What is a Scent / Perfume Bottle?
As Christian Dior once said, ‘a woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting’. Possibly a touch hyperbolic, however this sentiment does reflect the value- both sentimental and monetary- that is placed on scents and the bottles that contain them. Perfume bottles are the first glimpse into the mysteries a fragrance contains, and as […] ...Read More...
What is a Carat?
While researching jewellery and antiques you are likely to come across the terms ‘carat’ and ‘karat’ a LOT. There are so many different terms related to jewellery, gold, and precious gems, so let’s get to the bottom of it: what is a carat? Carat vs Karat First of all, the terminology depends on where you […] ...Read More...
Old European Diamond Cut History
Following the old mine cut and preceding the modern brilliant round, the old European round cut was a huge innovation in diamond cutting history. Between 1890 and 1930 this cut was all the rage. The Victorians and Edwardians both loved to create jewellery using this cut- especially rings! The style which reined then remains popular […] ...Read More...
Silver and Status
How do you choose to present yourself to the world? Is it through how you dress? What you own? Or just generally how you appear to others? These things aren’t everything, but a first impression goes a long way! This is a concept that has existed throughout human history. Adorning yourself with material goods has […] ...Read More...
Cameo Brooch History
Although we mainly associate cameos with the image of a face in profile, ‘cameo’ actually refers to the method of carving rather than the subject. Cameo brooch history is an interesting one, dating back to 300 BC. The subjects and purpose of cameos may have changed since, but their popularity has remained fairly constant. Cameo […] ...Read More...
What is Cast Silver?
Casting is a process which has been used in various forms over the last 5,000 years. It is argued that the first true metalworking skill was that of casting (investment or lost-wax casting). Cast silver holds a great appeal due to its fine quality and superior gauge of silver. Cast items are handmade, often in […] ...Read More...
Silver For Tea Drinking
We British are known for being big fans of a good cup of English tea and here at AC Silver we know that silver enriches the taste of food and drink. Originally tea was reserved only for the upper classes in society due to its expense when imported into Europe from China in the late […] ...Read More...
The Meaning of the Chevron Ring
History of the Chevron Symbol Traditional symbols are often used as inspiration in jewellery and silverware design. These symbols tell us a lot about the beliefs and thoughts of people from earlier centuries. The chevron is no exception. We saw a rise in the popularity of the chevron ring in 2015, as it was seen […] ...Read More...
What is a Pap Boat?
Being fairly new to the antique industry I am always keen to learn about different pieces and their uses. How and why pieces were crafted certainly peeks my interest. That of the pap boat is no exception, when we received one in our inventory recently I went straight off to research. This is the history […] ...Read More...
The Freedom of a Casket
What is a Casket? Often confused with a funerary box a casket is a decorative box that is commonly smaller than a chest. In the present day they are used to contain jewellery and trinkets, therefore are popular gifts and purchases to be used on dressing tables and even sideboards. Traditionally the casket was used […] ...Read More...
