January's Birthstone: Garnet

The January birthstone is the stunning garnet. The name Garnet is derived from the Greek word 'granatum,' meaning 'pomegranate seed,' due to the small garnets which resemble the bright red seeds found inside pomegranates. It is also known as the 'Stone of Happiness,' which is rather useful during the bleak Winter months!

In celebration of January birthdays, we've chosen our favourite garnet pieces at Alfies...

Pearl and garnet gold bracelet, c1900s. Available from Zeeba Jewels

Garnet gold pendant, c1900s, available from Zeeba Jewels

Garnet gold flower earrings, English. c1980s. Available from Kieron Rielly

Garnet gold earrings, French. c1880. Availble from Kieron Rielly

Garnet gold brooch, c1880. Available from Naneen Brooks

Garnet and aquamarine earrings, c1900. Available from Naneen Brooks

Garnet gold earrings, c1890. Available from Naneen Brooks

Garnet Bohemian bangle, c1890. Available from Gareth Brooks

Garnet gold bangle, c1890. Available from Gareth Brooks

Garnet gold necklace, c1890. Available from Gareth Brooks 

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

Christmas Shopping Party at Alfies Antique Market

Two weeks from today Alfies will be opening its doors until 9pm for its annual Late Night Shopping Event. The after-hours shopping party has become legendary for its entertainment, cocktails and canapés and is a fantastic way to shop for rare and beautiful Christmas gifts.

This year you can enjoy vintage inspired music from The Haywood Sisters and complimentary canapés and drinks from the Roof Top Kitchen while you browse. You will also be able to suss out what lies ahead in 2016 with forecasts from our in-house tarot card reader and, this year, for those who arrive between 5pm and 6pm there will be a special raffle draw with a range of gift vouchers available to win, from £20-£100.

Music: Sets at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm

Tarot Card Reading: Based in unit S002-04. Use the sign up sheet on the door to select a time slot

Raffle: Arrive between 5pm and 6pm and the doorman will give you a raffle ticket for our 7.30pm prize draw. Winners will be announced at the end of The Haywood Sisters' 7pm set, in the jewellery corner on the ground floor.

Bar: Drinks stations will be located on the first and second floors.

The Haywood Sisters performing in the Roof Top Kitchen

Shoppers at the Alfies Christmas Shopping Event

Alfies Christmas Gift Guide 2016. Pick one up from reception or view online here

9ct Gold earrings with Cabochon Emeralds and Diamonds. From Good Time Antiques.

Cartier 18ct Gold and Sapphire Art Deco Cufflinks, c.1930s. From Kieron Reilly.

Napier cocktail Tells-You-How-Mixer, 1932, silver plate. From Goldsmith & Perris.

1930s ostrich feather fan with tortoiseshell handle From Tin Tin Collectables.

This event is free but by RSVP only - please click attending on our Facebook event, or contact us using the information below to ensure entry:

020 7723 6066
info@alfiesantiques.com

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Still searching for the perfect gift? Don't panic! You can rest assured Alfies will have that item you are looking for. With such a diverse range of vintage and antiques, and a price range to suit every budget, you might find yourself buying a little something extra! We handpicked a few special items to inspire you...

Gifts for him

Silver covered watch face, mechanical wind-up, c1920s, offered by Moe Heidarieh

1930s Silver cocktail shaker, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Silver & red enamelled cufflinks, offered by Gareth Brooks

Rare English light by Walligraph with black shade, c1950s, offered by Steven Lazarus

Gifts for her

Victorian cameo, offered by Naneen Brooks

Edwardian old cut Colombian diamond with natural pearl, offered by Pari's Jewellery

Beaded Victorian bag, offered by Sheila Cameron

Mid century Venetian green glass beaded necklace, offered by Gloria Sinclair

Gift for the home 

1950s Murano glass table lamp by Archimede Seguso (more colours available), offered by Louise Verber Antiques

1970s Spanish 'Boomerang' lamp, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

Set of six 1930s silver and enamel spoons by David Anderson, Norway, offered by Zeeba Jewels

A selection of antique and vintage globes, offered by Travers Antiques

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 Christmas Opening Hours

Thursday, 24 December: 10am - 2pm
Friday, 25 December – Friday, 1 January: CLOSED
Saturday, 2 January: 10am - 6pm

International Men's Day

International Men's Day is an annual international event celebrated in more than 60 countries, on 19 November. The idea is to promote male role models, increase awareness of men's health issues, improve gender equality and highlight discrimination. Or simply to get people to show some appreciation for the men in their life!

Each year secondary themes are suggested, such as peace in 2002, healing and forgiveness in 2007, "Our children our future" in 2010, and "working together for men and boys" in 2014 - which addressed issues that affect males all over the world.

This year the theme is “Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men”, designed to encourage cooperation in addressing reproductive issues.

In celebration of International Men's Day, we have put together a few examples of mantiques you will find at Alfies all year round. 

Original 1960s James Bond Aston Martin toy model, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

15 Jewels Pocket Watch, record watch, 1924, offered by Moe Heidarieh

A selection of hipflasks, silver plate and leather, 1900s - 1940s, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Machine age lamp by Marbro, USA, 1950s, offered by Matt Mitchell London

Radar Men From The Moon, CineFilm, offered by Atomium

9ct Gold round cufflinks with white and baby blue edging, offered by Gareth Brooks

Gopnered 1930s leather briefcase, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

1950s search lights on stands, offered by Steven Lazarus

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's almost December, the Christmas lights have been switched on and it's time to start thinking about what's on your Christmas shopping lists this year.

Last week the Telegraph came to visit Alfies to find out why antiques and vintage make the perfect gifts.  With vintage luggage, silk dressing gowns, danish table lamps and silver napkin rings they found a wonderful array of items to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here is our very own Christmas wish list from Alfies:

1.  Sparking gold and seed pearl jewellery. From Pari's Jewellery.

2. Magnificent pair of silver game birds Royal Irish Silver Co, c 1971. From Adrian Cohen Antiques.

3. A single sun head table lamp, signed 1968. From Astor Place London.

4. A blue and white Worchester butter dish, c1775. From Janes Antiques.

5. An advertising poster for Mackintosh's toffee by Jean D'ylen, 1928. From Dodo Posters.

6. A 1940s silver plated desk calender. From Good Time Antiques.

7. A pretty tortoiseshell mantilla comb. From Melinda Colthurst.

8. A glamorous mirrored frame (we'd love a blue one!). From Mirror Master.

9. A dainty matching cup and saucer. From W&L Antiques.

10. Enough colourful vintage decorations to make our Christmas tree shine. From Persiflage.

Don't forget we are hosting our annual Christmas Shopping Party this Thursday 29th November, from 5pm-9pm. Come and explore all four floors, find some special Christmas gifts and get into the festive spirit!  RSVP for your free invitation by emailing info@alfiesantiques.com or join the event on facebook.