Edmund Waterton’s ring collection is now the cornerstone of the Victoria and Albert Museum This is the story of how it was created through eccentricity and extravagance.
Spring is coming, the sun is finally shining and there are some great events to look forward to in the jewellery world. So, what’s on
S is for Snake In the jewellery alphabet, S may be for Skull but it could also stand for Snake. Snakes are not the most
Understanding symbolism in jewellery is a key skill. The moon can represent the Virgin Mary, goddesses Diana and Artemis or be a fashionable jewel for the body or hair. In the 1960s, jewellery was inspired by the Space Race.
Skulls are often found in jewellery, but what do they mean? In Renaissance and early modern art, they symbolised death and eternal judgment. By the nineteenth century, they had become fashionable party pieces.
In 1874, explorer Henry Morton Stanley set off for central Africa with a ring engraved with his name and the expedition dates. Eight years later, the ring resurfaced as a wedding gift from a Congo missionary. Why did Stanley value the ring and how did it match up to his other wedding gifts?
Everything changes in war time and jewellery might seem very low down the list of priorities. But making and wearing jewellery in a time of war was a way to show that the human spirit endured. It could be a bright note on a worn out outfit, a love gift, or a sign of resistance in the worst circumstances. Making jewellery in a time of war was creative, surprising and often touching.
Love makes the jewellery world go round. Here is a short list of books on sentimental and love jewellery.
The summer of 2022 has been full of treats for jewellery lovers. Exhibitions at Sotheby’s, Tiffany’s at the Saatchi Gallery and the queen’s jewels at the Buckingham Palace Jubilee exhibition have brought exceptional jewels to the public.