ABOUT PARKIN & GERRISH
Parkin & Gerrish is an online destination for antique, vintage, and fine jewellery, founded in 2021 by Zuleika and Oliver Gerrish.
Meet the Antique Dealers
Parkin & Gerrish was founded by husband-and-wife team Oliver and Zuleika Gerrish. Together, they bring a rare combination of expertise, passion, and personal touch to every jewel they offer.
Oliver, an architectural historian, brings an eye for design, craftsmanship, and heritage. Zuleika, a qualified gemmologist and jewellery historian, brings deep knowledge of gemstones and a lifelong love of collecting.
As a family-run British business, their mission is simple: to curate antique and vintage jewellery of lasting beauty, chosen not only for quality but for the stories each piece carries.
Zuleika Gerrish BA (Hons) FGA DGA
Originally trained as an art historian, Zuleika Gerrish grew up in North Norfolk and was educated at Gresham’s School. She is the daughter of the late art dealer Michael Parkin — who not only ran a renowned Motcomb Street gallery (1972–1999), but also famously helped launch Radio Caroline, Britain’s first pirate radio station — and artist and dealer Diana Parkin. Immersed in the arts from an early age, Zuleika built her career working with art dealers, auction houses, and advisors. A graduate of Wimbledon School of Art with a BA (Hons) in History of Art from Oxford Brookes University, she has always been drawn to the stories behind objects of beauty.
Her journey into jewellery began in 2016 with an unexpected career shift. What started as part-time hours working for her mother-in-law, Olly Gerrish, at Grays Antiques soon grew into a lifelong passion. Guided by Olly’s 45+ years of expertise, Zuleika came to view jewellery as miniature works of art, fascinated by the craftsmanship and hidden histories behind each piece.
Her curiosity quickly became formal study: she is now a qualified FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association) and DGA (Diamond Member), and is training to become an IRV (Institute Registered Valuer) through the National Association of Jewellers. Zuleika is also a member of LAPADA and CINOA, and a member of the Society of Jewellery Historians. Alongside running Parkin & Gerrish, she lectures in historic jewellery, sharing her expertise with new audiences.
At Parkin & Gerrish, Zuleika personally sources, photographs, edits, catalogues, and uploads every jewel to the website. She also writes all the descriptions, manages Instagram, and oversees client communication — ensuring her personal touch is woven through every detail. Even the gift wrapping and packing. It is the finishing touches that matter. Oliver assists with sourcing from time to time, adding his cultural perspective and eye for design.
She is married to Oliver Gerrish, an architectural historian, writer, and lecturer. Educated at Harrow School, Oliver went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before completing a Master’s at Cambridge University. He has written for Country Life and other leading heritage publications, is a Trustee of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, and is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast Voices from the Hall, which explores Britain’s country houses through conversations with their custodians. He also leads tours and lectures for heritage organisations, sharing his deep knowledge of architecture, design, and history.
Together, Zuleika and Oliver founded Parkin & Gerrish in 2021 to bring beautifully curated antique, vintage, and heirloom jewellery to new generations of collectors. Their shared vision is rooted in history, sustainability, and craftsmanship celebrating jewellery not only as adornment, but as art, heritage, and legacy.
They live in Britain with their two children and terrier, Tixall, who is very much part of the Parkin & Gerrish story.
ZULEIKA IS PROUDLY A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING
Introducing Tixall
Every jewellery house needs a guard dog… ours just happens to prefer diamonds to bones.
“The charming thing about jewellery, especially antique jewellery, is that each piece sparks a great conversation. Whenever, I am at a party and I want to chat to someone I always spot their jewellery and ask. Perhaps their ring belonged to a beloved grandmother, great grandmother even. Or, a brooch was gifted for its special birthstone. Perhaps there is a hidden compartment within the ring... There is always a story to tell. So, let's find yours…
WE HAVE SOME LOVELY 5 STAR REVIEWS ON
The Story Behind the Parkin & Gerrish Logo
You might be wondering, “Why The Birth of Venus?”
When Zuleika and Oliver first began designing the Parkin & Gerrish logo, they turned to family heritage for inspiration. Both the Parkin and Gerrish family crests feature birds — an eagle for the Parkins and a racing pigeon for the Gerrishes. While birds initially seemed symbolic, they just didn’t quite take flight.
Then came a fresh idea.
The Gerrish family crest also includes a scallop shell, a timeless emblem of pilgrimage and journey. With Zuleika’s roots on the Norfolk coast, the shell felt deeply personal — and artistically powerful. Shells also hold a special place in the history of jewellery: associated with pearls, one of the earliest adornments worn for their natural beauty.
That led to the ultimate inspiration: The Birth of Venus.
As an art historian, Zuleika was drawn to Botticelli’s iconic depiction of Venus, goddess of love and beauty, rising from the sea on a shell. She embodies everything jewellery should celebrate — love, beauty, sensuality, and transformation.
And what could be more timeless than wearing nothing but a strand of pearls?
At Parkin & Gerrish, we hope every piece of jewellery evokes that same magic — beautifully wrapped, joyfully received, and forever cherished.