David Law Bespoke Jeweller in London

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

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

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 “

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.

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.

So the holiday season is nearly upon us and Christmas can be a daunting time when looking for that perfect gift for your partner. But the pressure increases when your looking to say the magic words “Will you marry me” on Christmas Day with that ultimate gift.

Now your in a spin and need to find that gift that will do everything its meant to combined with the magic words, but how?

Well it can be as easy as 1,2,3 and the choices are always yours, let’s see

1.    You could disappear for a while and head to the high street. Here you will find an array of items with over keen sales people trying hard t hit their commissions. Keen to sell but never keen to go that extra mile to help.

2.    Failing that, how about a personal shopper, the price maybe through the roof but at least the pressure is off and the gift is bought, they will listen because they are paid to and the gift is bought based on “your wish list” very impersonal

3.    Or finally, take the engaging approach of a personal jeweller, now this time they will listen, take care to understand you and your partner and ultimately the gift you want to give them. The end result is outstanding. Creating that single bespoke piece together, designed with the latest 3D technology combined with innovative ideas and suggestions  and more important to your budget.

Now I am sure we can all fall under one of the above categories, but I know which one I would choose, as I am sure you would agree in today’s market and intense pressures its best to seek service, genuine care and attention and that right gift at the right price

Get in touch today and discover the endless opportunities you have and with a small design deposit we could start a great journey ready for you to collect before the festivities begin

According to QCV recent reports 80% of woman are happy to wear fake diamonds

Browsing through the latest edition of “Retail Jeweller” I came across a feature that talks about a survey hosted by TV Channel QVC. Only, 1000 people were interviewed about Diamonds and the results are outstanding.

It was revealed that 80% were happy with fake diamonds, 65% admitted they could not tell the difference between manmade and the real deal and finally, in my opinion the most worrying is that 72% of men can’t tell the difference either.

In addition I noticed the poll also mentioned that 46% of men today were more than happy to buy imitation jewellery for their loved ones, if that were the case would you be happy with imitation?

Does this really matter? For me yes it does.

Overall it’s a very worrying survey but not for our market, latest trends or the general public’s opinion but more about a survey of only 100 people that buy direct from QVC and use this channel to hunt for cheap bargains. QVC do not dictate the jewellery trade’s trends, what they do dictate is a market spend for their online/TV channel which is a very different market all together.

I have always said “there really is a difference between impulse buying and choosing the right jewellery for your partner”. Of course there will always be a need for cosmetic jewellery but for that special piece that speaks a thousand words and says I love you, is real not fake   

I am sure it will surprise you when I say there is genuinely a “real” diamond out there to fit everyone's budget, so do not be put off or misled speak to a personal Jeweller first to find out what options are available for you and your partner before the likes of QVC take the shine off of your ring