The Elizabethan Jewelry of the Cheapside Hoard

The Cheapside Hoard is a remarkable and extensive collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewelry discovered in 1912. It was found by workmen demolishing a building at 30–32 Cheapside in the City of London. The hoard includes exquisite rings, brooches, chains, and other precious items crafted from gold, enamel, and gemstones. The items date from the late 16th to early 17th century and provide a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship, fashion, and trade of the period.

The collection is believed to have been hidden during the English Civil War and never recovered. The hoard is now housed in the Museum of London, where it is occasionally displayed to the public. The discovery has provided valuable insights into the jewelry trade in London during the 1600s, revealing connections with other parts of Europe and beyond through the variety of gemstones and styles found in the collection.

One of the items in the collection is the emerald salamander brooch. It is crafted in gold and intricately set with emeralds, which are used to create the salamander's body. The bright green of the emeralds contrasts beautifully with the gold, giving the brooch a vibrant, eye-catching appearance. The salamander's form is elegant and lifelike, with a curving, elongated body that showcases the naturalistic style popular in the period and the jeweler's skill in creating organic shapes using precious materials. We worked with the Museum of London to create reproductions that are remarkably similar to the jewelry that was discovered.