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 do we prepare our antique and secondhand jewellery for sale?
Here’s the second in a series of short blogs by Amy letting you into a few trade secrets of our shop. We’re extremely proud that part of our guarantee to customers is that every single item purchased from us is checked and in a condition that allows it to be ready to wear and to […]
Amethyst – a timeless gemstone
There is no denying the Amethyst is instantly recognizable by its striking purple colour, whether it is a delicate, pale lilac or a deep, vibrant blackcurrant. It is actually a variety of quartz but did you know that when it is heated, it loses its purple colour and changes into a dark yellow or orange […]
Valuing your treasures
I’m often asked what I look for when valuing antique jewellery. I have extensive experience in the field of antique jewellery having spent ten years as Head of Jewellery at a leading auction house, and have valued and successfully sold many important collections over the years. Here’s some of my process: If it’s a ring, […]
Fine Filigree
Filigree is a delicate and intricate metalworking technique that has been used for centuries to create exquisite patterns in jewellery. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia and later flourishing in regions like the Mediterranean, India, and Europe, filigree involves twisting and curling fine threads of gold or silver to form intricate designs. This art form adds a […]