Archive for the ‘Updates’ 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
Looking back at “London Fashion Week” and what the future holds
I recall how much I loved walking around the streets of London during the annual February London Fashion Week, the shops removed the sales banners and replaced them with the latest designs and colours that helped brush away the winter blues and of course a few were flaunting top brands here or there. We saw the latest collections to hit the streets from the likes of Victoria Beckham to Haizhen Wang to Tom Ford for the men which all caused a buzz.
It does make me think and wish that the jewellery industry was better linked to the fashion industry and aim to follow the trends but alas that is wishful thinking on my part. With all the criticism that the British public get from around the world for their fashion sense that the London show has become such an important part of the Fashion industry calendar where top brands launch their latest collection in fact some have even said it has taken over the Milan show.
Then again how many people can actually afford what’s on offer for some of us we just wait for the main High Street establishment to launch their versions based upon what they have seen? But when I travel around and seek inspiration, it’s not all that it appears a month after the event, by the fact that the busiest shop by a mile was Primark and I still wonder how they sell for those prices. Now I am not saying Primark is a bad thing, there is a place for all brands, from easy to buy and change to the likes of John Lewis for the higher price and longevity
Jewellery in many ways follows the same path as its fashion shop counter parts we have the top brands such as Tiffany that will sell a platinum diamond engagement ring with the famous blue box and price to go with it, and we also have the middle ground shops such as Goldsmiths, and Internet sellers who are like Primark with selling points that on the surface are so cheap it can be mind boggling especially for the buyer to say the least.
But the similarities between Fashion and Jewellery stop there.
Let’s look at a platinum diamond engagement ring as an example. It is not a purchase that you will buy today wear a few times and be happy to throw it away, it is a purchase that lasts a life time, so buying from the cheapest establishment might not necessarily be the right choice for you and my advice before making such an important decision is to seek out an expert because a hallmarked platinum diamond engagement ring might appear the same on the surface where ever you should decide to buy it, but it would be wrong to assume that platinum is platinum anywhere, when in fact you need to bear in mind aspects like the weight of the ring which effects not only the selling price but its durability and wearability and don't even get me started on a GIA certificated diamond because there are so many possible permutations it can be frightening for the novice. That’s for another day.
So all in all my advice would always be to seek out an expert, like myself and remember that price even in today’s market is still very important and key in your decision making, so allow me to help in any way I can, come say hello
What does the “Roaring Twenties” have in common with 2013?.
Independence and a strive to be different
The 1920s was the decade in which ladies fashion entered the modern era. Women abandoned the more restrictive fashions of past years and began to wear more comfortable fitting clothes such as short skirts and daring trousers. All though the change was slow to take off it was passionately embraced from 1925 onwards and this exploded into the famous “Roaring Twenties”. Which we see back for 2013.
Men were not ignored in these changes and they quickly abandoned the highly formal attire and started to bee seen wearing more athletic style clothing for the first time. The suits men wear today are still based, for the most part, on those worn in the late 1920s
In both 2007 and 2008 there was an massive attempt to bring back the 1920’s period, but it was very short lived and many blame this on over production of that style by the fast fashion stores.
However, fashion yet again is at a point where popular culture has been drawing on this era for inspiration and, as such it lingers on the fashion trend radar, led by the success of shows such as The Boardwalk Empire and forth coming film adaptation of The 2013 Great Gatsby movie, which will no doubt show a spike in the once well known designer era of “all that Jazz”.
This does however beg the question as to what guise the 1920’s fashion will take in 2013 will it present a repeat of what has been interpreted before or will it feel fresh but still on trend. Many ask what effect will it have on jewellery styles both in the engagement and wedding market and evening and day wear. I firmly believe that the 1920’s taught us that ladies ( and to a certain extent gents) did not want to be told what they should wear and how they should look, but strive to be different. The same could be said of the current era, in jewellery fashion this change started in 2012 when the popular solitaire ring was replaced by rings taking inspiration from the Edwardian and Victorian era
Moving into 2013 this will continue but with distinguishing attributes of the 1920’s era being added such as coloured gemstones like the gorgeous rubies, sapphires and emeralds, as well as amber, agate, onyx and lapis lazuli cut. Shapes will play a large part like triangles, pentagons, trapezoids, oblongs, or emerald cuts. Much like the architecture it was influenced by.
To discover more about these latest design trends why not get in touch
Looking back and into 2013
In conclusion for 2012. I wanted to take this opportunity of thanking all my existing and new customers for believing in me and my exciting approach to designing bespoke jewellery, making this my best year ever.
It only goes to prove that even in difficult times, if you bring something new to the table there can be success story in the making.
During 2013 I fully intend to build on this success by introducing further innovative ideas to enhance the jewellery designing experience for you and your partner.
For now, it’s time to raise a glass and to wish you all Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year to come
Look forward to seeing you all again in 2013
Adding Value for Money
There are always so many choices in business and as a consumer, how we should buy and how we can sell. The current economic client is seeking value for money and we all play a part in how we can achieve this for the company and the consumer.
For some businesses adding the 70% off signs to their windows is the way forward and many consumers love this approach but for others such like the Apple Brand, it's about producing desirable products at premium prices that have you waiting in anticipation to get your hands on them.
But there is also an alternative approach the above.
I have chosen for my business which is all about the name “Your Personal Jeweller” a more innovative and personal approach. My business is not about inflating the price to bring it down it's not about copying other brands, it's about giving unrivalled personal service while working closely with every person/couple I meet. The end result is to create a beautiful, unique and individual piece of jewellery that you can cherish forever.
I’m about helping you choose the perfect diamond and gemstone with the eyes and the heart, helping with the proposal and wedding plans and all of this within budget. Now that's what I call adding “Value For Money, would you not agree?
So there you have it. It’s all about choice, your choice. I know which one I would prefer do you ?
If you would like to discover more about adding real “Value For Money” to your jewellery purchase I would love to hear from you
Why has London’s Hatton Garden Diamond District lost its true identity?
Being a Hatton Garden trained diamond mounter with over 30 years experience I guess it is ok to call me a veteran.
Hatton Garden, the world famous street that has been synonymous with the diamond trade for hundreds of years, like 47th Street in New York. Famous for seeing so many jewellery stores down one street, over 70 to choose from and all applying their trade to the consumer.
With so much choice on offer, would it surprise you when I say I still get many clients approach me stating they are having terrible trouble finding the right piece of jewellery for them. Why?
If I turn the clock back 25 years Hatton Garden had its own unique identity it allowed prospective clients to buy directly from manufacturers and diamond experts at greatly reduced prices compared to the typical high street. At the time the stores were there to sell but also to help, offer advice and the choice was massive as each store presented its own identity and style.
In my humble opinion, the proceeding years have taken away the edge on that unique identity. The choice on display has diminished even though the amount of shops available has increased.
The reason is quite apparent, Hatton Garden is aiming to compete with its greatest competitor the Internet and of course price. Now when you stroll down the street your eyes are fixed on cost vs. design.
I recall the days when I owned my store and how customers came in asking less about the designs available and more about how much can you do this for.
Now I am not saying for a minute that price is not important because of course it is, but so is the design, good old fashioned experience and expertise. Something the Internet cannot provide
For Hatton Garden to survive the next 100 years surely it needs to go back to its roots and if it does it may well bring the sparkle back to that awe inspiring street again.
If you would like free impartial advice from a Hatton Garden veteran on buying or designing a special piece of jewellery or buying a diamond or gemstone that will last a life time.
Please do get in touch as nothing gives me more pleasure than helping you and your partner.
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
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