London returns to exhibit the Cheapside treasure, considered the largest and most beautiful collection of jewels from the Elizabethan period in the world. You can admire the vintage jewelery pieces at the Museum of London from 11 October. The Cheapside treasure has a curious history. The jewels were discovered by chance by workers in a cellar where they had been hidden for 101 years near St. Paul’s Cathedral. Some pieces have already been shown to the public on several occasions, but this is the first time that the entire collection of 500 pieces has been put on display.
Among the most notable items are a salamander-shaped cabochon emerald and yellow gold brooch and a watch mounted in a single large emerald with a green translucent enamel dial. Again: an oval gem engraved with the coat of arms of William Howard, first and only Viscount of Stafford (1612-1680). This jewel and other clues led researchers to conclude that the treasures were buried between 1640 and 1666. “The Cheapside treasure has been shrouded in mystery, with questions that have remained unanswered for too long,” commented Forsyth Nocciola, curator of the exhibition. The name, Cheapside, was that of the main shopping street in London in the 17th century. And there were many jewelers who worked on that street.The exhibition will remain open until 27 April 2014. Sponsor is the Fabergé fashion house of the Gemfields group.
