Jewellery has been worn by humans for thousands of years. It not only adorns and decorates, it is a useful way to hold wealth secure, and it provides wonderful opportunities for the skilled craftsman to show off his artistic skills and creativity.
By the 1550s London was one of the foremost European centres of goldsmithing and jewellers trade. Fashion expected fantastic jewels to be worn by men and women, enhancing the dress of the time. From Tudor ‘bling’ to sombre and discreetly worn Royalist favours, from the glamorous glitter of 18th century new style gemstones (and fakes) to the restraint of Neo-Classical elegance we see trends and themes, changing fashions, and conclude on the eve of mass-production and global influences. Glamour, artistry and craftsmanship at its most colourful.
Amanda Herries
Read Archaeology & Anthropology at Cambridge. 1978-1988 Curator at Museum of London specialising in the decorative arts 1718 to present day, exhibitions, lectures, booklets, broadcasts. 1988-1995 moved with family to Japan, lecturing and writing on Oriental / Western cross-cultural and artistic influences. 1995 returned to UK, fundraising for arts companies, writing, lecturing and guiding tours to Japan. Most recent publications on Japanese plant and garden influences in the West.