đź’Ť Antique Jewelry Hunting in London đź’Ť
Some go to London for the Royals. Others are drawn to its historic homes and iconic gardens. We went for the tea—and the treasures.
If you're enchanted by the thrill of antique jewelry hunting, London has no shortage of magical spots to explore. Here are a few of our favorite stops:
Portobello Road
A charming destination any day of the week, but come Saturday, Portobello Road transforms into a bustling wonderland. The market stretches endlessly with vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and silver platters to street food and souvenirs.
But if you're on the hunt for antique jewelry, head straight for 125 Portobello Road. There you'll find a quieter arcade packed with serious vendors and stunning vintage pieces. Don’t miss Pay Novissim of Lowther Antiques—her collection was exceptional, and her prices were refreshingly fair. Before you leave, be sure to ask her (or any vendor) for directions to a few other hidden jewelry arcades nearby.
Pro tips:
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Arrive early.
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Bring cash.
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Come hungry.
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Pace yourself—it can be overwhelming in the best way.
Also worth a stop: Chloe Alberry at 84 Portobello Road for beautifully curated vintage hardware. Think antique drawer pulls, whimsical knobs, and one-of-a-kind accents. Planning ahead? Measure your dresser drawers before the trip so you know exactly how many treasures to bring home.
Grays Antique Centre
Tucked away in Mayfair, Grays is a haven for serious collectors. This multi-vendor arcade specializes in fine antique jewelry, with pieces so exquisite they could easily belong in a museum.
Open most days of the week, Grays is best visited after lunch, when the dealers have settled in for the day. Expect to pay more here than at a market stall, but you're also getting a curated, high-quality selection that’s worth every pound.
Sunbury Antiques Market (Kempton Showground)
If you're up for a true adventure, head outside the city to one of Sunbury Antiques Market’s legendary shows. We timed our trip around their Kempton Park event and were not disappointed. Rows upon rows of antique vendors with everything from rustic furniture to rare vintage finds—and yes, plenty of jewelry.
A few key tips:
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Arrive early. Like, pre-dawn early. Vendors start setting up at 4am, and some pack up by 9am if business has been good.
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Bring cash. While a few vendors accept Venmo or other digital payments, cash is still king.
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No photos. Seriously. Many vendors are cagey about pricing and will not hesitate to scold anyone snapping pictures. Save your phone for calculations or calls only.
Find their full calendar here: sunburyantiques.com
