The Vault is the home of selected vintage Links of London jewellery offered by Links London.

Each piece is chosen, checked, cleaned and described with care, so that customers can understand what they are buying, how it has been assessed and how it should be looked after.

Vintage jewellery has already lived a life. It may show signs of previous wear, polishing, storage or use. That is part of its character, but it also means that condition, hallmarking, components and photographs matter. Our aim is to describe each piece clearly, prepare it responsibly and help it continue to be worn and enjoyed.

The Vault

The Vault brings together carefully selected vintage Links of London pieces, including bracelets, charms, pendants, necklaces, cufflinks and other collectable jewellery.

These are pre-owned pieces, assessed and offered by Links London as part of our archive-led work with London jewellery. The Vault sits alongside our wider development of Links London as a present-day British jewellery house concerned with vintage originals, archive knowledge, future design, restoration and care.

The Vault is not treated as ordinary second-hand stock. Each piece is considered for its design, condition, wearability, hallmarking and suitability for continued use.

How We Select Pieces

We look for pieces that have the right combination of design quality, recognisable character, condition and future wearability.

When assessing a piece for The Vault, we consider:

• the design and form of the piece;
• visible marks, including fineness marks and maker’s or sponsor’s marks where present;
• construction, scale and proportions;
• component compatibility, such as charm fittings, bracelet links, clasps or chains;
• signs of previous wear, polishing, repair or alteration;
• enamel, plating, vermeil, gemstones, cords or other details where relevant;
• whether the piece can be described accurately and responsibly.

We do not list a piece in The Vault unless we are satisfied, based on the evidence available to us, that it can be offered with appropriate confidence and clear description.

Authenticity Assessment

Authenticity is assessed through a combination of evidence. No single feature tells the whole story.

Where available, we review hallmarking, maker’s or sponsor’s marks, construction, engraving, branding, design details, proportions, component fittings and comparison with known examples. We also consider the general feel and consistency of the piece against our archive knowledge and handling experience.

A hallmark can be an important part of the assessment, but it should not be read in isolation. Hallmarks help identify precious metal content and assay information. They do not, by themselves, tell the entire history of a piece.

Each product listing will describe the evidence visible on that individual item, including hallmark details where they are present and legible.

Hallmarks & Metal Descriptions

Many vintage Links of London pieces are made in sterling silver and may carry marks such as 925, a maker’s or sponsor’s mark, an assay office mark or a date letter.

Where hallmarks are present, we describe them in the product listing as clearly as possible. Where a mark is worn, partly visible or difficult to read, this will be reflected in the wording.

Some smaller precious metal pieces may not carry a full hallmark because UK hallmarking law includes weight exemptions. The absence of a full hallmark does not automatically mean a piece is not precious metal, just as the presence of a hallmark should not be treated as the only evidence of authenticity.

For more information, please see our Hallmarking guidance and the official Dealer’s Notice linked from our site.

Condition & Photography

Vintage jewellery is not new jewellery. It may show light marks, surface scratches, softening of detail, tarnish, dents, enamel wear, plating wear, restringing, replacement components or signs of previous polishing.

We aim to describe condition honestly and proportionately. Each product listing should be read together with its photographs, dimensions and hallmark details. The photographs form part of the condition record.

Where a piece has a visible condition point that affects appearance, wearability or value, we aim to note it in the listing. Customers are welcome to ask for further photographs or clarification before purchase.

Cleaning, Polishing & Preparation

Before being offered in The Vault, pieces are checked and prepared for continued wear.

This may include professional cleaning, careful polishing, clasp checks, restringing, replacement of worn components or other light restoration where appropriate. The level of preparation depends on the piece, its age, its material and its condition.

Our aim is not to erase the life of vintage jewellery. Over-polishing can soften detail, remove desirable oxidation or affect surface character. Enamel, vermeil, plating, gemstones, leather, cord and elastic also require particular care.

For that reason, we prepare pieces carefully and avoid describing vintage jewellery as “as new” unless there is a clear and exceptional reason to do so.

Repairs, Replacement Parts & Restoration

Some vintage pieces may have been repaired, restrung or fitted with replacement components during their life. Where this is known, visible or relevant to the value and wearability of the piece, we aim to disclose it in the individual listing.

For example, a bracelet may have been restrung, a clasp may have been replaced, a chain may be later, or a charm may be offered without its original packaging.

We treat restoration as part of responsible stewardship, not as a reason to overstate condition. A well-prepared vintage piece should be clean, wearable and accurately described, but it should still be understood as vintage jewellery.

Original Packaging

Original Links of London boxes, pouches, cards or packaging are included only where stated in the individual product listing.

If packaging is not mentioned, customers should assume that the piece is supplied in Links London packaging rather than original historic packaging.

Where original packaging is present, it may show signs of age, storage or previous use.

Care After Purchase

Sterling silver and other precious metals should be cared for properly.

We recommend that jewellery is stored separately in a dry place, away from humidity, direct sunlight and abrasive surfaces. Avoid contact with perfume, lotions, household cleaning products, bleach, chlorine, salt water and other chemicals.

Remove jewellery before swimming, bathing, exercising, sleeping or carrying out heavy work. Use a soft cloth for light cleaning and avoid aggressive polishing, especially on oxidised, enamelled, plated or vermeil pieces.

Vintage jewellery should be worn with care. Clasps, elastic, jump rings, enamel, stones and moving parts should be checked periodically, particularly on bracelets and charms that are worn regularly.

Sweetie Bracelets, Charms & Wearability

Some of the most loved Links of London pieces, including Sweetie bracelets and charms, were designed to be worn, collected and added to over time.

Because bracelets, charms and fittings can vary, customers should check dimensions, clasp style, charm bail size and bracelet compatibility before purchase. We include measurements where relevant and are happy to provide additional guidance where possible.

Vintage charm jewellery should not be overloaded beyond what the bracelet or fitting can comfortably support.

Questions Before You Buy

We encourage customers to ask questions before purchasing a Vault piece.

You can contact us to request further photographs, confirm dimensions, ask about hallmarking, check chain or bracelet compatibility, discuss condition, or clarify whether packaging is included.

A clear question before purchase is always better than uncertainty afterwards.

Returns, Delivery & Customer Rights

The Vault is part of our normal online store and should be read alongside our Delivery, Returns, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy pages.

Vintage condition will vary from piece to piece, but every item should match its description and be presented with clear photographs and relevant condition notes.

Nothing on this page is intended to reduce your statutory rights.

Our Standard

The Vault exists because well-made jewellery deserves a continued life.

Our standard is simple: choose carefully, assess honestly, describe clearly, prepare responsibly and help each piece continue to be worn, gifted and enjoyed.

Links London is building a present-day British jewellery house around archive knowledge, vintage originals, future design and the enduring appeal of London jewellery. The Vault is one part of that work: a careful home for pieces with history, character and future wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vault pieces new?

No. Vault pieces are vintage or pre-owned pieces. They may show signs of previous wear, storage, polishing or use. Condition is described individually.

Are Vault pieces authentic Links of London jewellery?

Each piece is assessed using the evidence available to us, including marks, construction, design details, proportions, components, condition and comparison with known examples. We do not list a piece unless we are satisfied that it can be described accurately and responsibly.

Does a hallmark prove authenticity?

A hallmark can help identify precious metal content and assay information, but it should not be treated as the whole authentication story. We consider hallmarking alongside other evidence.

What does 925 mean?

925 usually indicates sterling silver, meaning the metal is 925 parts silver per thousand. Where visible, fineness marks are described in individual product listings.

Are all pieces hallmarked?

Not always. Some smaller precious metal pieces may fall below hallmarking weight exemptions, and some marks may be worn or difficult to read. Where hallmarks are present and legible, we aim to describe them clearly.

Are pieces cleaned before sale?

Yes, pieces are checked and prepared before sale. This may include professional cleaning and careful polishing where appropriate. Some materials and finishes require a restrained approach, so preparation is carried out with care.

Will vintage jewellery look new?

Not usually. Vintage jewellery may show surface marks, scratches, tarnish, softened detail, enamel wear, plating wear or other signs of age and previous use. We aim to present pieces well while respecting their character.

Are repairs or replacement parts disclosed?

Where repairs, restringing or replacement parts are known, visible or relevant, we aim to disclose them in the individual product listing.

Is original packaging included?

Only where stated. If original Links of London packaging is included, this will be mentioned in the product listing. Otherwise, pieces are supplied in Links London packaging.

Can I ask for more photographs?

Yes. Customers are welcome to ask for additional photographs or clarification before purchase.