The world-renowned London Silver Vaults are not just home to the world’s largest collection of antique and modern silver, including retro jewels, vintage watches, glamorous tableware and unusual Presents.
So to round off such a spectacular year, why not visit the Vaults, one of London’s most unusual shopping venues, to seek out clever gifts and Christmas table delights.
At Christmas time the London Silver Vaults becomes a veritable treasure trove of seasonal sparkle where you can find wonderful ideas for Christmas dining, choose gorgeous gifts and select something for the significant other from the wide range of both antique and modern jewellery and classic vintage watches.
The buyer is spoiled for choice for lovely silver gift items for the home like candlesticks, table centrepieces, cocktail sets, silver goblets and champagne flutes, mirrors, photo frames and elegant retro enamel boxes and dressing sets for bedroom or bathroom. Linda Jackson (Vaults 53-55) always has a wide range of colourful enamelled silver and, for younger recipients, a big box of silver bracelet charms to rummage in, priced from around £10-£15 each.
To make the choosing easier and to see which vault sells what there will be a special Christmas gifts display in the foyer from 1st October through Christmas.
Other examples of Seasonal Sparkle on display will be:
- Pair of handmade silver and opal earrings from Sheila Fleet’s Moonlight Collection, inspired by her Orkney homeland seascapes. (from Nat Leslie, Vault 21)
- Silver and enamel butterfly brooches in a variety of colours and sizes, American and European designs, circa 1950s and 60s. Prices from around £100 (Linda Jackson, Vaults 53-55)
- Art Deco platinum ruby eternity band. £800 ( Belmont, Vault 46)
- Romantic pearl and blue enamel ‘heart’ pendant with rose diamond bow. £1,750 (Wolfe Jewellery, Vault 41)
- Contemporary hand-hammered silver bowls by Robert Welch and beakers by Michael Feldman. Prices from around £300 (Argenteus, Vault 2)
- Table napkin rings from Victorian to Modern. Make up a Harlequin gift set of 4. Prices from £25 each. All dealers.
- Silver candlesticks from Georgian to C20th. Prices from around £200 for a small pair in silver plate. A gift that is always perfect. All dealers.
- To mark the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee Year, silversmith Francis Howard has designed a selection of commemorative silver pieces. Jubilee trinket box £220; Paper knife £185. And more. (J Surtees, Vault 16)
Ideas on display from October 1st 2012 through Christmas and New Year. (Online catalogue available.)
The London Silver Vaults
One of the capital’s unique assets, The London Silver Vaults is home to 30 specialist retailers offering the greatest collection of English silver for sale in the world, antique, modern and contemporary. Some dealers also specialise in Chinese and Japanese silver; jewellery is available in a number of the shops, and vintage watches can also be found. International collectors have been visiting the Vaults since they opened in 1953. The shops are the best source anywhere for silver for the home such as cutlery and tableware, and are a perfect place to find traditional silver gifts for weddings, anniversaries and other important occasions.
The Vaults’ 30 shops are situated at the corner of Chancery Lane, WC2 and Southampton Buildings, open daily from 9am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9am until 1pm. Tel: 020 7242 3844. Nearest Tube Chancery Lane.
