We’re a small, family business based in the beautiful Peak District in the North of England. Dad, Ben has been dealing in antique jewellery for over 30 years and it’s a life-long passion. He has worked in the North of England and Hatton Garden as an antique jewellery specialist, stone dealer and gold buyer. He is still the buyer for several jewellery businesses sourcing interesting, quality pieces from all over the world. Ben also acts as a probate valuer and project manager to solicitors dealing with deceased (sometimes very complicated!) estates.

Mum, Grace looks after web, social media and customer service. Granny, Auntie and Sons are all involved to one degree or another - We’re a friendly and approachable bunch and love to talk about antiques and shiny stuff!

Over the years Ben has collected many interesting items, curios and “best of their type” pieces which have been put away…until now! So this website is something of a passion project intended to excite and entice fellow enthusiasts of antique jewellery, to start up conversations, share common interests and find forever homes for some truly exceptional and unique pieces. Every item has a value but history, beauty, craftsmanship and story are all more important and interesting to us.   

We like all jewellery if its well made and interesting but we specialise in Georgian, Victorian, British Arts and Crafts and Aesthetic Period, Art Nouveau (particularly French) and Belle Epoque jewellery. Anything that is handmade and highly detailed is likely to float our boat – shakudo and shibayama, micromosaic, pietra dura, intaglio and cameo work etc. And finally, of course, beautiful gemstones! So if you like that sort of thing, we’re going to get along!

We have many hundreds of items that haven't made it into the shop yet, so please keep checking back or sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news. Or if you’re that way inclined, follow our social media channels where all new stock will be displayed as soon as (or before) it’s listed. 

Oh, and why the name 15 Carat? If you know, you know..!

Some other shops in our little family that you might like:

• The Etsy outreach of this shop. Some items on display here can be found there along with some other interesting bits and pieces - Its cheaper to buy direct from us here though!
• Corvidaeantique.com - on instagram, Etsy and Sellingantiques. An eclectic mix of affordable, curated, antique and vintage jewellery.
• Theearringcurator.com - No prizes for guessing what you'll find here!
• Jewelbees - This is our other Etsy store selling affordable jewellery bits and pieces, cheap and cheerful and fun!
• eBay - We occasionally have a big clear-out auction on eBay, with all items sold without reserve.