The birthstone for April is the show stopping diamond, said to be a girl's best friend, we have plenty on display around Alfies.
Almost every civilisation has had some form of lore surrounding diamonds. In Ancient Greece warriors wore diamonds because the stones were thought to strengthen the muscles and bring invincibility. They have also been considered the adornment of winners and were worn as a talisman by many leaders including Julius Caesar, Louis IV and Napoleon.
Throughout history the diamond has also represented eternal love, possibly
symbolic of one of the diamond's key features - strength. Diamonds have
the hardest structure of any gemstone, are believed to be the hardest
substance known to man and can only be cut with another diamond. For all
of these reasons, the diamond has become the traditional gem used for
engagement rings. However we believe that diamonds look good on everyone!
A 1960s platinum and diamond leaf brooch. Available from Kieron Reilly
An onyx and diamond ring, c1930s. Available from Kieron Reilly
A Victorian silver and diamond brooch. Available from Pars Jewellery
An onyx and diamond ring, c1930s. Available from Kieron Reilly
A pair of Art Deco diamond earrings. Available from Kieron Reilly
An Edwardian platinum and diamond brooch. Available from Pars Jewellery
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.
During the Georgian era (1714-1830) arts, architecture and literature flourished in the UK, with noted names such as Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, William Wordsworth, Lord Byron,John Constable, J.M.V Turner, Robert Adam and John Nash making memorable contributions in their respective fields. The BritishMuseum was established in 1753 and its growing collection of items from abroad brought new influences and decorative developments in the arts and architecture.
Georgian jewellery was inspired by the trends in architecture and interior decoration of the Rococo, Neoclassical and Gothic styles which spanned over the Georgian years. Designs from nature were popular; birds, flowers, leaves, insects, acorns, feathers, as well as intaglios, mosaic, the Greek key, hearts and urns. Cameos became fashionable in 1804 when Napoleon had Roman cameos placed on his coronation crown. Other prominent design forms of the Georgian period are bezels, foilbacked stones, low flat goldwork, cobalt blue and black and white enamelling. In essence, jewellery was elaborate and beautifully designed, such as this set from Marie Antiques.
Amazing Georgian Parure jewellery set in 15ct gold featuring pink topaz and pearls. All pieces present and within original box.
Miniatures containing pictures of loved ones were popular and the dead were remembered with early mourning jewellery, memento mori, which were decorated with skeletons, coffins, skulls and crossbones. Other prominent inventions were glass paste copies of real gems as well as a substitute for gold called "pinchbeck" named after its inventor. The best and most lasting paste jewellery was produced after 1734 by Georges Strass. Diamonds were the favoured gem at the beginning of the Georgian period, with coloured stones coming back in fashion in the 1750's. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires were worn along with new stones like white-imperial-pink topaz, amethyst, chartreuse chrysoberyl, coral, ivory, pearls, and garnets. In addition, lava, shell, onyx, and carnelian became popular with the introduction of carved classical theme jewellery.
A 15ct gold ring with buckle style shoulders set with a large cabochon cut garnet stone from Peter and NaneenBrooks
Natural materials such as pearl and coral were favoured together with precious stones, seen in these seed pearl earrings from Peter and Naneen Brooks and multi-strand coral necklace with carved coral sections, also from Peter and Naneen Brooks
Fine gold work was celebrated in the Georgian period and items were made to the highest standard, like this beautiful French gold mesh purse in 18ct gold with sapphire and pearls from Marie Antiques.
Bright colours were combined with decorative motifs later on in the Georgian period, for example the strong blue together with a plant in this Bristol blue glass set ring with diamonds, ca 1830 from Peter and Naneen Brooks
