Signs and Symbols

Do you love the author Dan Brown?

Not sure who he is? Dan Brown is the author of the famous Robert Langdon book series.

Still stuck? Have you seen Tom Hanks in the Di Vinci Code and Angels and Demons?

Brown’s lead character Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks in the feature films, is an expert in religious iconology and the study of historic symbols. In his role as a professor from Harvard University his expertise are required around the world, and this is where he seems to get into trouble. As part of my degree I studied semiotics and iconography so these novels are a dream to read.

Inspired by the new novel Inferno I have decided to take a look at the symbols and meanings behind a selection of designs and motifs present within the AC Silver inventory.

Horseshoes

Sterling Silver Napkin Rings (W5646)	Diamond and Gold Pin Brooch (W6055)

Horseshoes are an internationally recognised symbol of good luck and good fortune. They were originally regarding as a protective amulet against the evil eye (the devil). The ends must be kept pointing up to retain the good luck. Horseshoes are popular wedding presents, said to protect newly-wed couples and their homes.

Snakes

Snakes get a lot of bad press and are often associated as a bad omen with reference to Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. However, several cultures, including the Hopi tribe of North America, the Ancient Cretan’s and the Ancient Celts all believed snakes were a symbol or fertility, regeneration and healing. The shedding of the skin was seen as a transformation and associated with eternal life. The symbols used by the US Military and the US Public Health Service, the Rod of Asclepius and the Caduceus, depict a snake design.

Emerald, Diamond & Gold Snake Ring (W5551)	Glass & Sterling Silver Claret Jug (W5582)

Bamboo

	At AC Silver we often see Chinese Export Silver embellished with eye-catching and intricate bamboo designs. Within Chinese culture bamboo is seen as a living representation of the Ying and Yang and is considered a living organism of perfect virtues. The bamboo plant consists of upright integrity but with accommodating flexibility; its hollow interior is said to reflect modesty. The bamboo plant is an official symbol of oriental beauty encapsulating moral integrity, resistance, modesty and loyalty.
Chinese Export Silver Mug (W4825)
Cream Jug & Sugar Bowl (W4615)

All our examples of silverware or jewellery have a unique quality, whether it be their age, design or size. It is fascinating to be able to look beyond the aesthetic qualities and explore the meaning behind the designs.

Now I must return to the day job, before the Vatican get wind of my research and I end up like Robert Langdon, being chased across Europe by a crazed albino monk. (That one is for all you fellow Di Vinci Code fans)

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us online or in store.

Lonely Hearts

Are you looking for jewellery to love?

The lonely heart advert has been a British tradition since 1695. It may have started as a shrewd pamphlet editor’s way of making a quick buck, but it has become a global sensation. AC Silver has an abundance of antique, vintage and contemporary pieces of jewellery looking for love.

Name:Diamond and Gold Brooch W2096

Age:1880

Classic Victorian brooch seeks diamond loving lady for formal occasions or days out in a nice smart coat. Loyal, feminine, hand crafted and show stopping sparkle.

Name:0.99ct Diamond and Platinum Solitaire W2620

Age:Contemporary

Slightly unusual contemporary diamond solitaire seeks owner with a love for Art Nouveau, who will appreciate my hardwearing platinum curves. Value for money, unique, durable and ready for the ultimate commitment.

Name:Diamond and Yellow Gold Bangle W4127

Age:Circa 1880 and Circa 1920

Beautifully embellished antique Victorian bracelet seeks owner who appreciates the finer things in life. My subtle but effective 1920’s 0.36ct diamond will be a perfect addition to any outfit. Timeless, understated, safety conscious work of art.

Name:Emerald and Diamond Ring W3267

Age:Circa 1920

Eye-catching antique emerald ring seeks lady to share great times with. My natural green emerald and high quality diamonds make me a great addition to any jewellery collection. Vibrant, hallmarked with a lot of love still to give.

Can you be the one to finally give these items of jewellery the love and care they are looking for?

If you require any further information regarding our lonely hearts, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or in store.

Video Madness at AC Silver

Now we all love Mr Campbell, however there is currently a common feeling at AC Silver that we are all slightly tired of hearing his voice! NO, we aren’t being nasty to our boss, but he is in process of producing new videos for the website in which he talks (and talks) about the merits of specific items of silver. Our multimedia executive Rachel has been so affected that she is hearing and seeing Mr Campbell in her sleep!!!

On a serious note however the videos look fabulous and we are sure they will be extremely valuable in assisting potential customers appreciate the true quality of the silverware held in the AC Silver inventory. Due to the vast number of items we have in stock, we will only be recording a select number of pieces in this new format (for now).

For the past 18 months we have been adding videos to our product pages and have received some wonderful feedback from customers. These older videos showcase the items beautifully, however, ever conscious of providing a high quality service for our customers, it was felt we could improve our videos, and take them to the next level. In our ‘new and improved’ videos, Andrew Campbell (he loves the camera), now talks about the specific merits of individual pieces whilst handling the item under review.

To give you an example please see the two videos below. Video 1 is the old version and video 2 is the new and improved AC Silver video accompanied with voiceover, music and graphics.

Video One

Video Two

Feedback

We would like to hear your thoughts on our new video release, and please tell us if you think these new videos are beneficial to you as a customer/potential customer.

Also, I will let you into a little secret…

Little does Mr Campbell know, but we are compiling a blooper reel for future release 