The AJC Christmas Gift Guide: Antique Jewellery for Every Budget

An antique jewel is one of the most personal gifts there is: something made by hand, with a history of its own, that nobody else will be given this Christmas. Here are our favourite pieces from the collection right now, arranged by budget, with a few words on why we love each one.

Under £300

Small antique pieces make wonderful stocking fillers and thoughtful surprises. An Edwardian gold tie pin set with garnets or a Stafford knot tie pin for him; a heart-shaped Art Deco locket, a little Belle Époque heart pendant or a charming Edwardian cairn terrier brooch for her. A Georgian gold-cased seal makes a lovely gift for anyone who still writes letters.

£300 to £750

This is where antique jewellery really comes into its own. Lockets are perennial favourites, whether a gold heart locket on its chain or an engine-turned Edwardian locket ready for two small photographs. For colour, look at this Art Nouveau enamel iris brooch or a sapphire and diamond ring; for something unusual, an early twentieth-century Russian enamel egg.

The best gift is the piece that made you think of them the moment you saw it. Trust that instinct. If it’s wrong, we’ll happily exchange it.
Olly Gerrish, AJC Founder

£750 to £1,500

For a significant present, earrings and rings are hard to beat. Engraved gold hoops go with everything; Edwardian forget-me-not drop earrings in turquoise and pearl carry a sentimental message; a five-stone garnet ring glows in winter light. For a real statement, a Victorian shell cameo of Medusa.

For him

A heavy gold chain, a signet ring or a pair of cufflinks will be worn for decades. Look at this 9ct gold trace chain assayed in 1962, a natural pearl tie pin, or, for a special gift, a Victorian gold signet ring. Our guide to gold chains for men has more ideas.

Gifts that tell a story

Antique jewellery is full of hidden meanings: regard rings that spell a message in gemstones, forget-me-nots, lovers’ knots and hearts. A hallmarked piece dated to a special year, a birth or a wedding, is a particularly personal choice; ask us and we will look for one.

Practical points

Ring sizes. If you don’t know their size, don’t worry: ring sizing is free, and can be done after Christmas.

Presentation. Every piece arrives in our signature AJC box, ready to give.

Returns. If it isn’t quite right, see our returns and exchanges policy.

Delivery. Check our delivery page for the last dates to order in time for Christmas.

Our view

The gifts people remember are the ones with a story. An antique jewel, chosen with care, will be worn and loved long after this Christmas, and one day passed on. If you would like help choosing, come and see us at the Townhouse; we love helping people find the right piece.