Assuit Fashion

Metal thread embroidery is an ancient form of ornamentation. Originating in the Middle East, India, China and Japan, there are biblical references to its use with the linen cloth of Egypt. As soon as the western world became aware of this type of ornamentation in 1920, it became a fashionable item.

This form of embroidery, also known as assuit, usually comes in shawls and was all handmade by tribal women. It is made using a flat embroidery needle, inserting narrow silver and sometimes gold coloured metallic strips and hand crimping them, like a staple, into a cotton or linen mesh ground.

The designs were usually focussed into two groups, Geometric and Figural. Geometric Assuit has filled in diamonds or triangle forms and is sometimes covered solid.

Figural Assuit may have rows of trees or corn like plants with full skirted women or camels with riders.

Pricing has increased in more recent years, though it has started being remade and is making a comeback, however the quality of tribal assuit will never be accomplished in modern pieces.

Leslie of Arabella Bianco, located in Vintage Modes has a beautiful genuine Art Deco Egyptian assuit shawl displayed for sale. Its golden colour and geometric patten make this piece marvellous and irresistible. For more information email: mail@arabellabianco.co.uk

Geometric pattern assuit shawl by Arabella Bianco

A close up of the beautiful geometric pattern

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Natural Stones

With the sun finally shining, Spring is upon us and the new season fashion styles and collections start blooming.

This year, designers such as Louis Vuitton have been showing a great use of natural stone bohemian style jewellery to break up floral prints and bright pastel colours. However, natural stones have been worn for centuries.

 Natural stones are a common find in jewellery pieces as they are much more economically friendly than manufactured gemstones. Although some may prefer a flawless, synthetic gemstone, a great feature of jewellery with natural stones is that not one stone will be the same. All the small impurities that create lines and colour difference will make each piece unique, with its own individual colours and quirks.

 Throughout centuries, many believed that certain natural gemstones had healing powers and would not only wear them as a sign of belief, but grind them into medicines. For example, pearls were believed to be the tears of god, and when worn gave impart wisdom and protect children, as well as strengthen a love relationship.

 Vintage natural jewellery has now become a popular collectable, but not just as an investment. These beautiful unique stones capture not only the buyers' hearts, but Grays’ dealers hearts too.

Gillian Horsup at Vintage Modes at Grays Antiques has a brilliant collection of natural stone jewellery, for more information visit: www.graysantiques.com/dealerDetail.php?dealer=259

A beautiful collection of orange and green natural stone 
jewellery by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery 

A variety of Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery natural stone bead necklaces

A selection of natural stone cameo jewellery 

Bright and beautiful natural stone accessories 

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London.  Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk