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.

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

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!

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.

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.