Our Blog
Our vintage journey: Stories and discoveries
Welcome to the Magpies Treasures UK blog, where we share our adventures, favourite finds, and the fascinating stories behind each piece. Join us as we delve into the world of vintage and antiques.
Bristols iconic Corn Street market
The Bristol ring: A story from Corn Street
It is a beautiful silver statement ring, one Marie sourced over 20 years ago from iconic Corn Street in Bristol. 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
Stunning Pembrokeshire, South Wales
Travels and treasures: Our collecting adventures
Our journey for treasures takes us far and wide. David, with his past in the RAF and years in Germany, brought back many vintage collectables from his travels. Marie, originally from Bristol, has collected from markets and antique fairs as far afield as Cornwall.
We travel from our home in the South Wales valleys to Bristol, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall, always on the hunt for unique items. Our passion for the hunt drives us to explore every corner, ensuring a diverse and fascinating collection for you to discover.
After we met we enjoyed heading out to Pembrokeshire, St Fagans Victorian Village in Cardiff, Myfer Tydfil, Mumbles, Tenby, Snowdonia, Bracelet Bay. Cyfartha Castle, The Gower Peninsula. We've travelled all over the UK really in search of treasures.
The Gower Peninsula
Japanese Itchimatsu Papermache Doll
Not everyone likes dolls, some people are even afraid of them! But I fell in love with her beauty.
I did some initial research and discovered she was a Japanese Itchimatsu Papermache doll, handmade with glass eyes and real hair.
Her silk kimono was hand sewn.
The doll maker placed a piece of Japanese newspaper inside the dolls tummy with the date she was made.
She was sold at auction and now lives with her new owner in Italy.
- Marie
Japanese newspaper with the date she was made
Our passion for history: From ancient Egypt to Art Deco
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 David has a fascination for medieval and Tudor eras.
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, connecting us to the past in such a tangible way.
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.
" 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
Your treasure, fully researched: The Magpies Treasures difference
Researching fascinating items can be exhausting, but we've done the homework for you. You can sit back and enjoy your treasures, knowing all the facts and stories that surround them.
With over 40 years of combined experience in collecting vintage jewellery and nostalgic collectables, we've been around the block a few times. Born in the 60s, we remember the eras of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s – the collectable toys, train sets, dolls, games, ornaments, houseware, fine China, Bakelite, pocket watches, jewellery, and accessories. This unique knowledge allows us to offer you pieces with a truly special touch.