Summer Sparkle and a Summer Break

Happy Thursday my sweetheart!  So it has been a few super fun weeks at the antique shop and those of you who follow me on Instagram will have seen a few of these photos already, but here I can tell you a bit more about them!

I may have had a little play around with all the beautiful aquamarine and diamond rings from Moira and Richard Ogden…

I have such a soft spot for Aquamarines and they sure tally up well with diamonds!  When you get a really beautiful one it is like gazing into the Mediterranean Ocean, with that light-blue, see-through colour, where you almost expect little tropical fish to swim past!

Multicoloured gold necklace from Moira Fine Jewels

Ahh this was a funny story..!  The guys at Moira Fine Jewels asked me to wear this necklace in the shop and I took a few photos of it for their social media.  I then unwrapped it once around my neck to take it off – only to realise that I got myself into a real tangle and sure couldn’t get out!  One of my colleagues tried to help me but gave up after five minutes – fortunately my favourite jewellery craftsman walked through the door that very moment and decided to help and after another five minutes I was freed!  But that ridiculous feeling of being trapped sure came over me for a split second – although I can think of worse ways to go than in a £23,000 necklace with garnets, aquamarines and amethysts!  We also decided to measure it as it is so super long, and here is a live shot from the exercise:

How to measure jewellery

There were no two ways about it: it had to be done manually with a tape measurer and we made sure that all the aquamarines, sapphires in a rainbow of colours, citrines, peridots and zircons were included – and ended up with an impressive 7 feet!

So anyway, that is what we have been up to lately and I will now be going away for two weeks, and I won’t have very much internet connection, so it means that I will see you again after the 13th of June!  Wishing you a wonderful summer until then – and make sure to wear all your most beautiful pieces during that time!!

Cushion cut diamond ring from Moira Fine Jewels

And here is one more for good luck – a stunning cushion cut diamond from Moira Fine Jewels… and we swoon!

‘Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929’ by Andrew Prince at Grays Antique Centre

 

Andrew Prince ‘From Downton to Gatsby, Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929’, a Grays Antique Centre

You guys!  I visited Grays Antiques on Monday and was swept off my feet by Andrew Prince’s stories about the different eras around the turn of the century – it was so amazing!  He whisked us away to faraway lands with tales and legends about Maharajas, Victorian socialites and the shocking style of the 1920s when women started applying make up in public.  One of the things that we learnt was that only the highest ranking Maharaja was allowed to wear a full crown, so the other Maharajas would wear tiaras over their turbans, that only just didn’t connect at the back, to get around the rule!  So sneaky.

Andrew Prince ‘From Downton to Gatsby, Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929’, at Grays Antique Centre

And the above photo is from my favourite story of the day – although for my life I can’t remember the name of this Victorian socialite!

Two young ladies in the 1890s were enemies in everything, from wealth to clothes to men, and always tried to outdo each other.  One evening, at a great ball, Lady 1 above appeared wearing all her jewellery, as you can see in the photo.  The rivalling Lady 2 could’t believe her eyes, and sent for her maid, who brought along a trunk filled with all of Lady 2’s jewellery.  She plonked on the table in front of Lady 1 one and said: ‘There!  I have so much that I simply can’t wear it all at once!”  The young socialite in the photo allegedly huffed and puffed – and left the party in a fury!

1940s 18ct yellow gold ring with diamonds

There is also so much that goes on outside these talks, as in antique jewellery there is just never a dull moment!  One of my fellow listeners was wearing this amazing 1940’s 18ct yellow gold and platinum ring with brilliant cut diamonds that we all just swooned over!  I thought for a moment that it might have been a 50s piece, because of its extravagant design but I do agree that there are lingering Art Deco features in the ring, like its geometric shapes which was so typical especially for the 20s and 30s, so 40s it is!  Isn’t it just amazing?!

My own look for the day, with a 1920s blue zircon bar brooch

1920s blue zircon bar brooch

I decided to wear my favourite brooch in the whole wide world – a blue zircon flanked with diamonds from the 1920s, and I thought that it went so beautifully with my turquoise scarf.  In fact, if you are following us on Instagram you will see that I am going through a white and turquoise phase, with everything I wear being those two colours!!

An array of gold bracelets and bangles from Arabella Bianco in Grays Antique Centre

A close up of these stunning treasures from Arabella Bianco

I obviously had to pop down to Arabella Bianco in Grays after Andrew’s talk, as I am on the lookout for some gold coloured bracelets at the moment.  She of course had a wide range and so I hung around for far longer than I had intended to!  There were stunning pieces by the big vintage jewellery houses and I fell in love with a pair of Art Deco style drop earrings, but already have something similar at home so I didn’t end up buying them (not that that has stopped me before..!)

Beautiful vintage jewellery from Arabella Bianco in Grays Antique Centre

So I would like to thank Grays Antiques for setting up this wonderful day of behind the scenes antique jewellery talks, and I hope that we will have many more to look forward to!  And I would absolutely love to see you guys there, as I think that it gives such an extra dimension to wearing your vintage or antique pieces, when you know the eras a little bit better, and you can associate certain details and designs to a particular time.  And thank you Andrew for giving such an amazing talk – entertaining and fascinating, as always!

The Beautiful World of Emeralds

Good afternoon my dear, I hope that you have had a lovely one so far.  I find that a New Year always motivates me to sort things out and start afresh, and this January is no exception!  Today for example I have been transferring a lot of jewellery photos onto an external hard drive, to hopefully free up a bit of space on my laptop – and I kept running into all these interesting pictures of emeralds, that I wanted to share with you:

Emerald and Diamond ring from Richard Ogden, in the Burlington Arcade

The ring above features an emerald and two diamonds and it landed in my hands at work, as the stone weight needed to be measured.  Now I have learnt to calculate the weight of a gemstone the old school way too, but in this case I played around with an amazing app on my phone, where the following result came up:

My measurement of an emerald in the Gem Weight App

As per usual I was a few digits away from my boss’ result, but not too far, so I was quite pleased!  Often when you buy an antique or vintage diamond ring, the diamond hasn’t been taken out of its setting to be measured and certificated, as it could damage the beautiful old settings, so the antique dealers have to be very good at calculating weights etc from difficult angles.  I always find it such fun to try to master a diamond gauge – they look like this (top right corner of the photo):

A diamond gauge at the top right of the picture, used to calculate the weight of gemstones

And emeralds are just such divine little gemstones!  Sometimes people come by to look at an emerald ring for an engagement ring, but I tend to advise them to either choose a diamond, a sapphire or a ruby – only because emeralds are not the hardest stones around…

Emerald and Diamond Ring Art Deco style from Moira Fine Jewels

… and the last thing you want to do when you wear your engagement ring every day, is having to worry about cracking or denting it, so a more robust gemstone is usually a better idea.  However – I know one lady who has worn an aquamarine, which is an ever softer stone than an emerald, as her engagement ring for thirty years, and it is in perfect shape!  So it obviously also comes down to what kind of a person you are – I for one could never wear anything even remotely fragile, as I would damage it in no time.  Unfortunately!

Emerald and Diamond Ring from Moira Fine Jewels at Richard Ogden, Burlington Arcade

And here is another lovely emerald and diamond ring – this one is from Moira Fine Jewels and you can pop by Richard Ogden in the Burlington Arcade to view it closer, if it takes your fancy.

Richard Ogden – Fine Antique Jewellery

As a few of you already know from the Decades of Elegance Twitter and Instagram accounts, I have spent a couple of very exciting weeks at the antique jewellery shop Richard Ogden in the renowned Burlington Arcade:

The history of Burlington Arcade dates back to 1819…

I so enjoyed learning about the Ogden family history, so I thought this would be a good place to start our visit:

Richard Ogden Ltd, Burlington Arcade, London

Jewellery has had centre stage with the Ogden family for four generations, ever since 1893, when the first Ogden family jewellery shop was opened by James R. Ogden – a master jeweller and watch specialist.  One of the most remarkable things that James did was help raise money for the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb.  He also restored various ancient gold objects found in the tomb, that now contribute to treasured collections in museums across Europe and America.  He corresponded with two of the then leading figures of international archaeology, Howard Carter and Sir Leonard Woolley and became Advising Goldsmith to the British Museum.  I find this especially fascinating as we have already learnt that the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 had a great impact on the Art Deco movement, a style that we love here on the blog!

Some of the stunning sculptures from ancient Egypt that we can now enjoy at the British Museum

In 1925, James’s eldest son William opened a shop in King Street, St James’s, London.  William had a keen interest in jewellery with a family or dynastic history, and his collection included many pieces that came from royals or were sold to royals.  He was known to be “more discreet than any banker” – and clients interested in these high profile pieces were always shown to the oak-panelled private rooms over his shop in King Street.

The Ring Room at Richard Ogden in Burlington Arcade

William’s son Richard continued the family tradition of dealing in fine antique jewellery after the war.  Richard quickly gained international renown and legends such as Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Ringo Starr, Ingrid Bergman and, more recently, Madonna were on his client list.  Richard converted the lower ground floor of the shop to the famous Ring Room in the 60s (please see photo above).   The showroom has recently been refurbished to accommodate a series of fine jewellery exhibitions alongside its more traditional role.  Richard was also famous for creating exciting new designs, for example his famous Twinset engagement ring and wedding ring, which earned him a De Beers International Award in the 1970s.  Richard passed away in October 2005, aged 85.

Just a small selection of the diamond rings that you will find at Richard Ogden

Richard’s eldest son Robert is a trained designer craftsman and an expert in diamonds and unusual precious gems.  Until recently, he frequently broadcast on LBC radio, dating and identifying the listeners’ jewellery from their description.

We will soon return to Richard Ogden, as I am learning about everything from measuring diamond carat weight to telling the difference between an authentic emerald and a faux one – and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you!

You can visit Richard Ogden at: 28 Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0NX.

April Diamond Dreaming

“She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.”

Antique chandelier diamond earrings at Westleigh Antiques, Grays Antiques Market

The traditional birthstone for April is the Diamond, which is known to bring all you lovely April children balance, clarity and abundance in life.  It is of course a symbol of eternal love, and the word Diamond comes from the Greek work “adamas” meaning “hardest metal (1).  It is after all one of the hardest substances on the globe, dating back billions of years in time!

Rough diamonds are found in nature and skilled diamond cutters cut them into various forms, creating reflecting facets that lead to the incredible brilliancy that we know so well (2).  Diamonds are also though to increase a person’s energy, whether positive or negative, as well as the healing properties of other crystals.  In other words, if you wear a diamond with an amethyst, it will increase that crystal’s soothing and calming properties.

Diamonds are believed to increase the powers of other gemstones when worn together.  Antique diamond rings at John Joseph, Grays Antique Market

As always, we must look into the legends that surround this birthstone, and the Diamond doesn’t disappoint: ancient Hindus believed that diamonds were create by lightning bolts and they would attribute so much power to diamonds that they placed them in the eyes of statues of deities.  The Greeks believed that diamonds were tears of the Gods, splinters of stars and crystallised lightning (oh I do love that!).

So enjoy your birthday month all you lucky April born ones, and here is to hoping that a diamond crosses your path on your day!

Sources:

1. American Gem Society

2. Birthday Gems

April Diamond Dreaming

“She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.”

Chandelier diamond earrings at Westleigh Antiques, Grays Antiques Market

The traditional birthstone for April is the Diamond, which is known to bring all you lovely April children balance, clarity and abundance in life.  It is of course a symbol of eternal love, and the word Diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning “hardest metal”, as it is one of the hardest substances on the globe – dating back billions of years!  

Rough diamonds are found in nature and skilled diamond cutters cut the gemstones into various forms, creating reflecting facets that lead to the incredible brilliancy that we know so well.  Diamonds are also thought to increase a person’s energy, whether positive or negative, and also the healing properties of other crystals.  In other words, if you wear a diamond with an amethyst, it will increase that crystal’s soothing and calming properties.

Diamonds are thought to increase the powers of other gemstone when worn together.  Antique Diamond Rings at John Joseph, Grays Antique Market 

As always we must look into the legends that surround this birthstone, and the Diamond doesn’t disappoint: Ancient Hindus believed that diamonds were created by lightning bolts and they would attribute so much power to diamonds that they placed them in the eyes of statues of deities.  The Greeks believed that diamonds were tears of the Gods, splinters of stars and crystallised lightning.  So enjoy your birthday month all you lucky April born ones, and here is to hoping that a diamond crosses your path on your day!

Sources

1. American Gem Society

2. Birthday Gems

A Portobello Market Jewellery Adventure

One of the beautiful houses where Pembridge Road meets Portobello Road

Today’s post is very special, as we are visiting Portobello Market on an early Saturday morning, when all the traders are only just setting up their stalls and the air is filled with excitement ahead of the market day.  I arrived at Notting Hill Gate around 8am, as I would be accompanying one of the fine antique jewellery traders at his stall for a few hours.

Portobello Road

The traders are busy setting up their stalls for the day

As I walked down Portobello Road I passed other stands that were just being set up.  The road was packed with parked vans that were being unloaded with all the glorious things that make up this legendary market every Saturday.

The wonderful food market on Portobello Road

I continued a bit further down past all the antique shops and came up to the famous food market, where the heavenly smell of newly baked bread filled the air, mixed with the sweet smell of strawberries, mangoes and the most exotic fruits and berries.

Vintage bags being unpacked at Portobello Road

I have written another post about Portobello Market – the guide to finding your way around there – but I think that every visit is so amazing as you always discover new things, stands and have a fun chat with some of the traders!

Portobello Market wonders

I just had to photograph the facades of the houses along Portobello Road, as the first morning sunshine hit them so beautifully with its warm light.

Antique Gold Rings, Portobello Market, London

So the purpose of my visit was to show you the fine antique jewellery that is for sale at Portobello Market, and I think we should start with this collection of gold rings with various gemstones.  I love wearing big cocktail rings to parties as they can be so OTT – but then become beautiful statement pieces when worn with subtle outfits.

Such a beautiful pair of Art Nouveau diamond earrings

I adore these Art Nouveau dropdown earrings with diamonds.  By now we are familiar with Art Nouveau-design, which is often very intricate with nature inspired shapes:

Art Nouveau butterfly necklace with sapphires and diamonds *sigh*

Earring heaven is coming up below!  Would you say that you prefer Art Deco or Art Nouveau jewellery?

Loving these aquamarine and diamond earrings 

Antique emerald and diamond earrings 

Antique diamond earrings 

Selection of antique jewellery at Portobello Market

This is what fine antique jewellery displays often look like.  So much to choose from with a glorious range of gemstones, and precious metals.  You can also see some more period typical Art Nouveau jewellery in the middle and towards the top of this photo.  For example the locket where you insert a photo of a loved one (it is empty in the photo above).

Antique diamond dress clips

If you look closely at the picture above you can see a dress clip with diamonds in the middle of the picture.  Those were very popular around the turn of the century, among the fashionable ladies who would fasten them on each side of their dress, at the bottom of the dress straps at the front, to keep the dress sitting correctly.

At the top right of the photo you have a pair of golden earrings with amethysts, with the typical screw on earrings.  And need I even mention all the glorious cocktail rings on the far left at the back?

Antique engagement rings 

For those of you hunting for antique engagement rings this is definitely the place to visit.  The traders are always happy to advise on the different designs and the price ranges go from a few hundred pounds up to… well I will leave that to your imagination!  Here are some sparkling beauties – accompanied by an Art Deco diamond and sapphire bracelet .  If anything in this – or any other post on the blog – takes your fancy, do not hesitate to get in touch with me and I will put you in touch with the right antique dealers.

I hope that inspires you to wear something fabulous this weekend my dear!