From 18 March until 24 March, The Duke of York Square in London will be occupied by the BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, a showcase for members of BADA representing the UK's leading
specialists in the fine and decorative arts.
A diverse range of important furniture, objets d’art, paintings and jewellery will be on display, with just under a hundred of the most renowned art and antiques dealers in the country (including dealers from our sister company Grays) showcasing their stock, encompassing both antique and contemporary items. The BADA Fair is sure to have something for everyone.
If you can't make it to the BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, rest assured that at Alfies our dealers stock a wide range of quality items all year round. Here are our favourite picks:
One of a pair of Antique Victorian balloon back armchairs, offered by Attic London
1970s cup & saucer, William Morris design made for the V & A, offered by Gloria Sinclair
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
This autumn black is making a comeback with a dark and glamorous edge.Smoky eyes, dark lace and shimmering statement jewellery have been a highlight on this years autumn/winter catwalks.
As the days are getting shorter and winter seems to finally be on the horizon it is time to invest in some jewellery to see you through the autumn months.From bold jet necklaces, to delicate garnet bracelets and dazzling cocktail rings, vintage and antique jewellery is the perfect way to complete the femme fatale look of the season.
Image details (clockwise from left to right):
Victorian Whitby Jet Necklace with Drops.Peter and Naneen Brooks. Striking jet necklace with large links and facet bead drops.
Edwardian Diamond Ring.Pari’s Jewellery An Edwardian diamond ring in 18kt gold.
Victorian Whitby Jet Dual Strand Necklace. Peter and Naneen Brooks. 19th Century jet necklace with two strands of faceted beads.
