Walter Bull & Son in Cirencester specialises in an extensive collection of beautiful vintage and antique jewellery.
Covering a wide range of eras, from Art Deco to Victorian, cabinets feature unique rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings in distinctive, stunning styles.
SoGlos sits down with managing director James Gegg to discover what's so wonderful about making a sparkling discovery in a treasure trove of pre-loved pieces.
What is so special about vintage jewellery?
Each piece of vintage jewellery has a story to tell. The jewellery has unique designs and is ethical as it's recycling, rather then mining for fresh jewels.
Vintage jewellery is also very often better value for money, so you can get higher quality pieces for less.
Can you share details of some of your favourite pieces from over the years?
We bought a tiara that was in sad condition and we fully restored it by building a new frame and fitted box. It was an intensive piece of work and we're delighted that it’s now available to be rented.
We also found a really beautiful vintage Boucheron lapis lazuli pendant with a stunning handmade chain that was a forgotten family heirloom. We bought it, restored it and have for sale, ready for a fresh lease of life.
Have you noticed any trends in popularity of particular pieces of vintage treasures?
Vintage engagement rings are highly on the rise as people look for unique and ethical buys. They're also good value for money, which opens up a fresh world of opportunity for those hunting for the perfect piece.
We've also noticed engagement rings with unusual coloured stones such as zircon, tourmaline, aquamarine and coloured sapphires are proving popular.
What's good to keep in mind when considering buying vintage jewellery?
Condition is everything. We see lots of pieces that people have bought at auction or elsewhere where stones are not secure or the setting is worn out and needs remaking.
It's important to buy from somewhere you trust or, if that's not possible, to get an expert to look at a piece before you buy it.
What would you like to highlight about the vintage pieces you sell?
All of our vintage items go through our own on-site workshop, where the condition is checked and any work is done to make the piece shine to its absolute best.
We offer the same guarantee with vintage and new jewellery.
We're also proud to have a huge selection that is changing daily, ensuring a fresh shopping experience.
If anyone is thinking of moving on old pieces, we are always happy to consider the option of people trading their unwanted pieces for our collection
To find out more, visit walterbull.co.uk.
