Men, listen up: 3 great tips for buying jewellery for the woman in your life!

Christmas is nearly here, and if the woman you love has requested a special piece of jewellery as her gift, you might be filled with a certain sense of dread.  Just how do you pick a piece of jewellery which will suit your special lady’s taste?  Well, men, fear not this Christmas: your local independent jeweller is on hand to help you choose that very special piece. 

Here are some top tips for buying a great piece of jewellery this Christmas:

When will she wear it, and what’s her style?

A good place to start when thinking about buying a special piece of jewellery is when will the recipient wear it?  Your local jeweller will ask you whether you want to buy a casual piece, or a party piece, or even a statement piece.  Think about the types of jewellery she currently wears: does she tend to wear understated studs and pendants?  Or does she choose oversized pieces to jazz up outfits?  If you choose something from your local jewellery shop which is along the same lines as the pieces that your special lady currently owns, you’ll be on the right tracks in terms of taste.

What’s her favourite colour?

This may seem like a simple question, but if you decide to buy a piece with coloured stones, you should make sure that it coordinates with your loved one’s current wardrobe.  If you’re not sure on which colours will work best, speak to your local independent jeweller about purchasing a neutral piece of jewellery, for example, using clear or light coloured stones such as diamonds or pearls, as these will coordinate with lots of outfits.  Similarly, try to make a note of whether your wife or girlfriend tends to wear gold or silver jewellery, as, often, a lady that wears silver jewellery will not tend to wear yellow gold, and vice versa.

Can you create a match made in heaven?

If you really want to touch the heart of your loved one this Christmas, how about creating a bespoke piece of jewellery which matches a favourite piece she already has?  For example, if she is the proud owner of an antique brooch, how about asking your local jeweller to create a matching pair of earrings?  Or perhaps your local independent jeweller could create a bespoke eternity ring to match the wedding or engagement ring you gave her on those most special of occasions you shared in the past?  There really is something magical and heart-warming about a gift which has had so much thought put into it. 

And remember, your local jewellery shop should be your first stop this Christmas: with their bespoke service and plenty of choice, your local jeweller will help you to pick the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas!

Cubic Zirconia: why it’s an excellent alternative to diamonds

The synthetic gemstone cubic zirconia is fast becoming one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, and with good reason: they offer many of the traits of diamond, yet are often just a tenth of the price of the real thing! 

You will find a great range of cubic zirconia jewellery at your local jewellery shop, so if you’re after sparkles on a budget, pop along to your local independent jeweller for a dazzling choice!

How similar are diamonds and cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, or CZ as it’s often known for short, has an interesting history, having been originally developed by the Russians for their space programme – it was used as an alternative to diamonds in the optics of their lasers, as the synthetic gemstone has a refractive index, hardness and dispersion which is extremely similar to diamond.  If you visit your local jeweller and compare a piece of diamond jewellery and a piece of CZ jewellery, you will struggle to tell the difference!

So just how easy is it to spot the difference between diamonds and CZ?

It’s not just the untrained eye which would struggle to spot the difference between the two types of stone; even trained gemmologists would find it difficult!  Of course, your local independent jeweller is likely to own a microscope or loupe to be able to aid them in telling the difference between the two stones, but for anyone using just the naked eye, it would be a 50/50 guess as to which stone is which.  One of the only ways to identify CZ is to look closely at the facet shapes of the stone, which cause a slight difference in the way in which they disperse light.  Would you be able to tell the difference?!

What colours of CZ are available, and how can it be used in jewellery?

Cubic Zirconia can be used in all types of jewellery, from necklaces, rings and earrings, to brooches and bracelets.  Just like diamond, it’s extremely hard wearing; indeed, diamond sits at the top of the Moh’s hardness scale, rated as 10, and CZ ranges from 8.5 to 9.0 on the scale, making it suitable for every type of jewellery. 

What’s more, whereas diamonds often have a slight brown or yellow tinge to them, CZ is normally made to be completely colourless, giving it an excellent, clear sparkle.  It can also be manufactured in a range of other colours, just like naturally occurring coloured diamonds, to make a variety of beautiful pieces.  And at a tenth of the price of diamond, what are you waiting for?!  Ask your local independent jeweller about their range of cubic zirconia jewellery today!

Make a statement on the catwalk of life: jewellery trends from London Fashion Week 2012

At this year’s London Fashion Week, jewellery was more prominent than ever, and that jewellery was all about making a statement.  It’s only right, therefore, that you’re kept ahead of the trends and on top of what is happening in the world of fashion jewellery, so that you can make a statement of your own.  What better way to do that?  Visit your local independent jeweller, of course!  Here are just a few of the trends seen on the catwalk at this year’s London Fashion Week:

Layering

One of the biggest trends seen on the runway at this year’s London Fashion Week was that of layering jewellery.  Creating a statement look by layering one necklace over another, or even multiple necklaces, was seen in many collections.  If you want to add to, rather than overpower, an outfit, visit your local jewellery shop and check out their collection of fine chains, which are perfect for layering.  Alternatively, if you like chunky jewellery, ask your local jeweller about teaming up strings of oversized beads or even large metallic collar-style necklaces.

Statement pendants

Following on from layering, another of this September’s catwalk trends for necklaces was the statement pendant.  Choose a design with large, geometric shapes and sharp angles; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, your local independent jeweller will be able to custom-make a piece to exactly suit your needs.  Why not include a statement stone or gem too, to give the piece extra wow-factor?

Rock chic

Looks inspired by the rock world make their appearance on the catwalk this September.  From knuckle joint rings, to outfits adorned with rock-motif brooches, rock chic was everywhere.  If you’re tempted by such a specialist look, then why not have a piece custom made?  Your local independent jeweller will be able to make any piece of jewellery using any motif or design your rocking heart desires!

Oversized cuffs and rings

Bracelets and rings went super-sized on this year’s catwalk to make a statement of their own.  For wrist wear, cuffs were extremely popular, and when it came to rings, it seemed to be a case of “the bigger the better”.  Your local jeweller will be able to recreate such a look with oversized gold, silver and even copper coloured hammered metal cuffs, and will stock a range of oversized cocktail rings, ready for you to take away in order to make your own catwalk appearance!

White Gold or Platinum: which metal is better for rings?

White gold or platinum?  Which is better when it comes to buying a ring?  If you’re in the market for a new ring, you may have asked yourself this question; if you’ve asked this question aloud, you may have been given mixed advice.  There is a difference between the two metals, and therefore it’s important that you make the right choice.  Here’s some advice on the subject from a local independent jeweller:

Which metal is harder wearing?

By the very nature of where they are worn, rings are subject to a lot of wear and tear.  It’s certainly true that platinum is a heavier metal than gold, and if you visit your local jewellery shop and ask to look at two rings of a similar size, one made of platinum and the other made of white gold, you will definitely be able to feel the difference in their weight, as the platinum ring will be much heavier. 

However, this doesn’t mean that platinum won’t scratch, and you do still need to take care of your ring, particularly if you’re employed in a hands-on occupation.  Having said that, it is still the more durable of the two metals, and as platinum is less malleable and less likely to break, platinum prongs are perfect for holding stones in place in a ring, including diamonds.

What is the colour difference?

Both white gold and platinum have a very shiny, white metal look to them.  The difference between the two metals is that white gold is coated in rhodium to give it its white appearance, whereas platinum is white in appearance from the outset.  The rhodium coating on a white gold ring does need to be replaced fairly regularly, but it is a simple procedure of re-dipping, which your local jeweller will easily be able to carry out for you.

I have a sensitivity to some metals.  Which of the two metals would be better for my skin?

Your local jeweller will advise that some people experience a sensitivity to white gold, and therefore platinum might be a better alternative for a ring.  Most white gold alloys use a nickel mix, and this is often the metal which causes the problem; platinum doesn’t tend to irritate the skin in such a way.

Give me the damage: what is the difference in price?

Although there are some advantages to platinum, it is harder to work with (as it’s less malleable) and is a purer metal.  This does, therefore, mean that it can cost anywhere between 2.5 to 5 times more than white gold.  Your local jeweller will be able to advise on the price difference, but if cost is important, it might be best to choose a white gold ring – and remember, gold evokes images of richness and luxury, so it shouldn’t be seen as platinum’s cheaper cousin! 

Whichever metal you choose, your local independent jeweller will always be able to advise which type of ring will be best suited to you – from colour and durability, through to price – so don’t be afraid to pop along to your local jewellery shop for advice.

The Importance of Correctly Insuring your Jewellery

Everyone knows the risks of not correctly insuring their homes, and alongside their homes, their home’s contents too.  Most of us probably assume that our contents insurance will cover all of our possessions – but does it? 

Typically, a standard home insurance policy will include coverage for personal valuables, such as our jewellery, but will it cover the entire cost of replacing your jewellery if something happens to it?  Even if you have specific jewellery insurance, do you have adequate cover? Here are some points to consider when it comes to insuring jewellery, and how your local jeweller could help you insure your precious pieces:

Price-hikes in precious metals and stones

If you’ve had a gold or silver piece of jewellery for several years, you might be surprised to hear that it’s now worth a lot more than when you originally bought it or were given it.  For example, gold prices have risen by approximately 500% in the last 10 years, so a gold piece of jewellery that may have only been worth a few hundred pounds when you got it may now be worth a thousand pounds, or even more.  Similarly, some colours and clarities of diamonds have gone up in price, and silver prices have also risen considerably.  If you’re in any doubt as to how much a prized piece of jewellery is now worth, it’s important to take it to your local independent jeweller for an appraisal.

Never deliberately under insure your jewellery: it doesn’t pay!

It has been known that people have deliberately under insured their jewellery in order to keep their insurance premiums low.  Take note: this approach never pays!  For one thing, if the insurer pays out, you will only get vouchers or a replacement to the value of the original valuation, so if the worth of your piece has gone up in the meantime, you will still have to shell out to replace your jewellery.  What’s more, if the insurer suspects that you’ve deliberately under insured your jewellery, they can refuse to pay out at all!  So if you’re worried about under insured jewellery, now’s the time to ask your local jewellery shop to value your pieces and inform your insurers accordingly.

Frequency of appraisals

If you’re at all unsure about how often you should have your jewellery valued in light of the price hikes of precious metals and stones, speak to your insurance company: they should be able to advise on how regularly you should have your jewellery appraised, allowing you to visit your local independent jeweller as required and ensuring that your precious jewellery is fully insured.

Why Everyone’s crazy for Tanzanite

You may have heard many a person recently talking about the precious stone Tanzanite.  There certainly seems to be a buzz about this beautiful stone, and the jewellery that can be created from it, but for what reason?  If you’re intrigued by tanzanite, ask your local independent jeweller about jewellery which uses it, and read on for more information:

Why is it so special?

One of the reasons that everyone is so crazy for this beautiful blue stone is its uniqueness, together with its relatively recent discovery.  It only occurs in one place in the whole world, in an area of only four square kilometres: in the East African country it’s named after, Tanzania.  Tanzanite was only discovered in 1967, making it a new precious stone.  What’s more, it’s extremely rare; as it’s only found in one place in the world, it’s estimated that there’s only another 30 years’ supply left, making each piece of tanzanite jewellery extremely coveted and valuable.  Nonetheless, your local independent jeweller will be able to source tanzanite jewellery for you, enabling you to share in this little piece of exclusivity.

How did it become famous?

The legendary New York jewellers Tiffany and Co have always been at the forefront of new jewellery trends, and their involvement in launching tanzanite to the world was no exception.   Just two years after its discovery, Tiffany presented the gemstone to the general public, and they were met with a great response.  Today, jewellers throughout the world are using the precious stone, and your local jewellery shop will be no exception.

What is it made from?

Tanzanite is actually a blue variety of the gemstone zoiste.  Research into its geology has shown this stone to be totally unique, and the chance of it occurring outside of its current production area is extremely rare.  It’s not a particularly hard stone, consisting of calcium and aluminium silicate, and therefore should be looked after and worn carefully; for example, tanzanite should never be placed in an ultrasonic bath for cleaning.  If you’re unsure of how to care for your tanzanite, ask your local jeweller for advice, as they will be able to undertake a specialist clean of your tanzanite jewellery for you.

What shades of tanzanite can I expect to find?

Tanzanite’s brilliant blue is one of its biggest selling points.  The deep shades which the stone comes in run from ultramarine to light violet.  The most popular colour is a vibrant blue surrounded by a delicate purple hint; this works particularly well if the stone is over 10 carats in size. The stones often have a polychromatic quality to them too, and may appear either blue, purple or even a brownish-yellow depending on what way you look at them. 

With all these shades available, they truly do make fascinating pieces of jewellery; ask your local independent jeweller to help you own a piece of this extremely beautiful, extremely rare stone today.

Amber, Citrine and Tiger’s Eye: get ready for the new season with Autumnal Gemstones

As the summer comes to a close and the days draw in, instead of feeling blue, our thoughts should turn to the wonderful opportunity autumn presents us with: colour!  Traditionally inspired by the changing colours of the leaves in the trees, autumn collections often feature, browns, burnt oranges and other earthy tones.

Don’t let your jewellery be left behind; this season, why not add Autumnal gemstone jewellery from your local independent jeweller to your collection? Here are some gemstone ideas to inspire you:

Browns:

If you are commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery from your local jeweller, you can’t go wrong with brown-hued gemstones for autumn.  This is a great colour to team with yellow gold, and works really well as a large pendent on a chunky gold chain.  Ask your local independent jeweller about brown jewellery using gemstones such as tiger’s eye and amber, both of which come in deep, rich shades of brown.

Oranges:

There’s so much choice available when it comes to orange gemstones, and orange also works well with the warmth of yellow gold as well as contrasting beautifully with the coolness of silver or white gold.  What’s more, orange gemstones look great nestled in amongst clear precious stones – speak to your local jeweller about creating a bespoke ring with an orange gemstone in the centre, and diamonds surrounding it, for example.  Your local jewellery shop will be able to help you with orange gemstones including orange sapphire and smoky quartz, both of which look elegant alongside clear stones.

Greens:

Green is maybe not a traditional colour of autumn, but its earthy tones certainly complement an autumn wardrobe.  To take the autumnal trend to another level, you could ask your local independent jeweller to create a pair of leaf-shaped earrings and a matching pendant from green agate, or maybe even a stunning leaf-shaped brooch.  If you’re tastes are slightly more on the sparkly side, how about some jewellery featuring emeralds or peridot?

Yellows:

Finally, if you fancy something a little bit different, or a colour which will contrast as well as harmonise with other autumnal stones, why not add a little bit of yellow?  Ask your local independent jeweller for the best combination of stones, as they will be able to advise which gems and colours work best together, but certainly think about including citrine or champagne topaz stones – these will give just the right hint of contrast to set your autumn gemstone jewellery off perfectly.