MEET THE COLLECTOR

What I collect: ‘Precious Flora’, meaning vintage or antique brooches, rings, earrings and other jewellery that fit within a restricted floral theme, depicting a flower, leaf, fruit or nut. There is a whole language in the giving of flowers, from expressing feelings of love to sorrow, and individual artists, goldsmiths and jewellers like Cartier and Tiffany have created everlasting florally inspired jewellery with a range of sentiments in mind. I love that with skill and dedication, stunning botanical details – an exotic orchid to the perfect English rose – are captured using colourful gemstones and precious metals.

Why I collect: I love treasure hunting; it’s not second but first nature to me. When I go for a walk I’m always looking for pebbles and flowers along the way, and collecting floral jewellery is just the next step. Wearing jewellery brightens up both my look and mood.

How I collect: My love for flowers and professional jewellery background come together in the treasure hunt; when I spot a great piece I feel it in my heart. I have a passion for travel and loved ones living scattered around the world, so my collection has an international flavour. The fashion for floral-inspired jewellery was rather specific in certain countries – for example, in Italy I can still find the bright flowers that vividly reflect the 1950s Dolce Vita period. Prices vary widely – sometimes I pick up a piece for £150, but I have some in my collection worth a lot more. Most pieces are valued between £500 and £2,500.

My collection highlight: Simply discovering new pieces is a highlight for me. Through my business Precious Flora (preciousflora.com), which I have put on pause due to the pandemic and Brexit, I’ve bought and sold many beauties. I have sometimes regretted selling an extraordinary piece, however there is comfort in knowing that the proceeds from parting with a piece will allow me to buy something new.