Jewellery Trends for 2012 – a Sneak Peak

Want to get ahead on the jewellery trends for 2012? Like the idea of starting the New Year and starting a craze at the same time? Well, read on for a guide of what’s going to be hot on the jewellery front in 2012.

With tailoring being all about the cut for Spring/Sumer 2012, jewellery is likely to follow suit. Therefore, ask your local jeweller about modernist pieces in geometric shapes, such as boxy chokers and moulded cuffs. As an alternative to stark, clear-cut jewellery, why not visit your local jewellery shop for extravagant, decadent pieces to create a contrast with the sharp tailoring which will be in fashion?

Making Waves

The ocean, and everything associated with it, will play a big part in 2012 fashions, and you can expect jewellery trends to get in on the act. Your local jeweller will be able to provide you with beautiful, ocean-coloured pieces using stones such as lapis, sapphire, tourmaline, emerald, malachite and jade. Oceanographic shapes will also make their way into 2012 jewellery pieces – look out for starfish, conch and sea-horse motifs for necklaces and earrings, and also lots of jewellery using real shells. Ask your local independent jeweller about ethnic and tribal inspired pieces too, as these will also work well with this trend.

Lady-Like

Femininity will once again return to the jewellery front in 2012; expect everything from ladylike beads through to long, flowing earrings. Jewellery will also revisit pearls as we see a resurgence of 1920s flapper inspired pieces – why not ask your local jeweller about an exquisite freshwater pearl necklace? As an opposite idea to this, we will also see both car and mechanical inspired pieces, gothic jewellery and variations on metal ‘lace’; your local independent jeweller will also be able to advise on these slightly more boyish trends in 2012 jewellery.

There are lots of new and exciting themes coming to the catwalk and a local jewellery shop near you in 2012. Remember your local jeweller will be able to advise on what will suit you best, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not think about commissioning a truly unique piece? By visiting your local jewellery shop you can certainly guarantee you’ll be on trend.

How to Sell Gold Safely: Beware the Risks

We’ve all seen those TV adverts encouraging us to boost our coffers by selling our unwanted gold, but if you’re not selling via your local jeweller and using a postal service instead, how do you know you’re selling to a trustworthy source who will give you the best available price?

Should we really be sending something so valuable away in the post to a company we’ve not had much dealings with? Here’s why you’re often better off selling your unwanted gold and broken gold jewellery to your local independent jeweller:

There’s no doubt about it, gold prices have gone through the roof, and in these unstable economic times, it has been seen as a safe investment. Even scrap gold is worth a bob or two, as it can be melted down and turned into bullion. This has meant, however, that a plethora of sites have popped up, who buy gold on the cheap and sell it on, and as many people, quite understandably, don’t know how much their gold is worth, these sites can, unfortunately, sometimes be unscrupulous and offer a price much lower than its actual worth.

One way of checking how much your unwanted gold is worth is to visit your local jewellery shop, as they will be able to advise on the carat (which indicates purity) and the weight, and your local jeweller should also be able to give you a benchmark price which you should be aiming for when selling your gold. More often than not, your local independent jeweller will also offer a much more competitive price for your unwanted gold jewellery than postal gold services.

The gold industry is unregulated, so when you sell to a website or via a postal service, you just don’t know who you’re dealing with – not so when using your local jewellery shop; not only will they give you a fair price for your scrap gold, but they’ll give you top service too. After all, your local jeweller is not just after your unwanted gold; they’ll also want your repeat business for any new pieces you may be looking to buy and your recommendations to friends and family too!

Furthermore, even if you sell your gold to a website or postal service that offers the option to reject their monetary offer and have your gold returned, it can sometimes be a struggle to get your gold back, or you could be charged postage for the return. As a worst case scenario, your gold could even have been melted down before you’ve had the chance to reject the offer! This would never be the case with your local independent jeweller, as you wouldn’t be asked to part with your gold in this way before they give you an offer for your unwanted jewellery.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that not all jewellery should be sold as scrap – scrap should be just that: unwanted trinkets, broken items of jewellery and odds and ends such as gold butterfly clips from earrings. Your local independent jeweller will be able to tell you whether your jewellery is scrap or more valuable than that; for example, fashion items such as branded jewellery are often worth more when sold on whole rather than melted down for bullion, and jewellery with gemstones included could be worth a lot more than a gold site tells you it’s worth. Your local jewellery shop will be able to offer a valuation on any piece of jewellery you’re thinking of selling.

As with most things in life, it’s always nicer and more reliable to be dealing with someone face to face; your local independent jeweller will be able to give you the best possible advice when it comes to selling your gold, and most likely the best price too!

Is your Cherished Jewellery Safe When Being Repaired?

Many Jewellers offer a repair service, but is your jewellery always in safe hands when being repaired? Your local independent jeweller will often repair on the premises. Many jewellers – especially high street chains – don't. So what happens to your precious jewellery if it's not being repaired on the premises? Where exactly will it be repaired if it's not being repaired on site, as a local jewellery shop often would? How do you know that your precious jewellery will be looked after? Well, here's a few things to bear in mind when thinking about having your jewellery repaired:

First of all, it's important to find out exactly where your jewellery will be repaired. As mentioned above, quite often jewellers, especially high street chains, will send jewellery away to be repaired, rather than repairing it on site like a local jeweller normally would. If repairs aren't carried out on site, your cherished jewellery will often travel to its destination by post, which is a great risk for your precious pieces.

Can you imagine the horror of being told that your beautiful engagement ring, selected by your fiancé and full of sentimental value, has been lost in the post and may never be returned to you? Or a precious family heirloom, which is one of a kind and has been handed down for generations, has been mislaid during transit? If these scenarios fill you with dread, ask your local independent jeweller about their repair services. A local jewellery shop will often have experts on site, and they may very well carry out repairs on their premises. Not only will this be less risky as your jewellery will not need to be transported anywhere, but by asking your local jeweller to carry out a repair, it will often be quicker too.

Similarly, check where your jewellery will be kept whilst being repaired. Will your piece be held in a safe place, and is there adequate insurance in place? Your local independent jeweller should be very able to reassure you in this respect, by keeping your jewellery in a locked safe at all times and by ensuring that they have enough insurance cover in place in the unlikely event of anything going wrong. For your piece of mind and as proof of ownership, always make sure that you receive a receipt for your item of jewellery - your local jewellery shop will be happy to provide a receipt if entrusted with your piece. You should also make sure that you choose a jeweller with long term expertise and experience; high street chains may not have as much experience as a local independent jeweller who has been in the business for years, so it's worth checking this out.

Be aware also that there are, unfortunately, unscrupulous chains who will tell you that your jewellery cannot be repaired and suggest you buy a new piece instead; a local independent jeweller will always do their best to repair your piece if possible, or may suggest remodelling the piece if it's not possible to repair it. At least this way, if the item of jewellery was a gift or an heirloom, you'll have your original piece to keep as part of the remodelled design.

Jewellery is so precious and sentimental, it's important to know that it will be safe if it's ever in need of a repair. Your local independent jeweller knows the importance of your jewellery (after all, they work with jewellery every day and know what your jewellery means to you!) and they will always do their very best to care for your pieces and repair them if possible. Therefore, if you've got a treasured item of jewellery that's in need of repair, why not seek out a reputable local jewellery shop? That way, your beautiful jewellery will be in safe hands!

Jewellery Valuations: The benefits and what you need to know

Jewellery is often amongst the most valuable and sentimental of a person’s possessions, and therefore it’s important to know how much it is worth for insurance purposes. Obviously, we all hope that no harm will come to our precious possessions, and an insurance premium is one of those things that you always trust will be a waste of money in the hope that you’ll never have to use it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. And this is where your local independent jeweller can come to your rescue: a professional jewellery valuation carried out in a local jewellery shop will help you to be fully protected against loss or theft and make insurance claims quick and simple.

If the worst does happen, most insurance companies will ask for proof of ownership and a professional valuation to prove how much your treasured items were worth. They will also often ask for good quality photographs of the items and detailed descriptions. By asking a local jeweller to carry out a professional valuation of your jewellery, you will receive all of the above and more. During a valuation by your local jeweller, your watches and jewellery will be carefully examined and a detailed written report will be compiled, noting any distinguishing features, as well as documenting your items photographically, to provide you with a legal document fit for insurance purposes. Through the valuation from your local jewellery shop, you will be able to prove the value of your pieces for your insurer, and if any stolen items are recovered by the police, you will also have evidence that you are the rightful owner.

Lots of your items can also be SafeMarked by your local jewellery shop. This is a tiny, discreet mark which your local jeweller can apply in the same way as a hallmark would be applied. The SafeMark is then permanently recorded in a secure national database, giving you absolute proof that you are the owner. This means that if your jewellery is ever lost or stolen, by notifying SafeGuard the details will be put onto a constantly updated register, and if your jewellery is recovered, the police will be able to check the SafeMark against the register. Therefore, it’s definitely worth asking your local independent jeweller about this service!

Your local jewellery shop will either charge a fixed fee for the valuation, or a percentage of the value of the piece itself, so it’s important to find out up front how your local jeweller intends to charge you. Either way, however, your local independent jeweller will give excellent customer service and attention to detail, and the valuation fee will be a small price to pay if the worst does happen.

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas from your local independent jeweller

Stuck for unique Christmas gift ideas this Christmas? Want to give something special but don’t know where to turn to or what to buy? Fear not! A trip to your local jewellery shop is all you need: your local jeweller will be able to give you plenty of ideas for Christmas gift ideas 2011, and here’s just a few to get you started:

1) A personally commissioned jewellery piece:
For truly unique Christmas gift ideas this year, how about commissioning a special jewellery piece for the recipient? What could be more exclusive and thoughtful than an item of jewellery which has been designed just for you? This really will win you brownie points this Christmas as a piece designed with the recipient in mind truly demonstrates the old adage that ‘it’s the thought that counts’. Ask your local independent jeweller for advice on both design and the type of piece to have commissioned.

2) Wonderful watches:
Jewellery isn’t just for women, and this is especially true when it comes to luxury Christmas gift ideas. Make the man in your life feel extra special with a new watch this Christmas; your local jewellery shop will stock a variety of timepieces, from gold and silver watches, stainless steel or plated metal pieces, through to diamond set watches. Your local jeweller will be able to find something to suit every taste and budget when it comes to luxury Christmas gift ideas this festive season.

3) Kit Heath Jewellery:
If you’re after beautiful jewellery by a top British designer, Kit Heath Jewellery is just the job! His new Champagne collection captures the spirit of celebration, having been inspired by the fizz and pop of the champagne bubble itself, and if you’re after a gift that will grow and grow, why not give something from the Kit Heath Beachcomber collection? The charm beads can be added to over time, meaning that a collection can be built up over birthdays and Christmases to come. Kit Heath jewellery will be stocked at your local independent jewellers, so why not ask about this unique brand?

4) Children’s jewellery and watches:
If you want unique Christmas gift ideas for children that will last longer than the latest trendy toy, why not think about asking your local jewellery shop about children’s jewellery? A particularly popular gift choice for kids is a child’s watch with a customised strap – your local independent jeweller will be able to help you pick a watch that will withstand the knocks and bumps inevitable incurred by children with a robust strap to match.

5) Giftware:
Remember, your local jewellery shop will stock more than just jewellery – they also offer great ranges of alternative giftware too, such as photoframes, clocks and porcelain figurines, so there really are unique Christmas gift ideas to suit everyone!

As you can see, your local independent jeweller really should be your first port of call this Christmas. Whether you’re just looking for a present that’s a bit different, or if Christmas shopping isn’t your speciality, your local jeweller will be able to offer friendly advice and a helping hand on the way to finding the perfect Christmas gift for everyone.

Kit Heath Jewellery: This Season’s Party Pieces

Christmas is coming and the new Kit Heath Jewellery collection, available at your local jewellery shop, is the perfect way to jazz up your party look! Having founded his sterling silver jewellery company at just 18 years of age, Kit’s beautifully designed pieces are now an internationally recognised British jewellery brand, with local jeweller stockists throughout the United Kingdom.

Many of the pieces are inspired by the dramatic Devonshire coastline, making each piece of jewellery quintessentially British – what more inspiration do you need to complete your Christmas look?!

Get that Extra Christmas Sparkle

Kit Heath’s new collection will certainly give your outfit that extra sparkle and pop, particularly as it has been inspired by every girl’s favourite tipple: Champers! Yes, the new collection of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, all of which will be stocked by your local independent jeweller, have been inspired by the champagne bubble – a perfect way to add that additional fizz to your look! And if you’re looking for unique Christmas gift ideas, then look no further than the Champagne collection: gorgeously feminine and also full of fun, style and glamour, the new range is so gloriously different to the usual jewellery gift that every woman will adore the way that the elegant champagne bubble has been captured within the precious metal.

A Charming Gift

The charm of the charm bracelet continues to go from strength to strength this year, but if you’re looking for unique Christmas gift ideas this festive season, you need look no further than Kit Heath’s Beachcomber collection. The pebble-inspired beads offer a twist on the traditional charm bracelet, and by mixing and matching the various styles, a truly unique piece of jewellery can be created to reflect the individual’s style. The beads vary in style and size, and are inspired by nature, from sleek sea-rounded stones through to the sparkling moonlight reflected on the ocean, so whether you’re after something large or small, smooth or shiny, there really is something for everyone within this collection.

And if you’re not sure what will work best, remember that your local independent jeweller will be able to offer words of wisdom and advice. The Beachcomber collection also varies in price, so why not ask your local jeweller about a gift to suit your budget? And for something truly different, your local jewellery shop will also be able to help with a Kit Heath Beachcomber necklace – just like a charm bracelet, but on a longer chain; a few beautiful beads to create a beautifully individual necklace!

So as you can see, from luxury Christmas gift ideas through to celebration-inspired party pieces, Kit Heath jewellery really does offer something for everyone. And if you’re not sure where to start with such an extensive range, just ask your local independent jeweller for advice.

Stay on trend this autumn by visiting your Local Independent jeweller

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s easy to retreat into big comfy jumpers, tried and tested jeans and warm boots. But a winter wardrobe doesn’t have to lack style; one of the easiest ways to glam up an autumn look is by visiting your local independent jeweller for unique and on-trend pieces to brighten the long days ahead.

Recently jewellery has been about expressing your personality and making a statement, and the trend for big and bold continues into the autumn. Think large metal cuffs and necklaces brimming with rough semi-precious stones. Many of these more daring pieces this autumn will also be walking on the wild side having been inspired by fierce creatures – large golden claws, animal shaped pieces and intricate feathers will feature heavily on the catwalks this autumn. If you have a creative eye and are after a specific item to go with a particular outfit, why not ask your local jeweller about commissioning a unique statement piece just for you? This trend doesn’t look like it’s going to go away any time soon, so what better way to invest in your style and personality?

An alternative way to make a statement is by layering lots of smaller pieces. Ask your local jeweller about fine gold or silver chains with small, funky, and most importantly unique, pendants on the end of each one. Equally, layering lots of small rings really makes an impact, and why not make yourself known at any event by announcing your presence with jangling wrists loaded with bangles?! Your local jeweller will be able to advise how and what to layer together – getting the balance right can be a fine art.

Charm bracelets in all their various guises will still be popular, and they make a great gift for a fashion-conscious friend – your local jewellery shop will be able to advise on what charms work best with which bracelets, and also point you in the direction of a charm to suit the recipient’s personality.

Pearls and vintage inspired pieces continue to be popular. If you have an old pearl necklace that needs restringing, or a much-loved family heirloom which perhaps isn’t so fashionable any more, your local independent jeweller will be able to bring your old pieces back to life – and back on trend.

There really is something for everyone this autumn, so there’s no excuse not to jazz up your autumnal look. And remember that if you’re not sure what trend will suit you, you only have to look as far as your local independent jeweller for advice.

Commemorate a special event with a keepsake they’ll treasure

It’s sometimes difficult to know what to give our loved ones for special occasions. For something like a wedding or christening, most people want to give something which will be treasured forever and kept as a memory of that special event. This is where your local independent jeweller can help you. Many stock a wide range of giftware which will show your friends and family the thought and love that has gone into your gift decision.

For special birthdays and anniversaries, why not ask your local jeweller about a porcelain figurine? This is a great way for a loved one to add a stylish new addition to their home, and also gives the option of someone else buying a complementing figurine, or another figure being bought on a different occasion, in order for the person receiving the gift to be able to start a valuable collection. Remember, your local independent jeweller will be able to guide you towards something to suit everyone’s taste.

Christenings are particularly difficult to buy a keepsake for, as the recipient is often too young to give something to which will stand the test of time. How about a special photoframe, which can be kept by the child’s parents as a keepsake for years to come? A local jewellery shop will often stock items such as beautiful silver photoframes, and many other pieces of giftware, which are very suitable for Christening keepsakes.

If you’re struggling to find something to give as a wedding present, your local independent jeweller could also help with this. Stocking clocks, figurines and other collectable pieces from recognised makers, your local jeweller will be able to find something to suit every newly married couple’s tastes. And don’t forget those closest to you; your local jewellery shop will also be able to help with buying a special piece of jewellery or a watch as a birthday or an anniversary present for your other half. After all, a traditional 5^th anniversary present is wood, so how about a new wooden clock? The 20^th anniversary is china, so why not buy a figurine? And not forgetting your 25^th anniversary (silver), 30^th anniversary (pearl) or 50^th anniversary (gold) which speak for themselves!

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up and you’re stuck for that unique gift, remember to try your local jewellery shop – their friendly staff will be happy to hunt down the perfect present for your loved one!

How Local Jewellers can make your Wedding day Jewellery Choices Simple

Buying your wedding rings is one of the most important and sentimental purchases that anyone will ever make. It's essential therefore that you make sure that your rings are right for you before committing yourself. A local independent jeweller could help to steer you in the right direction to make the best investment at such a special time in your life.

Important decisions

There are many things to consider when deciding upon this piece of jewellery, which will ultimately become symbolic of your love and commitment to your future husband or wife. The various options to bear in mind include material, width, engravings and whether the ring will be set with any stones. This can all seem quite daunting, particularly when wedding planning also involves one hundred and one other decisions to be made in such a short space of time, but a professional local jeweller will have the time and knowledge to guide you through these choices and help you to pick a piece of jewellery which will last a lifetime.

Unique pieces

Something to consider at this important time is having a custom ring made. By doing so, the piece will be truly unique. A local independent jeweller can make a wedding ring to fit around your engagement ring perfectly, eliminating gaps in between your rings caused by an ill-fitting wedding band. Similarly, a local jeweller could make a ring to match the same metal as your engagement ring. They can also often be customised with precious stones and an engraving. What could be more romantic than a declaration of love engraved on the inside of your beautiful ring?

Incorporate your own style

And don't forget to consider your special-day accessories; why not commission a truly unique piece of jewellery to be made to wear on your wedding day, either for you or your bridesmaids? This could include your own ideas and designs to truly fit the theme of your day. Alternatively, if you have a treasured piece of jewellery which maybe you've inherited but unfortunately isn't your style, or a piece of your own that was fashionable once but now feels dated, this could be remodelled by a local independent jeweller into something fresh and new – what better way to incorporate your 'something old' into your big-day style?

A local jeweller with a high level of knowledge and workmanship really is to be treasured when it comes to such an important purchase; their invaluable advice should result in your receiving a piece of jewellery which will hold its sentimental value forever.

Gold: The Classic Investment

You may or may not have seen the news recently which reported that the price of gold has hit new record highs. Whilst this is more concerned with the gold bars governments use for complicated economic transactions it does show one thing: gold is always in demand.

There are many other precious metals which are extremely popular in the jewellery trade, with silver and platinum right up there as well, but gold is and always will be a classic in every sense of the word. It is versatile, goes with so many looks, can be made into endless pieces and is a great investment.

Maintaining Value

By purchasing, for example, a gold necklace, not only will you get to wear it year after year after year, but once you decide on a change, you can actually recoup some of your investment by selling it for cash. What other similarly sized purchase would retain a percentage of its value a decade or so after you first bought it?

Here at EK Jewellers we are always busy with our buy gold service. Think of it as an investment. Buy something you like, then a few years down the line get something back for it to spend on another more modern item, or anything else you please. Now what other purchase would allow you to do this?