Morganite magic
As an antiques expert, few gemstones thrill me quite like morganite! Soft, romantic and quietly luminous, this blush-pink beryl has a subtle elegance that makes it perfectly suited to antique jewellery, where refinement and craftsmanship matter far more than showy brilliance. Discovered in the early 20th century, morganite was named in honour of financier and […]
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 […]
Sovereigns – majestic coins & valuable heirlooms
At Heirlooms, we not only specialise in antique jewellery, we also buy objet d’art and gold. We’ve recently acquired this incredible 9ct gold sovereign case which is sadly empty. However, the history of sovereigns is fascinating! Once an integral part of British currency, it is now forged as a commemorative coin and is often mounted […]
The value of antique provenance
Antique jewellery is more than beautiful design and fine craftsmanship — it’s history you can wear. What sets it apart from modern pieces is provenance: the story of where a piece came from, who owned it, and how it’s travelled through time. That story can add cultural and even financial value to a piece. I […]