History of Christmas Gifts
The history of Christmas gifts goes back long before Christmas even existed. In a pre-Christian Britain, Paganism was the predominant religion. Pagan festivals during the winter solstice included Saturnalia –a celebration originating in Pagan Rome of the god, Saturn. These festivals often involved activities we now see as hallmarks of a traditional Christmas, such as […] ...Read More...
Famous Fictional Jewellery
I am a big fan of fiction. The fictional worlds we can visit through film, books, even video games, are absolutely magical. The attention to detail in fiction is breath-taking, and today I’d like to focus on some of the most famous fictional jewellery. The Heart of the Ocean Perhaps the most famous piece of […] ...Read More...
Traditional English Country House Interiors
‘The stately homes of England How beautiful they stand! Amidst their tall ancestral trees, O’er all the pleasant land.’ (Felicia Hemans, 1827) Of all the styles of decoration that have flourished over the past 50 years, none have been as enduring as that associated with the English country house. An icon of British culture, it […] ...Read More...
Feather Fashion for 2019
Feather Fashion 2019 Jewellery trends in 2019 have been varied and vibrant. From asymmetric jewels to bold gold chains, this year, braver has been better. But with all of these fabulous styles out there, you may be wondering how to stand out from the crowd. The answer? Wear something feathered! Yes, a ‘plume bloom’ is […] ...Read More...
Year of the Pig
We’re more than halfway through 2019, and this year’s jewellery trends have not disappointed. With the New Year came new styles- from chunky chains to fashionable feathers- and all have been stunning. One trend that has really caught our eyes, however, is that of pig themed pieces. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2019 is in […] ...Read More...
How to Match Your Necklace to Your Neckline
As – it seems- with all things in life, matching necklaces to necklines is all about balance. You need to envision the pairing from a third-person perspective in order to appreciate how length, height, size, and style all combine to create an outfit that is in harmony. Opposites Attract Generally speaking, a high neckline requires […] ...Read More...
Bracelet History
Bracelet History The bracelet is a staple item of jewellery, and it is suspected to have been around for nearly as long as its close relative: the necklace. It is a piece of jewellery that both men and women have been known to wear, whether to show support for a cause, signify an allergy, or […] ...Read More...
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...
