Historical Jeweller Recreates 11th-Century Design Collections for The British Museum’s Landmark Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition
14 Sep 2026
Designer maker Jeweller, Gemmeus Historical Jewellery by Nicky Wade has unveiled two exclusive retail jewellery collections commissioned specifically for the British Museum’s highly anticipated Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
Crafted entirely by hand from precious metals and vibrant lapis lazuli, the limited-edition pieces are closely modelled on authentic 11th-century mantle brooches, offering museum visitors a wearable connection to Anglo-Norman history and bejewelled design.
The bespoke collections are available exclusively in person at the British Museum’s Grenville boutique shop and the main exhibition exit shop for the duration of the historic exhibition.
The two distinct three-piece collections pay direct homage to medieval craftsmanship.
The first collection meticulously honors the design of famed 11th-century Ædwen Brooch found in Ely Cambridge and is housed at the British museum, while the second collection features striking 24ct gold vermeil with fine filigree and granulation set with genuine lapis lazuli inspired by an 11th century Italian mantle brooch held at the MET museum in New York.
Both collections are Intended to be versatile; the inspired Brooch designs have been created so they can also be styled and worn as pendants. But each collection also includes earrings and dedicated pendant options.
As a true "one-woman show," Nicky Wade spent the last six months working on the design concepts and handcrafting every individual piece, ensuring absolute historical fidelity.
Because of the intensive artisanal process required to create them, the items have strictly limited availability.
Nicky says,
"It has been the privilege of my career to collaborate with the British Museum on an event of this magnitude. To have my work directly associated with the Bayeux Tapestry—an artifact that has not crossed the Channel in nearly a millennium—is incredible. My goal was to create pieces that feel as though they stepped right out of the eleventh century, giving history enthusiasts something truly rare and tangible to take home."
The collections are not available on the designer’s public website and can only, currently be purchased on-site at the museum. With tickets for the blockbuster 10-month exhibition generating unprecedented demand, these limited heirloom pieces are expected to become highly sought-after mementos of a once-in-a-generation cultural event.
About Nicky Wade of Gemmeus Historical jewellery
Founded by Nicky Wade in 2007, Gemmeus Historical Jewellery specialises in recreating high-quality, historically accurate & inspired designs ranging from Roman to Art Deco, all created in her workshop in Suffolk, all pieces are handcrafted using traditional metalsmithing techniques.”
She is a member of the National Association of Jewellers and The Gemmological Association of Great Britian Holding an FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association)
View Gemmeus Historical Jewellery
Source: Gemmeus Historical Jewellery