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Wartski
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Wartski
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Wartski is a British family firm of antique dealers specialising in Russian works of art; particularly those by Carl Fabergé, fine jewellery and silver. Founded in North Wales in 1865, the business is located at 60 St James's Street, London, SW1. The company holds royal appointments as jewellers to Charles III, Queen Camilla and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Key Information

History

[edit]
Morris Wartski's first shop on High Street, Bangor, North Wales
Wartski Fields in Bangor, Wales
The former Wartski's department store in Bangor, North Wales, shown here as a Debenhams, in 2006

The firm was founded in Bangor, North Wales in 1865 by Morris Wartski, a Polish-Jewish[1][2] immigrant from the town of Turek,[3] in central Poland. Wartski first established a jewellery business on Bangor's High Street and then a drapery store. His son, Isidore, went on to develop the drapery business and create a large, fashionable store. He also developed the Castle Inn on High Street in Bangor, into the high-class Castle Hotel. He was a popular mayor of the city and a patron of local sports and charities. Wartski Fields were bequeathed to the city and people of Bangor by his widow, Winifred Marie, in memory of Isidore Wartski.

Another of Morris's sons went on to develop the jewellery part of the business into an international player. Morris Wartski's two sons, Harry and Charles, went into the business but when Charles was injured in a cycling accident, the business was moved in 1907 to the seaside town of Llandudno for the sake of his health. The Marquess of Anglesey was the best customer and David Lloyd George was engaged as the firm's lawyer. When Charles died in 1914, Harry ran the business with his father Morris and two brothers-in-law S. M. Benjamin and Emanuel Snowman.

After the death of Morris Wartski and Benjamin, Harry was joined in the business in Llandudno by his son, Charles Wartski, and a nephew, Cecil Manson. A second jewellery and antique establishment were opened on Mostyn Street, Llandudno. So fond of Llandudno was Harry Wartski that when the firm opened a branch in London's New Bond Street in 1911, it was given the name Wartski of Llandudno.

Wartski on 14 Grafton Street, London (2011)

The firm moved via premises in the Quadrant Arcade, Regent Street, 139 Regent Street and 14 Grafton Street, Mayfair. The firm's distinctive shop front on Grafton Street, designed by John Bruckland in 1974, was Grade II listed by English Heritage in 2012.[4] It is a rare survival of innovative twentieth-century retail architecture in Mayfair. In 2018,Wartski moved to larger premises at 60 St. James Street, London; the concrete-lined interior was designed by the architects Waldo Works.

With the Russian Revolution, many of the aristocracies took with them large quantities of jewellery made by Carl Fabergé, jeweller to the Tsar. The pieces found their way into shops all over Europe. Harry Wartski painstakingly tracked them down and bought them for his shop. He and Snowman also bought some pieces from the Soviet government, whose collection attracted Royal patronage to the firm. Emanuel Snowman travelled to the Soviet Union from 1925 onwards to negotiate the purchase of former Romanov jewels and objets d'art from the Antiquariat, a commissariat established by the Bolsheviks to raise foreign currency.

When King Farouk was deposed, Kenneth Snowman (Emmanuel Snowman's son) went to Cairo to buy some of the Egyptian crown jewels, which also included many Fabergé pieces.

Wartski, 60 St. James's Street, London

(Abraham) Kenneth Snowman (1919–2002), ran the London shop and wrote standard works, The Art of Carl Fabergé (1953), followed by Carl Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of Russia and Eighteenth Century Gold Boxes of Europe (1966), written at the urging of Sacheverell Sitwell. As a curator, Snowman organised the exhibitions of Fabergé at the Victoria and Albert Museum (1977) and at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, New York (1983). He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1994 and appointed CBE for his services to the arts and to charitable institutions in 1997.

Present-day

[edit]

The firm remains in the Wartski family. It is owned by Hector Snowman, son of Nicholas, grandson of Kenneth and great-great-grandson of Morris Wartski. Katherine Purcell and Kieran McCarthy are joint managing directors of the company. Katherine Purcell is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Chairman of the Society of Jewellery Historians and a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Her speciality is French nineteenth-century jewellery and she has written articles on various subjects including the Parisian firm of jewellers Falize, the master of Art Nouveau René Lalique, and on the influence of Japanese works of art on Western jewellery and goldsmiths’ work. She authored the definitive study Falize: A Dynasty of Jewellers (1999) and translated into English Henri Vever’s French Jewellery of the Nineteenth Century (2001).[5] Amongst the exhibitions she has curated for Wartski are ‘Fabergé and the Russian Jewellers’ (2006), ‘Japonisme: From Falize to Fabergé’ (2011) and ‘Fabergé – A Private Collection’ (2012).

Kieran McCarthy is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association. He is a member of the advisory board of the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg.[6] In 2014, he revealed the existence of the lost Third Imperial Fabergé Easter Egg and exhibited it for the first time in 112 years. Kieran has published widely and authored Fabergé in London (2017), an in-depth study of Fabergé’s London branch and its customers.[7] His research led to him curating 'Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution',[8] the sell-out exhibition devoted to the subject at the Victoria and Albert Museum, November 2021 to May 2022.

Thomas Holman is the other director working at the firm. Geoffrey Munn was a previous managing director.

In 2011, Wartski made the ring for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.[9] The ring was fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold given to Prince William by Queen Elizabeth II. Previously in 2005, Wartski made the wedding rings for the Wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.[10]

Wartski were the sole sponsor of 'Bejewelled Treasures', an exhibition of Indian and Indian-influenced jewellery from The Al Thani Collection staged at the Victoria and Albert Museum from November 2015 to March 2016.[11]

In July 2018 Wartski sponsored the book Designers & Jewellery 1850–1940: Jewellery & Metalwork from the Fitzwilliam Museum by Helen Ritchie which accompanied an exhibition of the same name held at the Museum.[12]

An exhibition of engraved gems entitled ‘Multum in Parvo’ (a Latin motto which translates as 'much in little'), was staged at Wartski in October 2019. Curated by Thomas Homan, it included works by the most notable gem engravers of the 18th and 19th centuries and several gems from the fabled collection of George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough and Classical antiquity. A collector queued day and night outside the shop over the weekend before it opened in order to be the first to view the show.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wartski

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from Grokipedia
Wartski is a prestigious British family-owned firm of antique dealers and jewelers, renowned for its specialization in Russian works of art—especially those by Carl Fabergé—along with fine jewelry, silver, and objets de vertu. Established in 1865 by Morris Wartski in Bangor, , the firm began as a modest watchmaking and jewelry business before expanding under royal patronage. By 1907, Wartski had opened shops in and gained the favor of King Edward VII, which propelled its growth. In 1911, Emanuel Snowman, Morris Wartski's son-in-law, established a branch that shifted the firm's focus toward acquiring and dealing in Fabergé masterpieces, including several Imperial Easter Eggs purchased from the Soviet Antiquariat between 1927 and 1933. The Snowman family has steered the business across generations, with Kenneth Snowman serving as Chairman until 2002, followed by Nicholas Snowman until 2023, and now Hector Snowman in that role since 2023. Wartski's deep ties to the British monarchy underscore its legacy; the firm has crafted wedding rings for notable royal couples, including Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005 and Prince William and Catherine in 2011. Today, operating from its elegant premises at 60 St James’s Street in since 2018, Wartski continues to exhibit at international art fairs like TEFAF and The Winter Show, maintaining its reputation as a custodian of exquisite treasures.

History

Founding and early development

Morris Wartski, a Polish-Jewish immigrant born in 1855 in the town of Turek in central Poland, fled anti-Semitic persecution under the and arrived in , around 1882 as a refugee. He began his career as an itinerant merchant, peddling goods door-to-door in the region before opening a permanent business presence. The firm's initial operations centered on and general goods, catering to the local community in Bangor, with its first known shop premises at 21 in 1895. Morris's sons played key roles in sustaining and evolving the business: Isidore Wartski managed the drapery operations, eventually transforming the Bangor shop into one of North Wales's most elegant stores, while his brother, known as Harry or Wartski, began shifting the focus toward jewelry and silversmithing. This family involvement helped stabilize the enterprise amid modest beginnings as Polish Jewish refugees escaping . By the early , Wartski transitioned to specializing in fine jewelry, capitalizing on the influx of tourists to attracted by its scenic landscapes and emerging resorts. This pivot aligned with growing demand for luxury items in the area, setting the stage for further business development.

Expansion and relocation

In 1907, Wartski expanded its operations by establishing two shops on Mostyn Street in , a fashionable Victorian that attracted affluent tourists from across Britain. This move capitalized on the booming trade, allowing the firm to cater to wealthy visitors seeking fine jewelry and silverware amid the era's holiday boom. The company's growth accelerated in 1911 when Emanuel Snowman, son-in-law of founder Morris Wartski, opened the firm's first London branch at 173 New . This strategic entry into London's prestigious jewelry district positioned Wartski among elite retailers, broadening its reach to international high-end clientele and diversifying beyond regional Welsh markets. Over the subsequent decades, the London premises evolved through several relocations to accommodate increasing business: from New to , then to 14 in 1974, where a distinctive shopfront designed by John Bruckland provided expanded space and was later Grade II listed in 2012. In 2018, Wartski shifted to its current flagship location at 60 , enhancing visibility in the heart of London's luxury district. Parallel to this physical expansion, Wartski laid the foundations for its renowned specialization in Russian works following the 1917 Revolution. In the 1920s, Emanuel Snowman began acquiring significant pieces from Russian émigrés fleeing the upheaval and through direct sales by the Soviet government, including hundreds of imperial treasures purchased from the state-run Antiquariat between 1927 and 1933. These early procurements, such as Fabergé masterpieces and items from aristocratic collections, established Wartski's expertise in Russian decorative arts and fueled its international reputation.

20th and 21st century developments

During , Wartski continued operations amid the challenges faced by 's jewelry trade, with family members like Isidore Wartski contributing to support for Jewish refugees fleeing through the firm's Welsh connections. The war disrupted the luxury market, but the firm emerged intact, setting the stage for post-war recovery in the revitalized scene. Following , Wartski rebuilt its reputation by focusing on scholarly expertise in Fabergé and antique jewelry, including the publication of The Art of Carl Fabergé in 1953, which helped reintroduce the house's signature collections to a recovering clientele. Under Kenneth Snowman, who became chairman in 1970 following the death of his father Emanuel, the firm emphasized such efforts. In the through , Wartski experienced significant growth alongside the booming antique and market, emphasizing acquisitions of rare Russian works and building an international profile through curatorial efforts. Snowman's leadership drove this expansion, with key publications such as Eighteenth Century Gold Boxes in 1966 and Carl Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of in 1979, alongside organizing the landmark 1977 Fabergé exhibition at the , which drew widespread acclaim and solidified the firm's status as a preeminent dealer in exceptional items. This period saw Wartski attract elite collectors post-war, as the luxury sector flourished with renewed interest in historical treasures. Entering the 21st century, Wartski adapted to modern commerce by launching its official website, wartski.com, to broaden global access to its inventory while preserving traditional services like custom commissions for high-profile clients. This digital presence complemented the firm's physical galleries, enabling virtual showcases of antique jewelry and Fabergé pieces without compromising its emphasis on in-person expertise and discretion. The business has demonstrated resilience through economic turbulence, including the , by maintaining steady operations and royal patronage. The company, tracing its origins to 1865, celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2025—though historical records date the first shop to 1895—with the exhibition From Function to Fantasy: The Brooch from October 1 to 12, featuring over 250 brooches spanning the to contemporary designs, loaned from institutions like the , underscoring its enduring legacy in the jewelry world.

Specializations and Collections

Expertise in Fabergé

Wartski began acquiring Fabergé pieces in the early , primarily through purchases from Russian émigrés and Soviet state sales organized by the Antikvariat department between 1927 and 1933. These acquisitions included numerous Imperial and other masterpieces from imperial and aristocratic collections dispersed after the , establishing Wartski as a key dealer in Fabergé works outside . Over the decades, these efforts contributed to Wartski amassing and facilitating a significant collection of Fabergé items, with the firm continuing to hold and exhibit notable holdings. Emanuel Snowman, who joined the firm in and became a pivotal figure in its operations, played a central role in authenticating and selling Fabergé items during the 1930s. As one of the first Western dealers to import Fabergé works post-Revolution, Snowman sourced pieces directly from Soviet exports and émigré sellers, ensuring their provenance through meticulous examination. He notably sold several authenticated Imperial to prominent collectors, including Queen Mary, who acquired items such as the 1897 Coronation Egg and the 1902 Alexander III Commemorative Egg through Wartski in the early 1930s. Kenneth Snowman, Emanuel's son and Wartski's chairman from 1945 until 2002, further elevated the firm's expertise through scholarly contributions. He authored The Art of Carl Fabergé in 1953, a seminal work on the jeweler's techniques and oeuvre, which was revised and expanded in 1962 to incorporate new research and illustrations. Snowman also curated the landmark 1977 exhibition Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of at the Victoria & Albert Museum, marking the first major post-Revolution display of Fabergé works in Britain and drawing international loans to showcase over 150 items. In 2014, Wartski's managing director Kieran McCarthy led the verification and public rediscovery of the Third Imperial Fabergé Easter Egg, also known as the Egg, created in 1888 for III. Identified in a private American collection, McCarthy confirmed its authenticity through archival research, including 1924 Soviet valuation documents from and transfer records from the (1917–1922), tracing its path from the imperial family to émigré sales. The egg, unseen publicly since 1902, was acquired by a private collector via Wartski and exhibited at the firm's gallery in April 2014, attracting global attention and underscoring Wartski's ongoing role in Fabergé scholarship. Wartski has continued this expertise, with research in 2023 revealing connections in the Holmström workshop albums and the 2021 acquisition of a Fabergé and formerly owned by Queen Olga of Greece.

Antique jewelry and silverware

Wartski has established a renowned specialization in 19th- and 20th-century European antique jewelry and silverware, encompassing styles such as Victorian, , and Arts & Crafts. This portfolio highlights exceptional craftsmanship from British and continental makers, including the Arts & Crafts jeweler Frederick Partridge, whose pieces Wartski has actively promoted through donations to institutions like the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. The firm's inventory features notable examples of enamel and gem-set silverware, such as a pair of enamelled and gem-set opera glasses by the French designer Falize, exemplifying intricate continental from the late . Brooches and rings form key components of this collection, with representative items including an and gem-set of English origin circa 1900, and a pearl and by Georges Fouquet from in 1905. Wartski sources these pieces from prestigious auctions, distinguished estates, and private collections, ensuring authenticity and rarity in each acquisition. In addition to curation, Wartski provides in-house restoration services by skilled silversmiths, as demonstrated by their meticulous repair of Bangor's historic civic mace, a silver processional staff requiring expert conservation of metalwork. This capability extends to jewelry and silverware, preserving original techniques and materials. The firm also offers services for custom pieces inspired by designs, crafting handmade items like rings in or 18- and 22-carat using traditional methods to evoke period aesthetics.

Royal Connections

Warrants of appointment

Wartski's royal connections began in the early 1900s, with the firm gaining the patronage of King Edward VII, whose support elevated its reputation and paved the way for formal royal warrants. By 1907, Wartski had established itself as a favored supplier under Edward VII's influence. This patronage marked the onset of Wartski's enduring role as a trusted purveyor of fine jewelry and precious objects to the British monarchy. The firm received formal royal warrants under King Edward VII and King George V, which underscored its status as a premier supplier of exceptional craftsmanship. These historical warrants, renewed across successive reigns including under King George VI, signified Wartski's adherence to the highest standards of quality and reliability, positioning it among an elite group of royal tradespeople. Today, Wartski holds active royal warrants as Jewellers to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with the latter's appointment granted in 2024 as part of her inaugural round of endorsements. The firm previously maintained a warrant to the late Queen Elizabeth II, which was renewed periodically until her passing in 2022, reflecting ongoing royal approval. These warrants serve as enduring symbols of excellence, allowing Wartski to display the royal coat of arms and affirming its role as a custodian of royal jewelry traditions. Obtaining and maintaining a royal warrant involves a rigorous process overseen by the Royal Warrant Holders Association. Suppliers must demonstrate at least five years of consistent service to the royal household—typically to the sovereign, their consort, or the heir apparent—while upholding exemplary quality, sustainability, and ethical standards. Applications, submitted annually between May and June, undergo review for compliance before royal approval; successful warrants are granted for five years and require renewal through reapplication to ensure continued excellence. This selective system highlights Wartski's long-term commitment to royal expectations, reinforcing its prestige as a warrant holder across generations.

Notable commissions and clients

Wartski crafted the wedding band for Catherine Middleton, now the , for her 2011 to Prince William, using a piece of Clogau selected from the royal reserves and presented to the couple by Queen Elizabeth II shortly after their engagement. The simple, handcrafted 18-carat gold band adhered to the royal tradition of wedding rings, emphasizing Wartski's role in maintaining royal jewelry standards. In 2005, Wartski designed and created the matching platinum wedding rings for the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, and Camilla Parker Bowles, now , during their civil marriage ceremony at . These rings, featuring subtle engravings and a classic understated design, reflected the firm's long-standing royal warrant and expertise in personalized commissions for high-profile unions. During the 1930s, Wartski supplied several Fabergé pieces, including Imperial and carvings such as delicate flower studies, to Queen Mary, who actively expanded the Royal Collection with these exquisite Russian works acquired through the firm's dealings with post-revolutionary sources. These transactions underscored Wartski's pivotal role in connecting European nobility with Fabergé's legacy, fostering a clientele that included international collectors and figures of seeking , historically significant acquisitions.

Leadership and Family Involvement

Key historical figures

Morris Wartski (1855–1946), a Polish-Jewish immigrant from Turek, founded the Wartski firm in 1865 in Bangor, , initially as a drapery and jewelry business that laid the foundation for the family's enduring dynasty in the trade. As an entrepreneurial immigrant fleeing , he expanded operations to by 1907, securing early royal patronage from King Edward VII and establishing the firm's reputation for quality goods in art, antiques, and jewelry. His vision transformed a modest Welsh enterprise into a multifaceted , blending retail innovation with cultural commerce. Emanuel Snowman (1886–1970), Morris Wartski's son-in-law through his marriage to Harriette Wartski, played a pivotal role in the firm's national expansion by opening its branch on New in , shifting focus toward high-end jewelry and silverware. From 1927 to 1933, he pioneered Wartski's acquisition of Imperial Fabergé works, including , directly from the Soviet Antiquariat, which established the firm as a leading dealer in Russian and solidified its expertise in Fabergé objects. Snowman's strategic management of operations during the bridged the Welsh roots with international prestige, enhancing the family's influence in the market. Kenneth Snowman (1919–2002), grandson of Morris Wartski and son of Emanuel, served as chairman of the firm and emerged as a preeminent authority on Carl Fabergé, authoring seminal works such as The Art of Carl Fabergé (1953) and curating the landmark 1977 Fabergé exhibition at the . His academic contributions, including Eighteenth-Century Gold Boxes of (1966) and Eighteenth-Century Gold Boxes of (1974), elevated Wartski's scholarly dimension, integrating rigorous research with commercial dealings in jewelry and objets d'art. Snowman's expertise not only preserved and promoted Fabergé's legacy but also positioned the firm as a through publications and exhibitions that influenced global appreciation of Russian craftsmanship. Isidore Wartski, son of the founder Morris, contributed to the firm's diversification in by expanding the and jewelry operations in Bangor, where he later served as from to , using his position to address local housing needs amid wartime challenges. His leadership reinforced the business's community ties and retail breadth in during the early . Similarly, his brother Harry Wartski managed the branch, which he helped establish, focusing on jewelry and antiques; the 1911 outpost was even named "Wartski of Llandudno" in recognition of his influence on the Welsh operations. Together, the brothers sustained the firm's regional presence and entrepreneurial spirit in and fine goods, complementing the Snowman-led expansions elsewhere.

Current management and ownership

Wartski remains a privately owned under the leadership of Chairman Hector Snowman, the great-great-grandson of founder Morris Wartski, marking the fifth generation of family control. This continuity stems from the firm's roots established in 1865, with Snowman assuming the chairmanship in 2023 following the passing of his father, Nicholas Snowman. The company operates as Wartski Limited, a structure that supports its private ownership while facilitating professional management. Daily operations are overseen by joint managing directors Katherine Purcell, who handles operations and client relations with a focus on French jewelry, and Kieran McCarthy, a specialist in Fabergé works serving as director. The firm maintains a compact team comprising skilled jewelers, restorers, and scholars, all based in , emphasizing hands-on expertise in jewelry and Russian . Family involvement extends to and key decisions, ensuring the preservation of Wartski's heritage and independence without external shareholders. Snowman's role as owner and chairman underscores this commitment, with the managing directors collaborating closely to align strategic direction with family values.

Exhibitions and Contributions

Major exhibitions organized or sponsored

Wartski has played a significant role in organizing and sponsoring major exhibitions that highlight jewelry, Fabergé works, and broader jewelry history, often in collaboration with prestigious institutions like the (V&A). These efforts underscore the firm's expertise in curating displays that bridge historical craftsmanship with public appreciation, frequently involving loans from its own collections. One of the earliest notable contributions was the 1977 Fabergé exhibition at the V&A, curated by Wartski's then-chairman Kenneth Snowman to mark Queen Elizabeth II's . Titled Fabergé: Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of , 1846–1920, the show featured over 150 objects, including imperial eggs and jewelry, drawn from Wartski's inventory and other lenders, establishing a benchmark for Fabergé scholarship. In 2015–2016, Wartski sponsored Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection at the V&A, which showcased around 100 pieces of Indian subcontinental jewelry from the collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. The exhibition included loaned items held by Wartski, such as Fabergé-inspired objects, emphasizing the firm's role in facilitating cross-cultural displays of rare gems and enamels. Wartski's curatorial involvement continued with the 2021–2022 V&A exhibition Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution, conceived and led by Wartski director Kieran McCarthy. This sell-out show explored Fabergé's British connections through 400 objects, prominently featuring the rediscovered 1883 Rothschild Imperial Easter Egg, which Wartski had identified and authenticated in 2014, alongside other loans from the firm's holdings. More recently, to commemorate its 160th anniversary, Wartski organized From Function to Fantasy: The Brooch from October 1 to 12, 2025, at its gallery. Admission was free, with all proceeds from catalogue sales donated to The King's Trust. The displayed over 250 brooches spanning the to the contemporary era, including royal commissions like those for Queen Mary and noble pieces from collections such as the V&A and , highlighting the evolution of brooches as both functional and artistic treasures. Earlier in 2018, Wartski supported Designers & Jewellery 1850–1940: Jewellery and Metalwork from the at the in , sponsoring the accompanying publication and contributing to the display of and Arts and Crafts pieces that showcased innovative designer jewelry from the firm's specialized inventory.

Philanthropy and cultural donations

In 2024, Wartski donated a collection of Arts & Crafts jewelry crafted by the silversmith and jeweler Frederick Partridge to the Museum of Art + Craft, enhancing the institution's holdings of works associated with the village's artistic heritage. The donation includes an enamelled silver and carved horn featuring two buttons, a mixed metal with amethysts, a stained horn haircomb, and a collection of wooden buttons, all with strong linked to Partridge's student Ella Naper and his time in . Wartski maintains ongoing contributions to major cultural institutions through loans and acquisitions that support permanent displays of silverware and jewelry. For instance, pieces such as gold-mounted hardstone buckles by the 18th-century goldsmith Johann Christian Neuber, acquired from Wartski by the Gilbert Collection, are on long-term loan to the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) for public exhibition. Similarly, Wartski facilitated the 2017 donation of nine Fabergé items from the Kenneth and Sallie Snowman Collection to the V&A, bolstering its permanent holdings of Russian . The firm supports jewelry scholarship by funding academic publications and research, particularly on historical British craftsmanship. Wartski sponsored the catalogue Designers & Jewellery 1850–1940: Jewellery & Metalwork from The Fitzwilliam Museum, authored by curator Helen Ritchie, which examines 19th-century British silversmithing and jewelry design within broader European contexts. Wartski participates in heritage preservation by restoring significant artifacts for public and institutional collections. In 2023, the firm repaired a 140-year-old ceremonial mace for Bangor Cathedral, a key symbol of Welsh civic history, ensuring its continued use in official events.

References

  1. https://wartski.com/about-us/history-of-the-firm/
  2. https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/exhibitors/wart
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  50. https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-small-family-firm-north-27283811
  51. https://wartski.com/wartski-to-restore-bangor-mace/
  52. https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=former-wartski-jewellers-shop-llandudno
  53. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1302765603078107/posts/1681062741915056/
  54. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01416179/officers
  55. https://wartski.com/about-us/staff/
  56. https://www.bada.org/dealer/wartski-ltd
  57. https://wartski.com/faberge-in-london-romance-to-revolution/
  58. https://www.vam.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/259944/Bejewelled-Treasures-press-release-FINAL.pdf
  59. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2015/11/01/jewels-with-a-past-and-a-soul-sheikh-hamad-bin-abdullah-al-thani-on-his-collection
  60. https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/faberge
  61. https://wartski.com/a-wartski-loan-exhibition/
  62. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/fashion/jewelry-brooches-wartski-london.html
  63. https://www.retail-jeweller.com/news-and-insight/wartski-collaborates-with-the-kings-trust-05-06-2025/
  64. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/designers-and-jewellery-18501940-9781781300671/
  65. https://wartski.com/designers-jewellery-1850-1940-jewellery-metalwork-from-the-fitzwilliam-museum/
  66. https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/print-edition/2024/september/2660/news/museum-given-jewellery-by-dealer-wartski/
  67. https://wartski.com/a-new-acquisition-for-the-gilbert-collection/
  68. https://wartski.com/snowman-collection-gift-to-the-victoria-albert-museum/
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