With the next fair loading in Sandton on Dec 1, 2024 (the fair takes place monthly on the first Sunday of the month except in January), and its sister fair in Pretoria, Brooklyn's Antique Fair, coming up on Sat, Nov 30, we decided to share some tips on what to look for if timeless pieces that echo the early 1800s are your jam. This period was known as the Regency era, a time of change and development in the world of fashion, architecture, and style.
Netflix series Bridgerton has swept the globe, sparking a fascination with the Regency period, when nobility, romance, and elegant tea parties reigned supreme. Inspired by Julia Quinn's bestselling novels, we have followed the Bridgerton siblings on their quest for love in London’s high society. Throughout the show's three seasons, we were exposed to a simpler time, where the things that mattered most were the canes you walked with, the pipes you smoked, and the size of the tea sets you used. The experience gave us a glimpse into what life was like back then, and, well, we craved something similar in our city. If you are also a fan of the elegance and refinement of the past, keep reading for our tips on how to transform your space into a manor fit for royalty – from fashion, home essentials and smoking pipes, to elegant canes and even binoculars.
Clothing, jewellery and accessories
We know empire waist gowns, sexy boudoir items, and statement scarves aren't for everyone, but don't let that stop you from having a look at what's on offer. At the fair, head to Moonstruck Experience by Vivian Hilton for elegant pieces – from statement jewellery to vintage handbags.
Among the many stalls at the fair, which is located across two levels in Nelson Mandela Square, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out jewellery. From brooches, earrings, and hairpins, to bracelets and necklaces, there's something to suit every budget.
A tip: In Bridgerton times, jewellery often featured delicate designs with an emphasis on flowers, bows, and nature-inspired motifs, often set with diamonds, pearls, and colourful gemstones. Look for items with intricate craftsmanship – like statement necklaces, tiaras, and brooches – that could have been worn by those in high society back then. The most iconic pieces, like those worn by Lady Whistledown or Daphne Bridgerton, are often heirloom-quality designs (which simply means jewellery that is made to be timeless, durable, and of high quality – special pieces that could be passed down from generation to generation).
Household items – the most important step to any Bridgerton home makeover
In Bridgerton, we see that silverware isn’t just for eating – it’s an extension of social power and elegance. Funnily enough, forks were still a relatively new addition to the dinner table. At first, the wealthy were a bit hesitant to embrace this “foreign” utensil, preferring knives and spoons for most meals. But, as Bridgerton shows, by the time the Regency era rolled around, forks had made their mark – especially those with extra fancy designs.
At the fair, it's impossible to miss the cutlery sets, as almost every stall has one or more on offer. We thought Tyrone Sarkis Antiques had the most amazing silverware on offer. For those who have watched the show, think back to the duke's spoon and what it did for his relationship with Daphne Bridgerton. So, next time you’re eyeing antique silver, just remember: it’s not just the meal that counts, it’s also about the drama you’re serving with it.
In that era, checking the time obviously wasn’t as simple as pulling out your phone – people relied on large, prominent clocks, which served a practical purpose and added style to a room. Regency design is all about the details, with decorative elements like classical artwork, antique clocks, candelabras, and porcelain figurines adding history and charm to your space. These items not only have a functional role, they also enhance the overall sophistication and character of your home. We noticed many stalls that featured these items, all in varying sizes, shapes, textures, and colours.
With Regency-inspired dining and celebrations at the forefront of our minds, make your next gathering into a distinguished affair with the fair's exclusive tableware collection. Host a high tea in true style with an elegant teapot, teacups, milk jug, sugar bowl, and matching saucers. We loved seeing pieces adorned with gold-toned accents, soft pastel hues, and regal emblems. Check out Royal Albert's bone china antiques for inspiration.
Other accessories
From pipes to binoculars and canes, accessories were a powerful statement of taste, social status and sophistication back in the day. It's important to acknowledge that smoking was not a pleasure indulged in solely by gentlemen at the time. And while we do not endorse the habit, you can find a wide variety of pipes, tobacco tins and cigar cases at various stalls across the fair.
In Bridgerton, smoking, especially of cigars, is used to highlight masculinity, sophistication, and social status, particularly among the elite. Characters like Duke Simon Basset use smoking as a tool to assert confidence and create dramatic tension. It reflects the characters' power dynamics and emotional states.
During the Regency era, canes were both functional and fashionable, and were made from materials such as ebony and bamboo. They often featured ornate handles and could conceal items like swords or flasks. Canes were a symbol of status and sophistication, carried by both "gentlemen and ladies".
Lady Danbury from Bridgerton knew a stylish walking cane would boost both her presence and elegance, and these accessories were key to making a statement. At the fair, we came across various types of canes, including sword canes, Malacca canes (like Danbury's), and more ordinary wooden canes.
Photo: Ruvesen Naidoo.
As is still the case, perfect sight wasn't guaranteed back in those days. In true regency aesthetic, binoculars (often called spyglasses or field glasses) were used primarily for activities such as birdwatching, hunting, and naval observations. They were also popular for viewing distant landscapes and watching ships at sea. Binoculars were considered to be a sophisticated tool that were mainly used by the upper classes.
Though Bridgerton is set in the Regency period, it’s worth noting that the use of binoculars in the series is a slight historical anachronism. While binoculars were invented in the late 17th century, the more practical and compact version used in the 19th century wasn’t quite as advanced as the devices we see today. In the show, the binoculars are used to enhance the dramatic and romantic moments, even if they wouldn't have been the most common or practical tool at the time.
The Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair takes place on the first Sunday of the month from Feb – Dec from 10:00 – 16:00. In Pretoria, visit Brooklyn's Antique Fair on the first Saturday of the month from Feb – Dec from 09:00 – 15:00.
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