Adorn Yourself: A Christmas Bauble Jewellery Trend

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the only relevant place for a bauble is on the Christmas tree.  It’s certainly true that we’re in the festive season, but baubles are being seen in places other than just on a Norwegian Spruce this Christmas; spherical, sparkling orbs are adorning on-trend jewellery everywhere.  So why not add a bit of festive sparkle to your wardrobe this year, and adorn your ears, neckline and wrists with baubles from your local independent jeweller?

 

From humble origins...

Traditional Christmas baubles have been in production since 1847, when they were first produced in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner.  The original baubles were strings of glass bead garlands, similar to popcorn strands which were originally used to decorate Christmas trees. 

 

Similarly, spherical jewellery has been around since ancient times, from simple round glass beads, through to more intricate pin heads and brooches, often dating back for centuries.  Today’s trend for spherical jewellery can be seen to take its inspiration from the humble origins of times past; whether it’s traditional or modern that you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find a suitable piece of bauble inspired jewellery at your local jewellery shop.

... to modern day spherical jewellery trends ...

 

Orbs have always featured heavily in the Kit Heath collection, having often been inspired by nature.  The Mermaid’s Purse locket, for example, is the perfect Christmas jewellery bauble; what’s more, the jewel colours that they feature are the ideal colours for Christmas outfits – deep greens, festive reds and regal blues. 

 

If simple but stunning sterling silver is more your style, then the Urchin range, embedded with a little bit of twinkle courtesy of cubic zirconia, will be to your taste; long drop earrings with a bauble shaped pendent on the end, as well as a matching necklace and bracelets, are all part of this look.  Remember that the complete Kit Heath collection will be available from your local jeweller, so make sure you treat yourself to a bauble. 

... and added sparkle to boot!

Spherical jewellery is often found with additional sparkle attached – just the ticket for Christmas adornment!  Look out for the trend towards globes encrusted with stones – either completely clear stones, or an assortment of colours. 

 

Rings in particular have recently been spotted with spheres attached, both perched on top of the setting or dangling from the band, and make for great statement pieces, particularly against the little black dress this Christmas. 

 

Alternatively, crystallised round-bead bracelets and drop earrings are still bang on trend, and add that little bit of Christmas sparkle to any outfit.  Adorn yourself this festive season with the help of your local independent jeweller: baubles aren’t just for the Christmas tree.

Burglars Targeting Gold jewellery – are your Special Pieces Safely Insured?

In recent months there has been a rise in targeted burglaries specifically aimed at the theft of gold jewellery.  With gold values being at a record high, gold jewellery has never been more attractive to thieves; there are even reports of burglars using metal detectors to target family heirlooms.  With this worry looming over every jewellery owner, it’s time to ensure that your precious pieces are properly insured.  Ask your local independent jeweller to carry out a full valuation of your items and make sure your insurance covers them correctly. 

Who is being targeted and what for? 

Jewellery thieves are targeting anyone whom they believe to have collections of superior gold jewellery. Unfortunately, Asian families are particularly vulnerable at the moment, as, according to the Metropolitan Police, they are disproportionately being targeted for their high quality gold. Asian households account for 24 per cent of all burglaries whereby jewellery was taken, and for 16 per cent of all repeat burglaries.  

It is not unusual for Asian families to have large quantities of Indian gold which may have been handed down through the generations, and thieves are aware of its quality and value.  Police are warning families to be particularly vigilant during Asian festivities and family celebrations, when some communities bring large collections of family jewellery together to celebrate. It’s important therefore to make sure that your jewellery is properly protected, and a valuation at a local jewellery shop is often the first step towards keeping your pieces safe. 

How can you keep your jewellery safe? 

Police are advising jewellery owners that one of the easiest measures to keep your jewellery safe – or at least reunite it with you, should the worst happen – is to use a specialist property marking solution on your pieces.   

A number of companies produce unique identifying markers which are then registered to the piece’s owner. The solution is invisible to the naked eye, only being visible under UV light, so it does not affect a piece’s appearance or value.  

It’s also important to have your pieces adequately insured; household insurance doesn’t always cover the full value of pieces, and you may need to either expressly declare certain high-value items on your household insurance, or take out specific jewellery insurance.  Either way, you are likely to need a valuation, which can be carried out by a local jeweller.  

What do you need to do to satisfy your insurance criteria? 

When insuring your pieces, you’ll often find that you need to satisfy certain criteria.  This may include having your jewellery valued, which can be undertaken by your local independent jeweller.  This will ensure that you are insuring your piece for the correct value, should the worst happen; of course, it’s awful losing a treasured piece of jewellery due to the sentimentality attached to it, but it would be worse to have the double blow of not being insured to the full value.   

Your pieces should also be documented photographically so that pieces can be recreated if necessary; Asian jewellery in particular is often highly individual and has usually been passed down from generation to generation, so it’s important that the piece can be recreated if necessary.  It’s also important to check any special terms of your insurance policy – for example, do you need to keep your pieces in a safe or bank when they’re not being worn?  With jewellery thieves being so specific in targeting gold pieces, it’s important that your special items are adequately insured, and your local independent jeweller can help you protect your property.

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Source: Metropolitan Police: http://content.met.police.uk/News/MPS-launch-operation-to-target-gold-crime-across-the-capital/1400019851427/1257246741786 , last viewed 06/10/2013.

Dainty does it: Beautifully Understated Jewellery Trends

It may not have escaped your notice of late that the bold, audacious pieces so favoured in jewellery trends of recent years are quietly being replaced with, delicate, dainty, understated - but not insignificant - pieces instead.  Jewellery trends are starting to go back to pretty, feminine pieces which are suitable for wear with any outfit.  And dainty jewellery doesn’t have to mean outdated; quite the opposite, in fact, with many brands introducing new lines to do the delicate look justice.  Here’s what’s hot in the dainty stakes at your local jewellery shop:

Think dainty: think motifs

The beauty of dainty jewellery is that you can get away with pretty motifs as part of the design without them being overbearing as they may be in bolder pieces.  Rings in particular have seen a rise in cute designs, such as bows, feathers and birds being used.  This means that your jewellery piece is still delicate and understated, but isn’t boring.  Ask your local independent jeweller about custom made rings, and perhaps even a matching pendant, with a beautifully feminine motif included.

Think dainty: think romantic

Hearts are a big trend on the dainty front; delicate jewellery often has a romantic feel to it, and what better way to show your romance than with a stunning, but simple, heart pendant?  By its very nature, dainty jewellery makes beautiful wedding day pieces, or even lovely gifts for your bridesmaids, so pop along to your local jewellery shop to check what’s in stock for your big day look.

Think dainty: think in multiples

One of the great things about dainty jewellery is the fact that if you do want a look which is a little more dramatic, it works brilliantly when layered.  So, don’t just buy one delicate chain from your local jeweller, buy three or four, perhaps with different pendants attached, and at varying lengths so that you can layer them over a plain outfit.  The overall look is still unfussy, but it does add interest. 

Similarly, you can often find ready-made pieces of dainty jewellery with more than one pendant; a heart with a pearl, perhaps, or three motifs of the same design but in gold, silver and bronze all on one chain.  Don’t forget that if you can’t find what you’re looking for, your local jeweller will be able to custom make a piece for you.  Dainty doesn’t have to be boring, after all: but it is feminine, sweet and just that little bit different.

Photo courtesy of Terabass, Wikimedia Commons

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

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!

Looking for Quality, Style and Great Design? Sekonda and Tianguis Jackson are Brands to Watch!

If you’re in the market for a new piece of jewellery or are looking for a new watch, there’s plenty of choice to be had.  But it you’re looking for quality, combined with a streak of style and excellent design, then there’s two brands to keep your eye on: Sekonda and Tianguis Jackson.  Both collections are high in style and workmanship, and both are available at your local independent jeweller.

Tianguis Jackson jewellery: specialists in sterling silver

For high quality, sterling silver jewellery, look no further than Tianguis Jackson jewellery, stocked by your local jewellery shop.  Having been established in 1993, the collection is diverse, but manages to combine contemporary designs looks with high quality workmanship.  It brings the best of Mexican jewellery to the UK, with the team travelling regularly to Mexico and other parts of South America, a continent long associated with its passion for silver jewellery, to bring the best in unique sterling silver jewellery and giftware designs to your local jewellery shop.  If you’re looking for a beautiful piece of jewellery, either for you or as a gift, then you’re bound to find what you’re after within the Tianguis Jackson collection: stackable rings, pendants inspired by nature and simple, contemporary tie pins are just a few pieces you’ll find within the range.

Classic Sekonda: for him and her

A special watch is something to treasure, an investment for the future.  Whether you’re buying a watch for yourself or as a gift, the Sekonda range is a great place to start.  For more classic tastes, the traditional Sekonda collection offers a wide selection of ladies’ and gents’ watches, including pocket-watches, which make for wonderful gifts for special occasions.   There is also an excellent choice of gold and silver watches with a variety of bracelets and straps, including leather straps in a range of colours.  For ladies, both traditional and bracelet-style watches are available, encrusted with sparkling stones and mother of pearl.  And all of this is available from your local independent jeweller!

Contemporary Sekonda: something for everyone!

If you’re after something a little bit different, particularly if you’re looking for a gift for someone with particular tastes, needs or sense of style, then Sekonda offers a great range of collections within its brand; the Crystalla collection of watches, for example, are young and on trend, with sparkling bracelets of round crystals in a range of colours, whereas the Xpose range is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys sports or outdoor pursuits, being durable and water resistant.  What’s more, your local jeweller will also stock Sekonda’s Seksy collection of beautiful, contemporary bracelet-style watches and the youthful, coloured watches in the Partytime range, which are excellent value for money.  With so many options available, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

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.

Soft Pastel Colours for Hot Jewellery Looks

There’s something about pastel shades which brings about a sense of joy, femininity and sweetness.  Pretty pastel colours will always be in fashion, and today’s looks are modern and fresh, without losing their attractive girly feel.  Here are some hot pastel looks from your local independent jeweller to get you ready for the new season:

Cute as a button

Buttons are big business right now and pastels work particularly well with button jewellery.  Folksy jewellery is in this season, and buttons can work well with folk-inspired looks too.  Think button pendants in cute shades of pink, apple green and yellow, strung on a fine white gold chain, or small buttons on drop earrings.  Your local jeweller will be able to custom make jewellery to recreate this look, and you’ll even be able to choose the pastel shade!

Feminine rose gold

Rose gold jewellery is a pastel shade in itself, and makes for some beautiful feminine pieces.  Why not invest in a pretty pink pendent and matching bracelet?  Charm bracelets work particularly well in rose gold, as they can be adorned with small feminine charms, such as roses and butterflies in pearl colours, and rings are also firm favourites of rose gold, particularly when combined with a soft pink stone.  Visit your local jewellery shop for more advice on rose gold jewellery.

Rings of many colours

A great way of making pastel shades work is to wear rings and bracelets of different colours and tones together.  Long strings of beads in different hues worn together are another way of wearing this look.  Keep the tones of the different colours to a similar level; for example, a soft yellow will work well with a baby pink and a sky blue, as all of the colours are muted.  This look is set off using gold jewellery as a base - for example, gold rings with coloured stones, or a large gold pendant with stones of different colours inset inside of it – and your local jewellery shop will have a variety of gold jewellery offset with pastel colours in stock.

Candy colours

The main appeal of pastel shades is the sense of fun that they evoke: try and think about fun candy colours to pull off this look, reminiscent of old fashioned sweet jars and rows of rainbow coloured French macaroons.  Ask your local independent jeweller about cute motifs which can include little ice cream cones on long chains, birds and butterflies dangling from earrings, and even cute cupcake designs on charm bracelets.  Have fun with the look: pastels will be hot property this season, so why not wear pretty jewellery to bring some quirkiness to your look?