02
February 2026

A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor

The Arts Society Maidenhead
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 10:00
Maidenhead Rugby Club, Braywick Park
Braywick Road Maidendhead SL6 1BN
Online Event

A study day reviewing four hundred years of international jewellery design

Four hundred years of international jewellery design, examining the changing styles from the pomp of High Renaissance enameled gold work to the glamour of Harry Winston diamonds. This presentation covers many of the key elements of manufacture, including the progress of diamond cutting, Neoclassicism and Romanticism, 19th 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.   

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr John Benjamin

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, a Court Assistant and Founder Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and in 2021 was appointed Honorary Jewellery Adviser to the National Trust.