The eras of Britain
The Celtic Iron Age
400BC - 43AD
Before the legions marched, Britain was a land of tribes—the Brigantes, the Iceni, the Ordovices. Their art wasn't written in books; it was worn in bronze and gold.This is the 'La Tène' style: fluid, organic, and endless. Unlike the rigid geometry of Rome, Celtic jewellery flows like water or wind. It is defined by the 'Triskele' (triple spiral) and the heavy Torc. These pieces were status symbols for a warrior culture that valued individual bravery above all else.The "Mud to Display Case" Connection:Our Celtic collection captures the raw energy of the Iron Age. These pieces are not perfectly symmetrical—they are alive. We cast from originals found in votive deposits and ritual sites, preserving the hammer marks of the ancient smiths.
Roman Britain
43 AD - 410 AD
For nearly four hundred years, Britain was a province of Rome. The arrival of the Legions brought a radical shift in style. The swirling, organic chaos of the Iron Age gave way to the disciplined geometry of the Empire.Jewellery became a curriculum vitae. A heavy gold ring signified rank; a distinct fibula (brooch) marked tribal allegiance or military service. To wear these items was to be a citizen of the known world.
Viking & Saxon Era
410 AD - 1066 AD
When Rome fell, Britain fractured into kingdoms of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes—followed by the thunder of the Viking longships. This was an era of heavy silver, intricate knotwork, and mythology.The 'Hack Silver' found in hoards across Yorkshire wasn't just decoration; it was portable currency. From the protective masks of the gods to the intricate interlacing of strap-ends, these pieces are raw, heavy, and deeply symbolic.
Medieval & Tudor
1066 AD - 1603 AD
With the Norman Conquest came a new refinement. The heavy silver of the North gave way to gold, gemstones, and the language of courtly love. This was the age of the 'Posy Ring'—secret messages engraved inside bands—and the Wax Seal.Jewellery became deeply personal. A devotional ring might hold a prayer for safety; a merchant’s seal ring was their identity in metal. Each casting preserves the original script, often worn smooth by the touch of a hand that lived 500 years ago.