Shimmer and Sparkle for the Christmas 2012 Festive Season

Christmas is the perfect time to shine, and jewellery is one of the best ways of jazzing up an every-day-of-the-year-outfit and making it something truly magical for the festive season. 

If you want to be bang on trend this Christmas, a trip to your local jewellery shop should be your first port of call: your local independent jeweller will be the person in the know when it comes to Christmas looks for the 2012 festive season.

Big and Bold is Best

One of the most important things to consider when visiting your local jewellery shop for this year’s yuletide jewellery is that there is no place for the shrinking violet: and who wants to be a wallflower at Christmas parties anyway?  Big and bold is certainly beautiful this year, and works really well with the plain sixties-style shift dresses that are in fashion this season. 

If you’re wearing a dress with decorative cuffs, balance it with a long necklace with a large pendant on the end, and, vice versa, if your dress has a decorative collar, why not ask your local jeweller about their range of bold, chunky metal cuffs?  Alternatively, you could accessorise purely with a fabulous pair of statement earrings.  Don’t overdo it; wear what you feel comfortable in and what doesn’t overpower your outfit.

Passion for Colour

The traditional little black dress is being accessorised with colour this season.  Gemstones are in, so ask your local independent jeweller about jewel-coloured rings and pendants in bright pinks, purples and blues.  Many pieces will use gold this season, rather than the silver which has been popular in recent years, giving a warm feel to Christmas 2012 jewellery.  Similarly, if wearing coloured jewellery to accessorise the aforementioned dress with decorative cuff or collar, there are a great range of both pearl and boldly coloured stones available to match the colours found on this season’s dresses.

Sparkle the Night Away

A diamond is a girl’s best friend, and therefore sparkle is good at any time of year, but never is this truer than at Christmas.  If you’re not brave enough to wear this season’s sequin encrusted dresses, why not add a touch of magic to your Christmas outfit with stunning drop diamond earrings or a bold choker style diamond necklace?  Your local jeweller will even be able to custom make a piece for you, should you not find exactly what you’re after in your local jewellery shop.

Sentimental Value

Costume jewellery will incorporate lots of little symbolic motifs this season and will often take on a vintage twist.  Check your local jewellery shop for pieces using keys, cameos and lockets, as well as brooches covered in sparkle, as these will also be on trend.   Remember that if you have a vintage piece of your own which perhaps needs smartening up or fixing, your local independent jeweller will be able to restore this piece to its former glory to enable it to sparkle once more this Christmas.



New Kit Heath Pieces, in Time for Christmas 2012!

The brilliant range of Kit Heath jewellery, available at your local jewellery shop, has expanded – just in time for Christmas 2012!  With everything from sharp geometric shapes inspired by nature, through to the new Culture collection, there’s plenty of choice if you’re looking to give the gift of Kit Heath this Christmas.

Shapes of Nature

Kit Heath jewellery has always been known to have been inspired by nature, and the new sharp lines of the new collection are no exception.  Almost geometric in style, the new pieces still take their lead from shapes occurring in the wild.  Take the Fauna necklace and drop earrings set, for example.  The pendant has strong, vivid lines but takes its cue from shapes found in the wilderness, making the pieces truly unusual and, therefore, different to pieces found in high street chain jewellers – just ask your local independent jeweller for their advice on inspiring natural pieces within the Kit Heath collection. 

Lockets to Fall in Love With

If you’re a lover of lockets, or know someone that is, ask your local jeweller about the new Kit Heath ranges available featuring beautiful lockets.  From the fabulous Mermaid’s Purse range, available in a variety of colours from classic black to pillar box red, through to the more angular Prism Locket, there is sure to be something stocked by your local jeweller within the Kit Heath range which will tickle your fancy.

Reach for the Stars

Star motifs feature heavily within the new Kit Heath ranges.  These are great for adding a touch of Christmas sparkle to any outfit for the festive season.  If you’re after a more casual look, ask your local independent jeweller about either the Starfish Bead Bracelet, or the Starfish Crystal Ball Bracelet, as these beaded and leather bracelets have more of an every-day feel about them.  Alternatively, for a dressier look, check your local jewellery shop for the stunning Kit Heath Starfish cocktail rings – these statement pieces really will add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Culture Bracelets

If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift for younger family members, ask your local jeweller about Kit Heath’s new range of ‘Culture’ bracelets.  Both the Identity and Respect ranges will be perfect for younger wrists; just like traditional friendship bracelets, available in a range of funky colours, but with the twist of being sealed with a sterling silver toggle – certainly something to make them feel more than a little grown up and a top fashionista to boot.

Going for Gold: How to Make Gold jewellery Work for You

In recent years, silver and white gold have been the metal colours of choice for most women.  Silver coloured jewellery is versatile and easy to wear with most colours and skin tones, after all.  However, yellow gold has been making a comeback in the last few months, especially as it’s a lovely, rich tone to warm the winter months. 

If you’re a veteran silver wearer, it can be a little daunting to make the switch to gold, but fear not: your local independent jeweller will be on hand to help pick gold pieces to suit your look.

Fun Gold Statement Pieces

A great way to start your gold collection is to embrace the current trend for long, gold-hued necklaces with fun, statement pendants on the end.  For example, there are many pieces around with motifs including birds and fob-watches.  Alternatively, how about a chunky gold cuff or choker to brighten up a plain outfit?  These pieces may seem scary but actually the fun in them means that they can be worn without the seriousness which gold often evokes and are therefore a great way of introducing gold to your wardrobe. 

Pop into your local jewellery shop to see for yourself the extensive range of frivolous gold jewellery pieces available.

Pairing Gold and Silver Together

Wearing gold and silver jewellery together can be seen as a brave move.  However, if you’re more used to wearing silver jewellery than gold, wearing them together can be a great introduction to gold.  Layering is key: wear gold and silver chain necklaces and bracelets together, more than one of each of course, and maybe top it all off with a large gold cocktail ring.  Your local jeweller will be able to advise on which pieces work well together.  Wearing gold and silver together also means that you can wear your favourite existing silver pieces with brand new gold pieces – the perfect excuse to buy more jewellery!

Graduate Towards the Serious

Once you’ve got the feel for wearing gold jewellery, you may want to consider yellow gold for the more serious pieces in your collection: special occasion rings, watches, necklaces and bracelets to mark special birthdays etc.  If you have a love of vintage, then gold is likely to be the colour of choice for any investment pieces you may buy.

Warm skin tones in particular tend to favour gold jewellery, so if you are warm skinned don’t rule it out for any special pieces you may be looking to acquire.  Your local independent jeweller will, of course, have a great range of yellow gold pieces for special occasions, so if you’ve decided you’re going for gold, why not pop along to your local jewellery shop to buy a prized piece of gold today?

Twenties Trend: Jewellery Inspired by a Roaring Decade

You may have noticed recently that there has been a distinct nod to all things 1920s: from the recent John Lewis advert featuring a girl dressed to the nines in Charleston attire, through to shops full of exquisitely beaded and fringed flapper dresses. 

In 2012, trends have once again turned to the ‘roaring twenties’ for inspiration, a decade which did wonders for the realms of fashion, and jewellery was no exception.  Here’s how to add a twenties twist to your wardrobe with jewellery from your local independent jeweller:

Beaded Beauty

Beads were big business in the 1920s, and have been going strong in recent years too.  Long strings of beads were particularly popular, and are an easy way to jazz up a plain outfit.  Ask your local jeweller about strings of long pearls – in every colour imaginable – or for a more cost effective option, check your local jewellery shop for long necklaces made from coloured crystal and glass beads.

Decadent Designs

As well as long strings of beads, intricate chocker style necklaces were also the rage, as were dangly, decadent earrings.  Both of these options are great for party looks; your local jeweller will even be able to custom make a design to your exact specifications.  Bold colours were particularly popular, so ask your local independent jeweller about the use of stones such as black oynx or green sapphires to achieve the look.

Antique Brooches

Delicate brooch designs in sparkly crystal and diamond were extremely popular during the 1920s, many of which were inspired by nature, such as motifs featuring leaves and petals.  If you’re lucky enough to have an heirloom brooch, perhaps even a brooch from the 1920s itself, you could always ask your local independent jeweller to restore it to its former glory: your brooch will receive specialist love and attention from an expert at your local jewellery shop to bring it back to its roaring self.

And don’t forget the all-important 1920s’ Finishing Touch: Beautiful Headwear

Think 1920s and you think about the beautiful headpieces that the chic Charleston girls wore. This look can easily be achieved by wearing one of the aforementioned brooches in your hair. However, if you really want to push the boat out with 2012 twenties’ trends, ask your local independent jeweller to custom make a 1920s style headpiece for you: by adding this great finishing touch to any party outfit, you’ll be ready to throw a Charleston move or two on the dance floor before you know it!

Things to look for When Buying Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery has always been a popular choice, but if you’re looking to invest in a piece, do you know what you should be watching out for?  There are certain things you should always bear in mind when buying silver jewellery.  Your local jewellery shop will stock a good range of silver jewellery; here are some things to consider before making your choice:

Are there different qualities of silver?

Yes, there certainly are different qualities of silver, and you should know what you’re buying before you commit.  Sterling silver is the most common type of silver used in jewellery, and this refers to the fact that the alloy is 92.5% silver by weight and 7.5% by weight of other metals – hence the sterling silver hallmark of ‘925’. 

When it comes to silver jewellery, sterling silver is what you are most likely to find in your local jewellery shop.  Fine silver is purer – 99.9% silver - but is usually too soft to be used in jewellery, as is Mexican Silver, which is 95% silver and 5% other metals; much of today’s modern Mexican jewellery industry uses sterling silver instead.  Furthermore, silver plated jewellery isn’t really silver jewellery at all, but is jewellery made from a base metal which is then plated in silver.  Plated silver is usually used for costume jewellery. 

What hallmarks should I be looking for on Sterling Silver jewellery?

All British sterling silver jewellery should bear the British Hallmark which certifies that the piece has been independently tested by a British Assay Office and therefore conforms to one of the legal standards of purity for 925 sterling silver.  If you’re at all in doubt, ask your local independent jeweller for confirmation that the piece you are buying is sterling silver; your local jeweller will be able to point out to you the hallmark on a piece.

Is the piece well made?

It may sound like common sense when buying any type of jewellery, but you should always check the quality of the workmanship when buying silver jewellery.  For example, are the clasps well made and do they close properly? 

If the piece is a silver chain, are all of the links kink-free?  And when wearing the piece, is the metal smooth and free from sharp edges and roughness?  Don’t be afraid to ask your local independent jeweller for advice on silver jewellery; your local jeweller will be able to run you through all of these points when selecting a piece to ensure your silver jewellery is not only well made, but also of a good quality. 

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!