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Old cut diamonds have a classic, romantic appeal that make them particularly desirable in the market. As with any diamond purchase, it’s important to understand the value and quality of these stones before making a purchase. This guide provides an overview of old cut diamonds and explains their key characteristics, history, care advice and more.

Finding the perfect diamond can seem daunting but understanding what makes a diamond unique is key to making an informed decision. The eight cut diamond, also known as the single cut diamond, is one of the most popular cuts for its exceptional sparkle and elegant shape. This guide will provide insight into the eight cut diamond and help you choose the diamond that best suits your needs. From its origins to the selection process, this guide will arm you with all the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about your purchase.

The jewellery industry has always been one full of innovation, with popular designs and trends ever-changing.

The most important milestones in life are traditionally marked with the gift of jewellery – rings, in particular, are given to mark engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

There are thousands of known gemstones in the world, with each and every one carrying its own unique symbolism.

There are few stones in the world quite as unusual in their properties and appearance as jet.

Each era in jewellery has its own signature hallmarks and the Victorian era is no different.

There are few gifts quite as special as a carefully selected piece of antique jewellery, with antique bracelets being one of the most versatile jewellery types for gift giving.

When it comes to love, there are few gifts quite as sentimental or as rich in symbolism as the exchanging of rings.

Alongside the sentimental value we often associate with our personal jewellery collections, many of the individual stones and crystals often used in jewellery making have come to represent a deeper meaning over the years.

The Georgian era of antique jewellery was an exuberant one, reflecting the excess and flamboyance of the time period. One of the most interesting eras for antique jewellery, the Georgian period was defined by skill, artisanship and glamour.

Of all the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts out there, there are few considered quite as romantic or as sentimental as jewellery.

As beautiful as it is timeless, the use of sterling silver within jewellery dates back for centuries.

An anniversary is celebrated for every year that you are married, and each year is a milestone reached by you and your significant other. There are traditional anniversary gifts, such as paper for the first anniversary or wood for the fifth.

The planning of a wedding comes with no shortage of important decisions to make, but one of the most significant is, perhaps, picking out the perfect antique wedding rings.

Pearls have been used at the centre of stunning jewellery pieces like the ones within our collection for centuries, having become one of the world’s most highly coveted gemstones.

Gemstone engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique style, large size, and lower cost. However, these aren’t the only factors that go into purchasing an engagement ring – you have to consider the durability of the gem, too.

One of the most magical gemstones, moonstones have been used in jewellery for centuries and are known for their beautiful sheen and smooth texture.

Art Nouveau was a fleeting movement (circa. 1898-1910) that, despite its transience, had a profound, lasting impact on jewellery design and many other arts. The glittering period ushered in innovative and entirely different design principles to preceding eras, countering the prevalence of mass-made jewellery.

A star sapphire is a variety of sapphire which exhibits a unique reflection, giving the impression of a star trapped within the stone. They have long been a highly coveted and prizes stone, used both for aesthetic purposes and as a talisman across centuries.

The Arts & Crafts jewellery movement in Europe noted a distinctive departure from industrialisation. Artists and consumers alike felt uneasy with the mechanisation and standardisation that accompanied the Industrial Revolution, and this movement marked a return to unique jewellery pieces, often hand-crafted.

The Art Deco movement permeated every aspect of the culture and creativity of the 1920s. Later, mid century rings of the 20th century would also be inspired by the creativity of the Art Deco movement taking the form of Retro style.

Throughout the Victorian era, Victorian jewellery makers and wearers perfected the art of symbolism through their jewellery items. Many pieces of antique jewellery are full of secret messages and sentiment, but the Victorian era, in particular, was obsessed with symbolism and motifs.

Delicate and unique, ballerina rings are cluster rings designed to look like the tutus worn by ballerinas. Distinctive and indicative of their era, ballerina rings are decadent and elegant – and indeed a statement piece. They are still widely made and often feature in estate and antique jewellery sales due to their overwhelming popularity. Ballerina rings are a staple for any vintage jewellery collector.

Throughout history, gems and precious stones have often been associated with certain emotions or said to bring luck to those who wear them. Gemstones have been used in prayer, medicinal practices, and casual wear across the millennia, and many of the notions associated with them come from their individual histories.

Jade refers to either of two durable, compact, typically green gemstones that take a high polish. Since records began, both minerals have been carved into jewellery, ornaments, small sculptures, and utilitarian objects. Today, jadeite is the most coveted jade stone; the other is nephrite.

Understanding gemstone durability and hardness is essential for anyone interested in jewellery, antique or otherwise – especially if you’re looking for the perfect alternative gemstone engagement ring.

If there is one thing in the world that signifies luxury, it’s gold. Gold in all its forms is the world’s most ubiquitous and historic symbol of wealth. For thousands of years, it has been moulded into coins, crowns, armour – and, of course, jewellery, such as in yellow gold pendants and yellow gold earrings.

As we explored in our piece about the history of necklaces, necklaces may perhaps be the earliest form of jewellery that humans wore. Chain necklaces aren’t excluded from this history – they too have been worn throughout history by everyone from medieval royalty to modern day rappers.

Cufflinks have been popular for centuries, first emerging in the late 17th century during King Louis XIV of France’s reign. Their history is inextricable from the shirt’s, which men have been wearing since the invention of woven fabric in 5,000 BC. Traditionally the shirt was considered an undergarment, therefore showing a shirtsleeve would be regarded as improper; however, attitudes changed over time, and a need to fasten shirt cuffs emerged.