Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is nearly upon us once again and it's time to start thinking about how to celebrate..

We are offering a special prosecco afternoon tea for two at the Rooftop Kitchen, plus £100 in Alfies gift vouchers in a special Valentine's giveaway! To be in with the chance to win, keep an eye on the Alfies Instagram account (@alfiesantiques), tag a friend in our promotional post and DM (direct message) the Alfies account with your email address*. Simple! The winner will be announced Saturday 10th February. 

*Entrants will be added to the Alfies mailing list

Of course it's also time to start thinking about what you might gift your loved one. With the holiday symbolising all that it does, it's a perfect time to express appreciation for those who are important to us. Traditionally, Valentine's day is the holiday representing the Roman saint and has been associated with love and romance since the Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love and chivalry flourished. Over time this has evolved into the practice of card and gift giving. 

There are the usual gifts that are given at this time of year, such as flowers and chocolates, but how about something a little more unique? Read on to see some of our favourite pieces from around the store that we think would be perfect for the occasion.

Early 20th century oil painting, oil on board. Available from Robert McKoy Fine Arts

A 1950s Aurora Borealis heart carriage brooch. Available from Tony Durante

A 1960s gilded cupid brooch. Available from Good Time Antiques 

A 20th century signed floral painting, oil on canvas. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

An American 1940s floral brooch. Available from Tony Durante

A selection of antique gold and silver charms. Available from Good Time Antiques

Symbols of Christmas

Christmas is a Christian festival rich in tradition and history, symbolism being a theme that runs heavily throughout all aspects of the celebration. From the food we eat to the decorations we choose, a British Christmas today is still largely based on the Christian celebration. Here we explore some of those meanings through antiques from Alfies.

The Star – This symbolises the star which, according to the bible, guided the three kings to the baby Jesus upon his birth, whilst also depicting the shining hope of humanity.

A Victorian gold and diamond locket, c1900. Offered by Kieron Reilly

Red – Being the first colour of Christmas, this symbolises the 'saviour's' sacrifice and represents the blood of Jesus on the cross.

A Whitefriars ruby textured 'Pot Belly' vase, 1965. Offered by Robinson Antiques

The Fir Tree – Evergreen is the second colour of Christmas, representing everlasting light and life. Mostly this is displayed through a Christmas tree, which usually comes from the evergreen conifer family such as fir, pine or spruce.

An enamel Christmas tree brooch, 1980s. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

The Bell – Ringing bells symbolise the start of the festive season and the birth of Christ.

A selection of 9ct gold charms, 1960s/70s. Offered by Good Time Antiques

The Candle – A mirror of starlight, reflecting the star of Bethlehem.

A pair of silver plate Corinthian column candle sticks, c1910. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Holly – The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, said to have been worn by Jesus when he was crucified.

A pair of enamel holly earrings, 1980s. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

The Candy Cane – A treat that represents the shape of a shepherd's crook. It is a reminder that according to the bible, Jesus - the good shepherd - was born on Christmas Day and used the crook to bring the lost lambs back to the fold. The red strip represents his blood and the white his purity.

A patterned glass dish, 1950s. Offered by Renato

May's Birthstone: Emerald

The Emerald is a jewel of long history, legend and fascination. Whilst there are other green gems such as Jade, Tourmaline and Peridot, it is always the Emerald that is associated with landscapes and nature because of its vivid colour - Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle and Seattle is referred to as the Emerald City. Even Thailand's most sacred religious icon is known as the 'Emerald Buddha'. The name is derived from Ancient Greece and the first known Emerald mines were in Egypt, with Cleopatra being particularly fond of the gem, using them to adorn many of her royal outfits.

The stone is part of the 'Beryl' family of gemstones and legend says that it holds a number of mystical properties, including being able to see into the future if the stone is placed under the tongue. Not to mention its use to reveal the truth and ward off evil spirits.

The colour of the Emerald is said to reflect new Spring growth, making it the perfect birthstone for the month of May, and of course here at Alfies we have some perfect Emerald pieces to offer.

An Austrian/Hungarian emerald and pearl silver bracelet, 1860s/70s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels.

Left to Right: A two carat diamond and three carat emerald ring, 1980s; A French Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A Wedgwood shell plate 1920s/30s. Offered by W & L Antiques

A diamond and emerald bow brooch, 1940s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels

Art Deco diamond and emerald rings, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

An American jug with diamond detailing, 1940s. Offered by Renato

An emerald and diamond 18ct necklace, 1980s, Offered by Zeeba Jewels