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We have just added an extraordinary item to our collection: a pre-war lipstick case with a mirror 😍

This gem was manufactured in Vienna between 1920 and 1930; based on the markings, we also know that it was a luxury item intended for export to Czechoslovakia.

It never ceases to amaze us that even the simplest everyday objects were so ornate back then.

An antique brooch from the early Edwardian era, made in Birmingham in 1901 by Samuel M. Levi 🧐 Its central section is adorned with a sculptural relief depicting a female figure with a lyre, rendered in the soft, flowing forms characteristic of Art Nouveau. Her flowing hair, the subtle modeling of the relief, and the decorative composition give it a unique character, combining a classical motif with the modern aesthetics of the early 20th century.

Coral is not merely the colour of summer. It is a material that has held a special place in the world of luxury jewellery for centuries. 🧐

Natural red coral, delicate “angel skin” coral, carved cameos and exceptional creations by some of the greatest jewellery houses – from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to Bulgari and David Webb – demonstrate just how far the artistic potential of this remarkable material can reach.

Today, jewellery made from natural coral is increasingly attracting the attention of collectors. Its value is determined not only by the quality and colour of the coral, but above all by its period, condition, craftsmanship, provenance and the name of its designer. The finest creations can occupy a fascinating space between jewellery and art.

Can coral be a worthwhile investment? Which varieties are the most highly valued? Why do David Webb’s designs command such high prices, and what should you look for when choosing coral jewellery for your own collection?

We explore these questions in the latest article from Werner_Gallery. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Our latest additions to our vintage jewelry collection. 🥰

Filigree, natural gemstones, Polish vintage jewelry from the communist era—you’ll find all this and much more on our website.

We invite you to take a look! 🧐

We love jewelry like this, especially when it combines the Scandinavian style, which drew on modernism inspired by nature.

The silver set shown in the photo—the earrings and pendant—were created, and here’s the surprise… in Gdańsk! 😁

Have a great start to the week—we’ll soon be showing you what gems are already available in our summer collection.

Earrings from the early 20th century, made of silver and adorned with "pigeon's blood" garnets and freshwater pearls.

The Rediscovered Diamond of Empress Zita – The Extraordinary Story of Austria’s Last Empress 💎

Is it possible to lose one of the world’s most famous diamonds? The story of the Florentine Diamond, also known as the Empress Zita Diamond, proves that even the most famous jewels can disappear for an entire century.

This extraordinary stone weighed approximately 137 carats, had a distinctive light yellow, slightly honey-colored hue, and was cut into an extremely rare nine-sided shape with as many as 126 facets. Its extraordinary appearance made it instantly recognizable, and for centuries it was considered one of the most beautiful and remarkable diamonds in Europe.

The origin of the Florentine Diamond remains a mystery to this day. According to one of the most famous legends, it belonged to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and was found after his death at the Battle of Nancy in 1477. Other sources, however, suggest that the stone originated from the legendary diamond mines of India, from where it made its way to Europe via merchants. Regardless of its actual origin, in the 17th century the diamond came into the possession of the Medici family in Florence—hence its current name.

After the Medici dynasty came to an end, the diamond passed into the possession of the Habsburg dynasty and, for generations to come, remained one of the imperial family’s most valuable private jewels. It adorned the most important regalia and served as a symbol of prestige for one of Europe’s most powerful monarchies.
Its fate changed after the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918. The last Empress of Austria, Zyta of Bourbon-Parma, took the family jewels with her when she left the country. Reportedly, the Florentine Diamond was among them. After the imperial family’s exile, all traces of the stone suddenly vanished.

For over a century, it was believed that the diamond had been stolen, cut into smaller stones, or sold anonymously to conceal its origin. Many theories emerged—ranging from its sale through intermediaries in South America to its being cut into several large diamonds that were never definitively identified.

It is only in recent years that the story of this legendary gem has once again sparked excitement. Reports and analyses increasingly suggest that the famous Florence Diamond may have survived in a modified form or be part of a private collection. Although the question of its location continues to spark debate among historians and gemologists, the diamond itself remains one of the most sought-after and mysterious gems in the history of jewelry.

Regardless of where this extraordinary stone is currently located, the Florence Diamond remains a symbol of the Habsburg dynasty’s former glory and one of the greatest mysteries of the world of historical jewelry. If it were to appear on the antiques market one day, it would undoubtedly be one of the most significant discoveries in the history of collecting and gemmology.

Our summer collection simply wouldn’t be complete without diamonds. This time, in an unexpected take. 😁

We present subtle earrings featuring natural grey-tinted diamonds. Their unique colour harmonises beautifully with the light yellow gold setting, creating a timeless and elegant combination.

Why coloured diamonds, you might ask? Most diamonds available on the market are colourless. Natural diamonds with a distinct colour are much rarer, making each one truly unique. This is not only original jewellery, but also a gemstone that could be an interesting addition for those considering the long-term value of their collection.

Few jewellery motifs in history evoke as much fascination as the Lover's Eye—an extraordinary form of sentimental jewellery featuring a miniature portrait of a loved one's single eye. Set into rings, brooches, lockets, or pendants, these delicate miniatures symbolised love, devotion, and remembrance while preserving the anonymity of the person portrayed.

The fashion for Lover's Eye jewellery began in 1785, inspired by George, Prince of Wales, later King George IV, who commissioned such a portrait for his beloved Maria Fitzherbert. Their relationship was conducted in secret and opposed by the British court, making the depiction of a single eye the perfect way to conceal the sitter's identity. The idea quickly became fashionable among the British aristocracy before spreading throughout Europe.

These exquisite miniatures were painted by some of the finest artists of the period using watercolours on thin sheets of ivory. Once completed, they were entrusted to master jewellers, who mounted them in gold or silver settings, often embellished with natural pearls, diamonds, and other precious gemstones. Lover's Eyes appeared in the form of rings, brooches, lockets, bracelets, pendants, and even pocket watches.

A Lover's Eye was far more than a piece of jewellery. For centuries, the eye had been regarded as the mirror of the soul, symbolising sincerity, presence, and enduring affection. Such jewels were exchanged as engagement gifts, wedding tokens, or treasured keepsakes between loved ones. During the 19th century, the motif also became closely associated with mourning jewellery, often incorporating a lock of the deceased's hair on the reverse as a lasting memorial.

Lover's Eye jewellery reached the height of its popularity between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. With the invention of photography, however, hand-painted portrait miniatures gradually fell out of fashion. Today, relatively few authentic examples have survived, making them among the most desirable and highly prized forms of sentimental jewellery and portrait miniature art.

More than two centuries after their creation, Lover's Eye jewels continue to captivate collectors, historians, and admirers of antique jewellery alike. They remain remarkable reminders of an era when a single glance could express more than the most eloquent declaration of love.