Jewellery

The V&A has one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery in the world. Over 3,000 jewels tell the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day. 
Highlights include a gold Celtic breastplate, jewelled pendants given by Elizabeth I to her courtiers, diamonds worn by Catherine the Great of Russia, jewellery by the art-nouveau designer, Réné Lalique, diamond tiaras by Cartier, and contemporary works by Wendy Ramshaw, Peter Chang and Marjorie Schick.

Search “Jewellery” in Explore the Collections

Features

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Jewellery designs

Take a look at some of the intricate jewellery designs we have in our collection

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    A history of jewellery

    Explore jewellery techniques and designs from the bronze age to the modern day illustrated with key pieces from our jewellery collection
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    Spotlight on the Jewellery collections

    Discover personal highlights from the collection by four industry experts
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    Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond coronet

    View the coronet on permanent public display in our Jewellery Galleries
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    An A – Z of gemstones

    Discover dazzling objects encrusted with gems – from amethyst to Whitby jet
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    Viren Bhagat: jewellery designer

    Contemporary Indian jewellery designer Viren Bhagat discusses how his detailed paper concepts transform into the finished luxury piece
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    'Papillon' ring by G (Glenn Spiro)

    This exquisite 'papillon' ring was designed in 2014 by London-based master jeweller G (Glenn Spiro) for Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

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    Visual Feast by Silvia Weidenbach

    Jewellery designer and Gilbert Collection artist in residence Silvia Weidenbach talks about creating a Visual Feast for the V&A
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    Examining jewellery in detail

    Jewellery experts examine three spectacular pieces from the Al Thani jewellery collection
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    Traditional Indian jewellery making

    Craftsman in Mumbai and Jaipur demonstate how traditional kundan and enamelled jewellery is made
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    A musical Dior brooch

    Much loved by its owner, what music does this beautiful brooch by Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior play?
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    Brooches for bridesmaids

    A 19th century guide to gifts for bridesmaids
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    Gifts for groomsmen

    Canes, stock pins or cufflinks – a groomsmen gift guide
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    How was it made? Diamond ring

    See a diamond ring take shape
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    Poor Maria and the Bourbonnais Shepherd – when literature came into fashion

    Find out how books have inspired jewellery
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    How was it made? Silver watch case

    See how an 18th-century watch case is made
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    How was it made? Cindy Chao's Peony Brooch

    Find out how the dazzling piece was made
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    The hidden power of gemstones: meanings, myths, and magic

    Revealing the hidden meanings and magical attributes of gemstones
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    What makes CHANEL so iconic?

    Explore the evolution of Gabrielle Chanel's design philosophy through her most enduring and recognisable pieces
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    Handling CHANEL jewellery: ASMR

    Experience wearing the pieces yourself
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    Shipwrecked treasure and ancient jewellery

    Mudlarked, shipwrecked, buried treasure – discover treasures lost and found
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    Unboxing some seriously sparkly Cartier jewels

    Helen Molesworth, senior curator of Jewellery at the V&A, unboxes some incredible Cartier gems
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    About the Cartier exhibition

    Find out more about the blockbuster Cartier exhibition, featuring over 350 objects
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    Exploring a glittering diamond Cartier brooch

    Join V&A Jewellery curator Helen Molesworth as she examines a small but intensely sparkly Cartier diamond and platinum brooch

Collection highlights

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  1. brooch
    Brooch, designed by Barbara Paganin, 2011, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  2. hair ornament
    Hair ornament, designed by Philippe Wolfers, 1905 – 7, Belgium
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  3. necklace
    Necklace, designed by Santhi Wongchan, made by Niphon Yodkranpan, 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  4. eye miniature
    Eye miniature, early 19th century, England
    V&A South Kensington
    Not on display
  5. spray ornament
    Spray ornament, about 1850, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  6. collar
    The Shannongrove Gorget, collar, 800 BC – 700 BC, Ireland
    V&A South Kensington
    On display

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