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This ground-breaking new exhibition "Fashioned from Nature" at the Victoria and Albert Museum, running until 27th January 2019,
Throughout jewellery history, earrings have taken a variety of forms, decorating ears and beautifully framing the face of women from Ancient Greece right through to the present day.
A charming design, carved half hoops showcase a band of gemstones and/or diamonds set horizontally across the finger, and epitomises the very best of Victorian craftsmanship.
This ring holds a remarkable story which dates back to over 200 years ago.......
Is there anything better than one diamond, you might wonder? Well what about three? Or five? A row of beautifully matching gemstones sparkling across the base of your finger.
As Saint Valentine's Day approaches, a day to celebrate your adoration for that special someone, you may be searching for the perfect gift to express your love.
Posy rings acquired their name from the word “posy” or “poesy” based on the French word 'poésy'
For centuries gentlemen have worn jewellery and dress accessories from the very early periods in ancient Greece to today
Antique jewellery showcases some of the finest gemstones found on today’s market. What determines the value of a gemstone you may ask
Understanding the diverse sources of this timeless style.
Bachelor’s day, also known as Ladies' Privilege, is a tradition that originates in Ireland, and is said to date back to the 5th century
The art of enamelling has been practiced for millennia, from ancient Egypt, right through to its peak of popularity in Art Nouveau jewellery.
Our collection of antique and vintage bracelets spans centuries, showcasing the finest materials of the eras, and the most spectacular of designs.
With Halloween near, discover the history surrounding jewels relating to death.
Beautiful, functional and collectable, discover the allure of jewelled cases.
The blossoming beauty of floral blooms have provided infinite inspiration to designers over the course of history.
Where would society be without buckles? A frivolous question you may say........
In the Victorian era, different flowers had varying symbolic meanings.......
With far reaching trade links to the East and West, it is unsurprising that jewellery produced by the Byzantine Empire had influence on style beyond its borders.With far reaching trade links to the East and West, it is unsurprising that jewellery produced by the Byzantine Empire had influence on style beyond its borders.
Like all impressive diamonds of superior size and colour the rough was named, and in this case, it was named the ‘Cullinan diamond’ after the owner of the Premier Mine.
How the heavens above influenced jewellers creations
The cocktail ring has been found in many guises over the years but it is as relevant today as it ever was
A wonder of craftsmanship creating planes of colour across the surface of a piece, invisible settings explored!
Learn more about this most popular of men's accessories.
The history of cluster rings dates back several centuries, and their popularity has evolved, join us on this journey.....
Here at Berganza we have noticed a recent inclination towards jewellery from the Georgian period. These remarkable pieces of history showcase some of the finest craftsmanship and have distinct features which have become synonymous with this time.
Gods and goddesses have been depicted in jewellery for millennia, used as talismans, status symbols, insignia and for purely decorative purposes
The crossover design, also known as a ‘toi et moi’, the French for ‘you and I’, is a particularly romantic style.
Convertible jewellery has been popular throughout the ages. During the Edwardian period pieces of jewellery had multiple uses so could be worn for many different purposes.
Famed for their opulent lifestyle, extravagant fashion and excessive luxuries, these French Kings ruled in lavish style.
find out why the Edwardian style has continued to inspire design and attract people over one hundred years on.
On this day in 1975 Elizabeth Taylor celebrated her second marriage to Richard Burton.
Fine enamel has been adding a bold statement of colour to precious metals from as early as the 13th century BC. There have been examples of fine enamel featured in pieces unearthed from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome!
The history of earrings can be traced back to ancient times, when they were first worn for what is speculated to be decorative reasons, alongside showing one’s wealth and status.
Learn more about the history behind this highly popular form.
Halloween, Hallowe’en or All Hallow’s Eve, the celebration we now know as Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, one of the four Druid ‘Bonfire’ festivals.
Love and romance has been a subject that has been woven into the design of jewellery for centuries and has influenced the motifs and forms used throughout history.
Figural jewellery in the form of human or animal figures
Towards the end of the 19th century, jewellery design and production changed remarkably. Yet despite the political turmoil that had preceded this time, it was a single event in 1868 that had the most dramatic influence......
For centuries gentlemen have sported jewellery and dress accessories. They have been worn in the ancient Greek period all the way up to today.
Over the course of history gentlemen have adorned themselves with an array of jewels.
The Georgian era, spanning from 1714 to 1837, is defined as encompassing the reigns of the five Kings of the United Kingdom
Wondering what to give that special someone this 14th of February?
Of all the precious metals used in the creation of jewellery, gold has remained popular throughout history.
The Goldsmiths' Company's summer exhibition this year explores the history of the most coveted of metals---gold.
Though during the Roman Republic jewellery was widely regarded as an ostentatious and unnecessary luxury,
The newest addition to the family will be seventh in line to the throne and the first to begin a new segment of the royal family tree.
The French revolution in 1789 affected jewellery wearing and production greatly. Escaping a fearful time when even the possession of jewellery or belt buckles could lead to the guillotine...
Gifts of jewellery between famous lovers also appear throughout the ages,
Jewels containing concealed compartments have been popular for centuries, most commonly functioning as tokens of love
In the early Medieval period, jewellery had both practical and aesthetic functions....
Whilst we may attach memories or personal value to our jewellery, certain pieces are made with a particular sentiment at the centre of their identity
A tradition dating back to the middle ages, Mourning jewellery is both fascinating and highly collectable.
The Art Deco period began post World War I, and the start of World War II saw its conclusion. It was a period of change and the jewellery reflected the mood of the people and the fashion of the time.
How Picasso influenced the jewellers of the 20th century
It is 180 years since Queen Victoria's coronation
Jewellery has always taken inspiration from the past, with certain stylistic features and motifs appearing in pieces long after they first captured people’s attention
How the ballet inspired the jewellery world
The British Museum's eagerly awaited new Exhibition 'Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum' will be opening on 28th March
let us remember this ancient mythical legend by buying yourself a piece of jewellery which shows Saint George's most famous deed.
From the 14th of September, the British Museum will be holding a special exhibition Scythians warriors of ancient Siberia of the Scythian empire
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837-1901 was named after Queen Victoria’s long-standing reign. This time was hugely associated with the idealisation of symbolism in all aspects, especially in the act of gifting and wearing jewellery....
A locket is a wonderfully heartfelt gift for all occasions, as an sincere and quietly passionate way of expressing ones love.
Both functional and beautiful, learn more about one of the oldest forms of personal adornment.
Jewellery to wear on your big day...
Little is known about the patron saint of Wales, St David. We do know that he was born around the end of the 5th century and is widely known for helping to spread the word of Christianity
There are many versions of the origin of Valentine’s day and in truth most not substantially supported and thus deemed apocryphal.
Serpent motifs are one of the earliest historical and culturally diverse mythological symbols, and figure prominently in jewellery throughout history
A Royal scandal took the court of King Louis XVI of France by surprise in 1785....
Arguably the best thing about antique jewellery is the amazing history and story attached to every piece. Who owned it first, who had it commissioned and why
Ballerina rings, favoured by some of the most prestigious of jewellery houses such as Tiffany & Co, Boucheron and Oscar Heyman Brothers.
Belle Époque is French for “Beautiful Era” as it was a peaceful and prosperous time. Dating from the end of the Franco-Prussion war in 1871 to the outbreak of World War I in 1914,
In every corner of Great Britain, incredible talent and exquisite craftsmanship can be found....
Candlelight diamonds can be compared to snowflakes in that no two are identical and therefore each has their own unique character and old-world charm.
Symbolising everlasting love and commitment, eternity rings are a wonderful choice to commemorate any milestone in life
Learn more about these overlooked art jewels.
The rise of the Edwardian era at the turn of the twentieth century brought with it many innovations and discoveries that changed the course of jewellery design and manufacture
When Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, it marked the beginning of a new age of prosperity and innovation. It was during this era that some of the finest examples of English craftsmanship appear in jewellery.
Surely the most luxurious decade of all was the 1920s, and what better way to channel glamour and style than to wear a genuine piece of original Art Deco period jewellery?
From at least the sixteenth-century, a tradition arose whereby jewels and other trinkets were commissioned in memory of a deceased family member
In less than two weeks’ time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry....
Over the course of history, settings used in jewellery have changed as fashions, resources, and knowledge have developed. It was the Georgian era that saw the cut-down setting come to prominence
Celebrate and commemorate the most romantic day of the year with a special piece of antique or vintage jewellery
What people have received as engagement rings has transformed over the centuries, reflecting the global, social, and economic changes of the time.
'Serti Mysterieux' or invisible setting as it is known in English has fascinated people for much of the last century
Let us celebrate the start of this season by getting inspired by some of our more unusual coloured gemstones
The versatile nature of a ring is such that it can be worn in many different ways and it can represent special bonds, moments or it can be worn simply because we like it.
Whilst the history of American jewellery manufacture and design dates back to the turn of the nineteenth century, it wasn’t until nearly one hundred years later that the American jewellery industry truly began to flourish.
When purchasing an original, handcrafted piece of antique or vintage jewellery you are not contributing to environmentally damaging processes and are reducing your carbon footprint. Sustainability is one of the wonderful features of antique jewellery.
For centuries brooches have been used to elaborately decorate clothing.
Rings from the late medieval period that are in fine condition are extremely rare, learn why....
For the ancient Egyptians, jewellery was an important part of their culture
Did you know, in 1912, just 0.7 miles from Berganza, in the cellar of 30-32 Cheapside workmen discovered a huge hoard of jewels and gemstones?
Picture the scene… It’s 1925. A sparkling dress ring catches the light in an illicit speakeasy in New York City.....
Born at the turn of the 20th century, Kahlo described her childhood as turbulent, enduring the unhappy marriage of her parents, family illnesses and contracting polio at the age of six which made her right leg shorter and visibly thinner than her left.
