Twenties Trend: Jewellery Inspired by a Roaring Decade

You may have noticed recently that there has been a distinct nod to all things 1920s: from the recent John Lewis advert featuring a girl dressed to the nines in Charleston attire, through to shops full of exquisitely beaded and fringed flapper dresses. 

In 2012, trends have once again turned to the ‘roaring twenties’ for inspiration, a decade which did wonders for the realms of fashion, and jewellery was no exception.  Here’s how to add a twenties twist to your wardrobe with jewellery from your local independent jeweller:

Beaded Beauty

Beads were big business in the 1920s, and have been going strong in recent years too.  Long strings of beads were particularly popular, and are an easy way to jazz up a plain outfit.  Ask your local jeweller about strings of long pearls – in every colour imaginable – or for a more cost effective option, check your local jewellery shop for long necklaces made from coloured crystal and glass beads.

Decadent Designs

As well as long strings of beads, intricate chocker style necklaces were also the rage, as were dangly, decadent earrings.  Both of these options are great for party looks; your local jeweller will even be able to custom make a design to your exact specifications.  Bold colours were particularly popular, so ask your local independent jeweller about the use of stones such as black oynx or green sapphires to achieve the look.

Antique Brooches

Delicate brooch designs in sparkly crystal and diamond were extremely popular during the 1920s, many of which were inspired by nature, such as motifs featuring leaves and petals.  If you’re lucky enough to have an heirloom brooch, perhaps even a brooch from the 1920s itself, you could always ask your local independent jeweller to restore it to its former glory: your brooch will receive specialist love and attention from an expert at your local jewellery shop to bring it back to its roaring self.

And don’t forget the all-important 1920s’ Finishing Touch: Beautiful Headwear

Think 1920s and you think about the beautiful headpieces that the chic Charleston girls wore. This look can easily be achieved by wearing one of the aforementioned brooches in your hair. However, if you really want to push the boat out with 2012 twenties’ trends, ask your local independent jeweller to custom make a 1920s style headpiece for you: by adding this great finishing touch to any party outfit, you’ll be ready to throw a Charleston move or two on the dance floor before you know it!

Things to look for When Buying Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery has always been a popular choice, but if you’re looking to invest in a piece, do you know what you should be watching out for?  There are certain things you should always bear in mind when buying silver jewellery.  Your local jewellery shop will stock a good range of silver jewellery; here are some things to consider before making your choice:

Are there different qualities of silver?

Yes, there certainly are different qualities of silver, and you should know what you’re buying before you commit.  Sterling silver is the most common type of silver used in jewellery, and this refers to the fact that the alloy is 92.5% silver by weight and 7.5% by weight of other metals – hence the sterling silver hallmark of ‘925’. 

When it comes to silver jewellery, sterling silver is what you are most likely to find in your local jewellery shop.  Fine silver is purer – 99.9% silver - but is usually too soft to be used in jewellery, as is Mexican Silver, which is 95% silver and 5% other metals; much of today’s modern Mexican jewellery industry uses sterling silver instead.  Furthermore, silver plated jewellery isn’t really silver jewellery at all, but is jewellery made from a base metal which is then plated in silver.  Plated silver is usually used for costume jewellery. 

What hallmarks should I be looking for on Sterling Silver jewellery?

All British sterling silver jewellery should bear the British Hallmark which certifies that the piece has been independently tested by a British Assay Office and therefore conforms to one of the legal standards of purity for 925 sterling silver.  If you’re at all in doubt, ask your local independent jeweller for confirmation that the piece you are buying is sterling silver; your local jeweller will be able to point out to you the hallmark on a piece.

Is the piece well made?

It may sound like common sense when buying any type of jewellery, but you should always check the quality of the workmanship when buying silver jewellery.  For example, are the clasps well made and do they close properly? 

If the piece is a silver chain, are all of the links kink-free?  And when wearing the piece, is the metal smooth and free from sharp edges and roughness?  Don’t be afraid to ask your local independent jeweller for advice on silver jewellery; your local jeweller will be able to run you through all of these points when selecting a piece to ensure your silver jewellery is not only well made, but also of a good quality. 

Men, listen up: 3 great tips for buying jewellery for the woman in your life!

Christmas is nearly here, and if the woman you love has requested a special piece of jewellery as her gift, you might be filled with a certain sense of dread.  Just how do you pick a piece of jewellery which will suit your special lady’s taste?  Well, men, fear not this Christmas: your local independent jeweller is on hand to help you choose that very special piece. 

Here are some top tips for buying a great piece of jewellery this Christmas:

When will she wear it, and what’s her style?

A good place to start when thinking about buying a special piece of jewellery is when will the recipient wear it?  Your local jeweller will ask you whether you want to buy a casual piece, or a party piece, or even a statement piece.  Think about the types of jewellery she currently wears: does she tend to wear understated studs and pendants?  Or does she choose oversized pieces to jazz up outfits?  If you choose something from your local jewellery shop which is along the same lines as the pieces that your special lady currently owns, you’ll be on the right tracks in terms of taste.

What’s her favourite colour?

This may seem like a simple question, but if you decide to buy a piece with coloured stones, you should make sure that it coordinates with your loved one’s current wardrobe.  If you’re not sure on which colours will work best, speak to your local independent jeweller about purchasing a neutral piece of jewellery, for example, using clear or light coloured stones such as diamonds or pearls, as these will coordinate with lots of outfits.  Similarly, try to make a note of whether your wife or girlfriend tends to wear gold or silver jewellery, as, often, a lady that wears silver jewellery will not tend to wear yellow gold, and vice versa.

Can you create a match made in heaven?

If you really want to touch the heart of your loved one this Christmas, how about creating a bespoke piece of jewellery which matches a favourite piece she already has?  For example, if she is the proud owner of an antique brooch, how about asking your local jeweller to create a matching pair of earrings?  Or perhaps your local independent jeweller could create a bespoke eternity ring to match the wedding or engagement ring you gave her on those most special of occasions you shared in the past?  There really is something magical and heart-warming about a gift which has had so much thought put into it. 

And remember, your local jewellery shop should be your first stop this Christmas: with their bespoke service and plenty of choice, your local jeweller will help you to pick the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas!