Ultra Vanities - bejewelled make-up boxes from the age of glamour...
11 July 2013
I finally got to view the summer exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall. I had made a dash to London to get a ring hallmarked, but hadn't thought how I would spend the one-hour wait. Then I saw the poster in the Assay Office, and was instantly reminded I had the perfect opportunity.
It was an absolute treat. In these times of economic uncertainty, with gold prices having been so high, it felt slightly unreal to be looking at these amazing objects- many made in solid 18ct yellow gold, and decked with diamonds and precious stones. The hours of skilled craftsmanship and engineering they must have involved left me wondering what they would cost to make nowadays. The collection has probably been a good investment. Belonging to just one private collector, it consists of over 300 pieces, dating from the twenties to the seventies. There's work from Cartier and Chaumet, though I found myself particularly drawn to the pieces by Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels.
They really are very beautiful, miniature works of Art. If you'd like to see the exhibition, I'm afraid you haven't got long! It ends on July 20th, but is well worth a visit. Or, if you drop by our shop, I'll have another excuse to show off the book!
Find out more form the Goldsmiths website http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/exhibitions-promotions/