Jewellery designs
Take a look at some of the intricate jewellery designs we have in our collection
Jewellery
The V&A has one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery in the world. Over 3,000 jewels tell the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day.
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Highlights include a gold Celtic breastplate, jewelled pendants given by Elizabeth I to her courtiers, diamonds worn by Catherine the Great of Russia, jewellery by the art-nouveau designer, Réné Lalique, diamond tiaras by Cartier, and contemporary works by Wendy Ramshaw, Peter Chang and Marjorie Schick.
Collection highlights
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Brooch, designed by Barbara Paganin, 2011, Italy -
Hair ornament, designed by Philippe Wolfers, 1905 – 7, Belgium -
Necklace, designed by Santhi Wongchan, made by Niphon Yodkranpan, 2003, Bangkok, Thailand -
Eye miniature, early 19th century, England -
Spray ornament, about 1850, England -
The Shannongrove Gorget, collar, 800 BC – 700 BC, Ireland
Features
A history of jewellery
Explore jewellery techniques and designs from the bronze age to the modern day illustrated with key pieces from our jewellery collection
Spotlight on the Jewellery collections
Discover personal highlights from the collection by four industry experts
Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond coronet
View the coronet on permanent public display in our Jewellery Galleries
Viren Bhagat: jewellery designer
Contemporary Indian jewellery designer Viren Bhagat discusses how his detailed paper concepts transform into the finished luxury piece
'Papillon' ring by G (Glenn Spiro)
This exquisite 'papillon' ring was designed in 2014 by London-based master jeweller G (Glenn Spiro) for Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Visual Feast by Silvia Weidenbach
Jewellery designer and Gilbert Collection artist in residence Silvia Weidenbach talks about creating a Visual Feast for the V&A
Examining jewellery in detail
Jewellery experts examine three spectacular pieces from the Al Thani jewellery collection
Traditional Indian jewellery making
Craftsman in Mumbai and Jaipur demonstate how traditional kundan and enamelled jewellery is made
A musical Dior brooch
Much loved by its owner, what music does this beautiful brooch by Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior play?
Brooches for bridesmaids
A 19th century guide to gifts for bridesmaids
Gifts for groomsmen
Canes, stock pins or cufflinks – a groomsmen gift guide
How was it made? Diamond ring
See a diamond ring take shape
Poor Maria and the Bourbonnais Shepherd – when literature came into fashion
Find out how books have inspired jewellery
How was it made? Silver watch case
See how an 18th-century watch case is made
How was it made? Cindy Chao's Peony Brooch
Find out how the dazzling piece was made
What makes CHANEL so iconic?
Explore the evolution of Gabrielle Chanel's design philosophy through her most enduring and recognisable pieces
