A little further light reading....

For too many decades the brooch has been an underappreciated form of adornment, but we urge you to pin your colours to your chest! Make a statement of intent; whether it's whimsical, romantic, witty, fun, comic, dramatic, powerful, glamorous or vamped, a carefully chosen brooch can really tell that story...

            Customers looking at our window are often heard to sigh and swoon over our jewels, and it would seem just as often...our extensive collection of handmade antique display boxes.  Amassed over several decades, we too love how interesting they look lined up in the window creating...

An antique guard, longuard or muff chain is THE most versatile of additions to a jewellery wardrobe. Long and lovely, antique muff chains can be found in all types of links and metals; both simple trace, belcher and fancy twist or filigree, and in gold, silver, steel and base metals... whatever...

Brighton, having grown from a fishing village to a bustling and very fashionable town in the Regency period due to the patronage of the then Prince of Wales (King George IV 1820-1830), still retains great character and independence of spirit, being chosen each year by millions of visitors who enjoy it's...

Primarily associated with the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry, 'The Grand Tour' flourished from the mid 17th century and for approximately 200 years. Consisting of an extended cultural and educational trip through Europe taking place when the young man had come of age or completed University, it was at the time...

A unique collector's piece. An interesting jewel in which the history is palpable; a courtly jewel which has been treasured and adapted over the centuries, one can only imagine the stories attached to this precious family heirloom. Needless to say, we were speechless with excitement when we first espied this extraordinary...

We are often asked about the differing carats of gold and markings used in the pieces we sell. This post aims to answer some of the most common questions our customers ask.  What is a Hallmark? A full hallmark is a set of three compulsory stamps, applied at an Assay Office, which records...

If you're looking for a special ring, one which will be endlessly fascinating, with it's history and age palpable from every glance, this piece could fit the bill quite nicely. The Diamonds are very interesting; their profiles high and square with sharp angles, and after some examination with a 10x loupe...

If you, like us, have a ‘thing’ for rings you'll doubtless enjoy the fascinating ‘Finger Ring’ collection which is kept in The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England. The Ashmolean Museum is the oldest university museum in the world, starting out in 1683, initially as a building to house the cabinet of curiosities that Elias Ashmole (1617-1692), a wealthy lawyer...

Customers are often curious about the name of our shop. We've even been discreetly asked if we actually are witches....or sell witchy things!The Witch Ball in Meeting House Lane, Brighton was first mentioned in Kelly's street directory of 1966 as an antique dealers, and the name has definitely stuck, as...

Before Diamonds became so beloved, the Pearl had historically been the most sought and valued of organic gems and features prominently in ancient jewels from cultures across the globe. Revered for their mystery and beauty, famously, fleets of ships had set sail to hunt out new sources for Elizabeth 1st who...

Whitby Jet jewellery was once immensely fashionable, recognised and worn by women the world over. This English Jet, which holds the best polish of any in the world can be found along a two mile stretch of cliff at Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast. An organic gem formed as...

Some people say we are Jewellery Junkies, or Antique Addicts. We can't deny it! To put it simply; we work, live, talk and dream (yes, really) vintage Bling!! Why do we love 'old' jewellery so? Well, for us it's the personal element...each piece is unique, most often handmade and hence has...

It's quite possible that the 'Fichu pin', or 'Lace pin' is one of the most oft seen finds in antique jewellery. This small everyday piece of jewellery is one which in varying quality could have been worn by women from all walks of society and they can be found in such wonderfully diverse...

Oh we love a mystery, and our interest was piqued when this charming little painting came our way. A miniature portrait, kept safe in it's handmade leather and silk case over two centuries. Beautifully painted on brass, which in itself is unusual. We wondered at his story; his face has the bloom...

The story of how the Carob became the Carat. In ancient days before our current set of weights and measurements had been arrived at traders around the Mediterranean needed to be able to judge the weight of a given item in order to decide its value, and they discovered that...

The making of Cut Steel accessories and jewellery originated in England in the 17th century. It is believed that the technique of 'ornamental steelwork' first developed in the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, as this industry which was well established by 1720 became famous for 'the finest, most elaborate and expensive workmanship in...

Hidden away for so many years, we are privileged to share this incredible Georgian beauty with you! A piece of truly exceptional quality and rarity, circa 1820, this magnificent antique chain linked swagged/panel necklace has quite the most staggering amount of minute detail in every hand worked aspect! A very delicate creation;...

The Lanes is the oldest part of Brighton and full of 'olde worlde' character. Our shop at 48 Meeting House Lane (on the right in this photograph here, just past the pole across the lane) has been known as The Witch Ball since 1964, having been built most likely during the 1790's....