Big Birthday Jewellery

If you’ve ever had to shop for a gift for someone’s special birthday you’ll know that it’s not as easy as it may seem.  You want to give something with sentimental meaning, something which will be appreciated and something which will be used, and yet it’s so difficult to find something that fulfils all of these criteria.  

That’s why jewellery makes such a great big birthday gift, and what’s more, there’s something to suit every age.  If you’ve got a big birthday to buy for, head down to your local jewellery shop for inspiration. 

18^th and 21^st birthdays

The first of the big birthdays are possibly also the easiest birthdays to buy for, as there are so many fashionable jewellery ranges available nowadays. Kit Heath Jewellery, available at your local jewellery shop, for example, will provide you with a variety of styles which will appeal to youngsters who are coming of age.  The luxury friendship bracelets are all the rage, and are a great present, not just from friends of the recipient, but family members too, especially as they can be worn in multiples for a bang-on-trend look, meaning that if someone else buys a similar bracelet for the birthday person, they can be worn together.

30^th and 40^th birthdays

For a 30^th birthday, it’s a good idea to look at the type of jewellery they wear and get a feel for their style before buying their big birthday gift.  Thirty is the age where a person’s sense of style has been acquired, and by 40, a person’s taste is well and truly developed. You can do well to keep in with their tastes.  Favourites for these birthdays often include charm bracelets – or charms for existing bracelets – for the ladies, statement pieces, and fashionable watches for gents.  Make a mental note of the type of jewellery the recipient wears, and then ask your local independent jeweller for advice. 

50^th and 60^th birthdays

Refined, classical jewellery is often appreciated by the time someone hits their 50^th or 60^th birthdays.  They’ve done many of the things in life that they want to do by now, although there’s often plenty more things on the list! Sentimental pieces work well as 50^th and 60^th birthday gifts.  Speak to your local jeweller about custom made pieces like pendants, earrings and brooches for a female gift, and cufflinks for gents, which they’ll be able to wear on many special occasions in years to come. 

Big birthday gifts don’t have to be daunting; with a little thought and some guidance from your local independent jeweller you’ll be able to pick the perfect gift.

5 Tips Every Jewellery Wearer Should Follow

Jewellery: such a personal choice for everyone who wears it and a variety of budgets per piece. But that’s not to say there aren’t certain things every jewellery owner and prospective jewellery purchasers should know about.  Here are five top tips that every local independent jeweller thinks their customers should know:

 1.    Store your jewellery correctly

There are many ways to store your jewellery, and there’s no definitive right or wrong; from small boxes, compartments in larger jewellery boxes, jewellery stands and hooks, there are many ways to look after your precious pieces.  Avoid piling everything into one box; not only can this harm fragile pieces made of softer metals, which include silver and gold, it’s also incredibly frustrating having to detangle your fine chains every time you want to wear one. Similarly, you shouldn’t leave jewellery in direct sunlight, as gemstones can discolour. Remember that your local jewellery shop will stock storage solutions as part of their giftware range, and it’s always worth taking the advice of your local jeweller as to how they would store certain pieces.

2.    Know your Sterling Silver

Silver jewellery is everywhere at the moment, but you should know what you’re buying if you’re in the market for sterling silver. A simple tip is to take a magnet with you when buying silver, as precious metals, such as sterling silver, will not be attracted to the magnet. Remember that true sterling silver will also have a mark to indicate its quality, such as “.925”.  Your local independent jeweller will always be able to steer you in the right direction of sterling silver.

3.    Try before you buy

Any local jeweller will tell you that jewellery should be an investment. If buying for yourself, your local jeweller will encourage you to try before you buy. Ask if you can try on necklaces to see if they hang correctly, for example, or think about the colours of certain stones against your skin tone. If you’re buying for someone else, think about their style – do they prefer studs, or dangly earrings, for example?  If you get it right, the piece really will last a lifetime.

4.    Do your diamond research

Diamonds are bought with a lifetime’s wear in mind. You should therefore always make sure that you only buy diamonds from a reputable dealer, such as your local jewellery shop. The seller should be able to tell you the history of the stone and the piece, such as who created it and where the stones came from.  Make sure that you do some price comparison research before committing, and take a look at the stones up close; less scrupulous dealers may use tricks, such as lighting, to enhance the look of sub-par stones.

5.    Keep jewellery looking like new

We’re all guilty of a bit of neglect of our jewellery, but with a little tender loving care, your pieces can always look as good as the day you bought them.  For example, replace the rhodium plating on white gold regularly, take any pieces with loose stones to your local jewellery shop for resetting, and get pearls restrung annually. You’ll be surprised at how much longer this can keep your jewellery looking fresh and new, and what’s more, all of these services will be available from your local independent jeweller.

Dainty does it: Beautifully Understated Jewellery Trends

It may not have escaped your notice of late that the bold, audacious pieces so favoured in jewellery trends of recent years are quietly being replaced with, delicate, dainty, understated - but not insignificant - pieces instead.  Jewellery trends are starting to go back to pretty, feminine pieces which are suitable for wear with any outfit.  And dainty jewellery doesn’t have to mean outdated; quite the opposite, in fact, with many brands introducing new lines to do the delicate look justice.  Here’s what’s hot in the dainty stakes at your local jewellery shop:

Think dainty: think motifs

The beauty of dainty jewellery is that you can get away with pretty motifs as part of the design without them being overbearing as they may be in bolder pieces.  Rings in particular have seen a rise in cute designs, such as bows, feathers and birds being used.  This means that your jewellery piece is still delicate and understated, but isn’t boring.  Ask your local independent jeweller about custom made rings, and perhaps even a matching pendant, with a beautifully feminine motif included.

Think dainty: think romantic

Hearts are a big trend on the dainty front; delicate jewellery often has a romantic feel to it, and what better way to show your romance than with a stunning, but simple, heart pendant?  By its very nature, dainty jewellery makes beautiful wedding day pieces, or even lovely gifts for your bridesmaids, so pop along to your local jewellery shop to check what’s in stock for your big day look.

Think dainty: think in multiples

One of the great things about dainty jewellery is the fact that if you do want a look which is a little more dramatic, it works brilliantly when layered.  So, don’t just buy one delicate chain from your local jeweller, buy three or four, perhaps with different pendants attached, and at varying lengths so that you can layer them over a plain outfit.  The overall look is still unfussy, but it does add interest. 

Similarly, you can often find ready-made pieces of dainty jewellery with more than one pendant; a heart with a pearl, perhaps, or three motifs of the same design but in gold, silver and bronze all on one chain.  Don’t forget that if you can’t find what you’re looking for, your local jeweller will be able to custom make a piece for you.  Dainty doesn’t have to be boring, after all: but it is feminine, sweet and just that little bit different.

Photo courtesy of Terabass, Wikimedia Commons

Friendship Bracelets Have Gone Luxe!

Do you remember as a teenager intricately braiding friendship bracelets out of coloured threads?  Or perhaps you’ve got a teenage daughter who’s doing just that right now?  Well, friendship bracelets have never been hotter as serious pieces of jewellery, and with their rise in the serious-jewellery-stakes a strange twist in the tale has come to pass: friendship bracelets, one of the most humble and inexpensive pieces of jewellery a girl could own, have gone luxurious!  Many of the top designers are producing friendship bracelets nowadays; some in the coloured-thread variety you’ll remember from your youth, and others altogether different.  Nonetheless, the lowly friendship bracelet has seen an out-and-out rise, and if you’ve got a teenager to buy for, they’ll love nothing better than a luxury friendship bracelet from your local independent jeweller.

The history of friendship bracelets

Although the exact beginn-ings of the friendship bracelet are a little unclear, they seem to have originated in South and Central America, quickly spreading to North America, and then the rest of the world, in the 1970s.  However, traditional bracelets are made by a form of macramé, which is a form of knotting rather than weaving or knitting to create textiles, and cultures all over the world have had a tradition of knotting threads into decorative trims prior to the 1970s. 

Because they have been around since the 70s, you’ll often find that friendship bracelets are popular with older generations, as well as teenagers, and traditional bracelets are great for the likes of wearing on the beach, for both young and old, as sand and water won’t harm them.  It is said that you should wear a friendship bracelet until the original threads wear thin and break, to symbolise the love put into its making; certainly, with today’s popular luxury friendship bracelets from your local jewellery shop, the recipient won’t want to take their bracelet off.

Modern day bracelet style: woven

Just because today’s bracelets have gone luxurious, doesn’t mean that there are none of the traditional style woven bracelets available; if the classic look is what you’re after, you’ll still be able to find something bang on trend, and with a touch of luxury attached: many designer names are producing the traditional woven style bracelet with a hint of sterling silver or gold involved, such as a silver bead or bar incorporated into the design. There are even bracelets available which are almost all sterling silver or gold, but where the metal is destined to meet, a woven thread takes over.  No matter what style you’re after, your local independent jeweller will stock designers such as Kit Heath who will fulfil your friendship bracelet needs.

Modern day bracelet style: simple

As a twist on the traditional-but-luxurious modern-day woven bracelets, you’ll also find many a simple style of bracelet on the market.  For example, there are a range of dainty pieces which consist of solely one metal thread with a small pendant attached.  The traditional style bracelet they may not be, but they are certainly up there in the luxurious friendship bracelet stakes, particularly as they often have a designer name attached to them. 

As a compromise between traditional and modern, why not opt for one of the many leather-style friendship bracelets available?  These also allow the wearer to customise their bracelet by adding bead charms.  Whether it’s woven or simple, however, you’ll not go far wrong with a trip to see your local jeweller as they’ll stock a range of friendship bracelets from many different designers - whether you’re reliving your youth or buying a gift, you’ll be in safe hands!

Photo courtesy of Virgenie, Wikimedia Commons

Trendy Christening Gift Ideas

It may not have escaped your attention of late that the world and his wife seem to be bringing beautiful, bouncing babies into the world at the moment.  As lovely as this is for all involved, when the baby is a few months or years old, it does often pose aunts, uncles, friends and godparents with the question of “what do I get as a Christening gift?” 

Whether you’re attending a traditional religious service, or a modern-day naming ceremony, the task of finding a gift for the little one can be difficult, particularly if you’re looking to buy something meaningful, which will stand the test of time but is also modern and just that little bit trendy, too.  You won’t be disappointed therefore with a trip to your local jewellery shop; there you’ll find a range of Christening jewellery and giftware to suit even the hippest of babies!

Personalised jewellery

Personalisation is big at the moment; this doesn’t necessarily mean traditional, and therefore slightly outmoded, giftware which has been engraved, but, particularly if the gift you’re looking for is for an older child, perhaps a piece of jewellery with their name spelt out.  Charm bracelets and beads with the letters spelling the child’s name are particularly popular with little girls at the moment, and you’ll be able to find this type of on-trend personalised jewellery at your local jewellery shop.  Alternatively, how about a locket with a family photo inside, or even a finger print pendant?  It’ll be something for them to cherish as they grow older, and is also that little bit unique.

The traditional Christening bracelet

The simplicity of the Christen-ing bracelet means that it has never gone out of style as a Christen-ing or naming day gift, nor is it ever likely to.  Your local independent jeweller will stock a range of Christening bracelets, in a variety of sizes to fit every little wrist, and if you do want something a bit more out of the ordinary, why not ask you local jeweller to custom design and make something for you?  It will be a one of a kind piece which no other child will have.

Stylish photo frames

Photo frames may be a gift which perhaps a gift more for the parents than for the child, but a simple, elegant, stylish photo frame will never go out of fashion.  Every new parent will proudly display a range of photos of their child at every stage of their lives, so why not buy something to do so stylishly?  Remember that your local jeweller will stock a range of giftware as well as jewellery, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

To pick something modern, opt for either something simple such as plain sterling silver, something cute and child-friendly such as a frame illustrated with traditional children’s book illustrations, or for the ultimate in trendy Christening frames, why not pick a signing frame which can be used on the day of the event itself as an alternative to a guestbook?  The baby’s parents will be overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness at such a gift – and you’ll be the star Godparent!

Summer Sparkle: Jewellery for Every Summer Occasion

Despite the weather trying to tell us otherwise, summer is almost here, and the promise of many a summertime event is beautifully near. If you’ve got an event coming up, you may be starting to think about your wardrobe, and jewellery is a big part of any occasion wear. Whether you’re attending a concert or simply jetting off to somewhere exotic, don’t be left behind in the fashion stakes: visit your local independent jeweller for the hottest trends for summer 2013.

Boho beauty: Festival jewellery

No matter which genre of festival you attend this summer, festival jewellery remains laidback and relaxed. The boho look continues to be in fashion, and festival goers should look out for strings of long beads, particularly those interspersed with feathers. Similarly, metal feather pendants and drop earrings will be popular for summer 2013, carrying on the hippy-vibe of previous years – you’ll be able to find a range of pendants at your local jewellery shop. Hair-line jewellery is big this season too, and you should look out for Asian-inspired, long, jewelled hair clips which sit along the parting and dangle over the forehead, or delicate Alice-band style metal and beaded headbands.

Stylish and chic: Race-day jewellery

A day at the races is always a good excuse for a new frock and some sparkly jewellery. As most race-day outfits are about sporting an oversized hat, jewellery should, as a rule, be kept low key; small but sparkly diamond drop earrings and necklaces are favourites of most race goers. However, you can also take the opportunity to have a little fun, and wear something out of the ordinary, if you so wish: how about a horse-shaped pendant or earrings? And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, why not ask your local independent jeweller if they can custom make a piece for you?

Sun-worshipper: beach jewellery

Jewellery for summer sun holidays should be pretty and fun and different from your every day jewellery; you wouldn’t have the opportunity to wear a shell-shaped necklace with a smart business suit, but you can let your personality shine through on holiday. Less is not always more when it comes to holiday jewellery, either: layering multiple bracelets looks wonderful against a tanned wrist. Your local jeweller will point you in the right direction towards pieces which will work well together.

Patriotic passion: Last Night of the Proms jewellery

There’s possibly no other occasion which is more eccentrically British than the Last Night of the Proms. If you’re lucky enough to be attending a promenade concert this summer, you can feel free to employ some of that eccentricity in your outfit: jewellery should be wonderfully patriotic, so think ruby red, sapphire blue and sparkly diamond-white. If your imagination runs wild, talk to your local independent jeweller about commissioning a custom piece – no one else will have a piece like it; and if that isn’t British eccentricity at its best, then we don’t know what is!