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...
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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...
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Measuring in at approximately 10.1cm long, 6.35cm in width and weighing a staggering 3,106.75 carats, the rough diamond blazed its way into the record books as the largest gem quality diamond ever found. 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.
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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. In the time period from the 1770s to the 1970s, earrings took centre stage for day and evening wear, complementing changing styles in hair and dress.
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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.
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Watch Managing Director, Justin Daughters, discussing the long term investment choices of the Asian collectors market
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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. As the people’s Princess, Diana’s ensembles made headlines internationally, introducing British designers to the world stage.
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Part 4: Early 1900s through to vintage 1950s: The amalgamation of jewellery design and techniques
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Part 3: Georgian and Victorian jewels: Status and symbolic romanticisms
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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.
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To find the earliest examples of rings associated with romance, it is necessary to go back thousands of years to the Ancient Greek civilisation. Whilst there is no direct evidence that the Ancient Greeks wore rings specifically related to a betrothal or marriage ceremony, there do exist however a number of rings
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Discover the innovative Neo-Gothic creations of Jules and Louis Wièse.
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Watch our latest video exploring the evolution of the diamond cut.
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A previously overlooked area in the vaster field of twentieth-century jewellery, the Post-War period has in recent years benefited from a renewed appreciation amongst design enthusiasts and jewellery connoisseurs. Yet whilst we often associate Post-War jewellery with the flamboyant retro designs of the 1940s and 50s,
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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. Although the visit is the couple’s second official tour to Canada, this visit includes the young prince George and princess Charlotte in their first official tour as a family.
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With the end of this year's London Fashion Week enjoy our top picks of the season.
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The intriguing story of the Duchess of Lancaster Posy Ring.
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Find the perfect piece of ancient, antique or vintage jewellery for the one you love.
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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.
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The baguette cut, from the French for ‘long rod’, is typically a slender rectangular cut with parallel facets, first developed in the 1920s.
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Read about the development of the definitive symbol of love...
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Discover facinating colour and history of February's birthstone.
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Part III in our history of diamond cuts
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Rich yellow gold and flashes of colour and sparkle, learn more about the delightful group of Victorian carved rings...
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From mines now exhausted, Kashmir sapphires are known as being the very best in the world. Learn more about these incredible gems...
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Part IV in our history of diamond cuts
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Discover our captivating range of antique and vintage unusual gemstone rings, from bright colourful gems to those displaying fascinating optical effects...
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Part II in our chronological history of diamond cuts
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Learn about the first true diamond cut.
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Learn more about one of the world's most coveted gemstones.
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Discover our exclusive antique collection of topaz and citrine jewellery to treat your beloved ones with an unique present this month.
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Alongside the recently released film 'Suffragette', discover more about the phenomenon of suffragette jewellery...
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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'...
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Target rings were originally presented as love tokens, with each gemstone concealing a hidden meaning, read more about these striking rings here...
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Some of the most famous diamonds throughout history have been fashioned into drop shapes, find out more about this dramatic cut...
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Watch our video about emeralds, one of the most precious gemstones used in antique jewellery.
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Read here about the beauty of this culture’s artistic creations...
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Learn about one of the most precious gemstones used in antique jewellery...
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Elegant marquise shape diamonds are an attractive and remarkable choice for a special piece of jewellery, read further about this fancy cut here.
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‘Bombé’ rings have an appealing rounded curving shape, click here to read more about this interesting group of rings.
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A history of one of the most sought-after antique diamond cuts
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Discover more about the beauty and individuality of cushion cut diamonds...
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Learn about two of the most skillful techniques seen in antique jewellery...
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When investing in jewellery, the most important consideration is rarity. Read more about our customers' favourite investment choices...
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Antique and vintage three stone rings are rich in meaning and symbolism, find out more about this romantic style of ring...
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Ballerina cluster rings are a distinctive style of cluster, learn more about these dazzling rings and their variations...
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Be introduced to our delightful array of ornate diamond cluster rings from the 1920's...
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Add a little sparkle or colour to his finger this Father's Day, choose from our wide range of antique and vintage gemstone rings.
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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.
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Colourful gem-set and diamond set vintage eternity rings. Learn more about our range of beautiful vintage bands...
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Historic English antique and vintage engagement rings...
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Nicknamed the 'Jewel Box' of the Indian Ocean, the old Ceylon mines are known for their exceptional sapphires
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Antique and vintage pendants can make extremely wearable and romantic love tokens, read more about pieces from our collection
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The cut of true Art Deco elegance.
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"With this ring, I thee wed....."
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Celebrate Spring with Nature’s Colours
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Pigeon blood rubies are known for their striking beauty and their rarity, learn more about these beautiful gemstones...
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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.
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Discover the art of enamelling and its presence in antique jewellery...
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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.
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Discover the unique style of cut that has entranced jewellery lovers for thousands of years...
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Be romanced by the language of flowers...
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Survivals of Ancient Celtic jewellery are incredibly rare. Learn about jewellery worn by the Celts and discover the Ancient Celtic rings in our collection.
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Discover the romance behind antique crossover engagement rings...
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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.
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Chrysoberyl is an unusual and often unknown gem in jewellery -purely due to its rarity. Click here to discover the three types of chrysoberyl.
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Our final instalment is here! Featuring the fabulous vintage designs of the 1960s and 70s.
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The 1940's signified a shift in jewellery design. Read our new earrings feature here to find out why.
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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.
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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.
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Discover the intricate jewellery made by Viking craftsmen
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Continuing with our popular earrings feature, this week we begin to look at the Victorian period.
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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.
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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.
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Learn all about our impressive parure by English jeweller John Brogden and an informative history of cameos in antique jewellery...
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What is Art Deco? Discover one of the most prominent design eras in history.
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Learn all about the ring given to commemorate life's special occasions...
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Introducing our book 'As Endless Is My Love As This: A History Of Marriage Rings'.
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Learn more about one of the most enduring motifs used in jewellery- an enchanting choice for an antique engagement ring...
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Oscar Heyman have been creating some of the finest jewellery for over 100 years, learn more about this important jewellery manufacturer.
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Discover the features of this attractive gemstone, the most precious member of the quartz family, and its role in antique jewellery.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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An insight into fabulous American cocktail jewellery...
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Learn more about October's colourful birthstone...
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