Spring is on the Horizon!

As we start to emerge from these long winter days, it’s time to spring into action and spruce up our wardrobe with fresh new accessories. There’s no better way of making ourselves feel like spring is on the horizon than by embracing the new jewellery trends for spring 2012; here’s a guide to the big jewellery trends, all available from your local independent jeweller, this spring:

Arm Candy
Jewellery this spring will be all about bangles, bracelets and cuffs – and moreover, the layering of wrist wear together will be a huge trend this year. Ask your local jeweller for advice on chunky cuffs, strings of fine bracelets worn as an ensemble and ethnic-inspired bangles, worn to jangle as you move! The charm bracelet continues to go from strength to strength, and your local independent jeweller will be able to talk you through the different ranges of charm bracelet on offer.

Vintage Glitz
Vintage inspired side tiaras and hairpieces continue to go from strength to strength in spring 2012. Whether you’re a blushing bride looking for a beautiful piece to sparkle in your hair on your big day, or you’re just after an interesting headpiece to jazz up an everyday outfit, don’t forget that your local independent jeweller will also be able to help with tiaras and hairpieces as well as traditional jewellery.

Statement Pieces
2012 is not for the shy and retiring on the jewellery front; your local jewellery shop will be stocking plenty of statement pieces this spring, including large, hammered metal necklaces and pieces using patterned beads. Jewellery will be channelling the theme of architecture and working with the ideas of line and form. Furthermore, layers of necklaces will also be important – why not ask your local jeweller for advice on which chains will work well together? Bold and beautiful, statement pieces will add excitement and vibrancy to even the plainest of outfits!

Ladylike Dressing
Feminine, traditional jewellery is also expected to make a comeback in the spring of 2012, proving that we are in for a year of sharp contrast as these pieces distinguish themselves from the statement pieces also on offer. Your local jewellery shop will be offering lots of retro pieces, including beads and pearls with a distinct vintage, 1950’s feel.

Whatever your taste, the jewellery trends of spring 2012 will be able to fulfil it, and what’s more, your local independent jeweller will be able to fulfil your spring 2012 jewellery trend needs! On the ball and bang on trend, take a trip to your local jewellery shop today to prepare your wardrobe – after all, spring is on the horizon!

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.