Ogdens launches its Curio Corner
‘Curio’, by definition is a rare, unusual, or intriguing object.
The word curio was first recorded around the 1850s. It’s a shortened form of the word curiosity, which comes from the Latin "curiosus", meaning “careful” or “inquisitive”. Some people collect one single type of thing, like coins or stamps. But some curious collectors collect anything they consider curios. And at Ogdens we have done exactly that.
With the start of a New Year comes the start of a new feature on our website. We now have our very own Curio Corner. Here we will be presenting to you some of our more unique, interesting and one-off items, from vintage watches to designer collection pieces.
What is really exciting about this is we are offering you the rare opportunity to invest in some of the beautiful jewellery and watches from our archives at a reduced price, to accommodate some of our new collections in store.
We are making way for the new. We have some wonderful products on their way to Ogden and we can’t wait to share them with you.
But let’s return, for now, to our Curio pieces. Some of them are so unique we just had to share them with you.
First is this early Victorian silver vinaigrette box.
A vinaigrette was used from the late 18th century until the 19th century. It was usually a small tightly lidded box with an often elaborate pierced grate inside. Its purpose was to hold a sponge, soaked in usually aromatic vinegar to disguise odours caused by poor hygiene and drainage at the time.
Next, we wanted to show you some of the Stephen Webster pieces we are featuring.
Stephen Webster is a British jewellery designer best known as founder of his eponymous jewellery brand. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to training and skills in the British jewellery industry. He takes his influence from art, fashion, music, literature and the natural world. Stephen’s collections are instantly recognisable as he continues to break the rules of fine jewellery with designs that are intelligent, thought-provoking and visionary.
And lastly we have a whole section in our Curio Corner dedicated to watches.
This is a vintage, 18ct gold repeater pocket watch. Pocket watches were the most common type of watch in the 16th century until wrist watches became popular after World War I. In 1675, when Charles II of England introduced waistcoats, the pocket watch shape evolved into what we know today, with its typical rounded and flattened edge as men began to wear watches in pockets.
If you would like to see more of our Curio Corner simply click here.