When in England, Buy English

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Marie Betteley

Gemologist, international expert and dealer of antique jewels and works of art, Marie founded Rare Jewels and Treasures in 1991, Art and Treasures Tours in 2017 and consults for auction houses, museums and private collectors worldwide. Marie's book, Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry was published in 2020.

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Listen to Marie discuss Russia’s rich jewelry history on The Jewelry Journey Podcast hosted by the fabulous Sharon Berman.

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The most exquisite adventures of your life are right around the corner! Discover the stories and history behind the rare jewels and treasures of the most remarkable countries in the world.

Rare Treasures from Around the World

The history of a country, culture and people can often be best told through its art. Marie Betteley’s mission is to curate the most rare, historic and exquisitely crafted antique and vintage jewelry and treasures from around the world, and bring them to you.

 

Living in Cambridge UK for the year, I come across the most incredible things – I mean, how can you NOT buy this stuff?

While I’ve pursued French and Russian objets d’art in the past, it’s not so prevalent in England, so while I’m here, I can definitely say the English silver and jewelry has cast its spell on me and there’s nothing more exciting than roaming the countryside in search of finds.

I especially love the history: its Kings and Queens, cathedrals, and its famed Cambridge which, after being founded in 1318, yielded the likes of Rutherford, Thompson and Watson – scientific greats who split the atom, discovered the electron and the structure of DNA, respectively.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself.

Here I am, a mere merchant living amidst the ghosts of these great minds!

But England is also a nation of shopkeepers so I feel right at home here and, unlike New York, the antiques trade is buzzing.

And let’s not forget Great Britain’s wonderful artistic legacy. It’s just as rich as France, dating back to the Romans. I haven’t yet delved into the Tudors and Stuarts, but there are plenty of undiscovered Georgian and Victorian treasures here. And in decorative arts, the pickings are fabulous.

Which is all simply to say how excited I am to share with you three of my latest finds. You simply must see them for yourself and perhaps one or more will cast its spell on you!

Queen Victoria Enameled Commemorative Pin
Queen Victoria Enameled Commemorative Pin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

English Silver Gilt Knife Fork and Spoon by Hunt & Roskell, 1897
English Silver Gilt Knife Fork and Spoon by Hunt & Roskell, 1897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

English Gold and Gemstone “Dearest” Ring, 19th Century
English Gold and Gemstone “Dearest” Ring, 19th Century

 

 

 

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