Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Bridal Jewellery Trends for 2013


With the summer upon us, and wedding season in full swing, if you’re engaged to be married, now is the perfect time to check out new jewellery trends ready for your big day. This year’s bridal jewellery is bigger and bolder than before, so why not indulge? After all, you will be the centre of attention on what will be the most special day of your life! And the best place to start for bridal jewellery inspiration in 2013? Your local jewellery shop, of course!


Bridal jewellery trend 1: Luxe-Boho

Bridal jewellery has gone boho of late: trailing lace long-sleeved dresses and loose curls are staples of this trend. The Luxe-Boho look is all about quirky-ness and individuality, but with a twist of luxury thrown in, and if you want to add a bit of luxurious hippy-chic to your big day, ask your local jeweller about multi-layered strings of pearls and even long lengths of jade coloured beads and jewellery embellished with feathers.

Jewelled headbands which lie across the forehead rather than being worn in the hair are another statement of the luxe-boho look; it’s certainly not a trend for the shy and retiring, but if you dream of saying “I do” in a relaxed, intimate ceremony, this may be the bridal jewellery trend for you this summer.

Bridal jewellery trend 2: Chandelier Earrings

Nothing says statement bridal look better than a sweeping up-do for your hair and beautifully sparkly chandelier earrings. Less is most definitely more with this look: wear just the earrings with no other jewellery, or risk overdoing your accessories. Why not ask your local independent jeweller to custom make some beautiful dangling earrings for you? You could even have them made to match your overall theme: from birds, to flowers, to red-carpet glamour, they can be made to suit your exacting requirements.

Bridal jewellery trend 3: Irregular Pearls

Pearls have been the go-to look for many brides for many years, but today’s pearls are taking a slightly different form: 2013 brides are opting for irregular shaped, oversized pearls which can be made into large drop earrings and pendants. The pearls are often placed in unusual settings, too – think a large, unusually shaped pearl enclosed in an oversized silver oval cage pendent. If you would like something a little out of the ordinary, your local jewellery shop should be your first port of call – not only for pearls, but for all types of bridal jewellery this season.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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!

Friday, April 12, 2013

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!