It’s the perfect time of year to immerse yourself in all things sparkly. As well as our beautifully curated collection of one of a kind jewels, we thought we’d share a few of our very own favourite sparkly experiences with you. From jewelled attractions to our favourite museum galleries, to seasonal displays of glitz and glamour; the list is like an other-worldly jewel box.
Perfect for indulging yourself, a fellow magpie or a loved one this Christmas time, the only question is which one first ? Preferring to stay closer to home this Christmas ? We’ve included a selection of our favourite jewellery books you won’t ever want to put down…
1. The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/jewellery).
One of our favourite places in the entire world. A highlight of mine was being shown around the gallery by curator V&A curator Clare Phillips in 2019. Clare was instrumental in the regeneration of the gallery which curates to perfection one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery in the world. With over 3,000 jewels set along a timeline, artfully telling the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day he
Dive into the book ‘Jewels and Jewellery by Clare Phillips (https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/books/all-books/jewels-jewellery-157128.html)
2. Changing tack a little: The House of Gucci is a must see if you love to ogle jewels during a movie.
This quote by costume designer Janty Yates, from a fabulous article written by The Adventurine especially resonated with us (https://theadventurine.com/culture/movies-tv/the-fine-and-fashion-jewels-in-house-of-gucci/ )
‘Naturally, the film is filled with fashion. There is also a vault worth of jewelry. Costume designer Janty Yates told?British Vogue’s Rachel Garrahan, “LG [Lady Gaga] had 54 script days on set and we did not repeat anything, not even an earring,”
Tempted ? With a running time of over two and half hours there is a serious amount of jewel joy on offer.
3. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a spectacular array of Christmas lights across the UK’s major cities and some of our favourite ones to visit are in London.
We are especially smitten with:
Claridge’s Dior Christmas Tree named the Celestial Snow Globe’ (https://www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tree/) and designed by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections.
Harrod’s Chanel No. 5 Takeover (https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/news-events/chanel-no5-takeover especially the magnificent takeover of Door No. 5. An impressive sight for the Chanel lover.
4. The V&As Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution Exhibition (https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/faberge) has opened to rave reviews and we cannot wait to visit next week. The exhibition tells the story of this remarkable House and the works of Carl Fabergé across the years as seen through the most exquisite works of art, from delicate flowers to Imperial Easter Eggs. Each one is of course a sight to behold. The Exhibition is open until May 2022.
The Exhibition book ‘ Faberge, Romance to Revolution by Kieran McCarthy (Editor), Hanne Faurby (Editor) is available at the V&A (https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/exhibition-ranges/faberge-in-london-romance-to-revolution/faberge-prints-books-and-stationery/faberg%C3%A9-hardback-161750.html)
5. And finally talking of sights to behold, The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London are literally the most magical and spellbinding display of history as told through jewellery and precious objects that one can imagine. Our visit last month is an experience I will never forget.
We loved the official guide book but also purchased ‘The Crown Jewels: The Official Illustrated History by Anna Keay’ to dive a little deeper into the stories of the priceless treasures we’d seen.
Jewel experiences to add or share ? We’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you a wonderfully sparkly Christmas time and health and happiness for the year ahead.
Love from Jennifer x