Top 10 Jewellery Exhibitions in London

London has been a fashion and jewellery hub for centuries. If you’re a fan of all that sparkles, the array of jewels found in jewellery exhibitions in London won’t disappoint! Holding a wide collection of old and new jewels, the exhibitions and museums below are definitely worth a visit.

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity is a popular exhibition in London. The exhibition features over 150 examples of masonic badges referred to as jewels. According to the freemasons, badges allow us to reveal something about ourselves and connect with one another. The badge collection is the largest public display of its kind ever shown in the UK. Comprised of jewels from all over the world, the exhibition showcases a unique and celebrated tradition. Included in the collection are the Barraclough Plate jewel and the Egyptian-inspired Authors’ Lodge jewel, which shed light on the story of Freemasonry.

Multum in Parvo: A Collection of Engraved Gems

Multum in Parvo: A Collection of Engraved Gems is the first exhibition in Wartski’s new building. Showcasing an array of engraved gems, the collection has been carefully curated by the firm over several years. When translated from Latin, the title, ‘Multum in Parvo’ reads as ‘much in little’. Fitting with this theme, the exhibition will show over 80 detailed carvings in miniature, engraved into precious and semi-precious stones. The collection will include the work of notable gem engravers of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as carvings from the Renaissance and Classical Antiquity.

The Museum of London

If you’re looking for the best of British bling, look no further than the Museum of London. Titled ‘Cheapside Hoard’ the latest exhibition showcases hundreds of stunning jewels. Unlike the name suggests, the jewellery in this collection is anything but cheap. Instead, the exhibition includes an array of priceless rubies, opals, emeralds, and topaz. The exhibition was named after the Cheapside area of London where the collection was discovered in 1912. Including over 500 pieces of Jacobean and Elizabethan jewellery, the cache is now displayed in the Museum of London for all to see.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is home to the world-famous Crown Jewels. As well as being the world’s most popular, it’s also among the most expensive. Part of the Royal Collection, the Crown Jewels are guarded by the Yeomen Warders, or the Beefeaters as they’re better known. The historic collection has been housed in the Tower of London since the 14th century, allowing fans from around the globe to admire its beauty. To this day, Queen Elizabeth still wears these ceremonial pieces at important events.

International Jewellery London

Established in the 1950s, International Jewellery London (IJL) showcases the best of luxury materials, design, and craftsmanship. The annual event is said to display the best of British fine jewellery, as well as leading brands from around the world. In addition to leading brands, IJL includes work from new designers that partake in the emerging talent program. Held at Olympia in September each year, the event unveils up and coming trends in the industry.

The Victoria & Albert Museum

One of London’s top museums, the V&A is named after fans of the arts, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Currently, the V&A is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. Renowned for its comprehensive collection of jewellery, the museum houses over 3,000 jewels dating from old to new. Including diamonds once owned by Catherine the Great of Russia, pendants from Queen Elizabeth I, and emeralds that were given by Napoleon, the collection definitely won’t disappoint. The collection also includes jewels by Cartier, Faberge, and an array of modern-day craftsmen.

Shine

Shine is an annual event that showcases new talent in the jewellery industry. This September, the event is back for its 6th year to celebrate up and coming UK designers. Each year, the event displays eight handmade collections. The work is selected based on its quality, originality, and future commerciality by a team of experts in the industry. As well as launching the careers of new jewellers, the event allows visitors to build their collection at a fraction of the usual price.

Pure London

Pure London is the UK’s leading fashion and jewellery trade event. Bringing together the fashion and jewellery supply chain, the event showcases everything from materials to finished products. Currently, no other UK event shows sourcing and brands together, making Pure London one of a kind. At the event, visitors can fulfil all their fashion and jewel buying needs in one place. Hosted bi-annually, the event attracts over 17,000 visitors and features over 1,300 womenswear and menswear collections.

Masterpiece London

Masterpiece London is an annual art fair where visitors can browse and purchase the finest works of art, design, and jewellery. Targeted at new and established collectors, the fair offers the opportunity to discover work from up and coming designers. Showcasing the work of 150 international exhibitors, the collection includes a range of price points and every major market discipline. To exhibit at the fair, artists and dealerships go through a strict vetting process. This allows collectors to buy beautiful works of art with confidence.

Goldsmiths Fair

Goldsmiths’ Fair is the premier UK showcase for contemporary gold and silver. Set up by the Goldsmiths’ Company, the event celebrates both established and emerging talent in British goldsmithing. Each year, the fair attracts design lovers, collectors, and luxury shoppers from all over the world, allowing them to enjoy the magnificent craftsmanship. The show is curated by a team of experts and features 126 independent designers from around the UK. Every item displayed is hand-crafted with exceptional talent and artistry.

In Summary

If you’re a fan of extravagant jewels, these jewellery exhibitions in London won’t disappoint. While some of the exhibitions are permanent, others are held annually. To avoid disappointment, check the dates of the event before arranging your trip.