Overview of Mourning Miniture Portraits

Personal identity and representing the family in jewellery and objects is as much a nationalistic symbol, as it is one of self pride. The rise in popularity of the miniature portrait has a direct line to royal patronage and suits the changing value of the upper class. With the Renaissance offering a new way of… Continue reading Overview of Mourning Miniture Portraits

French Saint Esprit Dove Necklace

During the Rococo period of the 18th century, much of the most ornate and elaborate jewellery was created. Rococo as a popular style began c.1730 in Paris and flourished well into the 1780s, built upon the skills of master jewellers from Spain to Russia. Access to gems was another reason why the style was so popular,… Continue reading French Saint Esprit Dove Necklace

Connecting And Collecting In An 1820 Ring

Mourning Ring for "Lois Boyes 24 July 1820, age 47"

Collecting is an art in itself. Discovering facts about a jewel helps one find out more about the life of the person who wore it and how their emotion created something which they felt was a way of representing themselves within society through a jewel. Recently, the Inspired by Antiquity blog reached out to me… Continue reading Connecting And Collecting In An 1820 Ring

In Memory of a Beloved Child Gothic Revival Ring

Thomas Cooper Hawkins was born in 1822 and died on the third of January, 1825. This ring is a memorial to honour his memory and serves as a jewel to remind modern society about an era where love and sentimentality were part of fashion and social proprietary. From its construction, we can see elements of… Continue reading In Memory of a Beloved Child Gothic Revival Ring