As part of Lyon & Turnbull's 200 Years celebrations, we're sharing the stories of the people whose knowledge and curiosity shape the work we do today. Here, Jewellery Sale Co-ordinator Katherine Miller reflects on the objects that pass through our saleroom, and why every piece of antique jewellery tells a story long before it reaches auction.
L&T 200
The Stories Behind Antique Jewellery
28 April 2026
Katherine Miller
After graduating from college, I worked across several industries before beginning my career in the auction world. Having studied art history and studio art, I was drawn to work that combined my interest in objects with organisation and research. After ten years with Bonhams Los Angeles' Modern Design department, I returned to the UK and joined Lyon & Turnbull's Jewellery department.
One of the things I enjoy most about working in auctions is that every object has already lived a life before it arrives with us.
Jewellery is especially personal. It has been worn to celebrations, given as gifts, passed through families and, in many cases, carefully looked after for generations. Sometimes it's an inscription inside a ring or the original fitted case that catches your attention. Other times it's simply the gentle signs of wear that remind you this piece has been part of someone's life.
Recently, we offered a nineteenth-century diamond tiara that could also be worn as a necklace. It was beautifully made, but what stayed with me was watching visitors respond to it. Some wanted to try it on. Others imagined it being worn again, perhaps at a family wedding or another important occasion. It reminded me that jewellery is rarely admired only for its materials or craftsmanship. People connect with the stories it carries.
Helping these objects move from one chapter of their lives to the next is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Every consignment has its own history, and every auction offers the possibility that a piece will be discovered, appreciated and worn once again.
Why Provenance Matters
The history of a piece of jewellery can be as compelling as its design. Original boxes, receipts, inscriptions and family records all contribute to an object's provenance, helping specialists understand where it has been and adding another layer to its story.
For collectors, these details offer a connection not only to the maker, but also to the people who have owned and treasured the piece over time.
“There’s something special about helping an object move from one chapter of its life to the next.”
- Katherine Miller, Jewellery Sale Co-ordinator
