We both began collecting as children and although we grew up on different continents, we shared a love of jewellery, gemstones and "the quirky". We met in Botswana where we began collecting together. Inevitably our home began to burst at the seams with our treasures, some of which we were happy to part with and let others enjoy. An antiques shop was born!

Alan has over 45 years’ experience in the diamond, coloured stones, jewellery and valuation business. He was the co-owner of a leading diamond laboratory based in South Africa, grading diamonds to the G.I.A. system. Alan is an accredited jewellery valuator of the South African Jewellery Valuators Guild and a fine and accomplished cutter of coloured stones. He designs beautiful exclusive jewellery for clients world-wide.

Sue qualified and practised as a solicitor for many years in the UK, moving to Botswana in the early 1990s where she continued to practise as a solicitor before opening her own consultancy business specialising in labour relations. She had the very great honour of being the first female judge in Botswana when she was twice appointed on a short-term basis to the Industrial Court bench.

We opened the first antique shop in Botswana. We offered vintage & antique jewellery and collectibles, indulging our love of fine quality, great design & sometimes the downright quirky.

Returning to the UK in 2006 Scarab Antiques was born but there has been an increasing focus on jewellery including designing and making jewellery to showcase our talents and those of Alan Poultney Gems. You can see our jewellery by visiting www.scarablondon.com.

We believe that collecting is about buying what you like and having the confidence to go with your instinct and mix styles and periods. Most importantly it is about having fun and enjoying your purchases. This principle still governs what we buy.

Our passion for glass & objects is undiminished so we hope that you will enjoy those that are showcased here.

If you have anything that you would like to sell and you think that it might be of interest to us then please contact us. A picture of the item and as full a description as possible would help us enormously. If you are also looking for something in particular then we would love to help. Join The Scarab Club and make use of our exclusive Finder Service - we never know what we are going to find on our travels!

• We are members of Antiques Are Green, a movement which promotes a valuable heritage industry and embraces green and ethical issues.
• We are members of LAPADA - the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the United Kingdom.
• We are members of The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewellery education.