Friendship Bracelets Have Gone Luxe!

Do you remember as a teenager intricately braiding friendship bracelets out of coloured threads?  Or perhaps you’ve got a teenage daughter who’s doing just that right now?  Well, friendship bracelets have never been hotter as serious pieces of jewellery, and with their rise in the serious-jewellery-stakes a strange twist in the tale has come to pass: friendship bracelets, one of the most humble and inexpensive pieces of jewellery a girl could own, have gone luxurious!  Many of the top designers are producing friendship bracelets nowadays; some in the coloured-thread variety you’ll remember from your youth, and others altogether different.  Nonetheless, the lowly friendship bracelet has seen an out-and-out rise, and if you’ve got a teenager to buy for, they’ll love nothing better than a luxury friendship bracelet from your local independent jeweller.

The history of friendship bracelets

Although the exact beginn-ings of the friendship bracelet are a little unclear, they seem to have originated in South and Central America, quickly spreading to North America, and then the rest of the world, in the 1970s.  However, traditional bracelets are made by a form of macramé, which is a form of knotting rather than weaving or knitting to create textiles, and cultures all over the world have had a tradition of knotting threads into decorative trims prior to the 1970s. 

Because they have been around since the 70s, you’ll often find that friendship bracelets are popular with older generations, as well as teenagers, and traditional bracelets are great for the likes of wearing on the beach, for both young and old, as sand and water won’t harm them.  It is said that you should wear a friendship bracelet until the original threads wear thin and break, to symbolise the love put into its making; certainly, with today’s popular luxury friendship bracelets from your local jewellery shop, the recipient won’t want to take their bracelet off.

Modern day bracelet style: woven

Just because today’s bracelets have gone luxurious, doesn’t mean that there are none of the traditional style woven bracelets available; if the classic look is what you’re after, you’ll still be able to find something bang on trend, and with a touch of luxury attached: many designer names are producing the traditional woven style bracelet with a hint of sterling silver or gold involved, such as a silver bead or bar incorporated into the design. There are even bracelets available which are almost all sterling silver or gold, but where the metal is destined to meet, a woven thread takes over.  No matter what style you’re after, your local independent jeweller will stock designers such as Kit Heath who will fulfil your friendship bracelet needs.

Modern day bracelet style: simple

As a twist on the traditional-but-luxurious modern-day woven bracelets, you’ll also find many a simple style of bracelet on the market.  For example, there are a range of dainty pieces which consist of solely one metal thread with a small pendant attached.  The traditional style bracelet they may not be, but they are certainly up there in the luxurious friendship bracelet stakes, particularly as they often have a designer name attached to them. 

As a compromise between traditional and modern, why not opt for one of the many leather-style friendship bracelets available?  These also allow the wearer to customise their bracelet by adding bead charms.  Whether it’s woven or simple, however, you’ll not go far wrong with a trip to see your local jeweller as they’ll stock a range of friendship bracelets from many different designers - whether you’re reliving your youth or buying a gift, you’ll be in safe hands!

Photo courtesy of Virgenie, Wikimedia Commons

Trendy Christening Gift Ideas

It may not have escaped your attention of late that the world and his wife seem to be bringing beautiful, bouncing babies into the world at the moment.  As lovely as this is for all involved, when the baby is a few months or years old, it does often pose aunts, uncles, friends and godparents with the question of “what do I get as a Christening gift?” 

Whether you’re attending a traditional religious service, or a modern-day naming ceremony, the task of finding a gift for the little one can be difficult, particularly if you’re looking to buy something meaningful, which will stand the test of time but is also modern and just that little bit trendy, too.  You won’t be disappointed therefore with a trip to your local jewellery shop; there you’ll find a range of Christening jewellery and giftware to suit even the hippest of babies!

Personalised jewellery

Personalisation is big at the moment; this doesn’t necessarily mean traditional, and therefore slightly outmoded, giftware which has been engraved, but, particularly if the gift you’re looking for is for an older child, perhaps a piece of jewellery with their name spelt out.  Charm bracelets and beads with the letters spelling the child’s name are particularly popular with little girls at the moment, and you’ll be able to find this type of on-trend personalised jewellery at your local jewellery shop.  Alternatively, how about a locket with a family photo inside, or even a finger print pendant?  It’ll be something for them to cherish as they grow older, and is also that little bit unique.

The traditional Christening bracelet

The simplicity of the Christen-ing bracelet means that it has never gone out of style as a Christen-ing or naming day gift, nor is it ever likely to.  Your local independent jeweller will stock a range of Christening bracelets, in a variety of sizes to fit every little wrist, and if you do want something a bit more out of the ordinary, why not ask you local jeweller to custom design and make something for you?  It will be a one of a kind piece which no other child will have.

Stylish photo frames

Photo frames may be a gift which perhaps a gift more for the parents than for the child, but a simple, elegant, stylish photo frame will never go out of fashion.  Every new parent will proudly display a range of photos of their child at every stage of their lives, so why not buy something to do so stylishly?  Remember that your local jeweller will stock a range of giftware as well as jewellery, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

To pick something modern, opt for either something simple such as plain sterling silver, something cute and child-friendly such as a frame illustrated with traditional children’s book illustrations, or for the ultimate in trendy Christening frames, why not pick a signing frame which can be used on the day of the event itself as an alternative to a guestbook?  The baby’s parents will be overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness at such a gift – and you’ll be the star Godparent!

Pearl Stringing: How to Maintain and Bring Pearl Jewellery Back to Life

Pearl jewellery is a lifetime investment, often passed from one generation to the next, worn on wedding days and important occasions, and loved by both young women and those of a more mature disposition alike.  Yet pearls often languish in a forgotten drawer for one very good reason: their string has seen better days, and has either broken completely or is on the verge of breaking.  This shouldn’t stop you from wearing your treasured jewellery, however: pearl restringing is an easy process carried out at your local jewellery shop, and doesn’t just repair broken jewellery, it also maintains it before it breaks.

Pearl stringing for maintenance

As products of nature, pearls are subject to becoming worn and tired over time.  Pearls should be strung with a small, closely tied knot between each pearl to minimise wear and stop them rubbing against each other, yet still giving your necklace or bracelet maximum flexibility when worn. This method also helps to stop pearl loss if the strand were to break, as it prevents all of the pearls from falling off.  Over time, dirt and grease can work their way between the pearls and weaken the thread they are strung on, which can cause the string to snap; if you do wear your pearls often, having them restrung periodically, say once every year, by your local independent jeweller ensures that your special necklace or bracelet is maintained and less likely to break.

Pearl stringing for breakages

If the worst does happen and the thread which holds your precious pearls does snap, fear not: your local jeweller will be able to restring your pearls using the knotting method.  The necklace can also be guarded against future breakage by asking your local jeweller to use a slightly stronger thread than that which was previously used.  What’s more, your local jewellery shop will also hold stocks of loose pearls, allowing your local jeweller to match existing pearls should a pearl be lost; alternatively, if a necklace needs extending, the loose pearls can be used to do so.  Your local independent jeweller will also be able to fix broken clasps, should this be required.

Pearl stringing: not just for pearls!

Don’t forget that, despite the name, pearl stringing isn’t just for pearls: if you have any precious gemstone or glass bead jewellery, the same principles as pearl stringing can be applied to maintain and repair your beautiful pieces; pearl stringing at your local jewellery shop will allow you to enjoy your jewellery for many years to come!

Bring Back the Shine to Your White Gold Jewellery with Rhodium Plating

White gold jewellery is extremely popular right now, offering a good compromise between the quality of gold and the fashionable look of silver.  However, after a while, you may find that your white gold is looking a little lacklustre; this is due to the fact that, when it comes to white gold, not all that glitters is actually gold – it’s a plating of rhodium on top of the white gold that gives it its silver-white colour.  And what’s more, any white gold which has lost its sparkle can be easily brought back to life, with a little rhodium plating, a service offered by your local independent jeweller.

How is white gold created?

All gold is naturally yellow in colour, and can then be fashioned into other colours, such as white gold or rose gold, but adding a layer of a different metal on top. Rhodium is a brilliant white coloured metal which is added to gold to create the fashionable silver colour.  The rhodium plating is only part of the white gold’s colour, however, and it’s important when buying white gold that you enquire about the alloy mixed with the white gold to create its colour; palladium is the best alloy for use with white gold, and as all white gold is graded, from 1 being the best to 4 being the worst, your local jeweller will be able to advise whether or not your ring will need rhodium plating often in the future.

The Rhodium Plating process

If your white gold jewellery does need rhodium plating after a while, don’t despair: it is a quick, simple process which is not only relatively inexpensive, but will also be available at your local jewellery shop. How often you need your white gold jewellery, particularly rings, re-rhodium plated is dependent on the quality of the gold and the general wear and tear inflicted on the piece – for example, if you are employed in a manual occupation, it’s likely that you’ll need your white gold ring rhodium plated more frequently than someone in a non-manual position; your localindependent jeweller will be able to advise on how often you will need the metal treated.  Rhodium plating also involves polishing out all of the scratches your jewellery may have incurred, so your piece really will be as good as new again!

Rhodium plating: carried out on the premises of your local jewellery shop

Rhodium plating is a straightforward process which can be carried out quickly by a trained jeweller.  When submitting your jewellery to be re-plated, enquire as to whether the plating will be carried out on site; your local jewellery shop will carry out rhodium plating on site, but you should be aware that some jewellery chains send off jewellery for plating, putting it at risk of being lost in transit.  What’s more, when rhodium plating is carried out by a local independent jeweller, your jewellery will be back in your own hands and shining away in no time, which, if the piece in question is a treasured engagement, wedding or eternity ring not normally removed from your finger, is very reassuring for you as a client.

Spring into 2013’s Jewellery Trends

As the days get lighter and there is the promise of bank holidays galore in the air, our thoughts often turn towards jazzing up our wardrobes ready for spring and summer.  There are some great looks available for spring 2013, and using accessories to bring an outfit to life is an easy way of staying on trend.  Here’s what’s in store from your local independent jeweller this spring:

Fringe benefits

Fringing and folksy jewellery will be big this spring.  Don’t be afraid to wear huge, fringed necklaces with an asymmetrical slant on one side, as these will be big favourites in the spring and summer 2013 collections.  You’ll also see plenty of fringed necklaces with small adornments attached, giving a folk twist to this look.  If you’re worried that this look will be too much, take a look at the smaller fringed, asymmetrical and folk necklaces available in your local jewellery shop.

Pearly queen

If you love pearls, you’ll love this season’s trend for oversized pearl necklaces and bracelets – with some pearls being as big as marbles!  Pearls have been in fashion for many a year now, but this season sees a departure from the long strings of pearls and subtle earrings seen in previous years: think chunky chokers and cuffs.  Oyster isn’t the only colour to wear them in either – soft greys will also be fashionable, so check with your local jeweller about different shades.

Pin-up fashion

Pinning old fashioned brooches onto lapels, bodices and even berets and beanie hats will be big news in spring 2013.  Don’t forget that if you’ve got an heirloom brooch or vintage piece that you’d like either updated or restored for this season, your local jewellery shop is the place to take it; your local independent jeweller will be able to bring an antique piece back to life.

Subtly does it

Delicate drop earrings are making a subtle mark on 2013’s spring jewellery trends.  Small, feminine drop earrings are a great investment, as they can be easily worn for both day and night, yet can often have the impact of much larger dangly earrings despite their understated grace.  Whether you’re after diamonds or a different precious stone, or indeed gold or silver drops, your local independent jeweller will have a wide selection to offer you, and can even custom make pieces to your exact specifications, meaning that a trip to your local jewellery shop will leave you bang on trend for spring 2013.

Five Questions you Should ask Yourself When Choosing a Jeweller

Jewellery has an incredible sentimental and monetary value, and it’s important therefore that when buying new jewellery, and entrusting someone with our current jewellery, we pick a jeweller we can trust.  A local independent jeweller is an excellent choice when it comes to choosing a jeweller, and here are five questions you should ask your jeweller to make sure your jewellery is in safe hands:

Do I trust them with my jewellery repairs?

If you have a special piece of jewellery which is in need of some tender loving care, you don’t want to hand it over to just anybody. Before putting a sentimental jewellery piece in for repairs, ask your jeweller about their skills, and how much experience they have.  A local independent jeweller will usually repair jewellery on site, whereas some high street chains send jewellery away to be restored – risking it being lost in transit - so double check where your jewellery will be repaired before handing it over.  If stones or links are missing, check that your chosen jeweller can match the stones and metal type when restoring the piece.

Are they willing to repair my jewellery?

A trick employed by some jewellers is to say that jewellery can’t be repaired – and then proceed to try to sell you a new piece.  Of course, there are times when jewellery is beyond repair, but a good jeweller will always try to find a way of restoring a piece if possible.  A local jeweller will recognise that jewellery, and the memories associated with it, are precious, and will always try to help to bring a special piece back to life.

Is the jeweller knowledgeable?

Do you feel confident in the knowledge that your chosen jeweller is providing?  Can they talk knowledgeably about precious metals and stones?  And about the various settings and properties of different gems?  If you feel comfortable that your jeweller has a wide range of knowledge, you’ll feel comfortable buying from them, and putting jewellery in for repairs with them.  A local jewellery shop will have staff with many years of experience and training, so you’ll feel confident that you’re in safe hands.

Can the jeweller create custom pieces?

If you’re looking for a special, one-off piece, a bespoke piece of jewellery is the way forward – a service which will be offered by your local independent jeweller.  When choosing a jeweller to create a custom piece for you, ask yourself whether the jeweller would be able to create a piece for you from a sketch drawn on the back of a napkin – it may sound silly, but if the answer is yes, you know you’ve found a jeweller you’ll feel comfortable commissioning a bespoke piece with.

Do I like the jeweller?

It may sound obvious, but gut instinct counts for a lot!  One final question to ask yourself is: “Do I like this jeweller?”.  Are they personable, and do you enjoy interacting with them?  If they don’t have what you want, are they willing to go the extra mile to obtain it?  All of these things add up to create a great jeweller: and your friendly, local independent jeweller is the first place you should look for excellent customer service.

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.

New Year, New Jewellery: Top Trends for 2013

The New Year is all about a fresh start, and there’s no better way than freshening up your wardrobe than by updating your accessories.  Jewellery can make or break an outfit, and by choosing pieces which are bang up to date, no one will know that you’re actually wearing last season’s dress underneath all the bling.  So what to look out for in 2013?  Here’s the lowdown on the 2013 jewellery trends you’ll be able to find at your local jewellery shop.

Feathers and Bows

There’s lots of embellishment in 2013 jewellery trends.  Feminine bows will be everywhere, particularly on short necklaces and chokers, and some trends are channelling South West American traditional adornments by using feathers and traditional turquoise stones.  Whether your look is girly or cowgirl, you too can incorporate these looks into your 2013 wardrobe by asking your local independent jeweller for heavily embellished jewellery, whether that includes pretty bows and ribbons on chains, or whimsical feathers.

Bib’s Your Uncle (Or Should That Be Aunty?!)

Ok, so a bib doesn’t sound like the most glamorous thing you’ll ever wear, but actually, big necklaces will be big this season.  Bib necklaces – which are almost breast-plate like in style – are the new-look choker.  Think Baroque inspired drop bibs and chokers inspired by Victorian and 1920s styles.  These will only work with certain looks, of course – such as under a sharp tuxedo jacket with a plain top underneath – so if you have a particular outfit in mind to wear a bib necklace with, why not ask your local jeweller to custom make you a piece to your exact specifications?

Dare to be Different

There are certainly some different looks on the horizon for 2013, and if you’re brave enough, you can really make a statement. For example, how about an ear cuff?  You don’t need a piercing either – your local jeweller can create you a false cuff for the top of your ear which will give all of the effect with none of the pain.  For a less drastic look, choose full length rings - which are on the whole very delicate but cover the length of the finger – or upper finger rings, which sit just above the knuckle.  If you can’t find these looks on the high street, speak to your local independent jeweller about commissioning a unique piece. 

Simple but Chic: Open Bangles

A simpler – but no less stylish – look for 2013 comes down to the humble bangle.  Open bangles will be big this year – i.e. bangles which don’t meet in the middle, but instead leave a small gap with an embellishment on either end – and the best way to make a statement but not overdo the New Year’s trend is to wear multiple bangles, which will be available in your local jewellery shop, along with many other great looks to see in the New Year in style!

A New Year’s Jewellery Resolution: Get Those Treasured Pieces Restored!

How many times have you rummaged through your jewellery box only to think, “I must get that clasp fixed!” or “I must get that stone replaced!”? It’s frustrating when you own that perfect piece of jewellery to complete your outfit, only to remember that it’s broken.  But help is at hand: a local independent jeweller will be able to restore a beloved piece in order to make it fresh, renewed and, most importantly, wearable again.  And what better time of year to have a jewellery audit?  Make getting your precious pieces restored by a local jeweller one of your New Year’s resolutions!

Missing Stones?  Broken Links?  A Local Jeweller Can Help!

If you’ve got a piece of jewellery with a broken clasp, ruined links or a missing stone, you’ll know the frustration of having to leave a treasured piece languishing in a jewellery box or drawer when you’d rather be wearing it.  But all of these problems – and more – can be fixed by taking the piece along to a local jewellery shop.  As well as fixing broken pieces, your local jeweller will also be able to carry out other services on their premises, such as cleaning and checking jewellery for lose stones and potential problems, and also replacing the rhodium plating on white gold jewellery. 

Jewellery Restored on the Premises

What’s important to remember as part of your New Year jewellery resolution is the fact that by taking your jewellery to your local independent jeweller to be restored or fixed, your jewellery will be treated on the premises: whereas high street chains often send jewellery away to be repaired, your local jewellery shop will look after your treasured pieces, with no risk of further damage or loss during transit, which can occur when jewellery is sent elsewhere to be fixed.

Get That Watch Ticking Again!

It’s not just jewellery which gets neglected: how many times has your watch battery run out and you’ve just put it to one side until you can get a new one, only to forget all about it?  If you’ve got a watch whose battery has run out, take it to your local jewellery shop; they will be able to get it ticking again in no time!

Jewellery Beyond Repair?  Think About having it Re-modelled!

If you or your local jeweller feels that your jewellery is beyond repair, fear not: you could have it re-modelled into a brand new piece for the New Year!  Whether you’ve got a piece you love but is broken or you’ve inherited or been given a piece which is perhaps not quite your style, your local independent jeweller will be able to re-model it into a stunning piece which is both fashionable and  wearable once more.   What better New Year’s resolution could there be than to give yourself the gift of restored or re-modelled jewellery?!

2013, Unlucky for Some? Not with a Lucky Jewellery Charm!

The number thirteen is traditionally associated with bad luck, so it’s no wonder that some people are sceptical about what 2013 will bring.  It may seem far-fetched to some, but lucky charms worn as jewellery have been used for many a generation, giving comfort and reassurance, with good luck charms themselves dating back as far as the ancient Sumerian civilisation.  Indeed, Queen Victoria was a keen wearer of lucky charms and soldiers returning from World War II brought trinkets home with them as charms to keep them safe.  With such a long and varied history, why not add a little extra luck to 2013 with a piece of lucky jewellery from your local independent jeweller?

Lucky Pendants

A really up-to-the-minute, stylish way of wearing a lucky charm is to wear a trinket as a pendant.  Think Carrie Bradshaw’s lucky horseshoe pendant in Sex and the City; equally, you could wear a lucky sixpence pendant or a wishbone charm on a chain.  Ask your local jeweller for ready-made pieces, and remember that if you’ve got a little something which has traditionally acted as your good luck trinket, why not see if your local independent jeweller can incorporate either a replica or the original charm into a pendant?

Bracelets of Good Fortune

The trend for charm bracelets is still going strong in 2013, and as the name suggests, lucky charms can easily be incorporated.  Lucky keys, shamrocks, horseshoes, Chinese symbols can all be found on various charms available in a local jewellery shop.  If you’re giving a bracelet to someone else as a lucky charm, how about buying them a Kit Heath bracelet from the Culture range?  Admittedly it’s a slight move away from a traditional good luck bracelet, but the bracelets in the Kit Heath Culture collection look like traditional friendship bracelets with a sterling silver bead – and they’re available from your local jewellery shop!  What could be nicer than giving your friend a little reminder of your friendship and support to bring them luck when times get tough?

Something Old, Something New....

...something borrowed, something blue, as the wedding rhyme goes; don’t forget these lucky charms if you or someone you know is getting married in 2013.  How about incorporating a blue stone into your wedding jewellery?  Or have a piece of vintage jewellery restored by your local independent jeweller as your something old?  Or you could of course have your local jeweller commission a completely new piece of jewellery for you!  And don’t forget the last piece of the rhyme, either: “and a sixpence for her shoe”; your local jeweller could even custom make a piece of jewellery to incorporate a lucky sixpence, which is supposed to symbolise prosperity!  With all of these great trinkets and treasures to ward off bad luck available at your local independent jewellers, 2013 is going to be your luckiest year yet!

Shimmer and Sparkle for the Christmas 2012 Festive Season

Christmas is the perfect time to shine, and jewellery is one of the best ways of jazzing up an every-day-of-the-year-outfit and making it something truly magical for the festive season. 

If you want to be bang on trend this Christmas, a trip to your local jewellery shop should be your first port of call: your local independent jeweller will be the person in the know when it comes to Christmas looks for the 2012 festive season.

Big and Bold is Best

One of the most important things to consider when visiting your local jewellery shop for this year’s yuletide jewellery is that there is no place for the shrinking violet: and who wants to be a wallflower at Christmas parties anyway?  Big and bold is certainly beautiful this year, and works really well with the plain sixties-style shift dresses that are in fashion this season. 

If you’re wearing a dress with decorative cuffs, balance it with a long necklace with a large pendant on the end, and, vice versa, if your dress has a decorative collar, why not ask your local jeweller about their range of bold, chunky metal cuffs?  Alternatively, you could accessorise purely with a fabulous pair of statement earrings.  Don’t overdo it; wear what you feel comfortable in and what doesn’t overpower your outfit.

Passion for Colour

The traditional little black dress is being accessorised with colour this season.  Gemstones are in, so ask your local independent jeweller about jewel-coloured rings and pendants in bright pinks, purples and blues.  Many pieces will use gold this season, rather than the silver which has been popular in recent years, giving a warm feel to Christmas 2012 jewellery.  Similarly, if wearing coloured jewellery to accessorise the aforementioned dress with decorative cuff or collar, there are a great range of both pearl and boldly coloured stones available to match the colours found on this season’s dresses.

Sparkle the Night Away

A diamond is a girl’s best friend, and therefore sparkle is good at any time of year, but never is this truer than at Christmas.  If you’re not brave enough to wear this season’s sequin encrusted dresses, why not add a touch of magic to your Christmas outfit with stunning drop diamond earrings or a bold choker style diamond necklace?  Your local jeweller will even be able to custom make a piece for you, should you not find exactly what you’re after in your local jewellery shop.

Sentimental Value

Costume jewellery will incorporate lots of little symbolic motifs this season and will often take on a vintage twist.  Check your local jewellery shop for pieces using keys, cameos and lockets, as well as brooches covered in sparkle, as these will also be on trend.   Remember that if you have a vintage piece of your own which perhaps needs smartening up or fixing, your local independent jeweller will be able to restore this piece to its former glory to enable it to sparkle once more this Christmas.