Sunday, July 15, 2012

Pearls of Wisdom: How to Choose a Set of Pearls to Suit You

Pearls have seen a revival in popularity in recent years, and with the many different types of pearls available meaning that they can be worn with any outfit, it’s easy to see why. But if you’re going to invest in a set of pearls, you need to make sure you’re choosing wisely. And where’s the best place to turn for such advice? Your local independent jeweller of course!
Where do pearls come from? 

Pearls are hard objects which are produced within the shell of a living mollusc.  A pearl is formed from calcium carbonate, just like the mollusc’s shell, which has been deposited in concentric layers. 

The most valuable pearls occur naturally in the wild, but these are extremely rare.  Similarly, perfectly spherical pearls are also particularly valuable.  Therefore, cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters usually make up the majority of those which will be sold in your local jewellery shop.  As the names suggest, freshwater and saltwater pearls come from different sources from around the world – your local jeweller will explain the differences in pearls coming from each of the sources.

What shapes of pearl are available?

As already mentioned, the most valuable type of pearl is that which is perfectly spherical.  However, these are very rare.  The term ‘off-round’ is therefore used to describe pearls which appear to be quite round to the eye but have a slightly oval or flattened shape.  These can still be used to create beautiful jewellery, and your local independent jeweller will be able to advise on how to use these pearls, with the usual uses being either a necklace or earrings. 

Your local jeweller may also stock pearls which are oval in shape (or rice pearls, as they’re also known), used to create very delicate looking jewellery, baroque pearls (often the valuable natural pearls which are off-round or irregular shaped, perhaps with a ‘tail’ on one side), or even jewellery made from Keishi Pearls, which are accidents of nature created when the mollusc rejects the nucleus of the pearl and grows a free-form shape, resulting in very unusual and interesting jewellery.

What colours do pearls come in?

One of the great things about pearls is the fact that they come in a variety of colours.  As well as the well known white or ivory coloured pearls, ask your local independent jeweller about the other colours available. Natural freshwater pearls only occur in three colours: pink, white and lavender, but can be dyed to give them a darker shade.  Saltwater pearls come in varying shades from silver, gray, yellow, golden and even a dark grey verging on black, depending on where they come from.

I have an old set of pearls.  Will my local jeweller be able to restring them?

Yes, if you have an old set of pearls, take them along to your local jewellery shop where your local jeweller will be able to advise on restringing them and often be able to do the job for you on site. This is a great way of reviving an heirloom or vintage piece of jewellery. As pearls are so fashionable at the moment, it’s well worth investing in getting such beautiful items looking their best!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

A Cuff Above: The Beauty of Bespoke Cufflinks

When it comes to accessories for the young fashionable gent, cufflinks are seeing a resurgence in popularity.  Not only do they bring a certain je ne sais quoi to a smart work or occasion wear outfit, but they can also be an expression of the wearer’s individual personality. 
Similarly, if you’re buying a gift for the man in your life, what better way is there to give them something really personal and which will be kept for a lifetime than to buy them a bespoke set of cufflinks from your local independent jeweller?  Your local jewellery shop will be able to advise further on cufflinks, but here’s why we can’t get enough of them:
Origins of cufflinks

The ruffle-cuffed shirts of the 16th century are where cufflinks can be traced back to as these were finished with small openings on either side of the wristband which were tied together with ‘cuff strings’.  Then, during the reign of Louis XIV, shirt sleeves started to be fastened with boutons de manchette, or ‘sleeve buttons’ which consisted of coloured glass buttons jointed together by a short chain. 

By 1715, this had given way to paste-glass buttons consisting of two decoratively painted or jewelled studs connected by gold links, thus giving birth to the modern format of the cufflink. Your local jeweller will be able to recreate such a traditional cufflink if required, or, if you’re after a more modern look, why not look below for inspiration?

Unusual cufflink ideas

Your local jewellery shop will stock a variety of cufflinks, of course.  But if you’re after some inspiration, how about trying some of these ideas on for size?  How about having a map of somewhere meaningful shrunk to fit a small cufflink frame?  Or have cufflinks made from tiny watch faces?  Cufflinks can also be made from Scrabble tiles, Lego bricks and even Rubix Cubes, so if you want something to remind you of childhood days gone by, these are a good choice. 

Lucky dice could be given to the man that likes to take a gamble, whereas silver cufflinks imprinted with a baby’s fingerprint make a lovely gift for a new father. A local jeweller will be able to help you to find something which exactly matches the personality involved!

Bespoke cufflinks

Remember that your local independent jeweller will be able to create some bespoke cufflinks just for you or your recipient.  These could be anything that takes your fancy, from links shaped like musical notes through to cufflinks designed to look like egg timers or even spirit levels!  Similarly, if you’ve got some antique cufflinks which have been passed down to you, why not ask your local independent jeweller to give them a spruce up or a fix?  This will give them a new lease of life, allowing you to wear a sentimental piece of jewellery again.  The only limit is your imagination when it comes to cufflinks, just ask your local jeweller!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Jewellery with Meaning: How to Give a Gift with Significance


There’s a reason that jewellery is often given as a special gift: it’s a gift that people treasure as special and sentimental.  But have you ever thought about the meaning behind the piece of jewellery you’re giving?  Or indeed, the reason that you’re giving jewellery to the recipient?  There is actually a lot of symbolism and significance in jewellery, so here’s a guide to picking the perfect gift with meaning from your local independent jeweller:
Jewellery for the jet-set

If you know someone that’s going travelling and you want to buy them something to say ‘bon voyage’, why not give them a classic St. Christopher medallion?  St. Christopher is said to protect travellers, and your local jeweller will stock these pendants in both gold and silver to suit both tastes.  If you would rather take a modern twist on this, colours have very significant meanings in jewellery, and turquoise is also said to protect those on their travels, so why not pop down to your local jewellery shop and ask if they are able to supply you with a turquoise piece of jewellery?

Jewellery for mothers

Did you know that moonstone is said to protect a woman’s health?  And that it symbolises a nurturing nature?  So if you’re looking for a unique gift for a new mother or for your own mum’s birthday, jewellery from your local jeweller featuring moonstone is perfect!  As a slightly different take on this, why not ask your local independent jeweller for jewellery featuring the birthstones of the mother’s children?  The thought and personal meaning behind such a gift will make it a really special choice.

Jewellery for friends

The symbol of clasped hands within jewellery has long been a sign of friendship.  Rings consisting of two hands holding a heart have long been used in Celtic jewellery, and can today be found at your local jewellery shop in gold, white gold and silver.  Indeed, why not express your friendship with a bespoke friendship ring?  A local jeweller will be able to set the heart with your friend’s birthstone to create a really personal touch!

Jewellery for new starts

If you know someone that’s maybe been through a difficult time of late, has been ill, or is looking to make a new start, a piece of jewellery incorporating a butterfly design is a subtle nod to their faith and new beginning.  A butterfly design is not only pretty and intricate when set in jewellery, but it also symbolises resurrection, as a beautiful butterfly emerges from a chrysalis.  Your local independent jeweller will be able to advise on which design will suit the recipient best, and your gift will inspire hope and faith and will become really significant to the recipient.