Featured Item - Early 20th Century Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Ring.

Bonner's Jewellers Featured Item - Early 20th Century Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Ring.

Set into an Early 20^th Century Ring, surrounded by 1.12 Carats of Old European Cut Diamonds this gorgeous Tanzanite is a perfect example of the arresting gemstone which captured the attention of Tiffany & Co who ultimately gave it its name.

Found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite was discovered in 1967. The dazzling colour and limited supply quickly made it into one of the most expensive and sought after gemstones to date.

 

Weighing 1.6 carats and sourced by a specialist who only stocks the finest gemstones, the resulting ring is not only unique, but also seamlessly merges antique design and contemporary beauty.

 

Available to view (and try on..) ;) Now!

 

www.bonnersjewellers.co.uk

TTFN!

Vintage clothing FINALLY comes to Alcester

You know I've been moaning for a while that there are no vintage clothes shops in Alcester and I think it's a real shame... well FINALLY we have one!!! And it's already cost me dearly....

It's on the main High Street just 30 seconds walk from Bonner's Jewellers (which means I can nip out for a mooch if Gus is sleeping) ;) and it stocks the most gorgeous - and more importantly WEARABLE vintage clothes I've seen for ages. And at reasonable prices!

I was so excited yesterday I didn't even notice the name of the shop, I was too busy buying a 50's evening dress in gold and pale blue, a 50's day dress which is not only beautifully made but bang on trend for this season - black with a dark floral print - yay! Oh, and then there was the late 50's wedding dress and bridesmaid dress which were both in their original boxes and still contain confetti.

I have no idea what I'm going to do with them but I fell in love and even though my husband thinks I'm turning into Miss Haversham I don't care - they are going on my mannequin!!

Pics to come soon!

Signing off...

Following on - Antique Bands set with Diamonds!



Antique Diamond Set Wedding Bands at Bonner's Jewellers



So, we all might have different views on whether to buy a new or pre-loved wedding ring but what about inherited wedding bands? It's not the nicest subject to think about, but inevitably bands get passed down through families and usually end up stuck in a jewellery box for sentiment's sake.

When my great-gran passed away and my mom inherited her wedding ring she was so young she thought it was creepy so it languished in a box for 40 years. Recently, my mom's own wedding ring had worn so thin it was beginning to cut her finger - it's 22ct (the same as great-gran's) but it was never as heavy. She decided to have them merged into one. I say merged - not melted; there's a big question mark over whether or not you actually get your original gold back when jewellers say they "melt them down to make something new." It's a nice thought but the reality is that 90% of the time they will just weigh your gold and give you something new back of the same weight. It's not cheating you out of anything financially - just cutting corners - but it does misplace the sentimentality. Mom wanted to be certain she was getting her original rings back so they were laid one on top of the other (retaining great-gran's original 1919 hallmark with her own ring fitting over the top.) You can't see the solder join - now they look like one ring - and to set them off she used some diamonds from another inherited ring which was badly worn and had them reset into the band.

It worked so well we've used the same procedure for several customers now - merging two rings into one and sometimes setting stones into the finished item. As long as the gold carats are the same it's usually no problem and it means that inherited bands can be used to give more life to existing wedding rings. No more languishing in a jewellery box!

We've done the same with bands customers have decided to sell and now have a small collection of beautifully preserved pre-1930's wedding rings which have been converted (using small diamonds) to very wearable line or eternity rings! It's a lovely way of owning an antique which can be worn everyday and even personalised if you prefer.

I even have one myself.... ;)

TTFN!

Pre-loved Wedding Ring?? I DO!!

I know most people are open to the idea of pre-owned when it comes to clothes, cars, houses and jewellery but I wondered what the consensus was on pre-owned wedding bands?

My wedding ring was made in Birmingham in 1890 and it was really important to me that I had something of this age and style. My husband designed his own white gold ring and loves it; he had a very clear idea in mind of what he wanted and he felt it was more personal and meaningful to have something unique made. In contrast, I love the fact that mine had a history before us.

A friend once asked if I minded that the marriage it was originally used for may not have been a happy one? I have to say, no - I don't. All gold gets melted down and recycled anyway and I'm really not superstitious about things like that. My marriage is good and happy and that's what counts, and who's to say it wasn't originally owned by a loving couple who adored each other? Either way, I believe we make our own history - but this ring reminds me that some things just aren't as important as they seem. Life is much bigger than just me, and when all's said and done this ring will hopefully still be around when I've long departed. It makes me want to concentrate on the future even though I have a link to the past, and reminds me that for now, at least - we're making our own mark on history. Phew! So now I've got all that off my chest, here's a pic of mine:



Victorian 22ct Gold Wedding Band Dated 1890



When it came into the shop it was the exact right fit and had tiny marks and scratches - evidence of its life before me. I've never had them polished out and I've even added a few of my own! So what do you think? Would you wear an old wedding ring or is it too personal to be recycled?

Signing Off...

Wedding Bells!!

Congratulations to Natalie and Nic!!



The Bonners and The Hadleys

 My sister and her fiance were married last week after 3 years together. Nat looked beautiful and it was lovely to see them so happy. :) We had a great day, so good in fact that we had an extra day off work! Apologies to everyone who found us closed on a Tuesday!

I suppose it goes without saying that Natalie's engagement ring was from Bonner's Jewellers; an antique six stone diamond cluster dated 1916. The wedding bands were bespoke and made in our workshop in record time! I don't think my sister will mind me saying she's not the most organised person in the world ;) but to her credit everything came together beautifully.

Well done The Hadleys!!

TTFN!

Guess who got to wear her dress!!!

Ok so it may have taken a while but I FINALLY found justification for the Ted Baker dress... It was our wedding anniversary a couple of weeks back and my lovely husband booked the Princess Louise Bridal Suite at Woodnorton Hall in Evesham, and our evening meal. Result!! :D Wore my new frock and some fab Kurt Geiger shoes I bought from Cocosa for a mere snip!

Kurt Geiger Wedges

It was a fabulous weekend and a lovely treat; in fact if you're in the market for a luxury suite, beautiful surroundings and excellent food I would definitely recommend The Wood Norton. It recently reopened following an extensive refurb which has created a beautiful blend of ornate original features and modern luxury.

The Princess Louise suite comprises of three large rooms and a romantic stone balcony, and whilst pricey I have to say my husband has earned himself an inordinate quantity of brownie points for spoiling me!

Princess Louise Bedroom - one of three rooms which make up the suite

The Wood Norton



It's not far from the shop, so if you do fancy a visit you could always pop in to see us! Not that you'll be in the market for jewels once you've paid the bill..... ;)





Beautiful Lounge Area



Large Bathroom


Signing Off....





Getting old is no fun.....

Thanks to everyone for all your well wishes while mom was poorly.

She's on the mend now so it should be business as usual in the shop!

TTFN!

Edwardian Aquamarine & Diamond Ring at Bonner's Jewellers



Edwardian Aquamarine & Diamond Ring



Here she is! Sorry it took so long, but hopefully you will think it's worth the wait...

Surrounded by 0.40 carats of Old Cut and Rose Cut Diamonds the Aquamarine is a beautiful deep blue which is seldom seen in modern Aquamarines without the aid of treatments. The head is 15ct gold which was discontinued in the 1930's and the shank is 18ct gold.

It's a stunning ring, and we're very pleased to have it. It sparkles beautifully without that modern, ostentatious *bling* you get in contemporary jewellery.

I love it :)

Available for viewing now at Bonner's Jewellers

Featured item - Art Deco Ring



Bonner's Jewellers Featured Item; Art Deco Diamond & Sapphire Ring.

 Indicative of the Art Deco period, this high quality piece boasts an Old Mine Cut Diamond of 1.01 carats in weight as the centre piece to an elaborately detailed setting.

Drawing inspiration from Cubism, its sleek lines and geometric styling were the epitome of elegance through the 1930's and 40's.

The intricacy of the craftsmanship  and calibre of the Sapphires and Diamonds distinguish this as a rare and exceptional piece which remains in superb condition.

For more details just drop us a line!

www.bonnersjewellers.co.uk

Signing Off...

New stock has arrived!!

From an Edwardian Aquamarine and Diamond cluster ring to an Art Deco Ruby and Diamond plaque ring we've recently been lucky enough to find some really beautiful  antique and estate pieces to add to our collection! No pictures just yet I'm afraid but check back soon, rest assured you won't be disappointed...

For smaller budgets there's no need to feel left out! Brand new Real Effect stock will be in store this week!

The Real Effect - London at Bonner's Jewellers, Alcester

 

Don't forget to check back soon!

TTFN!

It doesn't get better than this...

A nice pint of English ale, good company and a ride in a rare Aston Martin DB4...



Aston Martin DB4 - and my shamefaced '65 Mustang...

If only every day could be like this!

Ahh back to reality...

TTFN!

Damn you Ted Baker!

I did a bad thing....

I accidentally bought this dress even though I don't need it and don't have anywhere lined up to wear it.

Ted Baker 1950's Style Wallpaper Dress

It just looked so beautiful on the mannequin and when I tried it on it felt so nice I really couldn't help but reach for my purse... I know I shouldn't have, I don't need it and can't really afford it but it has layers of mint green net underskirt and the silk skirt is full circle cut so when you spin round it flares out!! Oh WHY does that make me so excited?!!
I love the 50's look and this has it in spades. Now I just need an occasion, and the right jewellery (of course!) I did wonder if those lovely vintage diamond earrings I showed you would go with it and then realised that I'd be sacked if I tried to steal them, so I was considering some Pink Sapphires - except I don't own any of those either!



Pink Sapphire Earrings & Pendant

 I like this set we have in the shop although I probably wouldn't need the pendant with this dress. And if I was able to treat Bonner's Jewellers like my own personal jewel box I'd probably take this to wear with it too!


Estate Aquamarine & Diamond Ring


It's an estate ring set in 18ct white gold - the pale blue Aquamarine would look gorgeous with the dress!

Of course if I did treat Bonner's like my own jewellery box I'd be in heaps of trouble so I've put them both back in the window. In truth, I probably should have done the same with the dress!!!

Signing off...

Happy Birthday Dad!

It's a big one today! Certainly bigger than he would like advertised!

He's off to London to see Macbeth in a few weeks, but it will be work as usual in the morning.

I hope he remembers the cake...............

TTFN!

Victorian Brooches at Bonner's Jewellers!

After the abnormally fabulous weather last Bank Holiday weekend it's back to the usual rain and wind again! But I don't care, as we've just received the most beautiful Victorian brooches to brighten up the day!


Victorian Almandine Garnet & Coral Brooches Circa 1850.

Shockingly, the lady wanted to sell them for scrap and had no idea how special they are. Admittedly, they were in quite a state when we first saw them but a quick trip to the workshop soon restored them to their former glory!

They are set with Almandine Garnets and Coral, each embellishing a foliate design which was typical of mid Victorian fashion. I've blogged before about my love of brooches and these are no exception; the designs are not only attractive but beautifully crafted. The Almandine Garnets are such a sumptuous colour, and you hardly see them used in jewellery anymore it's a real shame.

My mom wears brooches all the time, and no matter what other jewellery she wears it's always the brooches which attract attention. She tends to go for larger, bolder designs but they aren't all necessarily expensive.

I could definitely see her in the large Garnet brooch, it's unusual, eye catching and really makes a statement. I'd probably opt for the smaller Coral brooch as it would look great on a fitted jacket or LBD.

I'd love to know who they were owned by originally. Obviously she would have been a wealthy lady, but how she came to own them or what she wore them with will always be a mystery.

Oh if only antiques could talk!!

Signing off...

No Need to be Blue

Sapphires are one of my favourite gems. It started with a birthday present my husband bought me - a large yellow sapphire solitaire ring - which was something of a revelation as like a lot of people I wasn't really aware that Sapphires came in other colours! I asked our gemologist about it and he was so enthusiastic and passionate about the subject I think some of that enthusiasm rubbed off on me. 


Estate Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring.

When we think of sapphires I think most of us picture a vibrant blue gem, similar to the stone set in Princess Diana's (now the Duchess of Cambridge's) engagement ring. That rich, lustrous royal blue which catches the eye even without diamond embellishments. And we've all seen the dark blue, almost black stone which is usually used in mainstream jewellery but how many people are aware of a third, fourth or even a fifth option?
Sapphires come in many colours; pink, green, yellow, purple, orange - the list is endless. And whilst the occasional Pink Sapphire seems to have made its way into High Street Jewellers in recent years, we still don't we see them as often as their Blue counterparts. Maybe it's down to tradition, maybe fashion, or maybe it's just cynical marketing? Either way it's a real shame as the colour variation can be spectacular!

I added a green sapphire to my collection a while back, and we've had pink, purple, orange and even white examples in the shop, but my overall favourite is the Padparadscha which can only be found in Sri Lanka, and like it's namesake (padparadscha means Lotus Blossom) it is a gorgeous pinky/orange colour.


Padparadscha, Yellow & Green Sapphire (the box is shameless I know, but the colour makes the rings photograph beautifully!)

There is still a real drive for individualism and uniqueness in jewellery, despite the current climate which has us all counting our pennies. And I think as so many of us develop emotional attachments to our jewellery we don't necessarily want to invest in "disposable" fashion pieces. The price variation in Sapphires is huge, depending on colour choice and whether you favour natural or man made gems, meaning you can enjoy the prestige of actual gems (instead of glass or paste fashion stones) for not much more money. Sapphires are a fabulous way to introduce some of your own personality into your jewellery using precious gems without necessarily breaking the bank!

Many antique pieces circa 1910 will be set with "Created" Sapphires as this was around the time when the process was invented. At the time, it was the height of technological achievement and the stones were highly prized! Now, they command far smaller prices and little gold gypsy rings set with Faux Sapphires can be found for under £100.



Victorian White & Blue Sapphire Pendant at Bonner's Jewellers.

 

Antique Faux Blue Sapphire Ring, Vintage Orange Sapphire Ring & Estate Yellow Sapphire Ring at Bonner's Jewellers



It's also becoming more common to see Sapphires set in Silver (keeping the cost affordable) but gold doesn't have to mean expensive if you try to source Second Hand and have an eye for a bargain!

I'll certainly be keeping mine peeled!

Signing off...

Introducing Gus!

Thought you might like to meet Gus! He's our latest family member to join Bonner's Jewellers and although he's a bit on the big side he's a very lovely lad.


Augustus, the Bonner's Jewellers Shop Dog

Gus came to us from Sunnyside Rescue Centre and is still learning his manners; namely not jumping onto the counter to get a better look at our customers!

Slobber doesn't suit everyone.....

TTFN!

Vintage Diamond Earrings Day!

Just bought two pairs of lovely vintage diamond earrings over the counter. Both pairs are 18ct gold and in excellent condition; the perfect antidote to a rainy Friday!

The first pair are real statement earrings - you need bags of confidence to pull these babies off! ;-) They're hallmarked London 1982 and look fabulous on!

Vintage Diamond Clip Earrings from 1982



Vintage Diamond Stud Earrings



By contrast, this pair are dainty and understated and therefore far more wearable - if a little less fun! New earrings like these cost around £700-£800, but they won't cost a fraction of that here. So if you're in need of a little weekend pick me up and you're in the area feel free to pop in! I promise not to keep them for myself......

TTFN!!

Ringing in the change!

We've had a real rush on rings in the shop over the past few days! One of my favourites found a new home on Saturday; a gorgeous 1920's Sapphire and Diamond dress ring which has a really unusual fan design:

1920's Sapphire & Diamond Dress Ring.

I've never seen anything like it before and it really is breathtaking on. Ah I was born in the wrong decade....... We also sold a fabulous 1950's diamond cluster dress ring which has always received plenty of compliments but failed to find a buyer until now. No pics I'm afraid but trust me, it was very purty.

Vintage seems to have been the theme with the others too, more people than ever seem to be open to buying vintage jewellery which is really great. All it really needs is a little imagination and you have an unusual one of a kind accessory!

I'm not sure what was the catalyst for the sudden splurge in Alcester, maybe the fact that we can finally leave our gloves at home and actually see our fingers has something to do with it!!

TTFN!

Death to the Onesie!!

I was re-dressing one of our cabinets today and it gave me the opportunity to spend time appreciating some of the more unusual items we have. One in particular got me thinking.



18ct gold pink guilloche enamel & diamond fob watch hallmarked London 1909.

I'm not the type of person who dreads weddings and parties because I don't know what to wear. I absolutely love any excuse to get out of my staple skinny jeans and boots and dress up. I am completely obsessed with dresses (the more swishy the better) and have a wardrobe full of hardly worn examples which is a bone of contention between me and my husband. (I know I'm not alone in owning lots of clothes I'll never wear but I don't suppose many other women will admit to stroking them on a daily basis.... ;-) ) I get so frustrated that the modern trend seems to be predominantly casual, and that it feels inappropriate to wear a nice frock for anything other than a formal affair. This is probably why I feel so drawn to past eras; times when appearing casual was really frowned upon!

The same can be said for jewellery. Like many people, it seems wasteful to me to have things which can only be worn for special occasions, but I love collecting jewellery so when choosing which piece to wear I tend to think less about convention and more about what makes me feel happy.

The only time I hold back is when the item is fragile or obviously ostentatious. I'm never one to advocate leaving jewellery in a box and to shy away from wearing it, but I could make an exception in this case:



Rare Pink Guilloche Enamel & Diamond Fob Watch signed "Grand Prix Paris 1900"

It's stunning, but completely unwearable other than for special occasions - mainly as it could be so easily damaged by the chores of modern everyday life. The company who made the watch were exhibiting at the World Fair, Paris in 1900 (hence the signature) and were obviously prestigious as the quality of the watch movement and casing show. It has a beautiful Swiss Jewel Lever movement inside and the suspending chains are a combination of yellow gold links smothered in pink enamel and creamy natural pearls.

The pink enamel is very unusual and looks fabulous against the 18 carat gold case. The white diamonds are really just the icing on a very lavish cake.

I would love to add this to my collection, but I know someday it will find a new caretaker who will appreciate and cherish it. I just wonder which category they will fall into. Will it be a treasured antique? Encased in a cabinet to be preserved and admired only through glass. Or an infrequently worn addition to a jewellery collection? I suppose we don't wear evening gowns on a daily basis but it makes it all the more special when we do.

I think if I bought it I would fall into category number three. The category which firmly believes in reviving the forgotten art of dressing up! Ok so we all lead busy lives and our clothes must help, not hinder us but if we made more effort when socialising then pieces like this could again be popular accessories, adding not only elegance but also a dose of individuality to an outfit. I've already found these lovely pieces which I think would go beautifully with the fob watch:



Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker & Zara Dresses.



Vivienne Westwood & Ted Baker Dresses (I have both of these and trust me, they are fabulous!)



Just keep the other accessories to a minimum, but wear with lashings of confidence!

Death to the Onesie I say!!! So who's with me?

TTFN!

Spring hasn't sprung...

It's entirely my fault the weather is rubbish. I changed the top display in the Bonner's Jewellers shop window to a Spring theme (we had some sunshine and I got overexcited) and it completely backfired.



Celebrate Spring In Style?? What was I thinking??



A brief spell of sunshine at Bonner's Jewellers before the snow arrived...

Dad did try to warn me but I "thought" I was being clever. So now we have a shelf in the window dominated by flower earrings, silver animal pendants and bright coloured jewellery and no one has had time to notice as they are too busy picking their way through the snow.

I don't suppose anyone will want to celebrate Easter with new jewellery when they can snuggle infront of the fire with chocolate, and I don't suppose for a minute I'll be taking the Mustang out for a spin either judging by the forecast. Looks like I'll be forced to scour the internet for more things I can't afford and don't have space for.... Oops! I've started already...!!!

The Looking Glass, Bridgnorth - BARGAIN 1950's dress for sale on ebay.

Maybe the bad weather isn't so bad after all....... ;-)

Happy Easter!

Modern Jewellery; Souless self expression?

Just flicking through the latest edition of Jewellery Focus magazine and came across some really interesting cuffs made by Sheffield based designer Jessica Flinn.

There are several collections inspired by everything from antique lace to ceramics, and they piqued my interest as they looked different to anything I'd seen elsewhere (and yes, the bird motifs did catch my eye!)


Courtesy of www.jessicaflinn.co.uk

I've never been a fan of modern jewellery, but this is the fifth contemporary designer I've found recently who I really like so it got me thinking whether or not I need to change my perspective on new jewellery. I've been involved in antiques for so long now, dismissing modern jewellery as soulless and shallow - have I been missing out?

For Christmas, I must have been a very good girl because Santa bought me a Helen Noakes ring after I fell in love in the RBSA gallery just off St Paul's Square, Birmingham. Helen is based in Salisbury and among her handmade collections are pieces featuring miniature people and animals, set in acrylic and silver. They are charming, witty and really nicely made - and they bring an element of fun into jewellery which I feel is seriously lacking. I don't know about you but I really feel like jewellery has become far too pretentious of late - not enough buying because you like it, more buying because peer pressure dictates you must have the latest "Pandora" charm even though (in my opinion) they're overpriced and pedestrian. Am I the only person in the world who hates those things?? (If I knew how to make an eye roll emoticon on here, believe me you'd be seeing it....)

Courtesy of www.helennoakesjewellery.com

I have the penguin ring - it was just so quirky I couldn't help but covet and I would love to add the seaside bracelet and "Hound Dog" bangle to my collection! Pity Santa only visits once a year....

On a completely different theme, I discovered a designer called Sue Askew whilst visiting my favourite vintage shop in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. They had a small collection of pieces and I fell for this snake bangle:

I think there is one still available here: http://www.alexandramay.com/shop/category/askew-bracelets/ together with many other delectable items I'm drooling over. Sue uses gems and findings from original 1940's and 50's jewellery to embellish her designs meaning no two pieces are the same, and they are all limited in number and very bold in appearance! My bangle never fails to catch admiring glances, it's beautifully made and unbelievably heavy!

I'm also coveting some pieces by artists recently exhibiting at the RBSA; April Neate's and "Bug's" gorgeous handmade silver pieces are well considered, quirky and I love that they explore not only novel ways of wearing jewellery but also how everyday items can become jewels with a little imagination!

www.aprilneate.com

www.buggedup.com

I think the thing I've always hated about modern jewellery is the mass produced element. I'll never like mass produced jewellery. I know you could argue that mass production has been with us for 150 years, but at least with antique or vintage pieces their individual history gives them soul. No two pieces have experienced the same passage through time, and what was once one of a thousand is now possibly one of only ten surviving. Each piece remains only because of the affection someone else had for it, the care they took when wearing it, and the value they placed on it regardless of its intrinsic value. Maybe that's what I want from modern jewellery, because I'm a hopeless romantic and I don't want to invest sentiment in something pieced together by soulless machines. Perhaps that's why these designers appeal so much to me - because they love what they create and that makes me want to love it too.

So what do you think? Should I get a grip and accept that the likes of Pandora will continue to thrive regardless of my loathing? Or should people want more emotion for their money?

Signing Off...

Mad Bird Lady

Did I really just post a video of my budgie on here?? It looks like cabin fever has claimed me already, so in the interest of relevance I'll try to justify how it relates to jewellery - here goes!

Aside from my general obsession with jewellery I do have a thing for birds and have done since I was very small. I particularly love peacocks, probably as they look so glamorous and flamboyant, and obviously I have a weakness for pesky budgies too...

Here's a few of my bird related pieces, including some vintage evening bags I've collected; 

It's still only a small collection owing to the surprising cost of budgie treats and the speed they are devoured by my little feathered hooligans. The three pieces towards the bottom of the picture are all Victorian; the peacock on the left is backed on mother of pearl and made entirely from tiny feathers - like a feather micro mosaic. I've never seen anything quite like it before so I'm hoping to do some research once it's back from the workshop. It was a brooch originally but it's going in to have a bale added so I can wear it as a pendant. I'll get some close up pictures as soon as I can. The peacock in the centre is Austro Hungarian, gilded and set with rubies and emeralds. The other pieces are a mix of vintage and modern which I've picked up in boutiques and online.

I'm always on the lookout for unusual bird jewellery and accessories, old or new so if anyone spots anything interesting I'd love to know. In the meantime, after all the naughtiness I've had to put up with so far today I may consider adding a life size stuffed budgie fascinator to my collection quite soon.... ;)



Marnie & Kevin; tiny little vandals.



 TTFN!

Snowed in!!

Ok so it has nothing to do with jewellery, antiques, vintage clothes or diamonds but I thought I'd share this as it made me laugh and cheered up a boring friday stuck indoors... :)

Marnie the Budgie does MJ

I think she's watched that pony advert once too often... ;)

TTFN!

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Bringing Micro Mosaic into the 21st Century

When this locket came into our shop the central panel was full of decades of dust and lint which completely obscured the beautiful micro mosaic within.



18ct gold Micro Mosaic Picture Locket Circa 1860.



When we removed the panel, at best we were hoping to find an old sepia photograph but it became apparent quite quickly that we were dealing with something special! It took a lot of time and (careful) effort but we managed to gently brush the dirt away to reveal the intricate mosaic beneath and then carefully cleaned away the more stubborn grime. It sounds silly but I did feel a bit like an archaeologist unearthing a long lost artifact - like Indiana Jones without the spring loaded booby traps!

Anyway, here's the finished article in all it's glory!

The backing for the mosaic appears to be mother of pearl, and the design is just staggering in its intricacy. Most of the pieces are 0.5mm long, so it's difficult to comprehend the skill required in cutting each individual gem or stone to create this picture. These pieces are typical of those purchased as souvenirs by wealthy Victorians - this piece is 18ct gold and was more than likely made in Rome. The image is that of a bird with a fish in it's beak. I've tried to find what this may be symbolic of but am still unsure, if anyone out there would like to hazard a guess I'd be very interested!!

The faded picture in the back is the original; it could be replaced but I don't think that's our decision to make. I love it, but then (as dad tells me) I love most antique jewellery. Still, I don't think it's difficult to see why in this case. It's unique, beautifully crafted and very wearable. Personally, I think it would go fabulously with any of these current season outfits:

Although when it was made it was probably worn with something like this!



Who says Antique Jewellery isn't versatile?!

Signing off...