The
Gatwards Hoard!
The
story reads like a Hollywood plot line- workers find a chest in the foundations
of a building they were sent to demolish- filled with over 500 pieces of
jewellery. The collection, now known as the Cheapside Hoard, contained pieces
that spanned history. From Byzantine
amethyst cameos to Carnelian intaglio belonging to William Howard, First
Viscount Stafford* the Cheapside Hoard is a remarkable collection and well
worth a visit. All known pieces of the collection are exhibiting now for the
first time.
*William
Howard assumed his title on his marriage in 1640 and was executed for treason
in 1680- and as the only Viscount Stafford so the Carnelian really has to be
his! It clearly shows the date of the Hoard. When the Hoard was hidden for whatever
reason, and there has been great discussion on this point- the Great Fire of
London had not ripped through London and America was still a British Colony. A
very different world!
It
is on display at the Museum of London from 11th October to 27th
April 2014.
If
you want a piece of history - one way to do this is to purchase piece of
Vintage or Antique jewellery. We have pocket watches that were being hallmarked
when Europe was on the brink of World War Two to Victorian brooches.
This
is an unusual piece it is turquoise and pearls set in the design of three
swallows – means ‘I shall return’; a beautiful thought. Items depicting
swallows were given to people knew they were going to be parted. This was a
popular practice at the out-break of the both World Wars.
This Emerald and
Diamond bar brooch is made in 15ct yellow gold and platinum. 15ct gold was only
used in the UK between 1854 and 1931 and has given us a very accurate time span
for the brooch. This is a real statement piece; with a total diamond
weight of 0.91pts and 0.71pts being the centre stone and 1ct of Emeralds set
around the centre diamond.
The wonderful
thing about purchasing Vintage and Antique jewellery is you never know what is
going to come through the door. Some pieces come with a full history while
others don’t. This necklace, we believe, is circa 1850. It is made from 15ct
yellow gold set with seed pearl and a diamond. The graduated pearl set flower
design draws the eye down to the pearl and diamond pendant. The Victorians were skilful designers and this necklace is a good example of their engineering
talents. The pendant at the bottom is detachable making the piece much more
versatile.
Do you love the
Art Deco style of the current series of Downton Abbey? The ‘Roaring 1920s’, as
History has called them, was the pinnacle of Art Deco design and style and this
ruby and diamond brooch highlights this to perfection. 18ct yellow gold and
platinum has been set with a carat of diamond and a carat of ruby -this sparkly
brooch perfectly completes any outfit and is a fine example of the Art Deco period.
All
weights in Antique and Vintage jewellery and estimated and we have many more
Vintage and Antique jewellery than then pieces mentioned here.
