July's Birthstone: Ruby

Rubies, the birthstone of July, are often used to represent love, health and wisdom and are widely considered to be the king of gems. To this day it is still the most valuable gemstone with the value increasing based on colour and quality. 

Traditionally, it was believed that wearing a ruby would bestow good fortune upon its owner, making all those born in July a very lucky bunch indeed.

Alfies isn't short of these lucky charms, read on to see just a small selection of our favourites.

A pair of 1980s natural ruby and diamond earrings set in 18ct gold. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A Victorian cranberry glass vase. Offered by Sheila Cameron

A 1950s paste brooch. Offered by April Antiques

A Whitefriars ruby glass molar vase with controlled bubble details. Offered by Robinson Antiques

1940s natural ruby and diamond brooches. Offered by Zeeba Jewels

A 1950s Japanese lacquerware sherry glass and tray set. Offered by Horner Antiques

Sculpture at Alfies

Frieze Sculpture is currently underway at Regent's Park, which will run until 8 October this year. The green landscape has been transformed into a unique and exceptional spectacle, which encompasses art, culture, learning and fresh air! The exhibition brings together 24 new and significant works by 20th-century masters and leading contemporary artists from around the world.

Alfies is just a short walk away from Regent's Park, so why not extend your cultural tour and pay us a visit? You'll discover a treasure trove of art and sculpture as well as sculptural lighting and decorative objects. Below is just a small example of what we have on offer at the moment... 

1970s Abstract Brass Sculpture by Alan Chervet | Available from The Moderns 

Tommaso Barbi ‘Rhubard’ Floor Lamp | Available from Cupio Gallery

Woman, 20th century, pottery based | Available from Robert McKoy Fine Art

Neolithic Disc | Available from Duncan Clarke

1930s bronze and marble sculpture | Available from Diplomat Treasures International 

Below is a little taster of what to expect at Frieze Sculpture 2017...

Miquel Barceló | Gran Elefant Dret | Bronze

Urs Fischer | Invisible Mother 2015 | Cast brass and enamel 

KAWS | Final Days 2013 | Afromosia wood 

Pride in London

The Pride Festival has been taking place in London since Saturday 14 June, with this coming weekend marking the main events and culminating in the big finale that is the Pride Parade Saturday 8 July. Starting at 1pm on Regent Street and taking a 1.4 mile route through the capital, this year is set to be the biggest yet with over 300 groups marching and more floats included than ever before. The aim of Pride In London is to spread the message of equality and challenge prejudice whilst providing a celebration of LGBT+ life.

In recent years the rainbow design which is now associated with the LGBT+ community has become one that is instantly recognisable, and fairly clear in terms of it's message of diversity and inclusivity. Taking inspiration from this design we took a look around Alfies to find some colourful items that would fit within the rainbow spectrum!

From left to right: A wedgwood shell plate, c1900s. Offered by W & L Antiques; A Doric and Pansy design in aquamarine tea trio (part of a set), c1938. Offered by Robinson Antiques; A jadeite sugar bowl in a shell design, c1960s. Offered by Robinson Antiques; An Italian bottle vase, c1965. Offered by Robinson Antiques

From left to right: An English Bristol Blue glass vase, c1950s/60s. Offered by Renato; A Victorian piano leg stand in blue glass. Offered by Renato; A Murano glass cube table lighter, c1960s. Offered by Dream Retro; A candle holder, c1930s. Offered by W & L Antiques

From left to right: A cranberry glass oil and vinegar bottle, c1930s. Offered by W & L Antiques; A Whitefrairs ruby textured glass belly vase, c1965. Offered by Robinson Antiques; A Scandinavia cased vase, c1965. Offered by Robinson Antiques; A cranberry glass bottle, c1940s. Offered by W & L Antiques; A cranberry glass miniature jug. Offered by W & L Antiques

From left to right: A Whitefriars tangerine bark vase (middle size), c1970s. Offered by Robinson Antiques; A set of four Jersey Pottery table coasters, c1970s. Offered by Robinson Antiques; A painted glass vase, c1950s. Offered by W & L Antiques; A Murano tangerine glass dish, c1970s. Offered by Robinson Antiques

From left to right: A Whitefriars style miniature glass jug, c1960s. Offered by Dream Retro; A bakelite catalin buddha, c1920s. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International; A Chinese glass snuff bottle, 19th/20th century. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International; A European glass vase, c1960s. Offered by Dream Retro