Art Nouveau

A few months ago, I blogged about the Art Deco movement, and as we are never one to do things in the traditional manner here at AC Silver I felt it was perhaps time to look at the movement that preceded it; Art Nouveau. Simply translated to mean New Art, this movement was particularly popular in pre-world war one Europe, but in hindsight it its clear it had a significant influence on global design.

In the UK Art Nouveau developed from the Arts and Crafts movement, it was seen as fresh and new with its organic style, and although fashions progressed and it was eventually replaced by the more angular Art Deco designs, Art Nouveau is recognised as an important transitionial period between the historicism of neoclassicism and modernism.

The style is characterised by its flowing curvilinear forms and organic inspired embellishment especially floral and plant inspired motifs. Just like its successor the influence of the movement is visible throughout all elements of global design, in paintings, ceramics, glass, silver and perhaps most notably, architecture. Some of the most prominent examples of Art Nouveau design can be seen throughout pre- war buildings in Europe such as the Paris metro system where the arches, doors and decorative mouldings showcase the movement at its best- despite the subway probably being one of the last places you would expect to see great design!!

Of course, jewellery was also heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style and as with other areas of design the craftsmen utilised the modern technological advancements of the era to create their pieces. These were less likely to contain precious stones, which only drove the popularity of the movement as pieces were more affordable and therefore increasingly accessible to a wider audience.

W2324: A 0.40 Carat Diamond and Sapphire, Art Nouveau Style, Platinum Dress Ring

W3651: An Antique Edwardian English Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Style Dish

W4532: An Antique German Silver Tray in the Art Nouveau Style
W4154: A Vintage Three Piece Coffee Set made by Georg Jensen

La Fete Nationale

At AC Silver we are admirers of all things French, so when we realised that the 14th of July is a national holiday in France, despite being overwhelmingly jealous (a mid week bank holiday! Hurumph!) We felt it necessary to do a little bit of research and find out what its all about- you never know, us Brits could be entitled too…

Or perhaps not.

Turns out July 14th is Bastille Day, yes there were concerts and grand balls, speeches and holidays, fireworks and parades but unfortunately we will have to leave them to the Champs Elysees as the day commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille Fortress in 1789. As French history goes, this was pretty significant as it symbolised the rallying of the people and the catalyst for the constitutional monarchy, which proceeded the first republic after the French revolution cue: the guillotine working overtime.
All very nice, (if a bit gory), but what does this have to do with silver?! I’m getting there- Trust me!

So, all this was occurring during the reign of Louis XVI, (who despite being the king of France, was probably better know as the spouse of Marie Antoinette- she of great extravagance and controversy) and while he was busy being usurped in France, over at this side of the channel the nobility were getting a tad jittery at the unrest in Europe.

Despite all this political uncertainty, this period of the 18th and early 19th century produced some of the finest examples of silver and the trade was at its peak, with many more English assay offices in existence than we see today. At AC Silver we pride ourselves in offering an extremely high quality selection of the pieces that have survived in exceptional condition. Not only are this items highly collectable, but also very rare due to their age (some items being over 250 years old) and historical value.

Phew, history lesson over!


W2725: A Pair of Antique George III English Sterling Silver Cast Candlesticks W3483: A Set of Antique George III English Sterling Silver Wine Labels by Hester Bateman

W4092: An Antique George III English Sterling Silver Salver


W2442: An Antique George III English Sterling Silver Coffee Pot

W2359: An Antique George III English Sterling Silver Sauceboat by Robert Pinkney

The Class of 2011

With congregation ceremonies taking place at universities and colleges across the world, it seemed fitting to address a question that we are so often asked at AC Silver.

What makes the perfect graduation gift?

Obviously, there are a few boxes this gift has to tick. Firstly, ideally it should be a piece that can be kept as a keepsake to commemorate the occasion for years to come. So it is probably best to steer clear of particularly fashionable items. That said, the majority of graduates are in their early twenties so it should be something that has some relevance to them and that they can therefore appreciate now.

Yes, not the easiest task in the world but parents, grandparents, siblings and friends are all preparing to take on the challenge and we are here to help. I’ve popped a few ideas below and hopefully they will provide you with some inspiration for a gift suitable to celebrate one of life’s great milestones and to send your graduate off into the big wide world!

Congratulations to the class of 2011!

For the Ladies...

W3753: An Antique Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Ladies Dress Ring

W3925: An Antique Victorian 2.38 Carat Old Round Cut Sapphire and Diamond, 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring

W4424: A Pair of Antique 0.92 Carat Old European Round Cut Diamond, 18 Carat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings

W2419: A Pair of 0.51ct Modern Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

And for the Gents...

W3477: A Pair of Vintage English 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Enamel Cufflinks

W3729: A Fine Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold Cartier Penknife

W3166: An Antique George V English 9 Carat Yellow Gold Match / Card Case

W2575: An Antique French 18 Carat Gold Fob Watch

God Bless America

Earlier this week the USA was in patriotic party spirits as Americans celebrated the independence day holiday weekend. From east coast to west the American flag was proudly displayed outside homes and throughout neighbourhoods, decorating the landscape red, white and blue. Aside from commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1776 the fourth of July is a celebration of what it means to be an American and the opportunity to be patriotic. As the Star-Spangled Banner rang triumphantly many Americans took to parades, fairs, concerts, barbeques and firework displays to enjoy the long weekend.

At AC Silver see many fine antique and vintage pieces that originate from the United States. Jewellery in particular, from renowned makers such as Tiffany & Co and Cartier is incredibly popular and can often be identified through its highly recognisable and iconic style of design.

Unlike the aforementioned american jewellery brands which are thriving and still very much present in today market, the american silver industry, much the same as in Europe has gone into a decline. Whereas in the 19^th century the silver mining industry was incredibly lucrative in the United States, particularly in the Southern states of California and Nevada, today most of their silver is imported from South America. Though there is no official hallmarking scheme that is consistently used throughout the United States, assay offices are still in operation in cities including Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, New York, Arkansas and Tucson. That said, it is generally accepted that the overall decline in the American industry has led to high quality antique pieces becoming even more unique and desirable! Good news for collectors!

From all of us at AC Silver we hope that all of our American customers had a fantastic and safe Fourth of July weekend!

W3346: A Vintage American Pearl and Diamond, 14 Carat Yellow Gold Brooch.

W4418: A Vintage Hamilton Diamond and 14 Carat White Gold Art Deco Style Ladies Cocktail Watch

W4565: An Antique Victorian American 10 Carat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain and Fob

W4577: An Antique American Sterling Silver & 14 Carat Gold Note Pad Made by Cartier

W3499: An Antique William B Durgin/Gorham Sterling Silver Water Jug