Getting Patriotic: Red, White and Blue Jewellery

As the nation prepares to celebrate our Monarch’s Diamond Jubilee (not to mention the London Olympics just around the corner after that!), and the country gets swathed in red, white and blue, why should your jewellery miss out on all the fun?  If you’re proudly going to be waving your union jack and decking your house in bunting for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee weekend, your local independent jeweller can help you complete your celebration outfit with some red, white and blue jewellery.  Here’s how:

Ruby Red

Although commonly associated with a bright ‘ruby red’ colour, rubies can in fact be found in all shades of red, including pink, although in America a minimum colour saturation must be met for the stone to be called a ruby – pink stones would be classed as pink sapphires in the United States.  Rubies are commonly used in rings, but you could also ask your local jeweller to set a ruby in a pendant on a necklace, or even in earrings.  You won’t go unnoticed in a piece of ruby jewellery from your local independent jeweller, that’s for sure!

Sapphire Blue

A favourite of Princess Kate, and Princess Diana before her, the huge blue stone in the Princesses’ famous engagement ring is a 12-carat oval Ceylon Sapphire, surrounded by solitaire diamonds.  You too could feel like a princess in time for the royal celebrations with a replica of Kate Middleton’s ring; your local jewellery shop would be able to replicate the ring with stones of the same colour.  Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit different, but like the idea of these bold blue stones, how about having a brilliant sapphire brooch made by your local jeweller or elegant drop sapphire earrings?

Diamond White

Diamonds are so versatile that practically any type of jewellery can be made from them, from small diamond stud earrings through to hugely flamboyant diamond rings.  Their unique quality of being able to disperse white light into a spectral of colours also means that they work well with other coloured gemstones, so ask your local jeweller about mixed gemstone jewellery including diamonds.

Mix them up and you’ve got....patriotic jewellery!

What could compliment your diamond jubilee outfit more, or just give a hint of patriotism, than a red, white and blue piece of jewellery?  Why not ask your local independent jeweller about a ruby brooch or tie pin surrounded by small sapphires and diamonds?  Or add a twist to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring by including both diamonds and rubies in the oval of stones that surround the sapphire?  Small clusters of all three stones could also work well as a pendant or earrings. Ask your local independent jeweller to commission a patriotic piece for you today – you’ll be fit for a queen before you know it!

Diamonds fit for a Queen: Diamond Jubilee Jewellery

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so the saying goes, and this has never been truer than in 2012 with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee coming up.  So why not snag a diamond of your very own from your local independent jeweller?  Here’s the important four ‘C’s’ of diamond buying, giving you everything you need to know about these super-sparkly stones:

Cut

In terms of bespoke pieces of jewellery, cut is one of the most important factors to consider. Your local independent jeweller will be able to advise on the various cuts of diamonds available, with the most popular shapes being round brilliant (circular), oval, pear shaped, emerald cut (rectangular) and the very-apt-for-a-Royal-Jubilee-celebration ‘princess’ cut (square).  But if you’re after something slightly more unusual, why not speak to a local jewellery shop about one of the more unique cuts?  These cuts include marquise cut (an elongated oval shape with pointed ends), heart shaped, trilliant (triangular) and cushion cut (rectangular but with rounded corners).

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the amount of internal defects within the stone, or inclusions as they’re called.  Only those with a higher clarity grading are fit for a princess, of course, but be warned that the less inclusions a diamond has, the rarer they become and the higher the price!  But fret not, your local independent jeweller will be able to advise on the clarity of your diamond, and find one to suit your price range.

Colour

The finest quality of diamonds when it comes to colour grading are those which are totally colourless.  Most diamonds, however, show a trace of some colour – mainly a hint of yellow, but some also show brown, green, grey or other colours.  There are also some intensely rare diamonds which have a stronger colour; these are called ‘fancies’ and come in a range of hues such as yellow, greens, brown, red, orange and blue.  Colourless diamonds are great if you’re looking to combine them with another stone, so why not ask your local jeweller to incorporate colourless diamonds as part of a bigger design?

Carat

The carat refers to the weight of diamond mass.  As you would expect, the larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond becomes.  Whether you’re after a real chunk of bling on your finger, or delicate, smaller diamonds set in pendants or earrings, your local independent jeweller will be able to fulfil all of your diamond needs.  You’ll be wearing diamonds fit for a queen before you know it!

How to Teach Old Jewellery New Tricks: Embracing Vintage Jewellery Trends

Vintage-style jewellery is extremely popular right now, and with good reason: not only does it instantly add a touch of glamour to an outfit, but the term ‘vintage’ encompasses a plethora of eras, meaning that pretty much anything goes and our inner quirkiness can be embraced when it comes to jazzing up an outfit. Remember that your local independent jeweller will be bang on trend when it comes to vintage inspired pieces and will be happy to help you create the look you’re after. Here’s how to really embrace the vintage trend and do it with style:

Chokers and Pearls

Strings of long pearls and shorter oversized pearl necklaces, whether real pearls or costume jewellery, are a great place to start when it comes to getting the vintage look right. If you have a string of real pearls which have maybe seen better days, why not ask your local jeweller to restring them for you? Your local jewellery shop will also stock accessories to match your pearl jewellery, such as diamond and pearl drop earrings. Chokers are also a brilliant way to get the vintage look, with lots of choice available, ranging from crystal Victorian inspired pieces through to 1920s flapper style chokers – why not commission a piece from your local independent jeweller to get the exact look you’re after?

Brooches

Brooches are a brilliant way of adding a subtle amount of vintage glamour to an outfit. If you’ve got an old brooch lying around in the bottom of your jewellery box, it could be brought back to life by taking it to a local jewellery shop. A local jeweller will be able to reset any stones which may have become loose or even be missing, and even remodel a piece into something which suits your style better. By wearing a brooch on your lapel or even using a brooch as a scarf pin, you’ll be adding an understated amount of vintage sparkle to your outfit.

Headpieces

Side tiaras and other headpieces are incredibly fashionable at the moment, and they take their inspiration from the 1920s. And what could be more glamorous than a custom made glittering side tiara in your hair, made by a local independent jeweller? Ask your local jeweller to create a look which suits you, and use pearls and diamonds to get the vintage look right. With the help of your local independent jeweller, the vintage look could really go to your head!

Jewellery fit for a Summer Holiday: The Kit Heath Beachcomber Collection

It’s that time of year when our thoughts start turning towards our summer holidays. Where we’ll go, what we’ll do, and what we’ll wear whilst we’re away! Most of us look to update our summer wardrobes ready for our summer holidays, buying a new dress or beachwear, but how many of us think to update our look with new accessories? Whether you’ll be taking in the sights on a city break, enjoying a luxury cruise or relaxing on the beach this summer, new accessories from your local jewellery shop can help you to do it in style – and what better style than the Kit Heath Beachcomber collection, available from your local independent jeweller?

The Beachcomber Collection: Jewellery inspired by Nature

The inspiration for the Beachcomber Collection, available at your local jewellery shop, is exactly what makes it so ideal for a summer holiday: inspired by nature, in particular the sea and beach, the collection of beautiful charm beads are designed to look like pebbles sparkling in the sand. But they’re so much more than pebbles too: with beads shaped like clam shells, others inspired by coral, and even a bead striped in the cheerful yellow and red of a deckchair, it’s easy to see why they make for great pieces to wear whilst away!

Daytime style to evening glamour: available in one collection from your local independent jeweller

What’s more, the colourful charm bracelets are not just an excellent way to cheer up a daytime holiday outfit – the mix and match nature of the beads means that they are a great way of accessorising your evening look too, taking you from coral to cocktails in one effortless transition! And if there’s too much choice available to you, your local jeweller will be more than happy to help you pick the beads which will suit you best!

Colourful bracelets and elegant chains

It’s not just the Beachcomber beads themselves that offer plenty of choice; ask your local independent jeweller about the various chains on offer as part of the collection too. If you’re after a more casual, summer festival look, for example, ask your local jeweller about Kit’s Black Cord Beachcomber Bracelet – a more laid back look for your beads to sit on. If you’re all about cocktail-hour chic, then the more traditional sterling silver clasp bracelet could suit your style better. And don’t forget that there are also longer chains available, suitable for matching necklaces!

Get set for take-off: pre-loaded bracelets

Your local jeweller will also stock ‘pre-loaded’ bracelets, which come ready to wear with complimenting beads. The pre-loaded bracelets are perfect for a summer holiday; even their names’ evoke images of long summer days, with sets including ‘shore’, ‘promenade’ and ‘destination’. What better way to update your holiday wardrobe this summer then than with Kit Heath Beachcomber jewellery from your local independent jeweller?!

Mix it up: create interesting looks with custom made mixed-metal jewellery

One of the best things about jewellery is the potential it has to create a whole new look. And one of the best things about an independent local jeweller is the fact that you can commission them to create an individual piece, specifically to suit your style or new look. When it comes to mixed metal jewellery, it’s worth asking your local jeweller about a custom made piece – particularly as this type of jewellery is quite unusual but also very striking – a great way, therefore, of bringing a new style to life. Here are some ideas on how mixed metal jewellery can work:

Layered metal necklaces

One of the most popular choices for mixed metal jewellery is the layered necklace, a piece which can be custom made by your local independent jeweller. This look can either be quite regimented, such as layering concentric circles or squares of different metals including copper, silver, brass and gold leafed metals, or can be used to create scenes and patterns. For example, flowers work very well due to the very nature of the petals being layered. If you’re looking for more unusually coloured metals, such as copper or brass, ask your local jeweller about commissioning a custom piece made in this way – your imagination really is the limit with this type of jewellery!

Rings of different gold

Wearing two (or more!) rings made from different types of gold is a great way of mixing metal colours. This also allows you to wear different coloured metals elsewhere within your look. Your local jewellery shop will be able to advise which types of gold will work well together. Similarly, one ring can be made from mixed gold – for example, a yellow gold ring could have an inlay of white or rose gold included, or a wider wedding ring could be made from two types of gold to give each half a different colour. A local jeweller will be able to make a unique ring especially for you using two different types of gold.

Drop earrings

Drop earrings by their very nature work well with mixed metals. Small discs on wire drops can be layered in the same way that mixed metal necklaces are layered, or long chains can be created using circles of different metals to give an interesting and colourful look. Ask your local jeweller about different ways of forming mixed metal earrings; custom mixed metal earrings from your local independent jeweller would complete the mixed metal look and help you to create a really unique style.

Red Carpet Trends: taking jewellery inspiration from the Oscars 2012

The Oscars are all about glitz and glamour – oh and the films too, of course! But no female red carpet attendee’s outfit is complete without some jewels to accessorise her gown. And you don’t need to be a celebrity to recreate the look: your local independent jeweller will be able to recreate any A-list look to make you a star in your own right! Here’s a red carpet rundown of what looks were hot at this year’s Oscars:

Necklaces: Short and sparkling!
The 2012 Oscars saw necklace styles becoming shorter, sitting just below the throat and looking more like a collar. But there was no shortage of sparkles! Natalie Portman wore a v-shaped platinum and diamond cluster, and Michelle Williams wore a simple string of diamonds. If you’re hankering after some gems of your own, your local jeweller will be able to help – why not ask your local jewellery shop about a diamond encrusted watch, or even commission them to make you your very own sparkling collar necklace?

Statement earrings
Having mentioned necklaces, you’ll be forgiven for wondering if your eyes deceived you: necklaces were hard to find on many of the red carpet stars at this year’s Oscars, and necks were left bare in favour of statement earrings. This style is set to be a big trend this year, and your local independent jeweller will be able to help you to achieve this look, but with a British twist: stockists of Kit Heath jewellery, your local jewellery shop will be able to offer you a huge array of statement earrings. How about Kit’s Sterling Silver Honeycomb Gem Cluster Earrings to give your ears little droplets of bling? Or the Sterling Silver Pebble Trickle Earrings for a long line of tiny dangling hoops hanging from your earlobes? Who needs a necklace when your local jeweller can beautify your ears so nicely?!


The hands have it: cuffs and rings
Oversized cuffs and rings made a big statement on this year’s red carpet. Cameron Diaz was seen sporting large platinum and diamond rings, and Gwyneth Paltrow sported a large diamond-studded cuff. Your local independent jeweller will be able to create a statement piece for you to make you feel like an A-lister – so whether you fancy a chunky cuff or a gorgeous statement ring, ask your local jeweller for their advice on commissioning a custom piece. No one else will have a piece like it – even the celebs!

With so many different looks on the red carpet in 2012, there’s an Oscars-inspired piece to suit every girl’s desire. Bring out the star in you this year: get your very own red carpet look by visiting your local independent jeweller!

Wedding and Christening season is coming – don’t forget the gifts!

That time of year is fast approaching when our weekends will be spent celebrating the union of a newly married couple and attending the Christening or naming days of our younger friends and family. But where to go to find the perfect gift to commemorate these occasions? Your local jewellery shop of course!

Photo frames

These special occasions make for great photo opportunities – so what better gift to give the happy couple or the proud parents than a beautiful photo frame to preserve those special memories? Your local independent jeweller will stock a range of giftware items, including a variety of photo frames to suit every taste. Let your friends and family show off the momentous occasion with a special photo frame from your local jewellers!

Clocks

Whether buying for a couple who are setting up home together, or for a newly married pair who perhaps already live together but would like to add to their furnishings, a clock is a great gift to give in celebration of a special event. Stocking a variety of clock styles, a clock from your local jewellery shop is a gift which will suit any home and be treasured for years to come.

Porcelain figurines

If you’re after a gift which can be added to as the years go on, porcelain is a great option. Your local independent jeweller will stock varying porcelain ranges, with options of gifts either for a newlywed couple or to grace a nursery shelf. And what’s more, if you chose a piece from a collectable range, the collection can be added to over the years – giving you the option to purchase more pieces for the collection from your local jewellery shop on future special occasions.

Jewellery

It may sound obvious, but jewellery is a great gift for weddings and Christenings. By visiting a local independent jeweller, you’ll be giving yourself access to a great range of children’s jewellery for Christenings and naming days, such as sterling silver bracelets. Similarly, if you’re the mother or father of the bride, why not buy her a stunning piece from your local jewellery shop to wear on her wedding day?

Strings of pearls are still popular choices for brides on their wedding day, particularly as vintage looks continue to be on trend (and pearls are also said to symbolise tears of happiness!), or you could even ask your local jeweller to custom make a piece for you to give the blushing bride. For brides looking for a gift for their groom, why not think about choosing a watch from the range at your local jewellery shop?

Gifts for every occasion – that’s what’s on offer at your local jewellery shop! As we enter wedding and Christening season, don’t forget the gifts; visit your local independent jeweller for a great selection of perfect presents!