The Best Places to Buy Antique Jewellery in London
London is one of the best places in the world to buy antique jewellery - providing you know where to look…
I’ve been shopping for antique jewellery in London for years and it’s not always easy to find what you’re looking for. However, I’m here to guide you through the best places to find antique and vintage jewellery in London, with some surprises thrown in!
Top tips for antique jewellery shopping in London
Let’s start with the fundamentals. Here are my five must-do tips for a successful day’s antique jewellery shopping in the capital:
1.Get ready to walk a lot - Antique jewellery shopping is physical work.
Shopping in London always requires lots of walking (around markets, fairs, to and from the Tube station) so dress for comfort. It’s also worth bearing in mind that London’s best antiques spots are dotted all over the city. Visiting several in one day can mean a lot of travel time.
2. Most London antiques jewellery dealers don’t accept cards
A large number of dealers only take cash. Some who do take cards will do so grumpily and often charge you slightly higher prices for the privilege. However, carrying around large volumes of cash isn’t ideal. Keep it hidden and carry it close to your body for extra security.
3. Take a small zippable bag to keep your jewellery purchases safe.
London antiques dealers - even those selling valuable jewellery - rarely offer you proper packaging, boxes or even bags when you buy from them. I’ve had pieces wrapped in toilet tissue, old handkerchiefs or old sweety bags. It’s best to bring small plastic baggies and a larger zippable soft bag to keep all your antique jewellery finds safe and in one place.
4. Be patient and open to conversation
One of the joys of going antiques shopping in London are the characters you meet along the way. Many dealers have been in the business for decades and are fountains of knowledge. If you’re open to asking questions and chatting, they will be more than happy to share their tales with you. They are generally a quirky, worldly bunch and its amazing what you can learn along the way.
5. Barter for the very best antiques jewellery prices.
Every dealer I’ve come across is open to bartering on price. Don’t be cheeky and be prepared to take no for an answer - however, always offer 10-20% lower than a ticketed or stated price and you’ll usually get a deal.
OK, that’s the practicalities over with. Here’s my ultimate guide to the very best London antiques fairs, markets and stores.
Portobello Rd - London’s top antique jewellery shopping destination.
This seems like the best place to start. No guide to of antique jewellery shopping in London would be complete without a mention of Portobello Rd Market. I visit on Saturday, but I believe many of the jewellery arcades and stalls are on a Friday as well. I always start out at Notting Hill Gate Tube station and walk to the ‘top’ end of the market from there (it’s actually the South end of the street, but it's the top of the hill).
For jewellery, you can pretty much ignore the stalls set up along the road. Instead, you’ll need to head inside the antiques arcades on your left as you walk down the hill.
Take your time exploring each one and you’ll uncover some incredible antique jewellery. From very high-end pieces in the few jewellery-only arcades, to much more affordable and eclectic pieces if you’re willing to explore deeper into the arcades.
As you approach the Ladbroke Grove end of the street, the I’ve changes and the market becomes for vintage focused, with lots of fashion, music and food stalls. There are great stalls to rummage through here and lots of vintage bargains to be had.
Camden Passage - a classy, unrushed and friendly way to buy antique jewellery in London
Despite it’s name, Camden Passage isn’t in Camden - it’s in Islington. Head to Angel Tube station and you’re just five invites from this beautiful little haven of antiques stalls, artisan cafes, vintage fashions stores and delis. This is a place to come and enjoy a stroll and take in the atmosphere. Stick around for lunch or drinks and make a day of it!
In terms of antique Jewellery stalls, there aren’t so many but if you’re lucky you’ll pick up some incredible pieces here. There are two main locations for stalls, Pierrepoint Arcade and Charlton Place market. They are both small areas with around ten stalls selling all sorts of collectibles.
There are two or three specific antiques and vintage jewellery sellers at each and they are excellent. It’s a super-friendly market that’s far more ‘down to Earth’ than Portobello. Take time to chat and explore some of the tiny shops in the area, crammed full with stock, I’ve found Scandinavian enamel, Prison of War rings and Petra Dura brooches among the piles of oddities.
Alfie’s Antique Market and Gray’s Antiques Centre - A Mecca for antique jewellery collectors
Alfie’s Antiques Market is a very large antiques centre in the Marylebone area of London. It’s easily accessible from Paddington Station and you can also stop by at nearby (and very upmarket) Gray’s Antique Market. There are over 100 dealers spread over four floors and the whole thing can feel a little overwhelming. I’ve visiting once and came away with some silver charms and lockets. Some stall are positively overflowing with lovely stock and stall holders are often friendly, although some are slightly less used to friendly banter from the hoards of tourists that pass through.
Prices are high and, as a dealer, I find that there are very few trade deals to be had, so Alfie’s and Grey’s aren’t my go-to spaces for antique jewellery in London. However, if you’re a collector or just want to find a lovely piece to buy, wear and treasure, Alfie’s and Gray’s are wonderful.
Northcote Rd Antiques Market - a true hidden gem for the antique jewellery trade
Much more off the beaten track, Northcote Rd Antiques Market is located in a rather upscale area just south of Clapham. It’s an easy stroll from Clapham Junction Station and there are plenty of nice coffee shops around for some sustenance before delving into this deceptively large antique centre.
It’s tiny frontage opens up to a two-storey emporium of antiques and collectables. Several friendly and very knowledgable staff are always on-hand to help with any questions you have. You’ll just need to ask to see inside the glass cabinets to get a closer looks at the antique and vintage jewellery on offer. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours browsing in this centre - especially if you get chatting to the dealers!
I’ve found everything from antique coral necklaces and rare agate earrings, to mourning jewellery and Arts & Crafts silver brooches and bracelets here. The cabinets are full of treasures and this place deserves to be busier than it is!
Adam’s Antiques Fair - a more curated approach to buying antique jewellery in London
More than 120 dealers come out in force to London’s Royal Horticultural Hall “Horti Hall” on Sundays. Held around once a month, with dates changing through the year, Adam’s Antiques Fair always packed with dealers and buyers - including lots of trade.
You’ll have to pay to attend this fair, but it’s only £6 a ticket so it won;t break the bank. Once of the main attractions at The Horti is the beautiful surroundings and the central London location, lending itself well to playing a bit-part in a longer, more leisurely day out.
When it comes to antique jewellery, there’s plenty here. Prices are on the high side again, due to its popularity as a retail market, but this does mean that stall are often highly curated and you may not have to rummage through lots of items to find that piece you;ve always dreamt of.
Other London antiques shopping venues to try out
Sometimes, when I am looking to buy antiques in London, I’ll fall foul of traffic or transport issues, or the stalls won’t quite be right - or I just can’t find the time to visit everywhere I need to go. Here are few places to buy antique jewellery in London that I’ve not quite made it to yet - but I hear they’re great!
This historic South-of-the-river market runs every Friday from 6am to 2pm.
Although I’ve been to this super-fun indoor market many times, but never to buy antique or vintage jewellery. The weekends are usually crowded and tasked over by hand-made products and clothing, while the antiques market takes place on Thursdays.
Jubilee Market - Covent Garden
This legendary marketplace is a haven for those looking to buy antiques in London every Monday.
Whether you’re exploring Portobello Road or hidden gems in Clapham, antique jewellery in London offers something for every collector. With a little patience and the right knowledge, London remains one of the best places in the world to discover unique and timeless piece.