JEWELLETIGRAM

This week we ask 10 questions to -

Jewelletigram, a wonderful dealer specializing in antique jewellery from the Georgian to Art

Deco eras..

1. How did you get started in the antiques trade?

It was about a time when I was struggling to find the right work life balance, when my first

daughter was born. I quit my corporate job, which now seemed sterile and meaningless to me

and I took a period to understand the right direction. It came quite naturally to connect with

myself through my passions. I started collecting antique and vintage jewellery in my 20s and

that has always been my refuge in stressful times. I immediately thought that felt right. There

is something visceral about researching and collecting objects from the past and that is what

really helped me finding the balance I needed to evolve.

2. What is the most memorable piece you’ve ever sold?

There are actually a few items I could mention, and they are all sentimental Georgian items.

In particular, I remember two rings - an ivory miniature and a polychromatic sepia that I will

never ever forget, also because the new caretakers became dear friends.

3. What is the piece that got away?

Well… I must say I never sell an item if I feel a connection to it, so there is not a piece from

my shop that I regret I let go. Actually, THE ring that got away and that I’ll always regret

comes from Antique Animal Jewelry. I am a very good embroiderer and I love floral

themes…

4. Have you a dream piece to own?

I bet all the collectors reading will understand when I say that the collecting fever has waves

and tastes of its own… so it is difficult to think about a piece in particular now. But, what I

wish to have one day is an item I know all the story from the very beginning. Better if a royal

family item of course, being it French, Italian or English. But the story is what I long for.

5. What is the most significant piece to you in your personal collection?

Actually, it is a mourning pendant I got from Blackwicks of London (who, by the way,

inspires me very much since her curation is all about items with a soul and also very fair

prices). Til I opened the box I was conquered. I never ever ever took it off. The inscription on

the back is for 1830 Elizabeth Sarah Thickner. I could retrieve a part of the story and I guess

that is what touched me the most. I feel her energy and I often talk to her.

6. Have you a favourite era of antiques/vintage?

Definitely Georgian and Victorian era, English or Continental… with a special mention to

Regency era. The quality of the craftsmanship and the deep sentimental meaning with which

they imbued the objects strikes me to the core. Also, I have a soft spot for French Art

Nouveau era, because I feel like I find the same vibe.

7. What piece of advice would you give to dealers just starting out?

Well, I do consider myself as a starter too, so what I can recommend is to collect the

maximum of information possible to be solid in their knowledge and then to start from a zone

of comfort. The pieces that talk to you the most are the pieces that you will probably be more

effective to communicate to others. Find your own identity, be transparent and credible, the

rest will come along.

8. Do you have a piece of advice to collectors looking to add to their collection?

Make questions, the more the better. Get all the pieces of information you can, for yourself

and about the items you are driven to. A professional dealer will be happy to give you all the

information you need. On the other hand, be also aware that an antique item is rarely perfect.

9. How has the trade changed since you started your business?

Since I started my activity 3 years ago, I cannot say I have experienced a big change, but as a

collector I can definitely say there is a lot more attention to the vintage, antique jewellery

world recently. This is a good thing on one side, but also a responsibility for any dealer to

educate customers about the importance of being guardians of the past and all the challenges

connected to this.

10. And finally, what do you love most about your work?

I love everything! The research, the connection to dealers and customers from all around the

world, the beauty of dealing with such magnificent items and the importance of being a

custodian of our history.

Thanks so much to Jewelletigram for the interview!

If any of our other lovely dealers would like the spotlight on them in the same way, please message or email

The Antique Collector team