Ring the changes – interesting diamond cuts for engagement rings, and wedding rings to fit!

When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. But that doesn’t mean that they have to be sporting a traditionally shaped diamond, such as the round brilliant cut or a princess cut. If you’d like an engagement ring with an interestingly shaped diamond, your local independent jeweller will be able to help, by making a unique custom piece just for you – and a wedding ring to fit too!

Rectangular cut

If you’re after an engagement ring with an interesting, but also sleek and simple look, a rectangular cut diamond could be just the shape you’re looking for. This kind of cut does mean that the diamond doesn’t have as many facets, and therefore would not give as much sparkle, but it may suit someone that would rather have an interesting design on their ring finger rather than lots of bling – the cut is designed to bring out the colour and clarity of the stone instead. Ask your local jewellery shop about this unusual cut and the subtle but elegant look it would give.

Marquise cut

Among the most unique of diamond cuts, a marquise cut diamond offers a look different from any other diamond shape, yet it still has a classic feel. As your local jeweller will explain, the cut is also known as ‘Navette cut’ and looks a bit like an elongated oval shape with pointed ends. This shaped diamond is quite unusual within an engagement ring setting, but if this cut takes your fancy, your local jewellery shop will be able to create a custom piece for you using a marquise cut diamond.

Kite cut

A Kite shaped diamond looks great when set on a thicker band, either with the whole stone set in the metal or with the stone’s points protruding from the band. The look offers an almost Art Deco inspired piece, so if you’re after an engagement ring with a vintage twist, speak to your local independent jeweller about this cut.

Heart cut

For true romantics, what could be more symbolic of your everlasting love than a heart shaped diamond for an engagement ring? With a heart shaped diamond, it’s important to ask your local jeweller about its length-to-width ratio. If you want a traditional heart-shaped diamond, and not a stone which will look like either a squat or elongated heart when viewed from the top, ask your local independent jeweller for a stone with a length-to-width ratio of between 0.90 and 1.10.

Wedding rings to fit

If you do decide to go for an engagement ring with an interestingly shaped diamond, it’s important to consider the type of wedding band which will fit against it. Another service which your local independent jeweller will be able to offer you is the design of a custom wedding band. This means that your local jeweller will design either a band with a cut-out to fit around the stone on the engagement ring, or a plain band which will sit next to the engagement ring but underneath the protruding edges of the stone – therefore banning unsightly gaps between the two rings.

When it comes to interesting and unique wedding and engagement rings, your local independent jeweller will be in a league of their own, offering custom rings in a shape and fit to suit you!

The Mother of all Gifts: Mothers’ Day presents from your Local Independent Jeweller

As much as we love our Mums, they’re often taken for granted. It’s time, therefore, to show them how much we love them this Mothers’ Day: visit your local independent jeweller for a gift that’s unique, special, and above all, filled with love!

Kit Heath Jewellery
At the top of any mother’s gift wish list should be a piece of Kit Heath Jewellery. This British jewellery designer’s work has become one of the most recognised sterling silver jewellery brands in the UK, and with 25 years’ worth of experience, the range is versatile enough to offer gifts for young yummy mummies through to doting grandmothers. Ask your local independent jeweller for advice on Kit Heath Jewellery; we guarantee it will offer something for every female member of the family this Mothers’ Day.

Give the gift of time
A watch from your local jeweller is the perfect present for Mothers’ Day – practical enough to be a piece of jewellery worn every day by busy mums, yet feminine and pretty enough to satisfy every woman’s desire for gorgeous jewellery. Your local jewellery shop will be able to offer a range of watches, from gold and silver to stainless steel, metal plated, or even diamond set – and an array of straps to match too! If you’re bowled over by the amount of choice on offer, just pop down to your local jewellery shop; your local jeweller will be happy to advise on what would suit your Mum’s taste.

Bring an old piece of jewellery back to life
If you don’t want to buy your Mum something completely new, but rather fancy having one of her old pieces fixed instead, why not ask your local independent jeweller about their jewellery repair services? Maybe she’s stopped wearing a favourite bracelet because the clasp has broken, or perhaps she has an heirloom inherited from her own mother that just needs resetting or restoring; whatever the case, you can rest assured that if you surprise your Mum by bringing a treasured piece of jewellery back to life for her, by using the repair service in your local jewellery shop, the item will be repaired on site – and therefore there will be no risk to your Mum’s jewellery.

Giftware
And don’t forget that your local independent jeweller will also offer giftware too; from clocks to photo frames, and even collectable porcelain figures, your local jewellery shop really will offer something for every type of Mum this Mother’s Day!

Kit Heath 2012

Kit Heath Jewellery always has been, and always will be, exciting, but this is never truer than when his new season pieces are launched. Well, guess what? It’s that time of year when your local independent jeweller will be stocking their display cases with all of Kit’s new goodies! Read on to find out what’s new when it comes to Kit Heath Jewellery in 2012:

The Beachcomber Range
The ever popular Beachcomber range continues to go from strength to strength in 2012. Inspired by nature, new additions to the charm bead range include the Celest Pebble Bead, which takes its inspiration from celestial summer skies, and the Vine Pebble Bead, which conjures up twisting vines reaching towards the Mediterranean sunshine. There are also sleek 18 carat gold additions to the range, such as the Gold Orbit Pebble Bead which is encrusted with an orbit of cubic zirconia, and many more besides. If the choice is leaving you a little overwhelmed, ask your local Kit Heath stockist for advice on which beads will work well together and which will suit the tastes of the wearer.

New Wrist Wear
Bracelets feature heavily in the new Kit Heath collection, and your local jewellery shop will be stocking a variety of different styles from the various ranges this year. We see some of Kit’s wrist wear turn quite fine and delicate this year, from the sterling silver Mini Honeycomb Cluster Bracelet (fine strands of silver creating different sized swirls), through to the Sterling Silver Gypsy Rose Bracelet (inspired by a bunch of English Roses to give a bohemian feel). However, if chunkier jewellery is more your thing, fear not, as your local independent jeweller will also be able to help with this request: the Kit Heath range also features the Sterling Silver English Rose Cord Bracelet and the Sterling Silver Honeycomb Cluster Cuff – both of which will have a substantial look and feel on your wrist.

Matching Pieces
Don’t forget that your local independent jeweller will also be able to find you matching necklaces and earrings from the Kit Heath range; how about the swirling Sterling Silver Honeycomb Cluster Necklace? Or the Sterling Silver English Rose and Pearl Circle Necklace? Both of these pieces have counterpart earrings and are designed to match both the wrist wear and ring ranges. And if you prefer gold jewellery, ask your local jeweller about the new matching gold pieces, such as the 18ct Gold Plated English Rose stud earrings and matching 18ct Gold Plated English Rose Ring.

Whatever you’re looking for in 2012, you can’t go wrong with a piece from the Kit Heath collection. Stunningly unique, beautifully feminine and wonderfully original, ask your local jeweller for their advice on what pieces will suit your look in 2012.

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!

Get Organised – it’s Nearly Valentine’s Day!

There’s no better way of showing that special someone just how much you love them this Valentine’s day than with a beautiful piece of jewellery. But why buy something from a high street chain that has the potential of being spotted on every wife, husband or girlfriend the world over when you could buy a unique, individual piece from your local independent jeweller? Show someone just how special they are to you this Valentine’s day by taking a visit to your local jewellery shop and choosing a piece they’ll treasure forever! Here are a few gift ideas to get you thinking:

Watches
A classic present for all ages, watches make great choices for valentine’s day. If you’re looking for a top quality watch, your local independent jeweller will be able to offer a great range and lots of advice to go with it. There’s a huge amount of choice available too; select from gold, silver, stainless steel or plated metal pieces, or even diamond set watches! Your local jeweller will also be able to offer a range of straps to suit the taste of the recipient – and once they’ve helped you to make your choice, the strap can be fitted right there and then, in your local jewellery shop, while you wait! And don’t forget the man in your life: watches are perfect for male valentine’s gifts – ask your local independent jeweller about their range of men’s watches and treat your husband or boyfriend this valentine’s day!

A Custom Piece of Jewellery
For a truly unique and special gift this year, ask your local jeweller about a custom made piece of jewellery. What could be more special than giving your loved one an item of jewellery which no one else owns, is truly one of a kind and has been designed with thought and love in mind?! Similarly, if your special someone has a treasured piece of jewellery which has seen better days, how about getting it fixed by your local jewellery shop? For example, if your wife is no longer wearing her engagement ring because the stones need to be re-set, why not get it repaired for her? The thought that’s behind doing something like this for the person you love will earn you major brownie points – it’ll be like getting engaged all over again!

A special ring: the Ultimate Symbol of love!
If you really want to show someone how much they mean to you this Valentine’s day and are ready to pop the question, a local jewellery shop will be able to provide you with a truly exclusive selection of engagement rings – after all, you don’t want your fiancée to be wearing a ring that everyone else is wearing, do you?! And even if you’re already engaged or even married, your local jewellery shop is the perfect place to buy that special ring – beautifully unique wedding rings for romantic valentine’s day weddings and gorgeous eternity rings to show your wife just how much you love her!

It’s easy to see that your local jewellery shop is the place to go this Valentine’s day. You’ll find that your local jeweller can offer lots of choice, unique pieces and friendly advice, and all at very competitive prices. So what are you waiting for? Show that someone special in your life that you love them this Valentine’s day with a piece of jewellery from your local independent jeweller!

We Three Kings ... The Gift of Gold

Gold has always been precious, and this is exactly the reason that it was given as one of the gifts in the Nativity story by the Three Kings to the baby Jesus. Of gold, frankincense and myrrh, gold is the only one of the three that’s still given as a gift today, and that’s because it’s still recognised as something special. You too can enjoy the gift of gold this year, and there’s no better place to go to buy a gold jewellery piece than your local independent jeweller.

Throughout the world on January 6th, or Epiphany as it’s also known, the Three Kings celebration takes place, and gold often takes a starring role in the celebrations, even today. For example, Cansaulim in South Goa, India, is famous for its Three Kings festival whereby three boys are selected from the neighbouring villages to present the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in a procession.

In Poland, people take small boxes containing a gold ring, incense and a piece of amber to the Church to be blessed, and in Spain, children (and even many adults!) polish their shoes and leave them ready for the Kings to leave presents underneath, reminiscent of the gifts bought by the Three Kings to the baby Jesus. If you’re celebrating the Three Kings festival this year, why not ask your local jewellery shop about a gold jewellery piece for your loved one?

After all, gold is extremely versatile, and your local jeweller will be able to help you to pick a piece that’s right for you and for the occasion. The gold traditionally associated with the Three Kings’ gift is yellow gold, and this still remains very popular today. However, white gold and rose gold are also increasing in popularity and the different colours can be combined within one piece to create something truly unique.

If you’re not sure what’s best for you, your local jeweller will be able to offer their advice and help you to choose. The colour difference is determined by different metal alloys mixed with the gold, and it’s worth bearing in mind that if you choose white gold, you will need to have the rhodium plating replaced over time. However, there’s no need to worry about this as your local independent jeweller is likely to offer this service on their premises, making your beautiful white gold jewellery take on the brilliant-silver colour again that it’s associated with!

As can be seen from the Three Kings’ story, gold will always be in fashion. The different carats available ensure that there are different price-ranges to suit all budgets, and the variety of colours on offer means that there will be a piece to suit all tastes. If you’re not sure what would be best for you, ask your local independent jeweller for advice. After all, if it’s good enough for the Three Kings, it’s good enough for anyone!

New Year, New Jewellery? Or Maybe Remodel the Old!

The New Year is a time for looking forward: new hopes, new dreams, New Year’s resolutions ... but let’s not forget that it’s also a time for reminiscing and reflecting on times gone by. The same can be said when it comes to updating your look, too. The New Year is a great time to reinvent your style, and while new jewellery is an excellent way to do that, it doesn’t have to be out with the old and in with the new in 2012. Read on to find out how, by remodelling an old piece of jewellery this New Year, your local independent jeweller can help you to update your look in 2012!

Reinvent an Heirloom

You may have a piece of jewellery which you once loved but has now gone out of fashion. Maybe it has sentimental value, or maybe it’s a family heirloom, but it just doesn’t work with your style any more or isn’t quite right for you. There’s no point in letting something so beautiful and once so loved languish in a dark drawer somewhere when it could be worn; take it along to your local jewellery shop and your local jeweller will be able to advise on having the piece remodelled. Soon you’ll be the proud owner of something fresh and new (and different to the pieces you’ll find in the shops) but it will still have all of its original sentimental value – perfect!

Perhaps you’re not quite ready to have your old jewellery made into something completely different by your local independent jeweller, but if you have jewellery which is in need of repair, don’t forget that your local jewellery shop will be able to help with that too. Maybe a treasured chain or watch just needs repairing to make it wearable again, or perhaps you own a ring which you’d love to wear but haven’t been able to as it needs resetting? Maybe you have some white gold jewellery which needs to be re-rhodium plated to bring it back to its beautiful silver-white colour?

Whatever the condition of your jewellery, ask your local jeweller about their repair service as they’ll be able to bring your old and broken jewellery back to life. Furthermore, by using the repair service offered by your local independent jeweller rather than a high street chain, you can be sure that your jewellery will be fully insured and repaired on the premises, so you’re not running the potential risk of your jewellery being lost in transit.

New Year really is a great time for looking to the future and spring cleaning your wardrobe. Remodelling and repairing old jewellery is an excellent way of doing this, and your local independent jeweller will be happy to offer their advice and expertise in these matters. So this New Year, let’s see out the old and see in the old-made-new!