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Bespoke Jewellery by David Law
I am a Contemporary Jewellery Designer who has worked as a jewellery designer and manufacturer in Hatton Garden since 1976.
I specialise in the design and place a lot of passion behind the making of a custom ring, my extensive knowledge in both diamonds and gemstones means you know your in the right hands when choosing that perfect piece for yourself or your partner. I am all about service, unique and personal helping you to find exactly what you want and at a price that suits.
Creating your unique Vintage engagement ring
The most desirable aspect of moving away from the traditional solitaire ring and opting for a vintage style is a simple but effective one. There are no limits when creating your own unique design.
So how do you start?
Some choose to visit local antique stores or go to a more recognized area like Burlington arcade where you could be blown away by the styles on offer and the sparkle of the diamonds. The range is most often old cuts and tend to look a little tired in comparison to today’s modern cuts. I have even found the gemstones could fail to do it for you as they did for me.
But please don't despair and don't be put off because unless your looking for a second hand ring then your visit is not a wasted one, your there to view the style, the era and the design.
Another great place to look is your local library where you will be able to scour the books from the Edwardian and Victorian times. Or the internet for that specific idea and era, don’t forget to search historian sites not those that just sell, as you may well find the information to be incorrect.
Once you have done your research and have some images to play with you will then need to seek out a bespoke jeweller who can transform the ideas you have gathered and infuse them with a modern feel to create your own unique ring, now that’s exciting, right?
To give you an idea of what is possible I have included a sample image for you to view. I have taken a ring from the Edwardian times and created a more modern looking engagement ring, this particular ring was used by De Beers in their promotions for the millennium.
So everything is possible, the world is your oyster when it comes to the style you want to achieve. Your design, inspiration and creativity is just a phone call away, and all at a price that suits you.
The future is Vintage
What Are Vintage Engagement Rings?
The term “vintage jewellery” refers to jewellery that is either old “ Antique“ or is new but takes its inspiration from different eras throughout history. Vintage engagement rings are appealing to many women because they represent a classic and timeless style and generally considered out of the norm from the traditional solitaire ring.
It is important to remember that one can either buy a true vintage ring from an antique shop or get your personal jeweller to become innovative with a style that mixes the modern feel with the ever popular vintage touch.
Designs for Vintage Engagement Rings
Nearly any ring dating back several decades could potentially be considered vintage. However, most of the true vintage rings come from the late 1800′s to early 1900′s. Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian, Art Deco and Retro era rings are some of the most popular styles available.
Allow me to explain in more detail to help you with ideas:-
Georgian Vintage engagement rings
This era ranges from 1714-1837. Jewellery from this period may well have diamonds, coloured gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Edwardian Vintage engagement rings
Edwardian engagement rings are a stunning example of lady-like, intricate designs. The quality of craftsmanship is superb, with delicate filigree patterns, the mill grain details and fancy scroll designs swirling between tiny diamonds surrounding the centre stone, Awe inspiring
Victorian Vintage engagement rings
A defining characteristic of Victorian engagement rings is the use of yellow or rose gold mixed with a layer of platinum with engravings on the sides of the band.
The diamonds are often the “old-mine” cut (today’s modern cushion cuts, and tiny pearls or other embellishments are popular among the Victorian designs).
Art Deco engagement rings
The Art Deco Style is certainly the most desirable of all the vintage engagement rings. With its geometric, sleek lines which give an air of elegance. These rings often have different coloured gem stones or black diamond’s which will always appear striking against the white gold or platinum settings. With the geometric shapes as a guide, it is common to find trapezoid, triangle or kite shaped diamonds set into the modern Art Deco ring
Retro Vintage engagement rings
Coming from the 1960’s – 1980’s the designs are confident, big and bold and greatly reflect the mood of the time period.
Some styles were created to bring attention to the larger centre stone with swirling and dramatic lines of diamonds and coloured gemstones. Other styles during this time tend to focus on one large diamond often a fancy cut shape such as marquise, oval, pear, heart, emerald or asscher. Presenting more of a cocktail ring if comparing it to a modern ring.
So there you have it, a short outline of the many different styles that make up this amazing vintage era.
Next week I will talk about how to research with ease ways of creating your own unique vintage engagement ring
However, if you can’t wait, come say hello and let’s talk Vintage
Jewellery trends for 2012.
Over the last few weeks I have been scouring the latest fashion reports on the trends and planned forecasts for the coming year, which colours are hot, what’s in and out and the predicted styles that will have everyone looking.
But for some reason I always end up with an unanswered question about who actually makes these decisions? Do they use survey groups? Or are the words from the late but brilliant Steve Job’s still ringing in the industry “you don’t ask them you just tell them”.
Even with my skepticism I do honestly feel that the predicted forecast for the jewellery trade is correct. There has been a move away from the traditional solitaire stone diamond ring to more elaborate designs.
Vintage and Art Deco is back. “Renaissance 2012”, as I would like to call it seems to be high in demand and beautifully endorsed by the forthcoming celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
But let’s not panic, this of course does not mean you will be scouring antique shops, markets or even the famous Brighton Lanes to find that all important ring, it’s about finding the right bespoke jeweller who is able to work with you in creating a stylish look covering the 1930s to 50’s period infused with a modern feel.
One of the options I love when asked about this period is that no matter what your looking for, the design concepts are endless, remember this was an era of choice, variety and style.
Being part of “renaissance 2012” opens doors to the imagination and allows both you and the designer to be so creative in the design, and of course let’s not forget that all important budget to suit.
Over the coming weeks I will unravel the wonders and differences Vintage and Art Deco rings had to offer then and now.
However, if you can’t wait and would like to find out more, maybe start a design or simple a chat then please feel free to get in touch and let’s talk Renaissance 2012.
Ready, Set, Go. The Sales start but not for Designer Jewellers, why?
You may well have been planning months ahead on finding that special ring and seen something that caught your eye in Tiffany’s or De Beers, but like everyone, the economic climate makes us wait for the sales in hope of any kind of a reduction on price to help before heading to the stores to buy.
How disappointed would you be when you visit the store only to find, “no sales”. I’m sure you would be like me and ask, Why?
As you stand there, across the road Prada has long queues for its Winter Sale.
Well let’s take a deeper look at Prada. Along with many any other high street retailers the need to clear way for the next season, the new styles and ever changing market makes them an inviting choice. We all love the idea of being able to buy a designer label in the sales and quite frankly who cares how long they had a sale on for, right ?
I myself had my eye on a great Ted Baker jacket that I had seen just before Christmas and thought I would wait for the sales, I was so disappointed to find it was not in the sale, even though there were many others reduced, just not mine. Did I have to compromise to simply get any Ted Baker jacket in the sale or do I walk away. Well a hard decision but one that became very easy for me when I realized it was not the brand name I wanted but the design of the jacket, so I left.
Designer jewellery stores avoid all of this disappointment and hype by simply saying no to SALES, SALES, SALES
Firstly their products are not seasonal but pure classics, lasting a lifetime. Secondly if they did it would be seasonal and chances are the market would dictate this to be twice a year. How would that help you? Not everyone wants to propose, say happy birthday or celebrate their anniversary in January or June. Image the timeline you would have to wait to achieve your goals in finding the right piece of jewellery, at a sale price at a given time. Do you really need that extra stress?
My fear is, if you have found a piece in a designer Jewellers store or website and it’s a little over budget, you may find yourself disappointed when you realize there is no sale, no reduce costs and no interest in helping you the consumer. Nothing is more upsetting than finding that perfect design you have fallen in love with but now it’s out of reach, unless of course it’s the brand name you want then your choice is simple, pay the price for the name no matter what.
Did you know the best and most exciting option in my humble experience is an easy one, forget the brand name, the dictating designer and visit your own designer, discuss your options, choose the colours you want and finally, you become the designer.
Now nothing says “I love you” more than a piece of jewellery you designed and best of all at a price that suits your pocket not the high street.
Want to know how and why?
Come say hello and let’s talk
The changing face of the high street.
So the report is done, no doubt paid for by us the tax payer, and the government will consider its findings and launch a response in spring of 2012. This report in my humble opinion is flawed, allow me to explain.
The high street retailer is experiencing many issues and is forced to be content with increased rent, rates, parking charges and lower margins. Mary Porter has stated that the introduction of more market stalls is the way forward to all the high street woes. Simply taking the consumer from the stores to the streets in this “most often” cold and windy climate to traipse around market stalls is the answer to all the economic issues the retailer is facing, is that what you really believe?
Surely the issue here is a simple one, The retailer is unsure how to adapt to the changing world, their answer to the falling foot fall is to slash prices and yearlong sales in a poor attempt to attract customers to spend money with them.
In a recent report earlier this week, it was reported that by 2015 only 40% of consumer spending will be done on the traditional high street, if correct this will compound the high street retailer even further.
So what is the answer?
On this occasion, one answer does not fit all. For my industry we need a clear understanding to what is actually happening around us.
• Stop trying to compete with cyber space deals.
• More training, bringing back the awe inspiring tradition of the Jewellery trade.
• Knowledgeable people about the industry that can offer first class help and guidance.
• Be in a position to fully embrace modern technology and combine with the classic traditions of care and attention.
• To offer an experience that the customer will never forget.
• Bring back customer service and not be price led.
I don’t for one moment believe that some, if any of my suggestions above would ever be implemented, but for someone that is passionate about the Jewellery trade and clients I can only hope that the future will be a better place for our trade.
I made the change. I moved away from the high street and became more interactive, I don’t mean by becoming “cyber” but by taking the time to meet people face to face, at a location and time that suits them and allowing the customer to truly experience the meaning behind the age old concept of buying and creating jewellery.
Offering modern technology infused with age old tradition.
Now that is what I call change
Are you ready to shop, till you drop?
The media are shouting from the rooftops that this coming weekend will the busiest weekend for the shops as people in their 1,000’s head to the stores to buy their Christmas presents
Will you be one of them?
Or will you be buying from the comfort of your own home on your PC, MAC or Mobile device?
I have a question for you?
How about an alternative to the above options and some free impartial advice?
If the answer is yes why not get in touch and allow me to guide you through this madness
david@yourpersonaljeweller.co.uk
Some advice for the first time proposer
So you have decided to “ Tie the Knot “ and start the time-honoured of life as 2, united by love and committed to a future of weddings, births and challenges as a couple.
I would like to say Congratulations!
But where do you begin?. How do you choose that perfect engagement ring?. How-much will it cost?.
You never really pay too much attention to those jeweller’s shop you pass by and now the ring has become the key focus and everything becomes exciting and frightening all in one moment. There are so many questions and your unsure who to turn to for the right help and guidance. Help is really at hand and don't worry.
So how do you go about choosing the right ring and what are your options?.
You could start like many by researching on line, you enter the world of Cyber information about the 4C's, maybe the differences between platinum and gold and so the story continues. The question here is, will it help you in making the right choice, chances are it won't, but could simply send you into a spiral world of crammed text and discounts of up to 70% to get you away from the high street jeweller.
Talking about the high street.
You could take what you have researched on line and visit your local jewellers they will be packed with lots of sparkling diamond rings, but will they listen to you? Talk to you about the person that you are buying the ring for? or just try to sell you what they have? will they truly have the passion and time to help you choose your ideal engagement ring?.
Just more unanswered questions.
But there is an alternative to the above, and that is to speak with an independent and personal jeweller someone who can take you on a journey who will listen to you, and advise you on choosing your own unique and bespoke engagement ring.
Did you know that commissioning a bespoke engagement ring costs a lot less than you think and offers a wonderful and romantic way to start your engagement. Designed with you for the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. But the excitement doesn't stop there with the introduction of 3D designing and 3D modelling your jewellery can be created with this amazing technology and all without paying a premium and comfortably within your budget.
So there you have it, three ways to buy an engagement ring, on line, in a shop or with a personal jeweller.
If you would like to discuss the many options available to you today with a personal jeweller, then give me a call on 0203402511 or drop me an email atdavid@yourpersonaljeweller.co.uk I would love to hear from you.
“ Inspiring design to create and cherish “
Caring for your jewellery
I often get asked, how Can I make my jewellery sparkle for the upcoming party season?
The answer is a simple one.
Cleaning your diamond jewellery is really quiet straight forward: there is no need for crystal sodas, a simple soft-bristled toothbrush and some washing up liquid will do the job nicely.
Simply place the washing up liquid into a glass of warm water and immerse the tooth brush and ring. Then brush around the back of the stone and the setting. When finished simply rinse in clean running water and dry with a sheet of kitchen roll.
If your lifestyle is active, for example rock-climbing, swimming, mountain biking, lifting weights in the gym and even gardening, then it is wise to remove your jewellery before hand to ensure they remain pristine.
On the other hand, some have simply left their wedding rings on to build their own character and patina over the years.
So I guess I'm saying you have the best of both worlds depending on your lifestyle choice.
Shoppers still seek comfort in treating themselves to luxuries
According to the Times, sales of luxury and premium goods continue to shine even during the economic down turn.
This was one of a number of findings picked up during a survey carried out by Bain.
In my opinion, one of the reasons for this is very clear and stares you in the face. When talking money and the climate today people are more cautious when they spend, leaving the consumer looking at that one special purchase that they will enjoy, create a feel good factor and above all be in the price range that suits.
This tends to go against the grain where multiple smaller items were once the trend which ultimately could cost them more than that one bespoke unique piece.
Another important factor is that clients want to feel important, cared for and offered an experience when purchasing which some of the luxury and premium brand retailers offer.
So back to the report, Bain continues to report that the very clients we are talking about and seek these services are in fact not those that would be ordinarily be described as rich.
As a personal jeweller I can relate to this report because many of my clients receive all of the above and more without paying the big brand prices.
Everything is an experience, it’s just which one do you choose, get in touch and sample the above and more. Get the feel good factor from the pocket to the jewellery.
A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL
A Proposal can be both romantic and stressful all in one go.
When most people think about proposing a number of thoughts spring to mind. For example : the perfect place to propose, what planning is needed to make this one moment last forever and when is the best time to say those magical words.
Christmas:
The time of year when our hearts are open to all, especially our loved ones making this a precious time to get truly creative in your proposal, from a sneaky box in the stocking, to an ornament on the tree, boxes within boxes to keep the element of surprise running to a simply breakfast in bed as you say “will you……” as they unfold the box and reveal the ultimate gift of a diamond ring you fill their hearts with joy as you seal this moment for many years to come.
New Year's Eve:
Let the countdown begin as you set into stone the very moment a new year comes alive and so does your proposal. Hearing the bells chime your timing is key as you kneel to propose, ready for the strike of Midnight. On the final strike your lives will change forever and a New Year begins will with love, hope and your next journey as a couple.
Romantic holiday:
Why not plan a winter sunshine holiday and escape the chills of the UK, take a gentle stroll along the beach and when the moment is right, let the backdrop become the perfect setting as you cease the opportunity and the moment by pausing and proposing. Capturing the very essence of why you escaped in the first place. Your options are open and varied, recently one client proposed while Scuba Diving. Think outside the box and let your imagination run wild when planning that special trip for your proposal.
Basically, I am saying no matter where and how you propose make it a moment you “both” will never forget and set the moment in time for ever.
But all of this planning also needs thought behind that WOW factor for the engagement ring and this is where a personal jeweller steps in.
As you discuss your plans to propose, enjoy the time with your personal jeweller creating the ultimate bespoke engagement ring that will be as unique as your proposal and seal that magical moment in time, forever.