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 the deepest human emotions.
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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 Catherine the Great of Russia. The age of Napoleon is repres…
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Hidden Treasures interactive
Hidden Treasures takes a look in more detail at some of the key pieces of jewellery featured in the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery.
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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 the individual.
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History of jewellery
Detailing different styles of jewellery from ancient times up until the present day. This article describes the different materials, techniques and periods in which the jew…
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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 across some two hundred years of the design, manufacture 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. Much gold entered the Asante court via tribute or war a…
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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 collaboration with the world of fashion with a series of s…
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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 Royal College of Goldsmiths in Bangkok. The jewellery is ba…
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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 sailors at the Nore, a Royal Navy anchorage in the Themes E…
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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. These beads were known as 'trade', 'aggry' or even 'slave' …
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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 Galleries 1500-1900. The poets were invited to come and expl…
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Jewellery Resident: Dorothy Hogg
Dorothy Hogg was Jewellery Resident at the V&A, July–December 2008.
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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 from Mr and Mrs William Bollinger. An endowment was provided…
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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 between the two materials and how to care for each individuall…
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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 how to care for silver gilt.
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Traditional Jewellery: In Nineteenth-Century Europe (Hardback)
Although less well-known today, European jewellery - jewellery worn with traditional or national costume - was highly fashionable in nineteenth-centur…
Buy nowEvent - European Traditional Jewellery
Wed 12 June 2013 13:00
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: Join Jane Perry, visiting scholar at the V&A and author of 'Traditional Jewellery in Nineteenth-century Europe', for an insight into traditional jewellery.
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