Antique and collectible history

Cartier Jewelry & Heritage

Cartier Jewelry & Heritage

Société Cartier designs, manufactures, distributes and sells jewellery, watches and other fine items of fashion. The firm was founded in Paris, France in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. The company maintains its headquarters in Paris.
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History Of Adie Brothers Manufacturing Jewellers & Silversmiths

History Of Adie Brothers Manufacturing Jewellers & Silversmiths

The manufacturing firm of Aide Brothers silversmiths is said to have been established in 1879.

The firm was incorporated in 1906 joining the firms of McKewan & Adie (manufacturing jewellers, gold and silversmiths) and Edward Souter Barnsley (box and case makers).

We have included an illustrated timeline which includes patents and patent drawings.

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About Silversmiths Garrard & Co

About Silversmiths Garrard & Co

The luxury brand Garrard & Co. Limited, formerly Asprey & Garrard Ltd., is  headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London. Garrard was the first official Crown Jeweller charged with the upkeep of the British Crown Jewels, from 1843 to 2007. Garrard & Co. created and cared for many tiaras and jewels adorning members of the British royal family we see today. Some of the world’s most famous sporting trophies were created by Garrard’s team of superb jewellers. These include the Americas Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy.
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About Mappin & Webb Antiques And Illustrated Timeline

About Mappin & Webb Antiques And Illustrated Timeline

In 1775 Jonathan Mappin started a small cutlery workshop in Sheffield. Within a year the first Mappin hallmark was recorded at the assay office. In 1780 Jonathan Mappin was given the Freedom of the Cutlers Company. As you can see from the image above this became a hugely successful concern. The company expanded internationally and received royal commissions from all over the world. The monarchs were so impressed by the excellence of the goods produced royal warrants followed. The name of this enterprise became synonymous with excellence and symbolizing the best of British. 
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Extremely rare sterling silver musical Kigu powder box

Extremely rare sterling silver musical Kigu powder box

A couple of years ago I was 'speaking' by email to David Kiashek, who is a descendant of the founder of the world famous Kigu vanities. He told me when Kigu made the solid silver musical powder boxes they only made between 12 - 18 of each model. Which means they were rare when they were first produced. 

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How to date your vintage Stratton powder compact.

How to date your vintage Stratton powder compact.

Eleanor & I made a video for people who wished to date their vintage Stratton powder compacts. In 1997 the Company that made the Stratton powder compacts was sold & they ceased to be British made. Many collectors like only to collect antique or vintage powder compacts & so it is essential that we can date our purchases. Today Stratton compacts are still being made but they are not vintage compacts & there is a lot of confusion about what is & is not a vintage Stratton.

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