Archive for the ‘Trends’ Category
The Gold Rush Crash
Is it true, has it happened? The bottom line has crashed out of the Gold market?
Well yes it's true, the Gold price suffered one of its largest one day falls on record and platinum was not far behind.
But rumors are floating around, as you would expect – will it rise soon or continue to crash further. Now as many of my readers know, gold and indeed platinum are synonymous with the jewellery trade however the industry has no influence on the price. This is all about the woes of the worlds current economic climate in Finance and our hands are tied to their dealings and not ours.
Even with these rather large falls please don't expect to see prices drop on the high street, Jewellery stores holding stock would have already bought the ranges along with price tags to match, meaning there will be a large time period before you start to see any significant falls.
But, it’s not all doom and gloom, where there is bad there is also good. And the good is seeking out someone like me, a bespoke jeweller who will still be able to offer innovative ideas for your engagement and wedding rings but also working with prices that suit, all because a bespoke jeweller works for the present and not for stacked stock
So if you have wedding coming up and the wedding rings have not already been bough, now would be a great time to get in touch and talk Gold
What is bespoke?
You often hear me talk about “Bespoke” so I thought it was time to explain why I push so hard for you to look at my bespoke services, products and the benefits behind this, while we continue to see main stream retailer stagnated over the last few years.
Many high street and online retailers are starting to offer a bespoke service and with that comes confusion, in my mind bespoke means to offer, create and design something to a clients creative mind, or a mixture of theirs and mine which is totally unique. The retailers who now claim to offer a bespoke service will allow you to choose from an existing design and select your diamond, as you can see it’s not quite the same.
I am not saying that is wrong to call it bespoke, but to me and many in my industry see Bespoke as "designed for you”. For me the above does not fall into the spirit of bespoke and in my opinion should be called “custom made”.
Why the importance?, well seeing your design come to life is very different to simply changing a stone and if you have never experienced this bespoke service I would highly recommend you give it a try, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
You will not only be amazed at the final look but also how it fits neatly into your budget. So if you would to talk to me about creating a bespoke and unique piece for you I would love to hear from you
AQUAMARINE
Did you know that aquamarine is the birthstone for March?
This amazing stone Signifies faith, courage and friendship. The aquamarine stone has been reputed to bring marital happiness to all women who wear it, don’t you just love the tradition that is encapsulated with in the stone?
Aquamarine typically comes from the mines of Brazil and is one of our most popular and best-known gemstones around. It is noted to be “almost” as popular as the classics ruby, sapphire and emerald. In fact its family member is the emerald as both belong to the beryl family.
The colours can be quite stunning, from shades of green to the well known and recognisable pale sky blues.
It is treasured for its gorgeous fresh hues which compliment almost any skin tone and eye colour, so it’s worth a look to see how well it compliments you as a person.
Aquamarine is a relatively hard stone which offers you increased durability which makes this little gem a perfect choice when designing your own beautiful bespoke piece jewellery.
To discover more about stunning aquamarine please do get in touch and let’s see what we can design together
Be inspired by the finest in Jewellery
Don’t you just think the above is a great slogan?
This was the slogan that International Jewellery Show in London chose to promote to the jeweelery trade earlier this week
The show has been running for 56 years so I guess they must be doing something right, you think?
Well this year I decided that I would spend a couple of days roaming around to be inspired, as the slogan suggested. I have to say I have come away terribly disappointed,
My personal objectives in finding new boxes and bags as well as meeting up with the software company that developed the cad software was fun and a learning curb for me, however “inspired” was not the word I would use when I left, disheartened and upset to see the trade show presenting the same old goods, a walk back 50 years ago, no new trends, innovations and absolutely nothing to hit the up and coming Autumn Winter Season. It’s like attending a Fashion Show and not seeing the next trend
Even visiting retailers stuck to the same tried and tested suppliers scarred to try and offer their clients something imaginative and creative for the upcoming season and “yes I know” it’s a difficult time right now, but it’s also the time to offer clients choice. These decisions were not based on the economic climate we face now, they have been doing this for years, ignoring new ideas and concepts for so many years.
So in truth if your hoping to see something new and exciting in fine jewellery from your local jeweller any time soon, don't be surprised if you see nothing, and to be honest you will as disappointed as I was.
The reason my business bucks the trend and continues to grow is a simple one, I have embraced and in many cases led change in the way jewellery is both designed made and sold.
I continue to offer my clients an unrivalled personal service, create and design jewellery that fits their aspirations life style and even skin tones and go the extra mile whatever the size of the budget I add value to every sale that you just can't put a financial figure on
So if you are looking for inspirational fine jewellery for that special occasion or for the upcoming season as well as a fantastic personal jewellery shopping experience why not get in touch for a free no obligation consultation
I would love to hear from you and let me Inspire you
Ever had a birthstone that some say attracts vitality, sensuality, and even sexual energy
Welcome to the Ruby
The beautiful Ruby is not only a July birthstone but also a December and January birthstone
A Ruby is a pink to blood-red coloured gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). The red colour is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium.
Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red and is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond.
Prices of rubies are primarily determined by colour. The brightest and most valuable "red" called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality.
After colour follows clarity which is similar to diamonds. A clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Cut and carat (weight) are also an important factor in determining the price.
Ruby gemstones are incomparable for their beauty and vibrancy. Its striking colour is a analogous of its energy which some say is very effective for encouraging vitality, sensuality, and sexual energy.
The lovely red crystal has been known to attract new love or re-energise existing ones, so they say
if you would like to find out more about rubies and creating bespoke jewellery please get in touch, I would love to speak to you about this amazing stone
Made in Britain
Three out of four people in a recent Mori poll could not remember the last time they bought something designed and made in Britain.
It begs me to ask, when was the last time you went shopping for items that were British Made? You tend to buy because of the brand, your taste or even your budget. Even going shopping in the most exclusive street in UK you would be hard pushed to find something made in Britain
But I share from firsthand experience that shopping habits are changing but not necessarily because of the tag “made in Britain”.
The clients who I have had the pleasure of meeting are often appalled at what is presented in the high street, seeing the same products in every store and but offered at different prices or bundled into packages to make them look more attractive but not because it was made in China rather than Britain.
My clients want individuality. Seeking a quality made product that just happens to be made in Britain with superior customer care and service and the ability to speak to someone with Knowledge and relevant experience. In other words the whole package and not off the shelf.
Modern technology such a 3D and 3D printing are reversing a trend, manufacturing is returning to these shores, which of course I welcome. Homemade products are no longer coming into the market with an excessive price tag over their rival imports, and in many cases made to a higher quality and standard.
if you would like to create your own individual Made in Britain get in touch would love to tell you more
Proud to be British
If you have not been up to London recently you really should, there is a real buzz around town.
It’s hard to miss with all the bunting, Union Jacks lining the streets and the innovative London Eye lit up red white and blue, it makes you realize how exciting it is to be in the UK this year.
London is embracing all that is good in Britain from celebrating the Diamond Jubilee to the Olympics. 2012 is really putting the “Great” back into Great Britain
Individually and in business we are all looking for ways to mark this special year, enabling us to look back in time and say we were part of history.
2012 Hallmark
The jewellery industry is marking 2012 by introducing a unique one off hallmark
This Hallmark will never be repeated and never wear out, so if you are planning to get engaged, having a wedding, celebrating a special anniversary or just wanted to give your loved one a special gift this really is a great time to do it.
If you would like to find out more about the Golden Jubilee hallmark and add your own personal mark to this momentous year why not get in touch as I would love to help you make your own personal history
Hallmark your love in 2012
3D Printing Revolution Could Re-Shape World
Advances in 3D printing technology could revolutionize the way we produce products and repatriate manufacturing jobs to the UK.
This latest report announced by Sky on the 25th of May put a slight smile on my face, I mean really where have they been for the past 28 years.
3D printing has been revolutionizing the way the product is seen in the market place today from TV’s to cars, even jewellery. Historically some industries have been slow to embrace change since its been around for ten years, but worth the wait, as a designer I know how amazing the end result is and love sharing the process with you.
The only good thing about Sky's exposure was awareness to the public, the wonders of 3D printing and 3D designing and the endless possibilities that can be created from this process.
For my clients it allows them to be take hold and embrace their ideas. The very idea of seeing and feeling their unique designs before they go into final production is awe inspiring, plus it removes all the risks involved in creating bespoke design from 2D drawings and the extra costs.
The unique design process is fun and very rewarding, so why not get in touch, find out how much fun it can be and with a no obligation consultation I will introduce you to the revolutionary world of 3D printing
It’s still Factor 50 time
The sun is shining, the air is clear and people are happy, if your away on holiday you may be thinking, its hotter in the UK than where I am now. It’s been a very long time since we have been able to say that and it puts that long awaited spring in your step and people smile more.
While you surround yourself with spring flowers that look and smell divine, maybe this is the time to pop out and buy yourself a new spring/summer outfit, plan BBQ’s with friends and family or you could use this shining sunny weather to indulge in a stunning aquamarine gemstone ring, pendant or earrings for that sunny event you have planned.
From the light blue of the sky to the deep blue of the sea, aquamarines shine over an extraordinarily beautiful range of
Spring is bursting with Colour
I really do love spring, it that time of year where we can brush away the winter blues, the buds start to push through and start to blossom, surrounding us with blue bells, daffodils and tulips such beautiful fresh colours. Longer days and sunshine puts that extra bounce in our steps, a wider smile on our faces and the air is full of positivity.
The other great thing about this time of year is winter clothes can finally be locked up and replaced by beautiful prints and fresh spring colours. From a jewellery design prospective this allows us to be far more creative with the coloured gems that we can use in our designs.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs I have a real passion for beautiful vibrant coloured gems and the spring season really allows us to offer you an array of choice to really finish off the outfit, I thought it would be quiet cool to give you some insights to the possibilities that are available and take a look as lesser know stones.
So this week I wanted to give you an insight into Golden Beryl.
Golden beryl is also known as Heliodor, which is named after the Greek words for sun "Helios" and gift "Doron". The sunny yellowcolour of this beryl lives up to its name. Although it isn't well known, Golden beryl has an illustrious pedigree.
Like people, gems come in closely related