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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are you?

We are dealers in antique and period jewellery, a family run business, resulting from over 35 years of experience and expertise in the antique jewellery trade in London. We are Olly Gerrish, one of London's foremost antique jewellery dealers and her son, Matt Gerrish, who is mainly responsible for online marketing and development. When you phone or visit us you will be met by Olly who is a jewellery expert and very pleasant company!

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2. Where are you based? Do you have a store I can visit?

The Antique Jewellery Company is the internet branch of our company, The RBR Group, and we can be found at Shop 158 Grays, 58 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5LP, U.K. Please drop in when you are in London. Our opening hours are 10.00am - 5.00pm.

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3. Why antique jewellery?

Buying antique jewellery is an investment rather than an expense, with immediate advantages over other ways of investing for the future. It is cheaper to buy and sell through a dealer than an auction house with their spiralling commissions. A dealer's knowledge, experience and passion add value to a purchase which will give life long pleasure

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4. When was your jewellery made?

Our jewellery varies in age from the early 18th Century up until the 1960s and later. We have categorized our jewellery into different periods or eras. Each period has many different designs. These periods include Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century and Modern.

Georgian Jewellery (1714-1830)

Georgian era jewellery is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewellery is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewellery frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewellery (1839-1901)

Like jewellery of the Georgian era, early Victorian era jewellery features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewellery during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewellery (1860-1880)

Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewellery pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewellery, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewellery from this period. The jewellery also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewellery (1885-1900)

During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewellers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Art Nouveau Jewellery (1890-1915)

Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewellers in America, Art Nouveau jewellery features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewellery (1901-1914)

The Edwardian period was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewellery (1920-1935)

Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewellery is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber and murano beads were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewellery (1940s)

Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewellery is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

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5. What conditions are your items in?

Our jewellery is generally in excellent condition, taking into account its age. We pride ourselves on selecting only the finest examples of antique jewellery. In exceptional circumstances when an item is not in excellent condition, we will mention it in our item descriptions. Of course, please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to see some more hi-resolution images of the item.

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6. What are your pricing policies?

Because of our proximity to other London jewellery dealers, our prices are very competitive and based on the quality, craftmanship and rarity of the item. It is cheaper to buy and sell through a dealer than an auction house with their spiralling commissions.

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7. Will I get expert customer service?

Olly Gerrish is a veteran of over 35 years of dealing in antique jewellery in London. A respected and reputable dealer, Olivia has an encyclopaedic knowledge of antique jewellery and is at your disposal.

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8. How do I purchase?

Making a purchase could not be easier. Navigate to an item using the types on the left hand side of the homepage or filter down using the dropdown menu and search panel on the right of the screen. Click on the item you like and then click on 'Add to My Items'. When you are happy to proceed to payment, click on 'My Items' in the top right and follow the simple instructions, using our secure payment gateway. We accept all major credit cards as well as Paypal.

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9. Can I pay in pay in any other way than online?

We are happy to arrange alternative forms of payment, namely cheques and direct bank transfer. Please call +44 (0) 7779 718 849 to make an arrangement.

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10. What is The Sunday Club?

The Sunday Club entitles you to an preferential preview of our most recent acquisitions each Sunday morning before they are made available to purchase on the website. You need to sign up to our Sunday Club mailing list to enjoy such benefits.

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11. What are your shipping policies?

All items bought through our website are delivered worldwide free of charge. We ship with G4 Securicor or Royal Mail International Datapost (3 days to the USA). All items are fully insured and sent at the risk of the Antique Jewellery Company. Items will be sent out as soon as your money has been cleared.

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12. Do you have any special deals?

We will be offering promotional deals throughout the year to coincide with special events. Please keep visiting the site or join our mailing list to keep posted.

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13. What is your returns policy?

We offer a 'no quibble' 14 day full money back guarantee on all online purchases. Items must be returned in the same condition we sent them in. All you pay for is the return cost of shipping and insurance. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

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14. What is your Privacy Policy?

We are committed to protecting your privacy and will never give your details out to any third party without your expressly asking us to do so. We will store your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The data we keep pertains only to shipping details and we will only send you mail directly relating to your purchase from us, to include annual service requests and Christmas cards. All transactions are strictly confidential and we will not have access to your credit card details. All online transactions will be made through our online partner, Sage Pay. All details of the terms and conditions and privacy policy of the Sage Pay website are listed clearly at www.sagepay.com.

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15. Do you Purchase Jewellery?

As the leading dealer in antique and period jewellery we are constantly looking for fine quality pieces to add to our collection. You can always rely on us to settle instantly and provide maximum discretion when doing so. Please contact us if you have something to sell and we will make arrangements from there.

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Any Other Questions?

Get in touch with us!

+44 (0) 7779 718 849
Monday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm GMT

Please leave your name and number if we are not available and we will return your call as soon as possible.