Antique and Vintage Pieces

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 11^th October to 27^th 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.