The Bristol ring: A story from Corn Street

It is a beautiful silver statement ring, one Marie sourced well over 20 years ago from iconic Corn Street in Bristol at St Nicholas Market. We'd both admired it many times, noting its 925 stamp. But one morning, just recently in the perfect light outside, Marie discovered something extraordinary – a signature by Sezgin Jewels, makers of exquisite jewellery in Istanbul since the 1950s.

Sezgin is renowned for their architectural silhouette silver jewellery.  This particular piece is the shield statement ring.

This find brought back memories of shopping at his or his sons market stall during Maries lunch breaks, from the solicitors office in Marsh Street back in the early 2000s. She bought many special pieces, including rings, bracelets and necklaces. Corn Street and St Nicholas Market are truly buzzing, thriving places in vibrant Bristol. Jam packed with traders in jewellery,  fine porcelain, woven baskets, rugs, paintings and sculptures, you name it, you can find it there.

We are surprised neither of us noticed the Sezgin signature inside the ring before now.

Which just goes to show,  you need to check your vintage and antique pieces under a very strong light or in natural bright daylight with a decent magnifying glass.

- David

The Sezgin Jewels 925 silver shield statement ring

Rare find. The Sezgin Jewels Shield Statement ring sourced in iconic Corn Street,  Bristol

Our love for history and changing styles is at the heart of what we do. We're both passionate about ancient Egypt and are determined to visit the pyramids one day. Marie adores Art Deco, with its clean Georgian lines, while I have a fascination for medieval and Tudor eras. Hence why our collection is so varied.

We’ve visited countless castles, cathedrals, and even caves. The passage of time is truly in our blood. It’s a fabulous feeling to hold a piece of history that began its journey over 100 years ago or more. Connecting us to the past and our ancestors in such a tangible way 

Spitfire

Welcome to the Hangar
Preserving the legacy of the **Royal Air Force** is about more than just gathering objects; it’s about honoring the stories, the bravery, and the engineering marvels that defined a century of aviation.
Davids special interest is the RAF, he always keeps one eye open for war memorabilia, medals, plates, clocks, paintings after serving in the RAF himself from 1986 - 1997, stationed in Biggin Hill, Aldergrove, Marham, Sardinia, Falklands and Shawbury.

" It would be fair to say we share our home with several paintings of spitfires, and slate wall clocks of hurricanes, battle ship models, medals and porcelain wall plaques.

I was in the RAF for many years so its much more than a hobby to me. Its part of my past and very much in my blood."

- David 

Two of our older pieces

The Tiger and the Bamboo Grove 

The Tiger and the bamboo Grove is still being researched by us at the moment. Its so heavy its either Brass, copper or even bronze, its difficult to tell.

This piece is a classic example of Japanese 'Occupied Japan' , highly sought after for its historical significance.  The MOJ mark was used on goods produced during the allied occupation of Japan following WW II, 1945 - 1952

The Tiger and the Bamboo Grove imagery is a traditional Japanese artistic theme (Take - ni - Tora)  The tiger represents strength and courage, the bamboo represents flexibility and resilience. 

We tested the metal with a magnate and it was negative so we know its not plate.

Its incredibly heavy, suggesting brass, copper or bronze.

Still under investigation,  the jury is out!

RESEARCH COMPLETE - April 16th, as of this morning we have discovered it is spelter with a bronze wash 

Occupied Japan stamp

Our research continues on its metal component, brass, copper or bronze ? Research update - April 16th - Our research has revealed it is actually spelter with a bronze wash

1943 Sweetheart Brooch 

This is a beautiful piece of history. An authentic sweetheart brooch from 1943 carries deep personal significance,  as they were given by servicemen to their loved ones before deployment.

These pins and brooches were made from lucite and plexiglass (Salvaged from aircraft windshields) Most brooches in the 1940s were made from plastic of some kind.

This particular brooch has been passed down from generation to generation from the grandmother, who was the original owner, but no one in the family is left to pass it down to now.

The brass crest on the front of the brooch , is engraved REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers)

Its a fascinating piece of history,  its original safety pin is still intact. Its 1 and a half inches in size.

* If putting the brooch on display its best to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators

1943, sweetheart brooch,  made from the windshield of an aircraft