Ashmolean Museum Oxford
The Bill Skinner Studio
Add harmony to your jewellery collection with the Messiah Violin charm, beautifully replicated and miniaturised in gold and enamel.
For lovers of historical artefacts, the Messiah violin has been replicated in minute and delicate detail. Just simply clip the charm onto our special charm necklace or bracelet, and mix and match with other exquisite pieces from the Ashmolean's collections.
Each charm is sold separately, and you can find a link to the rest of the charms collection by clicking here.
During his lifetime in Cremona, in what is now northern Italy, Antonio Stradivari (1644?–1737) created violins of several patterns that have been much imitated and are still the preferred instruments of many players. The so-called Messiah was made when he was at the height of his powers, making instruments that have never been bettered. It owes its great fame, however, not to the sounds that it makes but to the astonishing condition in which it survives.
The Bill Skinner Studio is a British-based jewellery designer who captures magnificent animals and natural subjects in exquisite detail. Skinner launched his namesake brand with a collection of remarkably charismatic and distinctive pieces in 2012. Inspired by the natural world, the team work from their studio in Kent and hand-carve every delicate piece to ensure that the utmost detail is obtained.
Credit: Antonio Stradivari (c.1644–1737), The Messiah violin (Messie). Spruce, maple, fruitwood.
Materials: 100% brass with gold plating and enamel
Dimensions: 2.6 x 0.9 cm
Shipping to United States of America is currently suspended for the foreseeable future.
The de minimus exemption for orders under $800 going to USA ended on Friday 29 August 2025. Please bear with us while we update our systems to accommodate the new tariffs and duties.
Our Pickup service is a convenient way for you to order online and collect your purchase in person at the Museum. Simply select the Pickup option at checkout.
Once you have received the collection ready email notification from us, we will hold your order for you up to 2 weeks. Please ensure that you visit the Museum to collect your order within those 2 weeks.
UK 1st Class: delivery 2-5 business days from dispatch
Europe: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Rest of World: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Please be aware that orders to International addresses may be subject to local customs duty or taxes. You will need to pay any additional charges for customs clearance, charges include local VAT and duty based on the value and origin of the product.
Weight Restriction
There is 5kg weight restriction for UK orders, and a 2kg weight restriction for International orders. If your order exceeds this weight, please contact the Online Shop team so that we can organise a quote for special delivery: onlineshop@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Further information on our delivery options and returns policy can be found in Shipping & Returns.
The profit from your purchases helps fund the running, collection and care of the Ashmolean Museum, which is free to enter and offers more than 1000 tours, workshops and lectures each year. By shopping with us today, you are helping support everything that we do.
© 2025 University Of Oxford.
All Rights Reserved.
