Hot Jewellery Trends: Get that Romantic Look!

Well, we’re in the month of love at the moment, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s only right that we share one of the hottest jewellery trends around at the moment: the romantic look.  Whimsical and boho are in right now, and there are some great pieces of jewellery to work this look with at your local jewellery shop.  Your local independent jeweller will stock some lovely, individual pieces which will really work well with this trend – after all, part of the romantic look is about originality, and there’s no better way of achieving that than with a piece from a local jeweller.

Understated Studs

Earrings are shrinking this season as part of the romantic look: studs are back, and they’re back with a bang.  You’ll be able to find designs at your local jewellery shop which are quirky, fanciful and full of elements of fairytale romance.  Think tiny, intricate gold feathers, heart-shaped diamonds, and twinkly silver flowers.  Softness and sweetness plays a big part in the romantic look, so anything of this kind, inspired by romance, will work well as stud earrings – your local independent jeweller will have plenty of beautiful studs in stock for you to make an understated statement with.

Classic Cameos

Cameos are making a comeback in 2013, and whether you wear a cameo on a pendant, brooch, or tiny versions as the aforementioned stud earring, if you want to embrace the romantic trend this season, a cameo will be an essential part of your jewellery collection.  You may well have a cameo from years gone by, maybe your own or one you’ve inherited; if it’s seen better days but you’d love to wear it again, why not ask your local jeweller if they’re able to restore it?  Vintage is a huge part of the romantic look, so being able to wear an antique cameo will add kudos to your romantic outfit.

Pretty in Pearls

Pearls have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and they continue to make a big statement again in 2013 as part of the romantic trend.  If you’re looking for a new string of pearls, your local independent jeweller will be able to offer plenty of advice on what sort of pearls will suit your personality.  Similarly, if you have an old set of pearls which need restringing, ask your local jeweller to restore them to their former glory for you.

Blooms, Bows and Birds

An extremely pretty way of styling yourself romantically is by wearing very feminine accessories which include flowers, bird motifs or bows.  There are many pretty pieces available such as rosebud stud or drop earrings in sweet shades of dusky pinks and reds, and gold bows have been popping up everywhere.  If you’ve not quite seen what you’re after, why not ask your local independent jeweller to commission a custom made piece for you?  This way you can add your own touch to the romantic trend – giving it that originality so favoured by this look.

Engagement Rings: Not Always About Diamonds!

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but recently many potential brides, and indeed potential grooms, are turning to non-diamond engagement rings.  There’s something quite unique about an engagement ring which doesn’t have a diamond, and is often purchased to reflect the bride-to-be’s personality and individuality.  If you’re looking for an engagement ring, or thinking of asking someone to be your wife, take your time to consider the non-diamond engagement ring options from your local independent jeweller.

Beautiful Blue: Sapphire

Probably the most famous non-diamond engagement ring in the world is that of Kate Middleton.  That beautiful blue sapphire stone, encircled with diamonds which add accents rather than starring as the main attraction, the heirloom ring of Princess Diana really stands out from the crowd.  The shocking blue colour of a sapphire will always draw the eye, ranging from light cyan to dark, deep shades of blue and even purplish tones.  And the blue stone can always be your future wife’s ‘something blue’ on the wedding day too!  If you’ve got an heirloom sapphire ring of your own which has maybe seen better days but you would love your loved-one to wear as an engagement ring, ask your local jeweller about restoring the ring and its stones to its former glory.

Pretty in Pink: Morganite

Morganite is an extremely romantic alternative to a diamond.  A pretty shade of pink, when set in a rose gold band morganite makes for a feminine ring to complement any blushing bride.  This gemstone should be worn in as large a size as possible, as it’s only in a large format that the beautiful colour of this stone comes into its own – and every girl knows that size matters when it comes to engagement rings!  If this unusual ring and a rose gold band take your fancy, your local jeweller will be able custom make a morganite ring for you.

The Colour of Royalty: Amethyst

Amethyst, a type of purple quartz, is an extremely popular choice for non-diamond engagement rings.  Purple is traditionally the colour of royalty, so if your soon-to-be-fiancée is your princess, then show her with an amethyst engagement ring.  Amethyst is traditionally the birthstone of those born in February, and using a birthstone as part of an engagement ring is an incredibly thoughtful way of showing your loved one that you care.  Your local jewellery shop will stock a range of birthstone rings for you to choose from.  There is also an ‘amethyst’ gemstone known as green amethyst, which, although technically cannot be classed as an amethyst as it is not a quartz, it is a beautiful green stone known by gemologists as prasiolite.  This stone works wonderfully when set in a white gold band, and still gives a flash of colour on the hand but in a subtle fashion. 

Thinking of a Non-Diamond Engagement Ring?  Don’t Forget the Advice of Your Local Independent Jeweller!

One thing to bear in mind when choosing a non-diamond engagement ring is the fact that some stones do not stand up to every day wear and tear as a diamond would, or may not be so suitable for a central ring setting; for example, topaz is a very strong stone but can lose its lustre, and whilst pearls are beautiful, they are not always suitable as the main stone in an engagement ring setting as their organic nature means that they are not normally perfectly shaped.  Ask your local independent jeweller for their advice on non-diamond engagement rings: not only will you find advice and inspiration in your local jewellery shop, but you might just find that special something which is completely different, but brilliant.

Gifts from your Local Jeweller for Every Valentine

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be looking for that perfect jewellery gift.  It can be difficult to decide what to buy your loved one, whether it’s a new love or you’re an established couple.  But fear not: inspiration is just a visit to your local jewellery shop away.  Help and advice is at hand from your local jeweller, together with a Valentine’s gift for every stage of your life together.

Stage 1: New Love
If you’re in a new relationship, but want to show your loved one just how much they mean to you, jewellery can be a daunting-but-great choice.  A tip for buying for a new girlfriend is to try to take in the accessories and jewellery pieces that she currently has; that way, you can buy something of a similar style, which will not only be something to suit her taste, but will also show how much care and attention you pay to her.  A great, contemporary choice at the moment comes in the form of the Kit Heath Culture bracelets stocked by your local independent jeweller: these bracelets are a twist on the modern charm bracelet, formed of a simple length of ribbon or beaded friendship bracelet with a silver bead in the middle – elegant and stylish in one fell swoop.

Stage 2: Engagement

What better time of year is there to propose than at Valentine’s Day?  If you’re not sure what sort of engagement ring to pop the question with, your local jeweller will be able to show you a range of rings in different metals and colours, and with different stones.  With the help of your local independent jeweller you can then pick a ring to suit your future fiancée’s personality.  And don’t forget, that after the engagement ring, you’ll then need a wedding ring – and a local jewellery shop offers the perfect place to pick out your wedding rings together!

Stage 3: Parenthood

If you’ve just become parents for the first time, and you want to show your wife or partner just how much they mean to you and how proud you are of them for producing your beautiful baby, a piece of jewellery this Valentine’s Day can show your love.  Lockets are becoming popular choices for new mothers because they can house a picture of the family within.  Why not visit your local jeweller, pick a beautiful locket out and then put a photo inside, ready for her to open on Valentine’s morning?

Stage 4: Eternity

If you’ve been together a while but still want to show your loved one that they mean as much to you today as they did when you were first together, there are some beautiful pieces of jewellery available from your local jeweller to do this with.  Watches continue to be popular choices, and your local independent jeweller can engrave the back with a special message; alternatively, why not ask your local jeweller to custom make an eternity ring to match or complement your wife’s wedding ring?  What could be more thoughtful than a piece of jewellery which shows off the piece of jewellery you gave her on the day you got married?  Nothing could be more special this Valentine’s Day – or earn you more ‘good husband points’!