Introducing the Era collection, made in recognition of the things that matter most: traditions, craftsmanship and memories.
Era looks to the past with reverence, reimagining heirloom pieces for the way we live now and the years that follow. It’s a collection built on thoughtful details, from the hidden design flourishes that only reveal themselves up close, to the silhouettes that stay with you.
Designed entirely in-house, the collection spans engagement and eternity rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Each piece draws on the motifs and techniques of antique jewellery design, reworked with a focus on comfort, lightness and how it feels to wear every day.
From design inspiration and historical references to key pieces and customising yours, this is your guide to Era.
Behind the collection
Dreamt up by Austen & Blake's in-house designer Sophie Lomax, the Era collection reimagines Georgian jewellery through a modern lens.
"As a collection, Era is something I am particularly proud of. It's the first collection I have designed at Austen & Blake and spans bridal and jewellery categories. We are working hard to ensure that all designs have an aesthetic language that becomes recognisable as we take the brand into its new 'era'."
Sophie's inspiration for the collection stretched beyond the studio. "I enjoy gathering inspiration from outside the studio, and for the Era collection I was heavily inspired by architectural features on many London buildings where I live – from the Regency details in the Burlington Arcade, to the Brutalist features in the Barbican," she says.
Historical inspiration
At the heart of the collection are the seven-stone rings, inspired by traditional Georgian cut-down settings and a natural starting point for anyone who loves vintage-style jewellery. The Georgians favoured this technique as it securely held the irregular, hand-faceted diamonds of the time while making them appear brighter by candlelight.
Where the originals had a more substantial build, the seven-stone rings of Era retain the intricate charm of the period while still feeling lightweight and comfortable on the hand – a balance Sophie achieved deliberately. "I designed a setting that gives the appearance of a delicate cut-down setting from the front, but looks more similar to a classic collet from the side," she says.
This same balance of old and new runs through the collection's setting style, too. Rather than a classic bezel, which fully or partially encases the stone in metal, many pieces feature a bezel-inspired frame that opens up the sides. This technique allows more light to reach the centre stone, all while framing it beautifully.
There's a hidden layer to the collection, too, with many of its finer details drawing on another Georgian signature and an iconic piece of vintage designer jewellery. Men’s pocket watches, with their fine metal fixtures and decorative banding, offered a rich source of inspiration for Sophie. "I drew from a lot of Georgian pocket watches – the detail and craftsmanship seen in the metalwork really drew me to celebrate metal as a design feature," Sophie adds.
Every detail of Era carries a piece of history forward in a way that feels current. The art-felt designs feel like they've always existed, because, in a way, they have.
Lasting keepsakes
Let’s take a closer look at five signatures from the collection.
Side stone engagement ring
A nod to past, present and future, the trilogy is a design steeped in symbolism and tradition. Here, pear-shaped side stones sit horizontally on either side of the centre stone, framed by claws that taper to a fine point. Raised cathedral shoulders lift the piece away from the finger, opening each diamond to light. It’s a “contemporary, wearable piece that harks back to vintage jewellery," Sophie adds.
Pavé halo engagement ring
The centre stone on this engagement ring is framed by a thread-set halo, where tiny diamonds are secured by fine metal threads instead of visible prongs, helping to amplify its brilliance. The claws seem to sink into the stone's facets so the join all but disappears, while a decorative diamond-set cuff along the shoulders adds a further layer of detail – one that reveals itself only up close.
Half scallop eternity ring
This piece plays with scale rather than uniformity – round cut diamonds of alternating carat weights sit within a scalloped setting, creating a wave-like edge along the band. Each stone is individually set, adding durability while letting light travel through from every angle. This sense of rhythm sets it apart from a traditional eternity ring, and from anything you'd find in a vintage jewellery shop.
Two stone diamond drop earrings
Movement is central to this design: two diamonds, each held in their own delicate frame, are structured to shift and catch light with every step. The pairing draws on the symbolism of toi et moi (French for "you and me"), a design where two stones are nestled side by side to represent the unity of two people. Here, that idea takes shape as an earring, with the lower stone left free to sway gently.
Solitaire necklace
The diamond-set bale on this necklace is a testament to the intricate detail of Era. Rather than a plain attachment, it allows the pendant to move elegantly with you, adding a further layer of detail and extra scintillation beyond the centre stone. The fine cable chain, meanwhile, keeps the design light against the skin – subtle enough for everyday layering, yet striking enough to stand alone.
Heirlooms in the making
Era is made in celebration of traditions, craftsmanship and memories. Customisation is part of that story: choosing your metal and diamond specification means the piece you create carries meaning that's entirely personal to you.
Our made-to-order designs combine craftsmanship with conscious choices. Every piece of our diamond jewellery is responsibly sourced and independently certified, whether natural or lab grown diamond jewellery, and set by fourth-generation jewellers who understand the beauty of detail.
You can create a truly personalised piece, starting with your diamond's carat, cut, colour and clarity. Explore our diamond guide to find the specification that's right for you, including our lab diamond jewellery. From there, choose your preferred precious metal, whether that's platinum or yellow, white or rose gold. If you're drawn to the warmth of vintage gold jewellery, our metals guide will help you find yours.
For those who'd rather build a complete look, consider a diamond jewellery set by pairing matching rings, bracelets and necklaces from the collection. Every detail is yours to define, the start of your own era.
The ornate details of Era deserve to be seen up close. Book an appointment in-store to explore every piece for yourself.
The story continues
A good piece of jewellery earns its place over time. The collection is thoughtfully made to do just that, with details built to last and pieces designed to be worn for years to come.
Whether you're marking a milestone, searching for vintage ring jewellery with a modern edge, or simply choosing something that feels like you, every piece in Era can be made your own. Explore the full collection to find yours, and start the next chapter in its story.
By Anna Aldridge
link copied
Introducing the Era collection, made in recognition of the things that matter most: traditions, craftsmanship and memories.
Era looks to the past with reverence, reimagining heirloom pieces for the way we live now and the years that follow. It’s a collection built on thoughtful details, from the hidden design flourishes that only reveal themselves up close, to the silhouettes that stay with you.
Designed entirely in-house, the collection spans engagement and eternity rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Each piece draws on the motifs and techniques of antique jewellery design, reworked with a focus on comfort, lightness and how it feels to wear every day.
From design inspiration and historical references to key pieces and customising yours, this is your guide to Era.
Behind the collection
Dreamt up by Austen & Blake's in-house designer Sophie Lomax, the Era collection reimagines Georgian jewellery through a modern lens.
"As a collection, Era is something I am particularly proud of. It's the first collection I have designed at Austen & Blake and spans bridal and jewellery categories. We are working hard to ensure that all designs have an aesthetic language that becomes recognisable as we take the brand into its new 'era'."
Sophie's inspiration for the collection stretched beyond the studio. "I enjoy gathering inspiration from outside the studio, and for the Era collection I was heavily inspired by architectural features on many London buildings where I live – from the Regency details in the Burlington Arcade, to the Brutalist features in the Barbican," she says.
Historical inspiration
At the heart of the collection are the seven-stone rings, inspired by traditional Georgian cut-down settings and a natural starting point for anyone who loves vintage-style jewellery. The Georgians favoured this technique as it securely held the irregular, hand-faceted diamonds of the time while making them appear brighter by candlelight.
Where the originals had a more substantial build, the seven-stone rings of Era retain the intricate charm of the period while still feeling lightweight and comfortable on the hand – a balance Sophie achieved deliberately. "I designed a setting that gives the appearance of a delicate cut-down setting from the front, but looks more similar to a classic collet from the side," she says.
This same balance of old and new runs through the collection's setting style, too. Rather than a classic bezel, which fully or partially encases the stone in metal, many pieces feature a bezel-inspired frame that opens up the sides. This technique allows more light to reach the centre stone, all while framing it beautifully.
There's a hidden layer to the collection, too, with many of its finer details drawing on another Georgian signature and an iconic piece of vintage designer jewellery. Men’s pocket watches, with their fine metal fixtures and decorative banding, offered a rich source of inspiration for Sophie. "I drew from a lot of Georgian pocket watches – the detail and craftsmanship seen in the metalwork really drew me to celebrate metal as a design feature," Sophie adds.
Every detail of Era carries a piece of history forward in a way that feels current. The art-felt designs feel like they've always existed, because, in a way, they have.
Lasting keepsakes
Let’s take a closer look at five signatures from the collection.
Side stone engagement ring
A nod to past, present and future, the trilogy is a design steeped in symbolism and tradition. Here, pear-shaped side stones sit horizontally on either side of the centre stone, framed by claws that taper to a fine point. Raised cathedral shoulders lift the piece away from the finger, opening each diamond to light. It’s a “contemporary, wearable piece that harks back to vintage jewellery," Sophie adds.
Pavé halo engagement ring
The centre stone on this engagement ring is framed by a thread-set halo, where tiny diamonds are secured by fine metal threads instead of visible prongs, helping to amplify its brilliance. The claws seem to sink into the stone's facets so the join all but disappears, while a decorative diamond-set cuff along the shoulders adds a further layer of detail – one that reveals itself only up close.
Half scallop eternity ring
This piece plays with scale rather than uniformity – round cut diamonds of alternating carat weights sit within a scalloped setting, creating a wave-like edge along the band. Each stone is individually set, adding durability while letting light travel through from every angle. This sense of rhythm sets it apart from a traditional eternity ring, and from anything you'd find in a vintage jewellery shop.
Two stone diamond drop earrings
Movement is central to this design: two diamonds, each held in their own delicate frame, are structured to shift and catch light with every step. The pairing draws on the symbolism of toi et moi (French for "you and me"), a design where two stones are nestled side by side to represent the unity of two people. Here, that idea takes shape as an earring, with the lower stone left free to sway gently.
Solitaire necklace
The diamond-set bale on this necklace is a testament to the intricate detail of Era. Rather than a plain attachment, it allows the pendant to move elegantly with you, adding a further layer of detail and extra scintillation beyond the centre stone. The fine cable chain, meanwhile, keeps the design light against the skin – subtle enough for everyday layering, yet striking enough to stand alone.
Heirlooms in the making
Era is made in celebration of traditions, craftsmanship and memories. Customisation is part of that story: choosing your metal and diamond specification means the piece you create carries meaning that's entirely personal to you.
Our made-to-order designs combine craftsmanship with conscious choices. Every piece of our diamond jewellery is responsibly sourced and independently certified, whether natural or lab grown diamond jewellery, and set by fourth-generation jewellers who understand the beauty of detail.
You can create a truly personalised piece, starting with your diamond's carat, cut, colour and clarity. Explore our diamond guide to find the specification that's right for you, including our lab diamond jewellery. From there, choose your preferred precious metal, whether that's platinum or yellow, white or rose gold. If you're drawn to the warmth of vintage gold jewellery, our metals guide will help you find yours.
For those who'd rather build a complete look, consider a diamond jewellery set by pairing matching rings, bracelets and necklaces from the collection. Every detail is yours to define, the start of your own era.
The ornate details of Era deserve to be seen up close. Book an appointment in-store to explore every piece for yourself.
The story continues
A good piece of jewellery earns its place over time. The collection is thoughtfully made to do just that, with details built to last and pieces designed to be worn for years to come.
Whether you're marking a milestone, searching for vintage ring jewellery with a modern edge, or simply choosing something that feels like you, every piece in Era can be made your own. Explore the full collection to find yours, and start the next chapter in its story.
After all, every heirloom starts somewhere.
Shop the Era collection