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Trends in jewellery come and go, influenced as they are by the whims of fashion as well as the social and political climate of the time. Despite this, some things last. Many of the designs found in ancient jewellery still influence styles in the 21st century.

Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious gemstone, prized for its intense blue colour and gold flecks. It is most commonly known for being used in Tutankhamun’s death mask, as well as many of the amulets and scarabs found in his tomb.

People born in November are lucky enough to have two birthstones to choose from: topaz or citrine. Topaz comes in numerous hues: colourless, blue, red, yellow or orange, whereas citrine is only ever orange.

Toi et moi directly translates to ‘you and me’ in French, and a toi et moi ring symbolises the coming together of two people in love through the expression of two gemstones set alongside each other on a ring. This ensures that toi et moi rings are one of the most romantic engagement rings. They can be given as an antique engagement ring, at an anniversary, or even as a promise ring.

Turquoise is December’s birthstone – a semi-translucent or opaque stone that is blue-green in colour. Often, the stone has rock forms running through it that is called turquoise matrix. Because of its beautiful colour, it has been cherished for thousands of years –  so much so that the word turquoise is often used to describe the colour itself.

Although usually associated with contemporary fashion, chokers are very much a piece of jewellery history – worn by women throughout the ages along with antique necklaces and pendants. A choker is a necklace worn high on the neck and generally tight-fitting, although wider chokers are sometimes known as dog collars. Historically, chokers have been regarded as being ‘high fashion’, but there have been periods in history where they were associated with prostitution.

Vintage and antique are two terms that are now used almost interchangeably to describe jewellery from years gone by – but there are differences in the meanings of the words that could be important to you, should you make a purchase.

The Decorative Art Movement, otherwise known as Art Deco, was a response to Art Nouveau, its subtle predecessor which tended towards curves, flowing lines and symbols inspired by nature. Contrary to Art Nouveau, Art Deco manifested itself as bold, geometric and colourful, a movement that inspired and was inspired by a number of designers that made a name for themselves during the 1920s.

An antique jewellery collection has many appeals: it’s beautiful, unique, and better for the environment than modern mass-produced jewellery.  As well as increasing in value over time, antique jewellery tells a story of its age; it is a relic made by artisans using methods often forgotten.

La Belle Epoch or ‘the beautiful era’ is a period of western history that dated from the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 to the start of World War One in 1914. In the UK, this time period was named the Edwardian period, after King Edward VII, who is remembered for his decadent lifestyle. Just like the king that ruled over England during the period, Edwardian jewellery is also remembered for its decadence.