Welcome to Jewellery Detective: Wearable History

Every jewel is a mystery waiting to be solved. An unusual design, an obscure hallmark, an unexpected alloy or an unconventional technique are all clues to the hidden history of a remarkable object. Unlike most historical artefacts, jewellery is worn on the body, altered, repaired, gifted, inherited and loved, creating a unique biography—its 'social life'. At Jewellery Detective, we meticulously follow each clue, combining historical research, forensic observation and over a decade of experience in the jewellery trade to uncover the histories locked inside remarkable objects. Our greatest pleasure is connecting exceptional vintage and antique jewellery with the people who will continue its story.

As an LSE-trained Social Anthropologist with a background in Fine Arts and over twelve years' experience researching and dealing in vintage and antique jewellery, I approach every piece as both an object and a historical document. Hallmarks, repairs, alterations, manufacturing techniques, materials, design history, fashion, trade routes and social history all become clues in reconstructing a piece’s journey through time.

I work rather like a detective. Every unusual feature raises a question; every question leads to another layer of research. Sometimes the result is a forgotten workshop or patent. Sometimes it reveals an unexpected biography, a remarkable custom commission, or a connection to a wider artistic or historical movement. Whether it is a rare Taxco silver necklace, an early Victorian Whitby jet piece predating the mourning fashions, or a one-of-a-kind Murano exhibition necklace, the pleasure lies in uncovering the hidden history locked inside the object itself.

Our rigorous research-led approach and eye for authentic period pieces have led costume departments and production companies to source period jewellery and props from Jewellery Detective for television, film and theatre productions, including Sherlock & Daughter, The Witches, Coronation Street, Netflix's Marco Polo and Selena.

Vintage and antique jewellery is also one of the most sustainable ways to buy jewellery. Every piece has already survived decades—sometimes centuries—of wear and still has many years ahead of it. By choosing an existing object rather than commissioning a new one, you become part of its continuing story.

I believe jewellery is far more than ornament. Every piece is a small time capsule, preserving the craftsmanship, technologies, artistic movements and everyday lives of the people who made, wore, altered and treasured it before us. My role is simply to uncover that history and care for each piece until it finds its next home.

Jewellery is one of the few things we carry with us from one generation to the next. Whether you are a collector, costume designer, historian, or simply someone looking for an unusual piece to wear and enjoy, I hope you find something here that speaks to you.

Alice x