Charlotte Newman was born in Mayfair, London, in 1836. By the age of 14, she was studying at the Royal College of Art in Kensington before continuing her studies in Paris and at museums across Europe. She later returned to England and took a job in Covent Garden designing jewellery for the manufacturer John Brogden.
- Name: Charlotte Newman
- Date of Birth: 11th October 1836
- Country of Birth: Mayfair, London
- Date of Death: 18th January 1920 (age 83)
Newman quickly built a reputation for herself with her unique designs, often inspired by the pieces she had observed on her travels. She was known for her archaeological revival jewellery; one of her bracelets was based on a Greek artefact found at Pompeii. She was soon made the manager of Brogden’s shop and quickly found herself designing pieces for the elite ladies of the day, including Princess Louise, the sixth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
When Brogden passed away in 1884, Newman started her own jewellery shop near Bond Street called “Mrs Newman’s”, quickly growing in popularity. In 1897, the business moved to 10 Savile Row in the heart of the men’s tailoring district. Her distinctive pieces have become highly sought after and bear her unique “Mrs N” stamp. Jewellery historians have called her “the first important lady jeweller”, and during her lifetime, she was called “London’s leading lady goldsmith”.
