Bachelor's Day

Leap days are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the Sun. It is still associated with age-old customs, folklore and superstition. One of the most well-known traditions is that women propose  to their boyfriends on this day (also known as “Bachelors’ Day”) instead of the other way around. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how leap day balances the calendar. 

According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men. If refused, the man was obliged to buy her new gloves on Easter Day, the intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

At Alfies our dealers have an exceptional collection of men’s jewellery guaranteed to make your loved one shout “YES!”, here's a small selection all offered by Pars Jewellery....

1980s 18ct diamond ring

Vintage signet ring, 18ct yellow gold

18ct gold diamond ring, 1938.

Victorian diamond ring

Jade and white gold diamond cufflinks, 1930s.

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.

No more sapphire rings...

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.