In this article we explore the history of sweetheart brooches. Sweetheart brooches emerged during the First World War, worn as reminders of loved ones serving away from home. Intended to bridge the physical and emotional distance between soldiers at the front and those waiting for them, they would be worn until a man’s return and carried a sense of hope and expectation. One that was, heartbreakingly, not always fulfilled.

Sapphire is one of the most celebrated gemstones in the world, prized for its rich blue hues and exceptional durability. At Thomas Glover, we are proud to offer a curated selection of antique and vintage sapphire jewellery.

Pearls hold many fascinating secrets, from Cleopatra famously dissolving one in wine to prove her wealth, to Cartier trading a Fifth Avenue mansion for a single pearl necklace. Their history is as rich as their lustre. But what truly sets pearls apart is their origin: unlike any other gemstone, they are the only ones created by living creatures. Formed within molluscs, these organic gems are rare treasures of the natural world.