"I'm afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are."
―
Lewis Carroll,
Alice in Wonderland
Roller-printed cotton
chintz - Alice in Wonderland
C F A Voysey, 1920
If you love the fantastic world of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland then a visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood is a must. Delve into a new perspective of Carroll's heroine, Alice, in a beautiful display
marking the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The exhibition shows
how Alice and her Wonderland friends have been embraced and adapted all across the world, and how she has inspired many of the most celebrated designers,
stylists and photographers. Follow Alice's evolution
through a collection of garments, photographs and rare editions along with a brand
new commission by pattern-cutter Josie Smith of Roksanda. The exhibition is on display until Sunday, 1 November.
Alfies is a Wonderland in its own right, here you will find many beautiful curiosities to fall in love with, and be sure to visit our Roof Top Kitchen for your own Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
24 hour large pocket watch in nickle silver, 1910. Offered by Moe Heidarieh.
A fabulous 'Queen of Hearts' early Victorian garnet and gold heart shaped ring. Offered by Gareth Brooks
French 1920s 'Looking Glass' wall mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker
I am sure we all agree that the Royal Wedding was lovely to watch, Kate looked stunning and the nation felt happily united for a weekend. It was quite a wonderful event. But during the months running up to the wedding date we have also seen our fair share of sapphire engagement rings - some amazingly beautiful ones, some rather cheap looking copies. So to cater for people with a more individual taste Alfies joined our big sister Grays Antique Market in the hunt for engagement rings that are just that little bit different. Here is what we have found so far - more to follow so do keep checking our weekly blog for inspiration!
Victorian 9ct gold ring with three diamonds at Marie Antiques
18ct gold Art Deco ring with rubies and diamonds in a diamond shaped platinum setting at Marie Antiques
A platinum Art Deco diamond and onyx ring at Gareth Brooks
9ct gold Edwardian ring with three seed pearls and diamonds in a silver setting at Marie Antiques
15 ct white gold Art Deco ring with flower shaped carved coral at Marie Antiques
18 ct gold Art Deco knot style ring adorned with rubies, diamonds and a pearl at Gareth Brooks
And once the ring is bought, why not plan your engagement party in our lovely Rooftop Restaurant? Its sunny terrace is the perfect setting for a spring or summer event. Please call 0207 706 2969 for enquiries.
May 8th 1945 was Victory in Europe Day - heralding the end of the Second World War, when the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. It was a day of celebration for millions of people. We've had a little look around Alfies to see what beautiful pieces we could find of the period and here are a few of the highlights...
Rare model of Stilnovo writing desk lamp, Italy 1945 Modo Italia
The 25th of January sees in Burns Night, the celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns. And so at Alfies, as our thoughts turned to all things Scottish, we stumbled across some beautiful examples of pebble jewellery and began to look into the history of these distinctive pieces.
Queen Victoria was a great trend-setter in her day and her influence extended into jewellery, notably with jet but also with Scottish pebble jewellery. One of the Queen’s favourite places was Balmoral, her royal residence in Scotland. Her great support of Scottish culture and heritage encouraged visitors to the country and local jewellers responded to the resulting increase in tourist trade by producing mosaic souvenir jewellery, made from precious metal and native stones.
Scottish Pebble Jewellery was produced from around 1850 until the demand for these trinkets went into decline at the beginning of the First World War. The earlier examples of Victorian pebble jewellery tend to be of superior quality and craftsmanship as well as the most collectable and Alfies dealers have some lovely examples on offer.
Scottish Pebble Pendant, c.1850 set in sterling silver
Victorian Pebble jewellery took inspiration from historic Celtic and Scottish folk law with emblems such as the cross of St Andrew, shields, knots, crests and clan symbols. The engraving on the mounts of the jewellery was done by hand and very intricate, while stones used included Sardonyx, Montrose Agate, Mocha Agate, Carnelian, Malachite, Chalcedony, Bloodstone, Granite, Jaspers and Quartz.
1870 round silver brooch inlayed with agates and citrines, £550
Pebble jewellery comes in all shapes and sizes including traditional plaid brooches, miniature dirk kilt pins, bracelets, earrings, pendants, belt buckles, cufflinks, stamp boxes, matchsafes, and sovereign holders. Necklaces were also made but are much rarer to find. We selected a few of our favourites, but do pop down to Alfies and have a look at what else our brilliant dealers have in.
