Heirlooms Jewellery

20/10/2026

Continuing our celebration of Heirlooms Jewellers being in business in Wareham for 40 years, I thought we could look at the jewellery from the 90s. Can you believe it was 36 years ago?!

After the bold excess of the 1980s, jewellery in the 1990s took a varied turn. Minimalism sat alongside grunge-inspired pieces, playful accessories and a renewed fascination with styles from the past.

Simple silver jewellery became fashionable, with delicate chains, hoop earrings, bangles and rings complementing the decade’s pared-back clothing. Chokers were another look, ranging from velvet ribbons and stretchy “tattoo” designs to more luxurious versions set with pearls or gemstones.

The piece in the picture is a Bulgari 18ct yellow gold sliding heart necklace, circa mid 1990s

Read more about the jewellery trends in the 1990s in my article for the Purbeck Gazette: https://heirloomsofwareham.co.uk/the-1990s-minimalism-to-mood-rings/

What were your favourite jewellery pieces from the 1990s and do you still have them? Let us know in the comments!

19/10/2026

16/10/2026

These two images show a magnificent George III swivel seal ring. Worn on the little finger usually by a man, the carnelian panel in the middle actually spins!

One side is engraved with initials the other with the French word for friendship - L’amitie.

Carnelian was used as it didn’t scratch easily and could create sharp crisp images. Used for sealing wax on envelopes. Possibly for pen pals or lovers - how romantic 💕

14/10/2026

Inside and outside set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, these elegant hoop earrings are crafted in 18ct yellow gold, creating a continuous line of sparkle that catches the light from every angle.

A timeless hoop silhouette is elevated with full diamond coverage for maximum impact and elegance that works effortlessly for both day and evening wear.

Jewellery to impress!

£1,850.00

https://heirloomsofwareham.co.uk/product/18ct-yellow-gold-half-inside-and-outside-set-diamond-hoop-earrings/

13/10/2026

We are open! For those of you wondering how you can reach us with the South Street closure, here is a sneaky video showing you how!

13/10/2026

We are open!! Despite the current road closure outside The Bear Hotel, you are still able to safely access the shop.
Please approach us from St. John’s Hill area and walk around the plastic barrier to reach our front door.

13/10/2026

As you know, we’re going to spend 12 months celebrating the fact that Heirlooms Jewellers has been a feature on South Street in Wareham since 1986! That makes the business 40 years old which is a magnificent achievement nowadays.

So, I thought it might be fun to look back at jewellery trends over the past 40 years. The 1980s was a decade where jewellery designs were bold, colourful and confident, from oversized earrings and chunky gold chains to dramatic cocktail rings, statement brooches and stacks of bangles.

Although pieces from the 1980s are classed as vintage rather than antique, they often have strong connections to jewellery of earlier periods. The decade revived the grandeur of Victorian and Edwardian designs, with pearls, colourful gemstones, ornate goldwork and impressive cluster settings returning to fashion. Brooches also enjoyed renewed popularity, frequently worn on jacket lapels, echoing the way earlier generations used jewellery to express status and personality.

Read more about that wonderful decade of jewellery design here:
https://heirloomsofwareham.co.uk/bold-bright-and-back-in-style/

Have you still got any 80's jewellery? We'd love to see some pictures - just post them in the comments below!

09/10/2026

These new amethyst and opal earrings pair rich purple centres with a halo of shimmering opal ‘petals’—a lovely traditional floral design with plenty of character.

Set in 9ct gold with stunning amethysts(0.48cts) and opal borders (0.65cts).

Opal is the birthstone for October.

£743.00

06/10/2026

How adorable is this little cat chasing a ball of wool?!

Perfect for cat lovers to wear on a charm bracelet or as a pendant. It's solid 9ct yellow gold and hallmarked Birmingham, 1992.

Measures 2cm wide. £304.00

https://heirloomsofwareham.co.uk/product/9ct-yellow-gold-cat-chasing-a-ball-of-wool-charm/