The V&A has one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery in the world. Over 3,000 jewels tell the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day; from a great gold Celtic breastplate to medieval love rings and pendants given by Elizabeth I to her courtiers; from jewels by Cartier to animals by Fabergé; and jewellery by an international selection of contemporary makers.
Rooms 91-93: Jewellery
The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery explores how jewels have been not only at the centre of fashion, but of th…
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Jewellery at the V&A
Historic highlights include jewelled pendants given by Queen Elizabeth I to her courtiers, and diamonds worn by Cat…
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Hidden Treasures
Hidden Treasures takes a look in more detail at some of the key pieces of jewellery featured in the William and Jud…
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Interview with Charlotte De Syllas, jewellery maker
Producing one-off commissioned jewellery since 1966, Charlotte De Syllas creates extraordinary pieces which reflect…
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History of jewellery
Detailing different styles of jewellery from ancient times up until the present day. This article describes the dif…
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Jewellery in the Archive of Art & Design
Information about the V&A's jewellery archives, which offer an interesting overview of changes in taste and style a…
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Asante gold
Gold was central to Asante art and belief. At a political level, gold indicated the kingdom's dominance over rivals…
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Fashion in Motion: Swarovski: Runway Rocks
The Swarovski Fashion in Motion live catwalk event took place on November 26 2004. The V&A celebrated Swarovski's c…
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Gold choker & earrings, by Niphon Yodkranpan, 2003
These outstanding examples of modern Thai goldwork were created by two senior master craftsmen and tutors at the Ro…
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Sword from 1790s presented to Francis Douglas
This sword was given to Francis Douglas as a reward for his distinguished service in supressing a mutiny amongst sa…
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Trade beads
The long history of trade between Africa and Europe is reflected in a collection of glass beads held by the V&A. Th…
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Poems about the V&A: 'The Wearer' by Colette Bryce
In 2002 the V&A and the Poetry Book Society commissioned five poets to create new works inspired by the British Gal…
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Development of the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery, 2008
In 2008, the V&A's jewellery gallery reopened after complete renovation made possible by a substantial donation fro…
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Caring for your gold & ormolu
An overall set of basic guidelines for caring for your gold and ormulu. It carefully describes the difference betwe…
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Caring for your silver
An overall set of basic guidelines for caring for your silver. Includes a step-by-step guide to polising silver and…
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Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton
8 February – 22 April 2012
Featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton, this exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
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