Forgotten Gems of Antique Jewellery
Diamonds, rubies and sapphires may dominate today’s jewellery designs, but some gemstones have since slipped from fashion, making their appearance in older jewellery all the more fascinating. Chrysoberyl was particularly popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods. Usually golden yellow or green, it has a bright sparkle and was often set in rings, brooches and […]
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 […]
Ruby vs Garnet
At first glance, rubies and garnets can look remarkably alike. Their rich red hues have been set in jewellery for centuries, yet these beautiful gemstones each have their own fascinating history and unique appeal. Rubies, the birthstone for July, have long been regarded as one of the world’s most precious gemstones. A variety of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
The History of Heirlooms
Although I started my journey with Heirlooms in 2017, the full story started in 1986 when it was founded by gemmologist Gabrielle Young and her watchmaker husband Michael. The shop used to occupy the left-hand side of the current building at 21 South Street (where Paul’s the Barbers is now) but quickly moved into the […]
Reflections on the growth of the antique jewellery market
When Heirlooms first opened in 1986, it was at the height of Romantic fashion – all frills, sentiment and statement jewellery. Georgian and Victorian styles were in demand and, as a result, Heirlooms only dealt in jewellery that pre-dated the 1930’s. Not only was antique jewellery fashionable but the stories behind the jewels were equally […]
Why are antiques programmes on TV so popular?
The expectations of a customer buying antique jewellery have increased significantly over the last few decades and I’m sure this is, in part, due to the increased popularity of antiques programmes on TV. This is a development from 30 years ago when buyers just accepted what the retailer was selling without question. Now, customers want […]
How to take care of precious Pearls
Pearls are a most beautiful gemstone, formed in a most unique way, and which are still immensely popular in classic jewellery design. Pearls.com explain that: “Natural Pearls form when an irritant – usually a parasite and not the proverbial grain of sand – works its way into an oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense […]