On Friday 14 August, our Adelaide Arcade boutique once again became a meeting place for collectors, families and jewellery lovers as we welcomed guests to our much-anticipated Antique Jewellery Roadshow.
Throughout the day, treasured antique and vintage pieces emerged from jewellery boxes, drawers and family collections, each carrying its own history and a story waiting to be uncovered. From inherited heirlooms to long-held treasures, our guests brought along pieces that had been passed down through generations, discovered years ago or simply left waiting to be rediscovered.
Our Founder Gerard McCabe, Co-Managing Director Justin McCabe and team of antique jewellery specialists spent the day examining these remarkable pieces, sharing their knowledge and helping guests discover more about their jewellery’s craftsmanship, age, materials and historical significance.
From the moment the Roadshow began, there was a wonderful sense of curiosity throughout our Adelaide Arcade boutique.
Guests arrived with jewellery carefully wrapped and tucked away in boxes, often accompanied by stories passed down through their families. Some pieces had been inherited from parents or grandparents, while others had been discovered unexpectedly over the years.
For our team, it was a chance to look closely at each piece and uncover the details that can so easily go unnoticed. Hallmarks, gemstones and design techniques can all offer clues about when and where a piece was made, who may have created it and the world it came from.
Among the pieces examined throughout the day were several standout examples of antique and vintage jewellery that caught the attention of our team.
One particularly memorable moment was being able to accurately identify the age of a special inherited family diamond ring, helping to reveal more about the history of a piece that had been treasured and passed down through generations.
Another fascinating discovery was an amethyst and diamond brooch that once belonged to Lady Fleming, the wife of Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin. The piece captured Justin’s attention so much that he had the opportunity to purchase it, adding another remarkable piece of history to the Gerard McCabe Antiques collection.
“I enjoyed seeing the widest variety of customer items so far at any of our events. A fascinating day once again.”
— Justin McCabe, Co-Managing Director
While the jewellery itself was undoubtedly the star of the Roadshow, it was the stories accompanying each piece that made the day so special. A piece of antique jewellery can tell us much more than its age or value. It can reveal changing fashions, jewellery-making techniques and the materials available during a particular period. And when a piece has been passed down through a family, it can also carry memories and connections that make it truly irreplaceable.
For our team, helping guests learn more about these pieces is one of the most rewarding parts of the Antique Jewellery Roadshow. Whether a piece turns out to be a rare historical treasure or simply holds generations of sentimental value, every item has a story worth exploring.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the event and some of the fascinating discoveries made throughout the day, watch our Antique Jewellery Roadshow recap video below:
If you missed our Antique Jewellery Roadshow, there are still opportunities to uncover more about the pieces in your own jewellery box.
We also specialise in the repair and restoration of antique and vintage jewellery, helping treasured pieces continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. If you’re considering selling an antique or vintage piece, you can also arrange an appointment with our buying team to discuss your jewellery.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our Adelaide Arcade boutique for this latest Antique Jewellery Roadshow. It was a pleasure to welcome so many wonderful guests and have the opportunity to examine the remarkable pieces they brought along with them.
Every Roadshow reminds us that jewellery is about so much more than what meets the eye. Behind every brooch, ring, necklace or bracelet can be a story of family, love, travel, changing fashions or a moment in history.
"I enjoyed talking to people, hearing their stories, and seeing the pieces they brought in; from the sublime to the amazing. It was great to hear the family stories attached to each piece."
— Gerard McCabe, Founder
Want to uncover more jewellery stories? Explore our Antique Jewellery Roadshow playlist on YouTube to watch highlights and discoveries from previous events.
To keep up with our latest events, Antique Jewellery Roadshow episodes and new arrivals, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, or subscribe to our VIP email list for updates.