Hester Bateman the Female Silversmith
The silversmith profession appears to be dominated by males, however I soon began to unearth the female silversmiths. From Elizabeth Eaton/Jones/Cooke to Mary Chawner, like a beautiful blossom at the beginning of spring my eyes opened to the ladies of the prior centuries getting involved in this time honoured craftsmanship. I did however chose my […] ...Read More...
Luxury 21st Birthday Gifts for Her
’21 today, 21 today, she’ll have the key to the door, never been 21 before.’ Perhaps a reference that’s a bit before her time, but certainly one that encapsulates the excitement of turning 21. A birthday is always a special occasion, but a 21st birthday is a true milestone that should be celebrated accordingly- and […] ...Read More...
The Art of Pin Cushions
My mother is not a seamstress. She owns one pin cushion, and it does not see the light of day very often. She may be in the minority; however, as sewing is a very popular craft among thousands, and pin cushions are essential parts of it. Pin cushions date back in recorded history to the […] ...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 Marriage Casket?
In these modern times, a betrothal is typically marked with the presentation of an engagement ring (and hopefully an enthusiastic ‘I will!’). Contemporary rituals surrounding engagement have, perhaps thankfully, moved away from customs of the past. These included booby-traps, beating up the groom and…selling yourself into the slavery of your in-laws? (Yes, these things really […] ...Read More...
What is a Quaich?
A quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking cup, common in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a distinctive kind of shallow, two-handled drinking bowl or cup. The quaich is said to have originated from the Scottish Highlands, where clan chiefs prized them as a token of hospitality. For centuries, they have been used around […] ...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...
What is a Kiddush Cup?
Kiddush is a Hebrew word that literally means “sanctification”. It is a blessing recited over grape juice or wine to sanctify the Jewish and Shabbat holidays. Many families have a special goblet or glass for the blessing, this vessel is called the Kiddush cup. By shalom gurewicz (Flickr: #640 JUDAICA KIDDUSH CUP) [CC BY 2.0], […] ...Read More...
Objects of Vertu
We all have objects that we cherish. These could be items that stir up memories, an expensive piece, or simply something we’ve collected that isn’t necessarily worth much. But certain collectable objects that have a specific title attached to them- ‘objects de vertu’. The question is… what does this mean, and what are these objects […] ...Read More...
Napkin Etiquette
Now, it might seem like napkin etiquette is not something you need to know about on a day-to-day basis. However, using your napkin properly is actually just basic table manners – you can no longer blame ignorance for this rudeness! All of these mini rules are actually pretty easy to follow. They are probably little […] ...Read More...
