Knowledge

A glossary of jewellery terms

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VACHERON CONSTANTIN l VAN CLEEF & ARPELS l VERMEIL l VIKING l VINAIGRETTE l VINTAGE l

VIKING

The Scandinavian sea-faring warrior civilisation flourishing between 8th-11th century AD.

The Viking craftsmen created jewellery rich in geometric and stylised animal design in intricate filigree and repoussé work. The most important jewellery to the Vikings were bands of metal, made up of hammered rounded rods of metal, either plain, simply twisted or in very elaborate and complex plaited designs. While appearing to be simple and rudimentary in design, these items of jewellery for the neck, arm or finger were in fact very difficult to manufacture.

To the Vikings, jewellery had the purpose of instantly displaying the wealth and status of the wearer. Fascinatingly jewellery was used as portable bullion and they would hack off sections as necessary to pay for goods or services. We know this from finding nicks on the edges of pieces of jewellery- nicks which prove that they would check that the jewellery was solid metal, not merely a plated base metal when bartering. These chunks of jewellery are known as ‘hack silver' or ‘hack gold'.

Design History

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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Birthstones and Anniversaries

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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Knowledge

Explanations for makers, jewellery terms

A glossary of jewellery terms

Please select > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All

VIKING

Design History

Birthstones and Anniversaries

Eternal Love: The Eternity Ring

Berganza's Recent Acquisitions

Turquoise jewellery – treasured for thousands of years.

Byzantine Jewellery: Symbols of Wealth and Faith

Sapphires Unearthed

Floriography: The Secret Language of Flowers

The Roaring Twenties

The Statement 70’s: A Redefining Era

It's A Boy: The Royal Family Welcomes Its Newest Member

Dynamic Jewellery

Cartier: A Saga of Three Cities

The Twisted Tale of Viking Jewellery

Spring is here - Berganza's spring inspired selection

Edwardian Elegance

A Lost Craft: The Beauty Of Hand Cut Gemstones

Alabaster & Wilson: Masters of Craftsmanship

Take a look inside Berganza’s cabinet of curiosities

The Bold and the Beautiful - In celebration of 1940s jewellery

St Valentine’s Day

Christian Dior - The Designer of Dreams at the V&A Museum

Holly Willoughby showcases Tiffany & Co from Berganza

Cutting Edge: The History Of The Asscher Cut.

Jenna Coleman dazzles in jewels from Berganza

Gentleman's Statement Accessories

Exploring Memento Mori Jewellery on All Hallow's Eve

Night and Day: 1930's Fashion and Photographs Exhibition

Opals and Aquamarines: The Alluring Birthstones of October

Maison Boucheron Celebrates 160 Years of Design

Tales of the past: The folklore behind emeralds

Sapphire: The birthstone of September.

‘A Prince’s Tour of India’ Exhibition

French master craftsmen of the 20th century

Jewellery after the French Revolution.

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace

Early French Jewels: The Sun King and the Palace of Versailles

‘Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up’ – The items behind the icon.

Natural pearls: the precious birthstone of June

Hugh Grant’s Surprise Wedding and Unique Wedding Ring

The Portland Miniatures Exhibition

The History of Royal Wedding Gifts

The Royal Bride: Jewels fit for a Queen

"Fashioned from Nature" exhibition at the V&A

Saint George - the protector of the English

Diamond: The Birthstone of April

St Patrick's Day: The icon of the Irish

St David’s Day- the Patron Saint of Wales

Pablo Picasso and the Cubism movement in the Art Deco period

Charles I: King and Collector

The Legend of St Valentine

Love motifs in Art Nouveau jewellery

Celebrating the Cullinan: Anniversary of the largest gem diamond find in history

Charles II: Art And Power

Glamorous jewels of modern day film

Prepare for the party season with a pair of statement earrings

The Enduring Love: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Platinum Anniversary

REMEMBER THE 5TH- GUY FAWKES NIGHT

JEWELLERY IN ART - RENAISSANCE JEWELLERY FROM THE ARNOLFINI PORTRAIT.

The Magnificence of Hand Engraving

Tiffany & Co.: Celebrating 180 years of Dazzling Designs (Part Three)

Tiffany & Co.: Celebrating 180 years of Dazzling Designs (Part Two)

Tiffany & Co.: Celebrating 180 years of Dazzling Designs (Part One)

Scythians warriors of ancient Siberia exhibition

Accessories for the Sophisticated Gent

Wimbledon: the perfect opportunity to wear an aptly named Tennis Bracelet

Enlightened Princesses – Living like modern royalty

A day at the Races: Jewels of Royal Ascot

Take a look inside Berganza’s cabinet of curiosities: Precious Point Cut Diamonds

Cartier in Motion Exhibition: The evolution of time

Queen Victoria - Jewellery style icon of her time

Oscar Heyman Brothers Bespoke Eternity Rings

SOCIETY WEDDING OF THE YEAR: PIPPA MIDDLETON MARRIES JAMES MATTHEWS

Investment choices of Asian collectors

The illustrious history of signet rings