Tradition never goes out of style at Greene & Greene Antiques. We recently purchased this delightful Coalport bone china tea service for six. It's in mint condition and has probably never been used and comprises an eight cup tea pot, milk jug, lidded sugar basin, six tea cups, saucers and side plates and a useful little cake bowl. It is called "Hong Kong" pattern and was made from 1970 and discontinued in 1993. This particular set was purchased at Thomas Goode & Co. of Mayfair in 1976 for which we have the original invoice (pictured below). The pattern is very reminiscent of 18th century Chinoiserie designs depicting birds, butterflies, dragonflies and oriental flowers in the Imari palette of cobalt blue and iron red with gilded highlights.

As afternoon tea has become so fashionable, it would be our recommendation for a generous gift that would become a family heirloom for future generations. Come and visit us in store here at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra for a myriad of engagement and wedding gift ideas.

Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. 

This gemstone comes in several colour variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens. Peridot, in smaller sizes, often is used in beaded necklaces and bracelets.

The pieces pictured below to celebrate the August birthstone of Peridot are a 15ct yellow gold bar brooch set with a large square central peridot in original box by Mappin & Webb, c1930; An Art Nouveau peridot and natural keshi pearl pendant in 9ct yellow gold on a 10ct gold chain, c.1890; And a contemporary large tumbled and polished peridot string of beads with interspersed amethyst.

Come and visit us in store here at Greene & Greene Antiques to celebrate the August birthstone Peridot and all its wonders.