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If you’ve ever seen a piece of Kutchinsky jewellery, it’s unlikely you’ll forget it. Made during a time of extreme austerity, Kutchinsky pieces were refreshingly bold and harnessed the growing sense of optimism of the beginning of the post war period.

Luxury jewellery brands Cartier and Tiffany are often compared to each other. As two of the world’s most well-known jewellers, the names are synonymous with quality and elegance. Vintage Cartier and Tiffany jewellery are often hard to come by, as pieces tend to be passed down the generations, but antique jewellery, such as vintage diamond engagement rings from either brand will sell for thousands if in good condition – with the price generally increasing the older the piece is.

Like all jewellery, rings have changed drastically over time. What was fashionable in the 1950s is not to today’s taste. However, quality vintage and antique jewellery remains truly beautiful and unique regardless of the fact that the trends that formed it are no longer popular.

Have you ever picked up antique rings, vintage engagement rings or antique necklaces in a shop and wished you knew a bit more about them? With a little prior knowledge, anyone can date and locate their piece of jewellery using hallmarks.

Antique necklaces may be one of the earliest types of jewellery worn by humans. Over the years they have served ceremonial, religious, magical, and funerary purposes. Today in the west, they’re mostly used to accentuate a particular fashion style or worn to symbolise wealth and status.

Deciding on your next diamond jewellery purchase can be a confusing process. To help, we’ve created a ‘Diamond Cut Guide’ to help you identify and differentiate between the diamond cuts most commonly found in vintage and antique jewellery.

Emeralds are a stunning gem known for their mesmeric green colour. They evoke luxury and elegance in a way perhaps no other coloured gemstone does.

Precious metals, diamonds and gemstones are mined, shifted, refined and, eventually, the components come together as a piece of jewellery. This long process can be tough on the environment, and, in an increasingly eco-conscious world, it has never been more important to reduce the impact that jewellery manufacturing has on the planet.

Engagement rings of different styles are always coming in and out of fashion, with different eras bringing different trends. Some of these trends stand the test of time and become staples, others get left behind. Here are some of the most popular vintage engagement ring settings recorded throughout history, sorted by the era in which they were popularised (don’t forget to check out our collection of mid century jewellery, too).

When people think of red gemstones, they think of rubies. Blue brings sapphire to mind. And green equals emerald. Right? Well, kind of. Because of the sheer number of naturally occurring gemstones, it’s common for there to be more than one type per colour.