Talk by John Benjamin, jewellery historian, best known for his appearances on Antiques Roadshow

Friday 22 September, 7:30pm. Large Barn Hall, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham HP6 5AH

£8 per person.

Four hundred years of international jewellery design, examining the changing styles from the pomp of High Renaissance enamelled gold work to the glamour of Harry Winston diamonds. This talk covers many of the key elements of manufacture including the progress of diamond cutting, Neo-classicism and Romanticism, nineteenth century Archaeological and Renaissance Revivalism, the impact of diamond mining in South Africa, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco, Post War Modernism and designs of the future. Other important areas covered include Cartier and the introduction of platinum, jewellery as a statement of style and the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor.

John Benjamin is a jewellery historian, lecturer, author and broadcaster. Formerly International Director of Jewellery at Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers, since 1999 he has been an independent jewellery consultant on behalf of the private client network. John is well-known from his appearances over 30 years on BBC Television’s ever-popular Antiques Roadshow. He is a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Founder Liveryman and Renter Warden of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and in 2021 was appointed Honorary Jewellery Adviser to the National Trust.