Summer Garden Party Style

Summer is in full swing and with scorching temperatures set to continue- there’s no better way to celebrate than with a garden party!

Earlier this month, the Queen hosted the annual Summer Garden Party at Holyrood Palace. Each summer, the Queen hosts three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, and one at the Palace of Holyrood House in Scotland.

Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s when Queen Victoria hosted what were known as ‘breakfasts’ (though confusingly they took place in the afternoon).

Historically, the annual garden parties were very much high society events with the presentation of debutantes and attendance of nobility.

From 1958 onward the parties  departed from their haute monde beginnings and evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.

Though rooted in royalty, the British public has embraced the tradition of the garden party which has become an essential facet of the summer social calendar.

With so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, we’re making the most of it by getting dressed up.

So whether it’s a relaxed BBQ or an elegant soiree, we’ve rounded up a selection of elegant  jewellery available here at Alfies that will add that extra special touch to your summer party outfit…

Circa 1900 French Platinum Diamond and Enamel Pendant. Available from Kieron Reilly

Victorian Gold Scarf Clip with Natural Pearls. Available from Gareth Brooks

A Victorian Silver, Amethyst and Moonstone Brooch. Available from Arabella Bianco

Victorian 18ct Emerald Pearl and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1880. Available from Kieron Reilly

Victorian Natural Sea Water Pearl and Diamond Ring, Circa 1890. Available from Kieron Reilly

Trifitail Gold Plated Bracelet with Faux Pearls. Available from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

May's Birthstone: Emerald

May is the heart of Spring, making the Emerald a very fitting birthstone for the month with its colour matching the lush growth and landscapes of the season. Just as Spring is associated with renewal, in the eyes of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the emerald is a symbol of rebirth.

The Egyptians also valued emeralds, considering them to have protective powers, which led to them using the gem in jewellery and burial ceremonies. Cleopatra is possibly the most famous character in history with a fondness for the emerald, using them heavily in her personal adornment and even taking ownership of all the emerald mines in Egypt during her reign.

Some of the oldest emeralds are estimated to be 2.97 billion years old and are still among the most valuable gemstones to own today.

In honour of the dazzling jewel, here is a selection of our favourites from Alfies:

Emerald and diamond baguette ring, 1980s. Available from Kieron Reilly

French Art Deco emerald and diamond filigree earrings, 1920s. Available from Pari's Jewellery

French Art Deco diamond and emerald platinum ring, 1920s. Available from Kieron Reilly

A diamond and emerald bow brooch, 1940s. Available from Zeeba Jewels

A Columbian emerald and diamond gold ring, custom made, 1970s. Available from Pari's Jewellery

Diamond and emerald drop earrings, 1970s. Available from Kieron Reilly

Diamonds are Forever

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

Celebrating Women

Mother's Day is coming up soon, falling on Sunday 11th March, and is the perfect time to show your Mum the love she deserves. Today also happens to be International Women's Day, so it really is a great time to be coming together and supporting each other as females -  if you're looking for an event where you can experience this kind of atmosphere then the WOW (Women of the World) festival is currently running at the Southbank Centre until Sunday.

With all of this going on, it's worth celebrating the women in your life - what better way to do so than with a gift? Here's our pick of the bunch from Alfies:

A floral painting, oil on canvas, mid 20th Century. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

A pair of paste and enamel earrings, 1980s. Available from April Antiques

An Italian ceramic coffee pot and sugar bowl, 20th century. Available from The Originals

A silver baby pram charm, 1960s. Available from Good Time Antiques

A Victorian emerald, diamond and pearl brooch, English, c1890. Available from Kieron Reilly

A selection of Victorian cranberry and vaseline glass vases. Available from Beth

A vintage tulip brooch, 1950s. Available from April Antiques

A floral painting, oil on canvas, mid 20th Century. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

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 

Christmas Shopping at Alfies

This year's annual Late Night Christmas Shopping Party at Alfies, will take place Thursday, 7 December, from 5pm - 8pm. Enjoy cocktails and canapés from Frank's Canteen while you shop for Christmas gifts. There will also be music, provided by Jason Lee Singer, as well as free vintage hairstyling & make-up for customers from Kitty's Vintage Salon!

Read more here and click attending to be added to the guestlist. Entry is free, but by RSVP only!

If you haven't already picked up one of this year's Christmas gift guides, then make fret not, as there's also an online version, viewable here. In the meantime, below are our picks of the bunch!

18ct gold locket with emerald, Victorian, available from Zeeba Jewels

1930s bakelite cherry brooch, available from Connie Speight

Romeo Rega arch shaped table lamp, c1970s, available from Cupio Gallery

Vintage Chanel perfume glass bottle with silver and enamel, available from Hayman & Hayman

Set of 6 etched wine glasses with coloured stems, c1950s, available from W & L Antiques

Services: A spotlight on Creative Jewellery Company

Over the coming weeks we will be highlighting our many services available at Alfies Antique Market. This week's blog post puts the spotlight on Lawrence who runs Creative Jewellery Company.

Lawrence launched the company in 1999, close-by on Marylebone High Street and spent twenty years there honing his craft and building up a customer database before moving to Alfies last year. His work includes repairing and restoring jewellery, as well as custom jewellery design. Lawrence's passion and speciality is hand made unique jewellery, custom made to suit each individual's design and personality. His beautiful pieces are carefully crafted and make perfect unique gifts for special birthdays or occasions.

A cross necklace shown in development, from start to finish.

A ring that was driven over and flattened was restored to its former glory rather than being scrapped.

The beautiful handmade Daisy Swann ring, made from 29 separate pieces of platinum.

Second Floor | Stand S052

Tel: 07754 059 856

help@creativejewellery.com

July's Birthstone: Ruby

Rubies, the birthstone of July, are often used to represent love, health and wisdom and are widely considered to be the king of gems. To this day it is still the most valuable gemstone with the value increasing based on colour and quality. 

Traditionally, it was believed that wearing a ruby would bestow good fortune upon its owner, making all those born in July a very lucky bunch indeed.

Alfies isn't short of these lucky charms, read on to see just a small selection of our favourites.

A pair of 1980s natural ruby and diamond earrings set in 18ct gold. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A Victorian cranberry glass vase. Offered by Sheila Cameron

A 1950s paste brooch. Offered by April Antiques

A Whitefriars ruby glass molar vase with controlled bubble details. Offered by Robinson Antiques

1940s natural ruby and diamond brooches. Offered by Zeeba Jewels

A 1950s Japanese lacquerware sherry glass and tray set. Offered by Horner Antiques