London has a long and very colourful history in many respects, as the capital city of the UK has long been considered the most iconic city in Europe, especially with regard to jewellery and fashion. The rich and famous have long been frequent visitors to the top-rated jewellery establishments in London, and with that in mind, here are a few things about London and jewellery that you probably didn’t know.
The Romans Greatly Influenced Jewellery In The British Isles
Yes, the origins of gold being used for jewellery dates right back to the time when the Romans had conquered England, and by the 1st century AD, London was used as a trading hub for gold and gold jewellery. The romans loved to adorn their bodies and had a love-affair with gold, which led to some stunning pieces being hand-crafted.
Anglo-Saxon Britain
In the Anglo-Saxon period from the 5th to the 11th century, London, or Lundenwic, as it was called, was a hub for Anglo-Saxon jewellery, with amethyst and amber used in conjunction with glass beads. The level of skill and artistry was amazing, and you can actually view some of the best items found at the British Museum, which is always worth a visit. It is said that some of the antique engagement rings UK has are inspired by Anglo-Saxon designs.
Medieval London
After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror decided to make London his base and this was a time when jewellery design flourished, with the royal court commissioning fine jewellery that was mainly gold with precious stones. The 14th century saw the introduction of the Hallmark ‘Company Assay Office’, which is still in use today. The reason for the name ‘Hallmark’ was because at that time, all gold had to be taken to Goldsmith’s hall for testing and stamping with the Hallmark. If you would like to see some of the best Medieval London jewellery, visit the London Victoria & Albert Museum where you can see many artefacts, as well as jewellery examples.
The Renaissance Period
This was a time when European influence arrived, bringing with it new and innovative jewellery designs that somehow merged with the local style. The Rose and Emerald cuts emerged at this time and diamonds were widely used by monarchs and the wealthy aristocracy, with Cheapside being the location for top jewellers. Then came the terrible Great Fire of London, and Hatton Garden became the new hub for jewellers. In 1912, a real treasure trove known as The Cheapside Hoard was discovered and it is supposed that the gold jewellery was buried before the Great Fire, and this collection can be seen at The London Museum, which is a must if you like Renaissance jewellery.
London has always been the gold and jewellery hub of the world, and this does not look like changing anytime soon. If you are planning to spend some time in London, you really should visit the above museums, where you can see some of the finest antique jewellery ever made.
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