Andrew was inspired to produce this talk after visiting the National Portrait Gallery.
On seeing all the Tudor, Stuart and Hanoverian monarchs dressed in their finery, he wondered where had all their spectacular jewels gone?

Among the many jewels he traces through looking at historic portraits, Andrew follows glowing pearls that belonged to Catherine de Medici, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth the First, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, together with a spectacular and diamond that was purchased by King James the first of England, left to his doomed son King Charles the First and smuggled out of the country. It was later sold, worn by Marie Antoinette, stolen during the French Revolution, purchased by a Russian Aristocrat and later mounted in a tiara by Cartier for an American Heiress, who then became a British Member of Parliament!

Jewel hunting has never been more fascinating

About the Lecturer

Andrew Prince’s passion for jewellery began at an early age and led him to pursue a career in the field from the age of sixteen. After starting work in London’s Bond Street with Antiques Roadshow expert Ian Harris, he went on to work with the renowned jeweller Elizabeth Gage, where he developed his appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship, historic jewellery and rare gemstones. 

Andrew’s distinctive designs have attracted private commissions from celebrities including Michael Jackson and Dame Shirley Bassey. His work has also been commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum and has featured in numerous film and television productions, including Mrs Henderson Presents, The Young Victoria and Downton Abbey, where his jewellery was worn by many of the principal cast. 

Andrew is an engaging lecturer who brings together his expertise in jewellery history, design and craftsmanship with a wealth of fascinating stories from his career.