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Latest Antique Jewellery Finds
A collectable sterling silver and enamel bracelet by the renowned arts & Crafts silversmith, Bernard Instone.
Curator’s Note
Bernard Instone was one of the leading figures of the British Arts and Crafts movement in the early twentieth century, celebrated for preserving the tradition of hand-crafted silverwork at a time when mass production was becoming dominant.
Working from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, he became renowned for his beautifully made jewellery and silver pieces that combined finely worked silver with colourful enamel and semi-precious stones, often inspired by nature. His work was sold at famous London department store Liberty.
This ring was sold as part of a collection of Bernard Instone’s jewellery at an auction house in England.
Details: Date Circa 1920
Hallmarks: No hallmarks but has been fully tested as Sterling silver
Size: 18.5cm in length
16.4 grams
Condition: Excellent condition.
A rare and highly collectable set of three antique French lucky charms/ discs with detailed hand-painted enamel work. The charms, which are joined together through the bail, depict a roulette wheel, a running pig and a clover leaf in colourful enamels.
These would likely have been worn on a watch fob to bring the wearer good luck, possibly while gambling.
Date: Victorian - approx 1890
Hallmarks: There are indistinct marks on the bail, but the charms are likely silver or pewter with some evidence of gilding.
Dimensions: Each disc has a diameter of approx 19.5mm
Weight: 7.4 grams
Condition: The enameling is in generally very good antique condition, with just a few small nibbles around the edges - please check pictures for details on condition.
A rare example of Peking glass created to emulate turquoise. The egg shaped charm is set with a handmade solid silver band and finished with a silver jump ring.
Curator’s note
This appealing charm would have been made in Beijing at the height of the Peking glass industry, during the mid 1800s. The layered glass was easier to work with than gemstones like turquoise and jade, which it replicated.
The speckled effect and clear layers visible on this pendant clearly mark this out as an earlier antique example and the use of the Chinese materials in the form of an egg, which was popular among Western consumers as a symbol of fertility and rebirth suggest this was made for the export market at the time.
Details:
Hallmarks: No hallmarks, tests as silver.
Date: Victorian circa 1860
Size and weight: 2.2cm by 1.5cm, 6.3 grams
Condition: Excellent antique condition.
A small and startlingly pretty sail boat charm in silver gilded with gold. The sails are set with tiny diamond chips and the base of the boat is set with three baguette-cut rubies.
Details:
Date: Vintage Circa 1990s
Size and weight: 1.5cm by 2 cm including the ring
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.
A remarkable little Victorian solid silver locket with an embossed fox head and horseshoe design.
Curator’s note
This locket is full of classic Victorian symbolism. The fox symbolises cunning, mystery and intelligence, while the horseshoe is for good luck. The message carried by the gifter or wearer of this piece might be ‘use your cunning and be lucky’ - such an appealing sentiment!
The quality of this locket shines through with the crisp rendering of the fox and horseshoe motifs.
Details:
Date: Victorian - 1899
Hallmarks: full hallmarks for Birmingham 1899, and a maker’s mark for silversmith and fob maker, John Culver
Weight and size: 2.9cm in length incl. Jump ring. 1.7cm in width. 3.5 grams
Condition: Very good condition with no dents or notable issues to the case. Inside there are areas to put your own photographs but no glass covers. Closes neatly and snugly.
A beautiful example of an understated Rivière necklace with bezel-set, closed back Lapis Lazuli cabochons linked together with solid soldered silver rings. The cabochons sit perfectly on the neck when worn. It’s finished with a hidden, handmade silver clasp.
Details:
Date, Circa 1910
Hallmarks: Stamped 925 for sterling-grade silver
Length - 16.5 inches in length.
Condition: Very good antique condition throughout
A Considered Collection of Rare Pieces
Heritage & Provenance
Each piece at The Windsor Archive is chosen for more than just its beauty. We seek out jewels with character, craftsmanship and cultural significance. We curate objects that are shaped by their time, yet entirely relevant today.
History, Given New Life
Jewellery is created to be worn, lived in and carried forward. Becoming the new custodian of an antique jewel is cultural continuity in action. Integrating them into modern life gives these precious objects new purpose and meaning.
Investments with Substance
By choosing antique or vintage jewellery you are investing in craftsmanship that cannot be replicated and materials that have stood the test of time. These are acquisitions of lasting value, culturally, materially and personally.
“Absolutely blown away again. The pendant is stunning but it’s the care behind that truly sets Windsor Archive apart. The packaging was exquisite and every detail felt intentional. She doesn’t just deliver a product, she delivers an experience. Consistently exceptional, effortlessly thoughtful. A rare kind of excellence.”
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