At Berganza, we pride ourselves on having one of the most extensive collections of antique rings in the world.
Based in the heart of London’s Hatton Garden, Berganza houses the largest collection of ancient, antique and vintage jewellery in Europe. Purveyors of the finest gemstones and diamonds, our collection features jewels you simply won’t find elsewhere. From Kashmir sapphires and pigeon’s blood rubies to Golconda diamonds, we invest in natural and untreated gems from renowned old mines which have long since been depleted. With our particular specialty lying in the realm of antique engagement rings, our vaults house an ever-expanding collection of nearly three thousand unique pieces, making us the foremost destination for those in search of something truly special and one-of-a-kind.
The team at Berganza has always combined vision, practical experience and academic excellence.
With an unrivalled level of specialist knowledge and expertise in all that we do, our team is made up of qualified gemmologists with both practical laboratory experience and qualifications in both coloured gemstones and diamonds. Our in-house gemmologists are Fellows of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), with diplomas in the area of coloured stones. They look at each gem under high magnification, ensuring that we invest in only the finest material. They also look at inclusions and physical characteristics of a gemstone which may help determine origin. Our diamond experts are trained at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and are on hand to assess and provide their professional opinion on the quality of the diamonds within our collection.
Alongside our gemmologists, our team also consists of historians with extensive backgrounds and degrees in key aspects of history, including the history of art, decorative arts and jewellery heritage and design. They extensively research and catalogue every piece, ensuring that each individual story is brought to life. With decades of combined experience in the jewellery trade we are uniquely placed to offer an unparalleled service to all our customers, whether you are a collector, a gemstone connoisseur, or jewellery enthusiast.
Pieces that have been lovingly and painstakingly crafted by hand should be looked after accordingly. Our workshop comprises some of the most highly skilled craftsmen in the jewellery trade, from mounters, setters, and polishers, to those that specialise in increasingly rare and fading artforms, such as enamelling and hand-engraving. All of our antique pieces are restored by hand using traditional techniques and materials, in keeping with their history and aesthetic. Jewellers have long thought of themselves as artisans and we at Berganza are dedicated to continuing this tradition. We encourage the development of new talent in the industry and are continually looking to be inspired by a new generation of jewellers, gemmologists and historians.
Berganza was founded by Paul Daughters following his apprenticeship as a polisher in Hatton Garden. By the age of just 18, he owned the largest lapidary company in England, and employed some of the finest craftsmen in the trade. Commissions for the likes of Kutchinsky, Garrard, and Asprey firmly cemented his reputation within the jewellery industry.
After travelling the world in search of the best quality gemstones, he discovered they were featured primarily in antique jewellery. Berganza was then established in 1985, offering these exquisite gems to the public, alongside an extensive bespoke and repair service.
The first shop opened in the picturesque village of Long Melford and very soon the shop moved to Hatton Garden, to be closer to the workshops and buying department.
With a desire to offer only the finest jewellery, Berganza soon specialised solely in historic pieces and today the showroom houses the largest collection in Europe of ancient, antique and vintage jewellery, lovingly curated over the past five decades.
Whatever the occasion, be it an engagement, a birthday, or an anniversary, you are sure to find the perfect piece in our collection. Our rings span over 2000 years of history, each one with beautiful handcrafted features that epitomise their era.
From wedding rings and updated valuations to our annual check and clean and restorations, Berganza is on hand to assist and ensure that your piece remains in fine condition over the years, so it can be passed down as your own personal family heirloom.
Our experienced buyers are always looking to invest in fine antique and vintage jewels of all varieties. If you have an antique piece you are looking to sell, get in touch with our buying department today.
We are proud members of several prestigious national and international trade organisations and gemmological institutes. As such, we must adhere to the highest standards of expertise, quality and integrity that apply when operating a jewellery business.
Our collection features the finest natural gemstones from world renowned old mines. We support and work with only the most respected and trusted gemmological laboratories across the globe as an additional way of testing our gemstones.