The Goldsmiths’ Company is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, its roots going back to the trade guilds of the Middle Ages.

The word ‘hallmark’ entered the English language in the late 15th century when craftsmen were required by ordinance to bring their ware of gold and silver to Goldsmiths’ Hall to be stamped with the mark by statute, and therefore approved for sale to the public.

The catalyst for this exhibition was Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. Hambro was selected, with a few other designers and craftsmen, to make unique celebratory pieces.

Neckpiece (unique piece)

White and yellow gold, antique faceted citrine and amethyst cabochons.

The gold of this stunning neckpiece has been partly sandblasted for a matt finish to contrast with the polish gold. The inspiration came from Celtic torcs at the British Museum.

(stamped with ‘nathalie hambro’ London Assay Office)

Ring (unique piece)

White and yellow gold with pink kunzite.

This oversized, dramatic piece was inspired by the ‘cocktail’ ring of the 50s and references to British poet and literary character Dame Edith Sitwell who always wore dramatic jewellery, her collection is now in the jewellery galleries of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

(stamped with ‘nathalie hambro’ London Assay Office)

Nathalie Hambro is a jewellery historian specialising in 15th-19th century European jewellery. She was a member of the British Museum’s Society of Jewellery Historians until 1995.