Founded by Fortunato Pio Castellani (1794-1865) in 1816, the jewellery firm of Castellani is credited with popularizing Archaeological Revival style jewellery. Heavily influenced by the collection of ancient Greek and Etruscan jewellery of the Duke of Sermoneta, Fortunato focused of reviving ancient techniques, including granulation and filigree, in his jewellery. The Duke also contributed to Castellani’s business in his network of important international friends including Stendhal, Chateaubriand, Liszt and Balzac.
In 1851 Fortunato retired and left the business to his two sons, Alessandro (1823-1883) and Augusto (1829-1914). Augusto was the driving force rather than Alessandro, who had lost an arm in an accident was imprisoned for his political views and later was temporarily declared insane. He was then exiled and became the company's foreign representative. They opened a London outlet on Frith Street in 1861 under the management of Carlo Giuliano, who was later to make his own name in the London jewellery industry. They later branched out into Christian symbolism, Byzantine-style micromosaic, and Renaissance revival jewels.
Influenced by science, exploration and world affairs, the design and materials used in fine jewellery are a fascinating reflection of history, as much as a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who created it...
Learn more
Since ancient times it has been customary to associate certain gemstones and precious metals with birth months and anniversary celebrations. Click on the links to view a selection of items featuring the stone of your choice...
Learn more
Famed for their opulent lifestyle, extravagant fashion and excessive luxuries, these French Kings ruled in lavish style.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Earring styles over the decades are a fascinating reflection of the mood of the time documenting wide ranging influences from rulers in power, politics, emerging technologies, metals and world fortunes all contributing to revolutions in style.
Learn more
Diamonds have been set into jewellery since ancient times with the oldest existing examples dating from Ancient Rome. These first diamond set rings were set with diamonds unaltered from their natural octahedral crystal form as the technology did not yet exist for cutting them.
Learn more
Watch Managing Director, Justin Daughters, discussing the long term investment choices of the Asian collectors market
Learn more
Some of the most iconic outfits worn by Diana, Princess of Wales are currently on display at Kensington Palace this month with large crowds queuing to view the exhibition entitled Diana: Her Fashion Story.
Learn more
Part 4: Early 1900s through to vintage 1950s: The amalgamation of jewellery design and techniques
Learn more
Part 3: Georgian and Victorian jewels: Status and symbolic romanticisms
Learn more
Today, if you were asked which date in the calendar is most associated with romance, surely the answer would be St Valentine's Day, celebrated each year on 14th February. This association of St Valentine being linked with the concept of romantic love, is traced to the literature of the Middle Ages.
Learn more
To find the earliest examples of rings associated with romance, it is necessary to go back thousands of years to the Ancient Greek civilisation.
Learn more
The 60th London Film Festival is set to host a number of Hollywood’s glitterati as they premiere some of this year’s most anticipated films.
Learn more
Discover the innovative Neo-Gothic creations of Jules and Louis Wièse.
Learn more
Watch our latest video exploring the evolution of the diamond cut.
Learn more
A previously overlooked area in the vaster field of twentieth-century jewellery,
Learn more
All eyes are on Canada this week as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with their two children, embark on an eight-day tour beginning in British Colombia.
Learn more
With the end of this year's London Fashion Week enjoy our top picks of the season.
Learn more
The intriguing story of the Duchess of Lancaster Posy Ring.
Learn more
This Saturday we celebrate the official 90th birthday of our reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth
Learn more
Find the perfect piece of ancient, antique or vintage jewellery for the one you love.
Learn more
The second part of our Boucheron feature looks at the development of the firm from the Post-War period until the present day.
Discover more about the House of Boucheron in this two-part feature.
Learn more
They say a picture is worth a thousand words: we have compiled a visual timeline of the evolution of ruby coronet cluster rings over the course of 200 years.
Learn more
The baguette cut, from the French for ‘long rod’, is typically a slender rectangular cut with parallel facets, first developed in the 1920s.
Learn more
Read about the development of the definitive symbol of love...
Learn more
Discover facinating colour and history of February's birthstone.
Learn more
Part III in our history of diamond cuts
Learn more
Rich yellow gold and flashes of colour and sparkle, learn more about the delightful group of Victorian carved rings...
Learn more
From mines now exhausted, Kashmir sapphires are known as being the very best in the world. Learn more about these incredible gems...
Learn more
Part IV in our history of diamond cuts
Learn more
Discover our captivating range of antique and vintage unusual gemstone rings, from bright colourful gems to those displaying fascinating optical effects...
Learn more
Part II in our chronological history of diamond cuts
Learn more
Learn about the first true diamond cut.
Learn more
Learn more about one of the world's most coveted gemstones.
Learn more
Discover our exclusive antique collection of topaz and citrine jewellery to treat your beloved ones with an unique present this month.
Learn more
Alongside the recently released film 'Suffragette', discover more about the phenomenon of suffragette jewellery...
Learn more
Your jewellery ensemble can be added to over the years, marking life’s important occasions with a special new piece of jewellery, discover more about the historical significance of jewellery 'parures'...
Learn more
Target rings were originally presented as love tokens, with each gemstone concealing a hidden meaning, read more about these striking rings here...
Learn more
Some of the most famous diamonds throughout history have been fashioned into drop shapes, find out more about this dramatic cut...
Learn more
Watch our video about emeralds, one of the most precious gemstones used in antique jewellery.
Learn more
Read here about the beauty of this culture’s artistic creations...
Learn more
Learn about one of the most precious gemstones used in antique jewellery...
Learn more
Elegant marquise shape diamonds are an attractive and remarkable choice for a special piece of jewellery, read further about this fancy cut here.
Learn more
‘Bombé’ rings have an appealing rounded curving shape, click here to read more about this interesting group of rings.
Learn more
A history of one of the most sought-after antique diamond cuts
Learn more
Discover more about the beauty and individuality of cushion cut diamonds...
Learn more
Learn about two of the most skillful techniques seen in antique jewellery...
Learn more
When investing in jewellery, the most important consideration is rarity. Read more about our customers' favourite investment choices...
Learn more
Antique and vintage three stone rings are rich in meaning and symbolism, find out more about this romantic style of ring...
Learn more
Ballerina cluster rings are a distinctive style of cluster, learn more about these dazzling rings and their variations...
Learn more
Be introduced to our delightful array of ornate diamond cluster rings from the 1920's...
Learn more
Add a little sparkle or colour to his finger this Father's Day, choose from our wide range of antique and vintage gemstone rings.
Learn more
When considering a piece of ancient, antique or vintage jewellery, often there is more to the piece than meets the eye. Learn more about the meaning behind popular motifs used in antique jewellery.
Learn more
Colourful gem-set and diamond set vintage eternity rings. Learn more about our range of beautiful vintage bands...
Learn more
Historic English antique and vintage engagement rings...
Learn more
Nicknamed the 'Jewel Box' of the Indian Ocean, the old Ceylon mines are known for their exceptional sapphires
Learn more
Antique and vintage pendants can make extremely wearable and romantic love tokens, read more about pieces from our collection
Learn more
The cut of true Art Deco elegance.
Learn more
"With this ring, I thee wed....."
Learn more
Celebrate Spring with Nature’s Colours
Learn more
Pigeon blood rubies are known for their striking beauty and their rarity, learn more about these beautiful gemstones...
Learn more
Onyx provides elegance and striking contrast when paired with diamonds in Art Deco designs and has remained popular throughout history since ancient times. Rediscover the beauty of this versatile material.
Learn more
Discover the art of enamelling and its presence in antique jewellery...
Learn more
The 1940's was a time when jewellers experimented with different shapes, including motifs inspired by nature and large colourful gemstones. Learn more about this interesting period in jewellery history.
Learn more
Discover the unique style of cut that has entranced jewellery lovers for thousands of years...
Learn more
Be romanced by the language of flowers...
Learn more
Survivals of Ancient Celtic jewellery are incredibly rare. Learn about jewellery worn by the Celts and discover the Ancient Celtic rings in our collection.
Learn more
Discover the romance behind antique crossover engagement rings...
Learn more
Moonstone has been known for its beautiful shimmering light effect since ancient times when it was believed to be made of the rays of the moon. Click here to see our unique selection of antique moonstone jewellery.
Learn more
Chrysoberyl is an unusual and often unknown gem in jewellery -purely due to its rarity. Click here to discover the three types of chrysoberyl.
Learn more
Our final instalment is here! Featuring the fabulous vintage designs of the 1960s and 70s.
Learn more
The 1940's signified a shift in jewellery design. Read our new earrings feature here to find out why.
Learn more
Queen Victoria reined from 1837 to 1901, a total of 64 years. Across this period, there were three prominent jewellery trends. In this article we outline the final part, the Late Victorian period, from 1885 to 1901.
Learn more
Queen Victoria reigned for a total of 64 years. Across this period, there were three prominent jewellery trends. In this article we outline the second part, the Middle Victorian period, from 1860 to 1885.
Learn more
Discover the intricate jewellery made by Viking craftsmen
Learn more
Continuing with our popular earrings feature, this week we begin to look at the Victorian period.
Learn more
Downton Abbey is now airing its 5th series- set in the 1920s! Take a look at the fabulous Art Deco jewels worn by the characters.
Learn more
Enjoy part one of our brief history into the world of earrings, beginning with The Ancient World courtesy of our knowledgeable staff at Berganza Jewellers.
Learn more
Learn all about our impressive parure by English jeweller John Brogden and an informative history of cameos in antique jewellery...
Learn more
What is Art Deco? Discover one of the most prominent design eras in history.
Learn more
Learn all about the ring given to commemorate life's special occasions...
Learn more
Introducing our book 'As Endless Is My Love As This: A History Of Marriage Rings'.
Learn more
Learn more about one of the most enduring motifs used in jewellery- an enchanting choice for an antique engagement ring...
Learn more
Oscar Heyman have been creating some of the finest jewellery for over 100 years, learn more about this important jewellery manufacturer.
Learn more
Discover the features of this attractive gemstone, the most precious member of the quartz family, and its role in antique jewellery.
Learn more
Explore a rainbow of hues among our collection of natural fancy sapphires – a colourful choice for an antique engagement ring or that special piece of antique jewellery…
Learn more
Engraved gemstones have been among the most highly prized objects in a wide variety of cultures from as far back as 5000BC right up to the 19th century. Discover the history behind this revered ancient art.
Learn more
Due to unique characteristics and rare qualities, emerald is one of the most prized coloured gemstones on Earth. Discover more about the attributes of this mysterious stone.
Learn more
An insight into fabulous American cocktail jewellery...
Learn more
Learn more about October's colourful birthstone...
Learn more
