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.

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? 

Five Questions you Should ask Yourself When Choosing a Jeweller

Jewellery has an incredible sentimental and monetary value, and it’s important therefore that when buying new jewellery, and entrusting someone with our current jewellery, we pick a jeweller we can trust.  A local independent jeweller is an excellent choice when it comes to choosing a jeweller, and here are five questions you should ask your jeweller to make sure your jewellery is in safe hands:

Do I trust them with my jewellery repairs?

If you have a special piece of jewellery which is in need of some tender loving care, you don’t want to hand it over to just anybody. Before putting a sentimental jewellery piece in for repairs, ask your jeweller about their skills, and how much experience they have.  A local independent jeweller will usually repair jewellery on site, whereas some high street chains send jewellery away to be restored – risking it being lost in transit - so double check where your jewellery will be repaired before handing it over.  If stones or links are missing, check that your chosen jeweller can match the stones and metal type when restoring the piece.

Are they willing to repair my jewellery?

A trick employed by some jewellers is to say that jewellery can’t be repaired – and then proceed to try to sell you a new piece.  Of course, there are times when jewellery is beyond repair, but a good jeweller will always try to find a way of restoring a piece if possible.  A local jeweller will recognise that jewellery, and the memories associated with it, are precious, and will always try to help to bring a special piece back to life.

Is the jeweller knowledgeable?

Do you feel confident in the knowledge that your chosen jeweller is providing?  Can they talk knowledgeably about precious metals and stones?  And about the various settings and properties of different gems?  If you feel comfortable that your jeweller has a wide range of knowledge, you’ll feel comfortable buying from them, and putting jewellery in for repairs with them.  A local jewellery shop will have staff with many years of experience and training, so you’ll feel confident that you’re in safe hands.

Can the jeweller create custom pieces?

If you’re looking for a special, one-off piece, a bespoke piece of jewellery is the way forward – a service which will be offered by your local independent jeweller.  When choosing a jeweller to create a custom piece for you, ask yourself whether the jeweller would be able to create a piece for you from a sketch drawn on the back of a napkin – it may sound silly, but if the answer is yes, you know you’ve found a jeweller you’ll feel comfortable commissioning a bespoke piece with.

Do I like the jeweller?

It may sound obvious, but gut instinct counts for a lot!  One final question to ask yourself is: “Do I like this jeweller?”.  Are they personable, and do you enjoy interacting with them?  If they don’t have what you want, are they willing to go the extra mile to obtain it?  All of these things add up to create a great jeweller: and your friendly, local independent jeweller is the first place you should look for excellent customer service.

Hot Jewellery Trends: Get that Romantic Look!

Well, we’re in the month of love at the moment, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s only right that we share one of the hottest jewellery trends around at the moment: the romantic look.  Whimsical and boho are in right now, and there are some great pieces of jewellery to work this look with at your local jewellery shop.  Your local independent jeweller will stock some lovely, individual pieces which will really work well with this trend – after all, part of the romantic look is about originality, and there’s no better way of achieving that than with a piece from a local jeweller.

Understated Studs

Earrings are shrinking this season as part of the romantic look: studs are back, and they’re back with a bang.  You’ll be able to find designs at your local jewellery shop which are quirky, fanciful and full of elements of fairytale romance.  Think tiny, intricate gold feathers, heart-shaped diamonds, and twinkly silver flowers.  Softness and sweetness plays a big part in the romantic look, so anything of this kind, inspired by romance, will work well as stud earrings – your local independent jeweller will have plenty of beautiful studs in stock for you to make an understated statement with.

Classic Cameos

Cameos are making a comeback in 2013, and whether you wear a cameo on a pendant, brooch, or tiny versions as the aforementioned stud earring, if you want to embrace the romantic trend this season, a cameo will be an essential part of your jewellery collection.  You may well have a cameo from years gone by, maybe your own or one you’ve inherited; if it’s seen better days but you’d love to wear it again, why not ask your local jeweller if they’re able to restore it?  Vintage is a huge part of the romantic look, so being able to wear an antique cameo will add kudos to your romantic outfit.

Pretty in Pearls

Pearls have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and they continue to make a big statement again in 2013 as part of the romantic trend.  If you’re looking for a new string of pearls, your local independent jeweller will be able to offer plenty of advice on what sort of pearls will suit your personality.  Similarly, if you have an old set of pearls which need restringing, ask your local jeweller to restore them to their former glory for you.

Blooms, Bows and Birds

An extremely pretty way of styling yourself romantically is by wearing very feminine accessories which include flowers, bird motifs or bows.  There are many pretty pieces available such as rosebud stud or drop earrings in sweet shades of dusky pinks and reds, and gold bows have been popping up everywhere.  If you’ve not quite seen what you’re after, why not ask your local independent jeweller to commission a custom made piece for you?  This way you can add your own touch to the romantic trend – giving it that originality so favoured by this look.

Engagement Rings: Not Always About Diamonds!

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but recently many potential brides, and indeed potential grooms, are turning to non-diamond engagement rings.  There’s something quite unique about an engagement ring which doesn’t have a diamond, and is often purchased to reflect the bride-to-be’s personality and individuality.  If you’re looking for an engagement ring, or thinking of asking someone to be your wife, take your time to consider the non-diamond engagement ring options from your local independent jeweller.

Beautiful Blue: Sapphire

Probably the most famous non-diamond engagement ring in the world is that of Kate Middleton.  That beautiful blue sapphire stone, encircled with diamonds which add accents rather than starring as the main attraction, the heirloom ring of Princess Diana really stands out from the crowd.  The shocking blue colour of a sapphire will always draw the eye, ranging from light cyan to dark, deep shades of blue and even purplish tones.  And the blue stone can always be your future wife’s ‘something blue’ on the wedding day too!  If you’ve got an heirloom sapphire ring of your own which has maybe seen better days but you would love your loved-one to wear as an engagement ring, ask your local jeweller about restoring the ring and its stones to its former glory.

Pretty in Pink: Morganite

Morganite is an extremely romantic alternative to a diamond.  A pretty shade of pink, when set in a rose gold band morganite makes for a feminine ring to complement any blushing bride.  This gemstone should be worn in as large a size as possible, as it’s only in a large format that the beautiful colour of this stone comes into its own – and every girl knows that size matters when it comes to engagement rings!  If this unusual ring and a rose gold band take your fancy, your local jeweller will be able custom make a morganite ring for you.

The Colour of Royalty: Amethyst

Amethyst, a type of purple quartz, is an extremely popular choice for non-diamond engagement rings.  Purple is traditionally the colour of royalty, so if your soon-to-be-fiancée is your princess, then show her with an amethyst engagement ring.  Amethyst is traditionally the birthstone of those born in February, and using a birthstone as part of an engagement ring is an incredibly thoughtful way of showing your loved one that you care.  Your local jewellery shop will stock a range of birthstone rings for you to choose from.  There is also an ‘amethyst’ gemstone known as green amethyst, which, although technically cannot be classed as an amethyst as it is not a quartz, it is a beautiful green stone known by gemologists as prasiolite.  This stone works wonderfully when set in a white gold band, and still gives a flash of colour on the hand but in a subtle fashion. 

Thinking of a Non-Diamond Engagement Ring?  Don’t Forget the Advice of Your Local Independent Jeweller!

One thing to bear in mind when choosing a non-diamond engagement ring is the fact that some stones do not stand up to every day wear and tear as a diamond would, or may not be so suitable for a central ring setting; for example, topaz is a very strong stone but can lose its lustre, and whilst pearls are beautiful, they are not always suitable as the main stone in an engagement ring setting as their organic nature means that they are not normally perfectly shaped.  Ask your local independent jeweller for their advice on non-diamond engagement rings: not only will you find advice and inspiration in your local jewellery shop, but you might just find that special something which is completely different, but brilliant.

Gifts from your Local Jeweller for Every Valentine

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be looking for that perfect jewellery gift.  It can be difficult to decide what to buy your loved one, whether it’s a new love or you’re an established couple.  But fear not: inspiration is just a visit to your local jewellery shop away.  Help and advice is at hand from your local jeweller, together with a Valentine’s gift for every stage of your life together.

Stage 1: New Love
If you’re in a new relationship, but want to show your loved one just how much they mean to you, jewellery can be a daunting-but-great choice.  A tip for buying for a new girlfriend is to try to take in the accessories and jewellery pieces that she currently has; that way, you can buy something of a similar style, which will not only be something to suit her taste, but will also show how much care and attention you pay to her.  A great, contemporary choice at the moment comes in the form of the Kit Heath Culture bracelets stocked by your local independent jeweller: these bracelets are a twist on the modern charm bracelet, formed of a simple length of ribbon or beaded friendship bracelet with a silver bead in the middle – elegant and stylish in one fell swoop.

Stage 2: Engagement

What better time of year is there to propose than at Valentine’s Day?  If you’re not sure what sort of engagement ring to pop the question with, your local jeweller will be able to show you a range of rings in different metals and colours, and with different stones.  With the help of your local independent jeweller you can then pick a ring to suit your future fiancée’s personality.  And don’t forget, that after the engagement ring, you’ll then need a wedding ring – and a local jewellery shop offers the perfect place to pick out your wedding rings together!

Stage 3: Parenthood

If you’ve just become parents for the first time, and you want to show your wife or partner just how much they mean to you and how proud you are of them for producing your beautiful baby, a piece of jewellery this Valentine’s Day can show your love.  Lockets are becoming popular choices for new mothers because they can house a picture of the family within.  Why not visit your local jeweller, pick a beautiful locket out and then put a photo inside, ready for her to open on Valentine’s morning?

Stage 4: Eternity

If you’ve been together a while but still want to show your loved one that they mean as much to you today as they did when you were first together, there are some beautiful pieces of jewellery available from your local jeweller to do this with.  Watches continue to be popular choices, and your local independent jeweller can engrave the back with a special message; alternatively, why not ask your local jeweller to custom make an eternity ring to match or complement your wife’s wedding ring?  What could be more thoughtful than a piece of jewellery which shows off the piece of jewellery you gave her on the day you got married?  Nothing could be more special this Valentine’s Day – or earn you more ‘good husband points’!