Sapphire stories
When we think of sapphires, the first image that usually comes to mind is a velvety blue. Yet these gemstones occur in a glorious spectrum of colours, giving antique sapphire jewellery variety and individuality. Sapphires belong to the corundum family. Trace elements create their different shades. Blue remains the most familiar, ranging from pale cornflower […]
Vermeil – the art of gilding silver
Vermeil jewellery became popular in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras because it offered the warm, luxurious appearance of gold while using silver as its precious metal base. The technique was particularly well suited to the ornate designs of the time, where the rich gold finish enhanced intricate engraving, filigree and decorative motifs. It was also […]
Symbolism in Victorian jewellery
The Victorians had a remarkable fascination with the natural world, and nowhere is this more beautifully reflected than in their jewellery. During the 19th century, insects such as bees, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles and spiders became highly fashionable decorative motifs. Not only were they incredibly delicate, they were also highly symbolic. You might know that […]
Pearl perfection
Unlike other gems, pearls, the birthstone for June, are formed naturally within molluscs, giving them a soft lustre and unique beauty that has captivated collectors and jewellery lovers throughout history. Natural pearls are the rarest and most valuable, formed entirely without human intervention, and they were highly prized in Georgian and Victorian jewellery. Today, most […]
Andrew Grima – Jewellery Pioneer
One of my favourite jewellery designers of the 20th-century is Andrew Grima. You may not have heard of him but he is described as a pioneer of modern jewellery. He transformed traditional expectations, introducing bold, sculptural pieces that blurred the line between jewellery and wearable art. Born in Rome in 1921 and raised in England, […]
Antique aquamarine elegance
Aquamarine is such a stunning gemstone, identifiable by its clear, sea-blue tones, but which can sometimes be mistaken for a topaz. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea”. Historically, aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and bring safe passage across oceans. By the Victorian era, it had become a […]
A Cut Above
Did you see the press attention when Taylor Swift got engaged recently?! All the focus was on the ring which was an absolute gobstopper. The diamond is approx. 8-10 carats and is an old mine cut which is actually really traditional. It got me thinking that when you explore antique jewellery, one of the most […]
Elizabeth Gage – unmistakeable & exceptional
Few contemporary jewellery designers have achieved the distinctive reputation and enduring appeal of Elizabeth Gage. Known for her bold use of colour, rich textures and unmistakably individual style, Elizabeth Gage has been creating exceptional jewellery for more than fifty years and remains one of Britain’s most celebrated jewellery designers. She’s one of my favourites! Her […]