Welcome to the Complete Guide to Antique Jewellery — a growing library of plain-English articles that explain the stories, techniques, and details behind historic pieces. This guide is designed to help you identify styles, understand symbolism, and explore the artistry of jewellery across centuries.
New topics are added regularly, covering everything from British hallmarks and gemstone traditions to the sentimental meanings and cultural contexts of antique jewellery. Whether you are a collector, wearer, or curious researcher, this is your starting point for expert, trustworthy information.
What topics can you explore?
This resource is organised into categories so you can easily find what you need. Explore by:
- Eras & Styles — from Georgian to Art Deco.
- Materials — gemstones, metals, and unique substances such as jet or enamel.
- Techniques — craftsmanship methods, construction styles, and historic practices.
- Symbols & Sentiment — mourning jewellery, posy rings, lover’s eyes, and more.
- Ownership & Care — resizing, cleaning, and storing antique jewellery safely.
Jewellery History
-
British Mourning Jewellery: Evolution from Georgian to Victorian Era
Discover British mourning jewellery from Georgian to Victorian eras, including Whitby jet, hair work, memento mori, and Queen Victoria’s influence.
-
Edwardian Men's Jewellery: The Gentleman's Arsenal
Discover exquisite Edwardian men's jewellery including King Edward's Fabergé dress sets, sporting stickpins, guilloche cigarette cases & formal evening attire
-
Edwardian Novelty Jewellery: A Celebration of Sporting Life and Whimsy (1901-1915)
Discover Edwardian novelty jewellery from sporting brooches and Fabergé animals to miniature eggs, charms, and phenomenal gems in this expert collector’s guide.
-
Victorian Royal Wedding Jewellery: Complete Historical Guide
Explore Queen Victoria's wedding jewels, orange blossom traditions, and the transformation of royal wedding jewellery customs in Victorian Britain.
Materials
-
A–Z Of Gemstones
A complete guide to gemstones, including colour, lustre, hardness, toughness, cutting styles, discovery, and crystal system, from Alexandrite to Zircon…
Authentication
-
How To Read A Hallmark
Hallmarks are small but powerful symbols stamped into precious metals that reveal origin, purity, and age, and learning to read them is an essential skill for understanding antique and modern jewellery...
How is this guide organised?
Each section groups related articles together, making it easy to move from introductory overviews to more detailed guides. As our resource grows, cross-links will connect articles so you can explore naturally across eras, materials, and meanings.
Frequently asked questions
```How often do you add new antique jewellery guides?
We publish new or expanded articles regularly. Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
Are your guides specific to British jewellery?
Many are UK-focused (especially hallmarks), but topics like gemstones, craftsmanship, and symbolism apply widely across Europe and beyond.
Can I request a topic?
Yes — if there is an area you would like us to cover, please get in touch and we’ll add it to our list of upcoming guides.