of the century, with a growing market, makers of tiger claw charms branched out into more elaborate pieces such as this one.

It was clearly made for the British market. The design is very similar to the shape and form of European jewelry. This particular necklace was exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Ten tiger claws of graded size have been set in engraved gold. The claws are linked by chains and the whole piece hangs from a gold snake. 

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Insect Necklace

Made of jasper, gold and agate, this woven necklace boasts a Milanese chain of hollow eliptical sections and three carved hard stone pendants. A gold frog, in relied, adorns the box clasp. 

The piece was made in Italy in the late Nineteenth Century by Giacinto Melillo who was known for his jewels made on ancient designs.

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How much do you love pugs?

These 18th-century ormolu Meissen pugs used to belong to Patricia Kluge. They were auctioned by Sotheby's in 2010. The sale price was anticipated to be $25K-$35K.

What would you have paid for these 18th-century ormolu Meissen pugs?

What do you think they actually sold for?

$86,500!!!!!!