The Cheapside Hoard – A Hidden Treasure Trove of Elizabethan and Jacobean Gemstones
Buried beneath the streets of London for over 250 years, the Cheapside Hoard is one of the most extraordinary collections of jewellery ever unearthed.
Discovered in 1912 during construction work, this hidden cache revealed a glittering glimpse into the world of Elizabethan and Jacobean luxury, and the global gemstone trade that made it possible.
For jewellers and gemstone lovers, the Cheapside Hoard is more than a historical curiosity. It’s a time capsule, showcasing the craftsmanship, trends, and stones that shaped a golden age of jewellery.
A Discovery Beneath a London Cellar
The hoard was actually discovered by pure chance.
A group of workmen were breaking up the cellar floor of a timber-framed building they were demolishing in Cheapside, when one of them noticed something glittering in the soil. It turned out to be a tangled mass of about 500 pieces of jewellery and trinkets, dating from the late 1500s to the early 1600s.
There were rings, brooches, earrings, chains, scent bottles, and unset gemstones, many of which were still vibrant despite their long slumber underground.
The workmen sold their find to a jeweller, who then donated it to the London Museum.
But who buried it? And why?
Nobody actually knows, but the leading theory is a jeweller hid the collection for safekeeping during the English Civil War, never to return.
Jewels from Around the World
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cheapside Hoard is the sheer range of gemstones. This wasn't just a stash of local pieces. It was global.
You’ll find Colombian emeralds, Indian diamonds and rubies, Persian turquoise, and Afghanistan lapis lazuli. Many were cut in the fashion of the time, table cuts, rose cuts, and cabochons, with minimal faceting compared to modern standards, but still remarkably vibrant.
The hoard shows us just how interconnected the world was, even 400 years ago. Gemstones flowed along vast trade routes, arriving in London to be set into fashionable pieces for England’s wealthy elite.
A Window into Tudor and Stuart Style
The designs are nothing short of captivating. Bold, intricate goldwork and colourful gemstone combinations were the norm. Jewels were worn to impress with eye-catching styles that were rich with symbolism.
These were not everyday items. They were showpieces of wealth, status, and craftsmanship, each one a reminder of the artistry and ambition of the period’s goldsmiths.
Why It Matters for Modern Jewellers
For those of us who work with gemstones today, the Cheapside Hoard is a remarkable source of inspiration.
It highlights the enduring appeal of coloured gemstones, the global nature of gem sourcing, and the timeless draw of bold design. You’ll spot trends that feel surprisingly modern, such as mismatched stones, multi-colour clusters, and a love for juicy, saturated colour.
It also reminds us of the stories stones carry. Each gem in the hoard travelled thousands of miles, touched multiple hands, and ended up in a forgotten cellar. That history of trade, craft, and mystery, still resonates.
Where to See the Hoard Today
Most of the Cheapside Hoard is still housed at the London Museum, though some pieces have been exhibited elsewhere around the world.
If you’re ever in London, it’s well worth a visit. Seeing these gemstones in person is a rare opportunity to stand face to face with the past, and to see the long lineage of your craft reflected in emeralds, sapphires, and gold.
Final Thoughts
The Cheapside Hoard isn’t just a treasure trove, it’s a snapshot of a glittering moment in gemstone history. It reminds us that jewellery has always been about more than adornment. It’s about connection: to place, to culture, to people, and to time.