To look at London’s jewelry industry is to learn about the history of jewelry making in England. Today, the UK’s capital is home to established jewelry houses as well as cutting-edge startups, and it’s also the keeper of tradition. The Victorian and Edwardian periods witnessed an explosion of creativity in London’s jewelry making business, fueled by a captivating blend of technological advancements and a nostalgic reimagining of medieval aesthetics. This history is present within the work of contemporary jewelry makers like Taylor & Hart. This era, characterized by Romanticism and neo-Gothicism, celebrated the perceived romance of the Middle Ages, with artists like William J. Turner and William Blake exploring ancient cultures and spiritual resonances. In the realm of jewelry design, motifs such as hearts, clovers, love knots and intricate enameling flourished, echoing the sentimentality and craftsmanship of the Victorian era. At Taylor & Hart, the influence of Victoriana is palpable in their designs, where clusters of seed pearls, quatrefoil patterns and trefoil diamond motifs pay homage to this bygone era. One exemplary piece, Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Necklace, stands as the embodiment of the opulence and elegance of Victoriana, adorned with intricate seed pearls and diamond patterns. The rise of industrialization brought about a boom in mass-produced goods, prompting a backlash from artisans who championed the Arts and Crafts movement. Rejecting the perceived inferiority of mass production, these craftsmen sought inspiration from the simplicity and handmade quality of medieval jewelry. The result was a burst of creativity that transcended monarchic influences, focusing instead on nature-inspired designs and polished stones that evoked the craftsmanship of the pre-machine age. One such masterpiece, Ashbee’s Peacock Brooch, epitomizes the ethos of the Arts and Crafts movement. This iconic piece continues to inspire London jewelers, serving as a symbol of the enduring allure of handmade craftsmanship.