Christmas is fast approaching but finding the perfect gift can be difficult - often, especially so when buying a present for those who mean the most to us. We want to give them a unique gift that shows that we have spent time and thought, not just money, considering what they would really like, and which also expresses just how much they mean to us. But, where can you find something truly unique, that has timeless appeal and shows how much you care? Well, the world of antiques and vintage shopping of course! Possibly the ‘greenest’ way of finding the perfect gift this Christmas, these pre-loved items are almost certainly made to a far higher degree of craftsmanship and durability than their modern equivalent. The fact that they have survived across the years in such excellent condition is testament to this, and the enduring quality of these gifts may be seen as a metaphor for the abiding love you have for the person you have chosen the gift for.
So, we have asked the internet’s fastest growing online antiques marketplace - loveantiques.com – to compile a list of potential antique and vintage gifts (for him and her), that might just fit the bill this Christmas.
Gifts for her
1
18ct Platinum Diamond Art Deco Trilogy Engagement Ring
£195
Along with Valentine’s day, Christmas is traditionally one of the favourite times of the year to ask a beloved for their hand in marriage.
This beautiful antique Art Deco Trilogy engagement ring was made in England and crafted in 18ct gold and Platinum set with diamonds.
The top of the ring is Platinum bezel set with three tiny single cut diamonds. The centre diamond measures 0.05ct and each side of centre is 0.03ct making a total diamond weight of 0.08 carat. They are bright and white and although small add a sparkle to the ring! The pretty engraved star burst settings give the illusion of larger stones. The curved setting around the trilogy is topped with Platinum and has milgrain engraved detail. The band is 18ct yellow gold.
2
5 Piece Silver Grooming Set in Case, Birmingham 1959, Henry Clifford Davis
£275
This classic sterling silver backed 5-piece grooming set comprises of one hand mirror, 2 hair brushes and 2 clothes crushes all contained within its original case.
All hallmarked from Birmingham in 1959 with the makers mark being that of Henry Clifford Davis.
3
Victorian Bachelors Tea & Coffee Set c.1870
£595
Don’t let the word Bachelor put you off. This is a fabulous English Victorian silver-plated tea and coffee set, comprising of tea pot, coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl, all of which sit on a matching tray. All pieces have engraved decoration with central vacant cartouches. Just imagine using this set the next time you have a few friends over for tea or coffee!
£450
This attractive silver compact was made in Italy and imported into the UK in 1962 carrying a full set of import marks for Birmingham - sterling 925 silver.
The enamel front of the compact shows a woman and a girl in a bucolic setting, the woman playing her guitar while the girl listens and reads. At their feet sits a dog and a basket of red flowers. The scene is surrounded by blue enamel panels, encased in engraved silver. The silver sides and rear of the compact are similarly engraved.
The compact opens by pushing the lipstick holder. The powder mesh is present and there is also a mirror.
5
Pink Silver Guilloche Enamel Art Deco Powder Compact by William Neale & Son
£345
Alternatively, if your lady is more of an Art Deco lover, what about this pink silver guilloche enamel powder compact by William Neale and Son. This beautiful Compact is round, and at the base of the design there is an Odeon style building in Rose Pink enamel with wavy rays coming out from the base like a sun burst.
The compact is in very good working condition, as is the interior mirror, and the gold washed base has a very small watermark on the front. It opens and closes with a firm snap, a lovely piece and very good quality.
6
Stunning 2.90ct Diamond Set Platinum Cocktail Watch On 18ct Bracelet
£2,850
If you really want to push the boat out this Christmas - if the lady is special enough (she undoubtedly is) - and if you can afford it, how about something as unique and stunning as this Diamond set platinum cocktail watch?
The square watch face is bordered with 20 brilliant cut diamonds of approximately 5 points each, content of 1ct approx. There are two articulating sections to each side holding the watch face, in all four sections are 40 brilliant cut gemstones in total with a content of 1.72 ct approx. The holding couplet on the rope chain bracelet is set with 2 gemstones of 4 point each to each side, 0.16 ct. approx
The bracelet has a 'clip over' fastener to one end and a four-slot option for fastening to on the other end. (This gives a wear option of between 7.1 inches to 6.5 inches).
The watch face has classic Arabic numbers and is 'easy to read'. The back is marked 'SWISS MADE' - '16 JEWELS' maker 'A.D.J'.
This is one gift that any lady would be over the moon to receive!
Gifts for him
7
Gents 1940s Delbana Wristwatch
£135
Watches are always a winner when it comes to a gift for him, and vintage wristwatches are some of the most popular items we see being sold on the website. There are some very rare (and therefore expensive) watches available, but many – though still incredibly stylish – are far more affordable. This is an early model by the Delbana Watch Company, which was founded in 1948, and was based in Grenchen, Switzerland. This particular watch has a Swiss 15-jewel hand-winding movement which is working nicely.
The watch measures 34mm diameter excluding the winding crown and very shapely lugs. The case is nickel, it probably would have been plated originally but has been professionally polished back at some stage in its life. The stainless-steel case back is signed with the Delbana name.
A new strap has been fitted. The watch will be sent in a new presentation box.
8
Vintage, Chrome Plated Jet Fighter Table Lighter by Gala-Sonic 1955
£85
This is a delightful 1950's, chrome plated table lighter in the form of a jet fighter plane. The central section of the plane's body lifts out to show the petrol reservoir and the body of the flint-spark lighter.
The plane is mounted on a ball-jointed support arm and can be placed at any angle of climb or descent. The arm rises from a stepped octagonal plinth which in turn sits on a black Bakelite octagonal base.
9
Antique Chinese Sailing Junk c.1910
£395
What young boy didn’t want to have a toy boat, and what grown man wouldn’t like their own yacht? Well, this might suit them both - this is a charming antique Chinese white metal model of a sailing junk. The junk is well modelled with great attention to detail, having rigging, coiled ropes, oars and harpoons as well as a cabin on deck for the crew. The junk has three colourful decorative pom poms on wire above the sails that add charm and colour. This is mounted on an ebonised carved wood base that simulates the waves of the sea.
10
Superb Pair of Art Deco Bookends in the form of rearing alpine ibexes
£85
A wonderful pair of wooden Art Deco bookends in the form of rearing Alpine Ibexes (a typical Deco motif). The bookends have a classic Art Deco appearance with their carved, stylised animals standing on T-shaped bases with sloping ends and with chevron-shaped book supports.
11
Victorian Multi-Purpose Penknife
This is a late 19th Century Victorian antique multi-purpose pen-knife by "Hadfields Patent Steel". The pen-knife is mounted on two sides with tortoise shell and has a loop at one end so it can be hung on a keyring.
If none of these gift ideas seem quite right, don’t worry, there are over 26,000 unique items to choose from on www.loveantiques.com, so, you are absolutely bound to find a gift to suit your chosen lucky gift recipient - at a price you can afford, whatever your budget.