Serving Style: How Jewellery and Watches Make a Statement at Wimbledon

Posted on July 3, 2025July 2, 2025 by Jenny Knott

The Summer Season is well and truly under way and with glorious weather so far this year we’re about to head into my favourite sporting fortnight – Wimbledon. Of course, it’s all about the tennis – but it’s also all about the elegance of The All England Club, the traditions, the strawberries and cream, the Pimm’s and yes, the people watching. Outfits both on and off court attract attention, and notwithstanding the all-white dress code tennis players can and do wear jewellery and watches on court and during play.

Rolex are the official timekeeper for all four Grand Slams including Wimbledon. The brand also sponsors a number of prominent players, including Roger Federer, Garbiñe Muguruza, Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and his current nemesis since his painful defeat in the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz.

Roger Federer became a brand ambassador for Rolex in 2006 with what was, at the time, the largest single endorsement for any professional athlete. He was contracted to Rolex for 10 years for which he received $15,000,000. Others now in the Rolex stable are Dominic Thiem for the Daytona and Garbiñe Muguruza with the DateJust. Jannik Sinner entered the Rolex testimonee stable, as Rolex likes to call its brand ambassadors, in 2020 and wears the Cosmograph Daytona. Coco Gauff is also part of the horophile elite. At her recent victory in the French Open she wore a discontinued Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, the same timepiece she wore when she won the U.S. Open in 2023. This particular watch, with its distinctive purple dial, is known colloquially as the “Red Grape” (£7,000-£8,000 approx. second hand).

It’s not all about watches though and no article on this subject would be complete without acknowledging the significance of Chris Evert and her now infamous bracelet incident. What might have been a disaster turned into a coup for the jewellery industry. She wore a diamond line bracelet when she played; perfect because it did not have claws to catch and sat flush against her wrist. However, in 1978 during a match in the U.S. open the clasp broke and the bracelet fell off. Play was suspended so that it could be retrieved, which it was.

She later said ‘When I competed, I wanted to wear something that gave me confidence and empowered me, both as a woman and an athlete. My tennis bracelet added a personal element to my style on the court and served as a daily reminder that I can do and be anything.” Who wouldn’t want some of that?

This style of line bracelet has been popular since the Art Deco period, but it was Chris Evert that brought it to such wide prominence and as a result it became known as a ‘tennis bracelet’. The Boodles collection includes one with an integral diamond-set tennis ball charm.

Bracelets are not the sole preserve of the female tennis players. Grigor Dimitrov is known for his ‘stack’ of Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambras and it’s hard to deny that they suit each other.

Closer to home Emma Raducanu has been a brand ambassador for Tiffany since 2021 and has been seen at Wimbledon in pearl drop earrings, diamond and pearl necklaces and white gold Tiffany bangles. The Tiffany earrings seen here are from the Victoria range and retail at £11,300.

Jack Draper has chosen the sartorial route and since April this year has been sponsored by Burberry, though given the strict all white code we won’t be seeing any of the famous Burberry checks on court.

From Raducanu’s exquisite Tiffany pearls to the impressive timepieces, jewellery in tennis has evolved from subtle accents to powerful style statements. These collaborations reflect not just fashion, but identity and give players a chance for some self-expression within the confines of the tight dress code.

This Summer’s Unmissable Exhibitions

Posted on May 28, 2025June 5, 2025 by Ashley Innes, Fiona Hamilton, Jenny Knott, Liz Bailey, Richard Fattorini, Stephanie Connell and Ben Hanly

Our team of specialists have picked the unmissable exhibitions from Summer ’25. Looking to fill those long summer days with fine art, culture and exquisite jewels? We are on hand to direct you to some of this summer’s must-see events and finest works on display.

Ashley Crawford, Asian Art Fair

The Treasure House Fair, Royal Hospital Chelsea, running from 26 June – 1 July 2025.

“I’m looking forward to attending the Treasure House fair in Chelsea this June, which is the successor to the long popular Masterpiece Fair. There is an electric mixture of fine and decorative arts from all over the world, and, of course, the food can’t be beat!”

Fiona Hamilton, Silver Specialist

Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition, Edinburgh, 3rd May until 8th June.

“A must see in the Edinburgh art calendar is the RSA Annual Exhibition. Now in its 199th year the largest and longest running annual exhibition of art and architecture in Scotland showcases a fantastic variety of work, there really is something for everyone! For a post exhibition refreshment why not visit the fascinating Edinburgh Gin Bar and Distillery in the city centre!”

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350, National Gallery, London, running until 22nd June 2025.

“The Siena exhibition at the National Gallery looks wonderful. It’s about painting in Siena, Italy between 1300 and 1350 and how that period and the numerous artists working in Siena at the time, was not only hugely important in its own right, but went on to shape so much that followed, not only in painting but also other artistic mediums.”

Jenny Knott, Silver Specialist

Edwardians: Age of Elegance, The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, running until 23rd November 2025.

“Showcasing more than 300 objects from the Royal Collection dating from 1863 to 1918, the Edwardians: Age of Elegance exhibition promises opulence and glamour! Featuring works by the most renowned artists of the period, including Carl Fabergé, Frederic Leighton, Edward Burne-Jones, Rosa Bonheur, John Singer Sargent and William Morris, this exhibition features a range of jewellery, works of art, paintings, books, and many more. Highlights include the Dagmar Necklace of 1863, an elaborate diamond, pearl and enamel necklace that was a wedding gift to Alexandra from Frederik VII of Denmark.”

Cartier, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, running until 16th November 2025.

“How could we not feature the hotly anticipated Cartier exhibition at the V&A! Featuring over 350 pieces including jewellery, watches, clocks and historic gemstones, this is a rare chance to see pieces from the span of Cartier’s history. Exhibiting many pieces from private collections and amassing plenty of five-star reviews already, this certainly is my pick of the bunch for exhibitions this year – and I can’t wait to attend!”

Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Silver & Watch Specialist

Cartier Style, a talk by Helen Molesworth & Pierre Rainero, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Thursday 5th June, 7pm

“I am looking forward to attending this talk by my former colleague Helen Molesworth, now the V&A Senior Curator of Jewellery and Image, with Pierre Rainero, Style and Heritage Director of Cartier.”

“As the Image, Style and Heritage Director of Cartier for more than two decades, Pierre Rainero is responsible for overseeing and preserving the aesthetic integrity of the Maison, ensuring seamless integration of innovation and legacy with each new piece. Join him in conversation with V&A Senior Curator of Jewellery Helen Molesworth for an exploration of the evolution of Cartier’s style over its storied history to contemporary designs, discussing the links that unite past, present and future production.” V&A

Richard Fattorini, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Specialist

Josephine Bowes: Trendsetters and Trailblazers at the Bowes Museum co. Durham. Ends 29 June.

“I am fascinated to see how Josephine Bowes sought to establish the fantastic collection which now forms the Bowes Museum. It is rare for a woman to have formed such a collection during this period and she sought to buy examples from a wide range of disciplines and artists.”

Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collectors Specialist

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300 - 1350, National Gallery,Until 22 June 2025

Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces form the Oskar Reinhart Collection, Courtauld Gallery, Until 26th May

Leigh Bowery!, Tate Modern, Until 31st August

Antony Gormley: WITNESS. Early Lead Works, White Cube, Mason’s Yard, Until 8th June

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) Lewis Cubitt Square and Lightroom entrance, King’s Cross, Until 29th June

“This summer, I’m particularly looking forward to a mix of historic and contemporary shows across London. Goya to Impressionism at the Courtauld brings together highlights from the Oskar Reinhart Collection, offering a rare opportunity to see these works in the UK. Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern promises to be bold, challenging and visually striking. Antony Gormley’s early lead sculptures at White Cube should offer something raw and introspective. And I’ll definitely be catching Hockney’s immersive digital show in King’s Cross – it’s ambitious in scale and packed with colour and movement.”

Ben Hanly, Contemporary Art Specialist

Whether your summer takes you north to Edinburgh or keeps you in the capital, there’s no shortage of exceptional exhibitions to explore. From Renaissance masterpieces to bold contemporary installations, this season’s line-up is a reminder of the richness and range of the art world. We hope you get the chance to see something that stays with you long after the summer ends.

Fabergé, Folklore and Fry’s: An Easter Egg Hunt Through History

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by Jenny Knott

Easter does seem to have been a long time coming this year, but it’s not the latest ever Easter. The date of Easter is determined by lunar cycles and changes every year because it is set as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This is based on a formula established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and Easter can fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th. Lent is always 40 days though and for those champing at the bit to be reunited with chocolate and other treats, the wait is almost over.

For many Christians Easter is the most significant event in the Church calendar. Although the welcome of Spring is universal, the association of numerous traditions is mainly Christian. Easter eggs largely derive from Christian traditions, where they symbolise the resurrection of Christ. Eggs were forbidden during the 40 day period of fasting leading up to Easter. As a result, people would boil or preserve eggs to keep them from spoiling, and then eat them to celebrate the end of Lent and the arrival of Easter. Over time, this practice evolved into decorating eggs in vibrant colours to represent the joy of Christ’s resurrection, with the egg itself representing the sealed tomb of Christ and the cracking of the egg symbolising his resurrection. However, the tradition of decorating eggs dates back to long before Christianity. In many cultures, eggs have stood for fertility, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. In ancient Persia, eggs were painted and exchanged during the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which marks the arrival of spring. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, eggs were often used in funerary rituals, symbolising the cycle of life, death, and resurrection.

The modern Easter egg hunt has its roots in 18th-century Europe. The Easter Bunny tradition is most commonly traced back to the early 1700s in Germany, where it was believed that a hare would lay eggs for children to find during Easter. German immigrants brought this tradition to the United States in the 1700s, particularly to Pennsylvania. In this iteration, the hare (or rabbit) would lay coloured eggs, which children would hunt for on Easter Sunday.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the commercialisation of Easter saw the advent of chocolate Easter eggs, a trend that began in Europe. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany, and by the early 20th century, chocolate manufacturers like Cadbury began mass-producing eggs. Today, Easter eggs come in numerous forms – chocolate, plastic, or even surprise-filled – and are an essential part of Easter celebrations around the world. The most lavish egg in the UK continues to be The Bettys Grande Easter Egg. A modest price rise since last year sees it weigh in at £395 for over five kilos of Grand Cru Swiss chocolate. For reasons of personal preference related to nomenclature I would be happy to settle for ‘Jenny the Sheep’ at a modest £18. If you love Cadbury’s creme eggs, an Easter institution begun in 1971 when they were in fact Fry’s creme eggs, don’t delay, they will disappear from the shelves on Easter Monday. They are strictly available only from New Year until Easter.

The Spring season this year been host to the sublime and the ‘rare and unusual’ in the egg world, the later being a spherical hen’s egg sold recently at Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood. Spotted by egg handler Alion Greene the circular egg sold for £420, with the proceeds donated to charity.

By far the pick of the clutch however, are the eggs within the recent collection of Fabergé, sold on March 19th by Dreweatts. The whole sale generated huge interest and was a white glove event, meaning that every lot sold. World authority on Fabergé, Geoffrey Munn, called the collection, ‘nothing short of extraordinary’. Almost every lot sold well above estimate, highlighting once again the importance of keeping abreast of current prices and not relying on old data. A collection of gem-set egg pendants estimated at £1800-2200 hammered at £9000. The biggest surprise may have been the early 20th century diamond and enamel egg pendant and case, the top half of brown leather encased in gold lattice work with rose diamond line dividers and the lower part decorated in panels of royal blue enamel decorated again with the rose diamonds so often favoured by Fabergé work masters. Like all the best Fabergé eggs it contains a secret inside and opens to reveal a removable egg shaped pendant designed as a swan and set throughout with rose cut diamonds and a cabochon ruby eye. This was modestly estimated at £1000-1500, having previously sold at Christies New York in 2001 for $4500, less than a quarter of the £20,000 realised in the Dreweatts sale. Although it was apparently unmarked, the hammer price together with the hallmark Fabergé details suggests that its origin must have been Fabergé.

Should any of our dear readers suffer from ovophobia, you can avoid eggs at Easter by signing up for The Easter Monday Cheese rolling competition in Gloucestershire where participants race down a steep hill after a large wheel of cheese. At Doerr Dallas however, we are mostly looking forward to a welcome break and would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy Easter, however you are spending it.

Holding it all together: The Key to Keeping Jewellery Secure

Posted on March 27, 2025April 2, 2025 by Jenny Knott

Eagle eyed observers at the Commonwealth Service on 11th March this year, noticed that something was absent from The Princess of Wales’ otherwise immaculate and eye-catching ensemble.

One tiny diamond was missing from the drop pearl and diamond earrings that she was wearing. These earrings had been gifted to Princess Diana by Collingwoods. They were a favourite of Diana and are now much loved by Princess Catherine. Few jewellery collections are better maintained than those of the Royal family, yet this event shows that accidents can happen to even the best cared for jewels. For those of us without entourages to look after these things, we need to be even more vigilant about our jewellery.

Buying, acquiring or even inheriting jewellery can be so wonderfully exciting that when picking out the perfect necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring, the last thing that most people consider is the clasp, catch or claws. However, we should give these much more attention, as this is that will keep those much prized stones in place, or even keep the necklace or bracelet around your neck or wrist. I write as someone who found a much loved chain link bracelet in an umbrella stand when it had broken as I took a coat off and inadvertently flung the bracelet into this receptacle. The discovery was several years after I thought I had lost it forever; not all mishaps end so well.

As heart-breaking as it is to discover your jewellery has been lost or damaged, it will add insult to injury to then be told that your insurance policy does not cover you. Jewellery insurance typically covers damage, theft, or loss, but whether it specifically covers clasps and settings depends on the terms of the policy. Many policies state that claws and clasps must be regularly checked by an expert and this, along with valuations, are often able to highlight possible problems before they become a disaster.

Things of which to be mindful include:

Remember that gold is a soft material, the higher the carat of gold the softer it is, therefore claws on rings are susceptible to wearing down, or catching on threads of clothes and peeling back.
Clasps on necklaces can suffer loss of their spring mechanism.
Links in a bracelet can wear and become thin, as can the shanks on rings, especially when worn stacked with other rings. Shanks can split.
Pearls and bead necklaces should always be knotted so stop beads spilling everywhere if broken. Knotted necklaces should be checked regularly, especially if they are frequently worn.

There are some easy ways to help mitigate against the chance of accidental damage or loss.

Rings:

Claws do not necessarily need to be replaced; they can often be retipped.

Clasps:

Clasps are critical to ensure that jewellery stays in place. There are many choices of clasps. The jump ring or spring ring clasp. This is the most common and consists of a metal jump ring with a spring loaded mechanism which opens and closes with applied pressure. The lobster claw clasp, which works in a similar way to the jump ring clasp but are often larger. Both work well unless the spring mechanisms fail. Antique necklaces often have box clasps, which have a tab or prong which fits into the ‘box’ and snaps into place. These work well as long as the fit stays tight.

Safety chains:

These are small chains attached to jewellery which add an extra level of additional security to prevent loss. On bracelets and necklaces, a safety chain will join the ends should the clasp fail. On a brooch it is often attached to a small pin which is to be used in tandem with the main brooch pin.

Earring backs:

Unless your earrings have integral fittings I think the safest fittings are alpha backs. You can see from the diagram that the posts are notched, and the spring clasps ensure that they can’t come away. If you have earrings with a shepherd’s crook fitting, which are common with antique pendant earrings, you can add an extra level of security with a plastic stopper.

As the Princess of Wales images proves accidents do happen but reducing the chances of mishaps might save your precious jewellery. Precious does not just apply to value, sentimental attachment can be far more emotive than actual cost.

The three crucial steps are:

Have clasps, claws and settings regularly checked by an expert, especially if after checking your policy your insurance is predicated on this as a requirement.
Repair and replace broken, elements in your jewellery and regularly restring necklaces.
Buy clasps, safety chains and earring backs that are best suited to the security of your jewellery.

Silver’s Time to Shine: How Rising Prices and Unique Pieces are Reviving the Market

Posted on October 17, 2024November 15, 2024 by Jenny Knott

Over the last few years, the silver market has perhaps been viewed as a rather quiet part of the art market, reliable but somewhat disregarded.

You may remember Woody in one of the later Toy Story movies. Silver, like Woody, is proving that you should never write off something just because it isn’t quite as shiny and new as it used to be. It may well prove to be your best bet as a long-term friend.

It is undoubtedly true that some areas have been stagnant. Life-style changes make it unlikely that we are going to see a revival in the taking of tea from an early 20th century silver tea set, or the use of peppers and sugar casters. However, that only paints a partial picture because nothing is ever completely one-dimensional.

I kilo silver bar.

An article in The Antiques Trade Gazette neatly summarised the situation thus:-

‘The increase in bullion prices can influence antique silver prices in several ways. It can make owning silver appear more attractive as an investment, it can create a sense of urgency among collectors and enthusiasts as prices rise and lastly it can raise awareness of the craftsmanship, beauty, and historical significance of antique silver over other tangible assets.’

There has been much made of the increase in precious metal prices over the last few years. The price of these precious metals is usually tagged to global financial and political stability. The turbulence of recent years has seen a huge increase in the price of some metals, particularly gold. However, this should be counterposed against a reduction in the price of other precious metals notably platinum and palladium. This is largely due to the decline in use of these metals, along with rhodium. These are collectively known as the platinum group metals – PGMs. Car manufacturers have turned to battery powered electric vehicles which do not need PGMs in catalytic convertors causing a downturn in demand, and consequently the raw metal price. For many years platinum prices tracked or surpassed the price of 18 carat gold; at present both platinum and palladium are worth less per gram than 9 carat gold.

A 1962 silver owl mustard pot on sale for £2250.

How does this affect silver?

In September 2019 silver was trading at about £15 per ounce, and by August 2020 it was over £21.60, and as of today it is trading at £23.28. There is much speculation that the price of silver has a long way to rise. Unlike the PGM group metals silver is still widely used in industry, in medical technology, cameras and in the electronics sector in the manufacture of machinery requiring electrical contacts such circuit boards and semi-conductors. What, you may well ask, has this to do with the valuation of domestic silver?

As one silver dealer put it to me recently, much domestic silver is now scrapped to be used to make 1 kilogram bars of silver which are sold to ‘stackers’. These are people who believe that the price of silver will soar when the increasing global demand far outstrips the annual output. What is far more optimistic is a flourishing of rare, novel, ancient, esoteric and unusual pieces. This has seen some stunning prices at auction recently including a set of rare Scottish late 17th century provincial trefid spoons which sold for £13,000 , against an estimate of £3,000 – £5,000, and a stunning George III candelabra centrepiece which made £44,000 at Dawsons last month. This piece had been found in a suitcase under a bed where it had lived for the last 45 years. This is particularly relevant as the auction house revealed that the last insurance valuation has been conducted in 1987. Dawson’s research had partnered it with a similar pair of four branch candelabra sold by Sotheby’s in October 2022. This undoubtedly helped the piece achieve over twice the higher end of the estimate.

Thus, you have high prices because of the inherently high price of silver at the moment, offsetting the lack of interest in some areas of domestic silver; coupled with even higher prices for anything that is a little out of the ordinary or even very splendid as above.

In terms of making sure that insurance values are pegged to the current market, it is worth considering whether good pieces are adequately insured and whether more modest silver may be over-insured. Perhaps some pieces might be better sold if they are only gathering dust in drawers and cupboards rather than being used and enjoyed.

Whatever you decide to do with your silver it is always worth ensuring that you have the best up to date information to help you make informed choices that are right for you and your family.

An American novelty stamp box for sale at Peter Cameron for £425

From Wreaths to Gold: The Evolution and Value of Olympic Medals

Posted on July 30, 2024December 19, 2024 by Jenny Knott

The 2024 summer Olympics in Paris is the 33rd Olympics of the modern Olympiad and the third time that Paris has hosted the event; the previous occasions being in 1900 and 1924. Paris is only the third city to have put on the games three time, the other cities being London and Los Angeles.

This year approximately 11,000 athletes will be competing for the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in each discipline. In the ancient games, Olympians received a wreath formed from an olive branch; and that only for the winner. Nowadays, there is something rather more substantive and enduring as a token of achievement.

The design of the medals is the responsibility of the host city’s organising committee and varies with each iteration of the Games. The first Olympic medals in 1896 were designed by French sculptor Jules-Clément Chaplain and depicted on the obverse, Zeus holding Nike, the Greek goddess of victory; the reverse showed the Acropolis. They were made by the Paris Mint, which also made the medals for the 1900 Olympic Games and are responsible for this year’s medals. The medals for 2024 are currently stored at the Mint prior to of the start of the games.

The tradition of awarding gold, silver and bronze medals was first instigated at the Summer Olympics in 1904 in St Louis, Missouri, although competition place medals were retrospectively awarded to competitors in the 1896 and 1900 games.

It is the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which determine the physical properties of the medals. Although they were rectangular in 1900, in every other year they have been circular. Over time the designs have been honed, originally medals were handed out, then pinned to chests and then finally in 1960 they were hung around the neck; initially with a laurel chain and subsequently on a ribbon. The three tier victory podium was not introduced until 1931. Prior to this, medals were awarded at the closing ceremony with athletes wearing evening dress.

Until 1912, the gold medals were made of gold. This would be prohibitively expensive these days, but they are still made of silver gilt and at current prices the gold medals from the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo in 2021 are worth about £630. The silver medals are made from sterling standard silver, which is 92.5% silver; and the bronze medals are predominantly copper at about 97% with zinc and tin alloy to give strength.

An Olympic medal is the pinnacle of any athlete’s career and monetary value is irrelevant compared with the physical embodiment of years of training, sacrifice and perseverance. That said, and without seeming crude, in our world we are sometimes required to put prices on the ‘priceless.’

In Paris this year the successful athletes will be receiving medals that symbolise the motto of the modern Olympics, ‘ Faster, Higher, Stronger – together.’; medals made from gold, silver, copper, tin and zinc. I suspect however, that the athletes might view them as the embodiment of blood, sweat and tears.

Clyde Purnell’s 1908 Olympic Games gold medal for football fetched £18,000 (plus premium) at auction in June 2024. This medal, produced prior to 1912, is made from 15 carat gold, but nonetheless the sale price far exceeds the scrap metal price, which is a little under £1,000.

Swimmer Michael Phelps is the mostdecorated Olympian of all time. He has won 28 medals, 23 of which are gold. He has enjoyed being on the front cover of Sports Illustrated twelve times.

We wish all our Olympians ‘bon courage’ and enjoy Paris.

Easter Eggs

Posted on March 26, 2024August 23, 2024 by Jenny Knott

After extensive, but not wholly onerous research, I have found that the must have luxury chocolate Easter egg for 2024 is the Grande Easter Egg from Betty’s in Yorkshire. Your £375 will allow you to acquire over five kilos of Grand Cru Swiss chocolate made from Venezuelan criollo cocoa beans. Your egg will be applied with iced Spring flowers including narcissi, primroses, pansies and lily of the valley all with hand piped stems. Betty’s have been producing these hand crafted edible masterpieces for over a hundred years.

However, the history of eggs at Easter goes back many centuries. In the 1290 household accounts of Edward I ‘one shilling and sixpence for the decoration and distribution of pace eggs.’ ( Pace being a dialectical term for pashe or pascal.) These were hens’ eggs which had been dyed or coloured and were distributed to members of the Royal household. These eggs would have been wrapped in onion skins and then boiled, when the onion skin was removed the eggs looked as though they had a mottled gilding. The Scandinavians had a similar tradition also using flowers and leaves to produce a pattern.

Throughout Europe eggs were dyed and painted; and eggs were in plentiful supply. Although Shrove Tuesday saw the using up of eggs to make pancakes prior to Lent, no-one told the chickens that eggs were off the menu for the next forty days, so they continued to produce them, resulting in a glut of eggs by Easter. Throughout Europe and beyond the decorating and distributing of eggs has been part of Easter celebrations for hundreds of years.

The White House has a traditional Easter Egg Roll. In 1878 the President Rutherford B Hayes allowed the White House Grounds to be opened on Easter Monday and children were allowed to bring along Easter eggs and roll them on the lawn with a long handled spoon. Today it is a huge event and children can enter a public ballot to attend.

The ultimate Easter egg tradition is that of the Fabergé eggs. Jewelled eggs had been gifted at Easter before 1885. However, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, brother to Tsar Alexander III suggested that Peter Carl Fabergé be commissioned to create a Royal egg. The egg, known as the ‘Hen Egg’ was given to the Tsarina, who was thrilled with it. It opened to reveal a golden hen sitting on golden straw and inside the hen was a replica of the Imperial Crown and a ruby pendant. Fabergé had triumphed and Alexander named him ‘goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown’, placing an order for another egg the following year. The eggs became more ornate and elaborate year after year. The designs did not have to have Royal approval, the only prerequisites were that each should be unique and contain a surprise. The eggs made for the Russian Royal family are known as the Imperial eggs.

A few notable figures, including the Rothschilds commissioned eggs of their own, but these were not numerous. The revolution in 1918, inevitably saw an end to this tradition, although Fabergé in its more recent incarnation still produces egg themed jewellery. Should you wish to purchase your own Fabergé egg pendant this Easter, the 18 carat gold, diamond and enamel Palais Tsarkoye Selo turquoise egg containing an enamel and diamond locket, can be yours for £12,000.

The popularity of gold and silver eggs with novelty surprises may have begun with Fabergé but has been taken up by others. In the 1960’s and 70’s the English silversmith Stuart Devlin acquired a large following for his eggs. They are still popular today and one sold at auction recently with Dreweatts at a hammer price of £1,100.

A longchain suspending numerous French, Austrian and Hungarian egg pendants sold in 2022, as seen in the adjacent images. The finesse of the manufacture, the frequent use of colourful guilloché enamel and the cute novelty surprises inside, helped Bonhams reach a hammer price of £28,000.

If this all seem a little overwhelming perhaps it’s time to consider the more modest Cadbury’s creme egg. Initially sold as the Frys’s creme egg, it became part of the Cadbury family in 1971. They are still only available from New Year’s Day until Easter Sunday and in recent YouGov poll they were ranked as the UK’s most famous confectionery.

We hope that the Easter bunny will bring you your egg of choice and Doerr Dallas wishes you a very happy Easter.

Rubies

Posted on July 25, 2023August 9, 2024 by Jenny Knott

Ruby is the birthstone for July

The name comes from the Latin ‘ruber’ meaning red. It is seen as a symbol of love and commitment. In Asia particularly, it is associated with luck, passion and power.

Burmese warriors had rubies set into their armour, as they believed they would offer them protection in battle. Some even had rubies embedded in their flesh for added security.

Rubies, like sapphires, are a form of corundum – the name for aluminium oxide. Unlike sapphires, which come in an array of colours, rubies are always red, and the colour derives from chromium in their chemical make-up. Shades vary from the ultra desirable, but challengingly named, pigeon’s blood ruby to much pinker varieties.

Historically, the most sought after rubies came from Burma (now Myanmar). However, nowadays Mozambique has become one of the largest suppliers of new rubies into the market.

After diamonds, rubies are the hardest of all gemstones and also the most expensive coloured gemstone.

Until recently, ‘The Sunrise Ruby’, which formed the centrepiece of a sensational ruby and diamond ring by Cartier, was the most expensive ruby in the world and the most expensive coloured stone. However, on 8th June 2023 Sotheby’s sold the world’s largest Mozambiquan ruby, which weighs 55.22 carats. It made a world record-breaking $34.8 million, thus becoming the largest and most valuable ruby ever to sell at auction.

The ruby and diamond necklace worn by Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman, was said to be worth about $750,000 shortly after the movie was made 30 years ago. The price of rubies has soared since then. Imagine what it might be worth today.

What to wear for Wimbledon

Posted on July 11, 2023January 3, 2025 by Jenny Knott

For Ascot it’s all about hats, at Henley it’s blazers, but what to wear for Wimbledon…?

Let’s start with jewellery and what more fitting piece than a tennis bracelet. One of the most sought after easily worn pieces in any capsule jewellery collection and beyond, this now ubiquitous item came to prominence in 1987 when, during a match in the U.S. Open, Chris Evert ‘lost’ her diamond bracelet when the clasp broke. Play was suspended so that it could be retrieved, which it was.

She later said “When I competed, I wanted to wear something that gave me confidence and empowered me, both as a woman and an athlete. My tennis bracelet added a personal element to my style on the court and served as a daily reminder that I can do and be anything.” Who wouldn’t want some of that?

This style of line bracelet has been popular since the Art Deco period, but it was Chris Evert that brought it to such wide prominence and caused the change of name.

You’ll also be needing a stylish watch and there is a plethora of choices endorsed by tennis stars. Roger Federer became a brand ambassador for Rolex in 2006 with what was, at the time the largest single endorsement for any professional athlete. He was contracted to Rolex for 10 years for which he received $15,000,000. Others now in the Rolex stable are Dominic Thiem for the Daytona; Garbiñe Muguruza with the DateJust and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga with the Milgauss. If you want to dress the part but favour other brands, Nadal wears a Richard Mille and Serena Williams an Audemars Piguet diamond outrage.

Perhaps you will fancy something unique and eye catching to adorn your outfit, you might look at vintage novelty tennis related items. These two tennis racket brooches were sold at auction and the ruby and diamond brooch is Edwardian and set with ruby, pearls and rose diamonds.

Last year Ralph Lauren unveiled new uniforms for the court officials. The instantly recognisable polo shirt is now produced in wide navy blue and white stripes and they stated that they were combining the heritage of the brand with sustainable modern fabrics and modern silhouettes.

As for the outfit itself no-one does Wimbledon better than The Princess of Wales. As Patron of the All England Club and a keen tennis player herself, she often attends the championships and well as presenting the trophies.

In 2022 she chose polka dots by Alessandra Rich and a bright yellow dress by Roskanda. If you wish to emulate her style, similar dresses are available by these designers at about £1,400 each.

Whatever your style choice and however you enjoy watching Wimbledon, we hope you enjoy the championships and regardless of your outfit, the event is definitely best served up with Pimm’s; and strawberries and cream.

Caring for Silver

Posted on June 13, 2023August 9, 2024 by Jenny Knott

Six simple rules to keep your silver in top condition

Rule one

Caring for your silver starts with understanding a little about the properties of silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and therefore only 7.5% alloy. Compare this with 9 carat gold which is 37.5% gold and 72.5% alloy, or even 18 carat gold which is 75% gold. Silver, therefore, which is not an inherently hard metal, is extremely vulnerable to scratching. According to the Mohs scale which measures the hardness of materials; in order of softness, you have sterling silver, 9 carat gold, 18 carat gold, platinum and palladium. Rule number one is therefore to avoid cleaning with anything even slightly abrasive. I prefer pastes and foams which you apply with warm water.

Rule two

Given that silver is a soft metal, you also need to be careful not to bend it or make it vulnerable to dents. For example, it is common to see legs of sauce boats pushed in. Splits can also occur around the edges of pieces so rule number two is to always handle your silver ware with care, remembering that the lighter and thinner it is the more vulnerable it will be to damage.

Rule three

Can you put silver in the dishwasher? I would say that the answer is yes. However, rule number three – do not load silver and stainless steel in the same compartment or where they might touch. This will lead to oxidation and oxidation is what causes silver to tarnish or blacken. For those who think I am a philistine to suggest that it is acceptable to wash silver in the dish washer I would say this – the method of dish washing is no more likely to damage the silver than washing by hand. Drying silver is as likely, if not more so, to remove some of the silver and cause rubbing. If you’ve ever noticed that hallmarks have become obscure and difficult to read this is because polishing or cleaning has worn down the surface.

Whilst we are on the subject of dish washers, if you have bone handled knives, do not put them in the dishwasher. They will dry out, crack and the pitch that holds the blades in place my seep out. Knives should always be washed by hand.

Rule four

Oxidisation is the principal cause of tarnishing, so rule number four is to adhere to following suggestions to minimise the chances of your silver tarnishing. The less you have to polish it, the less likely that you will be rubbing away the silver itself. The first suggestion is use your silver. Most silverware will be cleaned after using and frequent light cleaning will be much kinder on your silver than trying to remove heavy tarnish.

If you do need to store your silver, store in a dry place away from high temperatures. Both heat and humidity accelerate the rate at which silver tarnishes. If you are storing flatware, use special tarnish reducing storage bags or for bulkier items, acid free tissue paper. Do not use newspaper as the ink is acidic and can cause damage. The same goes for rubber bands. Tempting though it may be to bundle items together, rubber bands contain sulphur which causes rapid and destructive tarnishing.

Do not store silver in plastic bags as they can retain moisture. Finally, you now have a use for those little silica gel sachets which seem to come with so many purchases – pop these in with your silver and they will help absorb moisture. Incidentally oils, onions, eggs, salad dressings all contain ingredients which will accelerate the speed of tarnishing, so if you do use silver with these products wash them quickly afterwards and dry them. You may have noticed that egg spoons often have gilded bowls, this is because gold does not tarnish in the same way and it is there to protect the silver.

Rule five

You may also have observed that silver salts usually have glass liners or are gilded. Salt corrodes silver. This is different from tarnish which can be fairly easily poshed off. Badly corroded silver might need to be taken to a professional to clean or replate. Therefore, rule number five clean your silver after use and do not leave salt sitting in your salt container. Salty snacks like peanuts and crisps will have the same effect. Even if the gilded of liner protects the base, it will often not protect the borders. And take the salt spoons out of the salts.

Rule six

Rule number six, use and enjoy your silver. Use impregnated soft cloths, foams and basic mild detergent and warm water to keep your silver sparkling; and finally, know that notwithstanding your best efforts silver will always tarnish, so employ the simple rules to keep this to a minimum.