Dazzling Diamonds

We've all heard the the old adage, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," and with its brilliance, scintillation & dispersion it's easy to see why. Diamonds, the most popular gemstone, are also the symbol for steadfast love. Another slogan we've heard many times is that, “a diamond is forever.” This is because of the stone’s symbol of deep, everlasting love, as well as the fact that it’s the hardest substance known on earth.

The diamond is also the stone that marks the 60th anniversary of marriage, and is the birthstone for the month of April. Here's a beautifully curated collection of dazzling diamonds available at Alfies.

Old cut diamond (approx 1.2 ct.) on 18ct white gold. Available from Pars Jewellery.

18ct diamond bracelet. French. c1860s. Available from Kieron Rielly.

18ct white gold and diamond ring. Available from Gareth Brooks.

1900-1910 Lizard brooch in 18ct gold with rose cut diamonds. Offered by Pari's Jewellery.

Georgian ruby & diamond ring. 18ct. Offered by Zeeba Jewels.

St Valentine's Day

St Valentine's Day - hated by some, loved by others - is approaching again. Now associated with mass produced greetings cards and overpriced roses, this celebration actually has simpler roots. Popular legend tells us that there was once a Saint Valentine of Rome who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and also for ministering to Christians, at that time persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the tale, during his imprisonment he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

The day was not recognisable as it is to us now until the Middle Ages, when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote 'Parliament of Fowls' containing the first reference to “Saint Valentine’s Day” as an occasion for romance. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "Valentines").

These days the 14th of February is whatever you make it and here at Alfies we advocate love all year round! However, for those of you who still like the tradition of giving gifts, here is our pick of romantic offerings at Alfies Antique Market:

1980s white and black diamond baguette ring, 18ct white gold, available from Pars Jewellery.

Victorian gold acorn earrings, offered by Gareth Brooks

18ct white gold earrings by "Asprey", diamond & aquamarine, offered by Gareth Brooks

Taittinger poster backed on linen, 46cm x 62cm, available from Dodo Posters.

Collection of  Wedgwood candle holders from 1967, available from Robinson Antiques.

Gilded bronze, enamel frame, 1890-1900, available from Hayman & Hayman.

Christian Dior silk gown, 1950s, available from June Victor.

1960s 18ct gold swirl ring with 0.5 carat centre diamond, available from Pars Jewellery.