Author: Jewellery Monthly

“Let’s make a fashion statement”. Using jewellery to look fab can sometimes be a little difficult. I tend to try and think about the occasion or the time of year. These are my two main defaults for inspiration. Depending on the look, I have in mind the final jewellery item can make all the difference. Recent events had me at a little celebration party with a group of close friends. I’m sure you can guess the type of occasion by looking at the jewels around my face. The day was full of colour, music and dancing. When it came to…

Engagement is a huge step for many of us mortals and means you are taking that commitment to be with a person for better or worse, till death do you part. Unfortunately many couples rush into an engagement without really getting to know each other, hence the main reason why divorce rates are skyrocketing. Rather than ending in complete failure and heartbreak, take some time to step back, and actually communicate with your partner. Having conversations about the five tough topics below can really make you far more confident knowing that this is the person you want to spend your…

The world of Gemstones is an exciting place, as each polished rock unleashes vibrant colours of meaning to its wearer. So what do these stunning colourful gemstones mean? Is it just a colour that looks nice for a certain item of clothing? We took a closer look at each stone to give you an idea of what they mean to people the world over. You may also be interested to know what your birthstone colour is? What’s your favourite? Please leave a comment and let us know.Red Gemstones The red gemstone is one of the rarest colours available. They have…

If you and your fiancée admire design that is bold and sleek, contemporary and timeless, unique and elegant then you’ll be looking for an engagement ring designer like Tina Engell. Nestled in the heart of Bath, Tina’s studio is where she creates jewellery pieces like this stunning engagement ring inspired by the shape and patterns of the squid’s tentacles. This eye-catching piece from her portfolio is typical of her work. With its stunning host of unique brown diamonds integrated into the tapered solid gold band, this engagement ring exudes strength and solidity. Drawing on a Danish background and English influences,…

Choosing an engagment ring can be difficult, especially if your partner’s personal taste is a little alternative.While “diamond” and “engagement ring” has been the traditional option, our culture is shifting and alternative options to diamond engagement rings are becoming the norm.Each woman is unique, and her personality and interests should be reflected in the ring that is bought. While an alternative engagement ring may be infinitely more difficult to choose, a well thought out and planned option can mean the tearful “yes” to your marriage proposal and an ecstatic fiancé.Finding the perfect alternative to a diamond ring is not going…

GLASGOW KELVIN COLLEGEJEWELLERY HONOURS DEGREE SHOW West End Campus, 75 Hotspur Street, Glasgow G20 8LJ The opening night is on the 29th May 2015 but you can also visit from the 1st June – 12th June 2015, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, late opening Thursdays and Saturdays The eight students from Glasgow Kelvin College’s 2015 B.Des. Honours, Jewellery Design and Technology degree course are showcasing their work as the successful culmination of years of study and hard work, honing their skills, both through the use of CAD and traditional jewellery techniques to produce exciting and beautiful jewellery. By combining a…

ANNE WALKER From Edinburgh, by way of Aberdeen to Glasgow, I am a Jeweller with a history. I chose the name heist as it represents the skills I have stolen from my previous career as an Architect. Happy working at the bench, I also derive satisfaction from interpreting my designs and fine tuning details using CAD and 3D printing technology. I am developing my skills by exploring the opportunities that scripting and panelling could offer alongside stone setting. Visual and verbal stimuli, my environment and my everyday thoughts spark a constant process of design evolution within my imagination. I love…

Why should I buy the iWatch? That is one of the most common questions most people ask themselves all over the internet. Outside the tech media echo chamber, several individuals are pragmatic about this new high-tech watch. However, there are certain important things such as the battery life, the style of the case, and more importantly the security and safety of transacting with the device. Beyond the cool, glam, tech and sports factor, here are some great features that will make you buy the iWatch. An iPod right on the wrist One of the big parts of the success of…

When planning to marry the love of your life, it is important to make the day you propose as memorable and special as possible. In case you are wondering what the best venue for this special occasion would be? We decided to put together 10 amazing places to propose. The London Eye, England The beautiful city of London could never pass unmentioned. At the London Eye, you can go for a spin 135 meters high with a clear view of the awesome sights. This environment definitely creates a romantic vibe where you can surprise your spouse with the big question.…

Earlier this month, Serendipity Diamonds, the online jewellery retailer, re-launched their latest website with many new features including a diamond search tool for buying loose certified diamonds. Serendipity Diamonds was established in 2007 and specialises in supplying loose diamonds and jewellery. Based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, their client base includes trade members and private clients Worldwide. The company specialises in diamonds and personalised made-to-order jewellery. Their product range includes diamond engagement rings, wedding rings and eternity rings. Twelve months ago, Serendipity Diamonds launched their international website, selling jewellery not only in the UK but across Europe, America,…

BACK TO NATURE ‘BIRD’S NEST’ COLLECTION – ‘I LOVE A LASSIE’ Scottish jewellery brand I Love a Lassie takes a bite out of nostalgia with a range of contemporary jewellery inspired by life’s little treasures… Handcrafting precious tokens into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and cufflinks. Each design is cast in solid sterling silver and offered in additional finishes of 18ct yellow gold vermeil, 18ct rose gold vermeil and black rhodium. Our first six collections centre on simple tokens that make us smile: the string Grannie tied round her finger as a reminder; a fragment of antique lace; an original bawbee…

GOLD Beautiful and expensive things will always surprise us no matter how eager we are to discover everything about them. Assuredly, gold is one of the most interesting metals we use, buy and get excited about. Gold represents power, beauty and, why not, love and life-bounding. It incorporates style and talks about fashion without saying a word. Gold is more than a jewellery material, is a self-contained attitude. A veritable personality. But, even if we are aware of all these things, there is always more to know about gold. Always something surprising. source GOLD, IN ITS EARLY DAYS. This metal…

Diamonds are known for their beauty and for being a symbol of love, but where do they come from?What are diamonds?These rocks are metastable allotropes of carbon with strong covalent bonding between its atoms. In order for a diamond to form in a natural condition, it requires high pressure carbon-bearing materials exposure between 900 – 1 300 °C conditions that can be found only in two places on earth: in lithosphere and at the site of a meteorite strike. As a matter a fact, diamond crystals are brought closer to earth’s surface through volcanic activity. Where do diamonds come from?It’s…

Ti Amo Lotti, meaning ‘I love you lots’ in Italian, is a true reflection of the heart and soul this company has put into their designs. Creating affordable, desirable and unique jewellery that would be lovingly received as a personal gift, and yet also perfect for memorable occasions and everyday wear! Who needs an excuse to indulge in a treat that makes you feel special! Offering a custom made service, Ti Amo Lotti’s jewellery is bespoke and made to measure. Their elegant and beautiful designs are inspired by the essence of Italy and can be worn everyday to enhance your…

A Gemstone is a piece of mineral, which is cut and polished to make it shine and look very desirable. A gemstone is also known as a semi-precious stone, jewel or gem.Once the gemstones are cut and polished they can be used in jewellery such as necklaces, earnings, rings, broaches and other jewellery items. Most gemstones are made of hard minerals, but other soft minerals make up gemstones. Below is a list of different types of minerals used for many jewellery items.TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and…

François Quentin and the Fashionlab by Dassault Systèmes highlight the outstanding mechanism of the 4N Watch through a photo-realistic 3D experience at BaselWorld 2015. The technology incubator and the designer show the 4N by developing a new Sapphire case with Dassault Systèmes 3D Design software. As part of its incubation program, the FashionLab – Dassault Systèmes innovation laboratory dedicated to luxury – has renewed its collaboration with the well-known designer François Quentin for his 4N Brand to introduce a new 3D experience during BaselWorld 2015. A new Sapphire case This season, the designer François Quentin wanted to bring a development…

Founded in 1914, TANE is the most recognised luxury brand in silversmithing and jewellery in México. Under the creative direction of Nino Bauti, TANE is looking to conserve, as few do, the artistic craftsmanship in their designs and at the same time to have the characteristics of a global and modern brand.For this collaboration with the silver house of design, we decided to make a collection composed by pieces that could digitally re-interpret techniques usually used in silversmithing. The design is a consequence of exploring new textures to be reproduced in silver.The tessellation highlights the depths and outlines with a…

“I am two women: one wants to have all the joy, passion and adventure,that life can give me. The other wants to be a slave to routine, to family life, to the things that can be planned and achieved. I’m a housewife and a prostitute, both of us living in the same body and doing battle with each other.” (Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes) About the collection Human Bridges, the third collection of PENUMBRA was created from a very deep and personal place, while self-searching, experiences and crises and going through a journey of acceptance and connecting all the inner parts.…

Whether your taste in jewellery is beautifully bold or subtle and stylish, a Jewel Affair has something for all! Offering a varied range of eye catching jewellery thats not only affordable but will, whatever your desire, make a statement! This company was born and inspired by owner Rachel Reid. Rachel has a love for jewellery and appreciates the fact that what is appealing to some may not be to others, she has carefully selected pieces that represent her company and cover a variety of trends. “whilst i myself love big, bold, statement jewellery, I appreciate that this is not everyones…

I am so glad that I don’t live in the Victorian, Edwardian or any of these eras, when you weren’t supposed to speak your minds, let alone feelings, and any emotional expression was through gestures, well choreographed formalities or a coy lowering of your eyes. Fan language…I would have sent all the wrong signals! But although we’ve lost all that – well, there’s still “playing with your hair if you fancy someone” and all that – some people still find it hard to actually SAY what they feel. This is where PRISM come in – whether you want to be…

For many men, the concept of wearing a wedding ring is less than ideal. Whilst, as women, we are accustomed to the idea of wearing jewellery, most men never even try a ring on until they pick out their wedding band. If your fiancee isn’t a ring guy, then consider switching up tradition by buying him a wedding watch instead. Wedding watches can be just as meaningful, and are a great ring alternative for men who do a lot of hands-on work. The Symbolism of the Wedding WatchLike wedding rings, watches have symbolism as well as eye appeal. When you…

The majority of marrying couples will ask the wedding event coordinators how to make their wedding event special and different from others. There are many ways to do it including adding detail, choosing a countryside or lakeside, and the most prominent one is choosing the wedding theme. Choosing a wedding theme is one of the hardest things for the marrying couples. They will spend hours or days trying to decide which theme will suit their needs best compared to the others. In this article, we will discuss some of the best available wedding themes to make your wedding different and…

Malina’s handmade jewellery collections are just simply phenomenal. The ranges of beads and different types of earth rock available, can only be described as like wearing unique art on the body. The style of jewellery is very creative and of great quality. I love that every jewellery item has a name, riddle or story behind it. This fascinating concept makes each jewellery item feel personal. This necklace is called Sarah and comes with a riddle that just wowed me. Riddle: I am millions of years old, yet I am just 37 – add one to me and you have the…

As a wedding draws closer, the bride starts thinking about what to wear during the big day. For many women, it is a daunting task mostly because it is obviously not something they have done before.While many people consider the wedding gown to be the most important piece of attire, a bride may want to consider jewellery too. This is because jewellery can add to the female’s beauty thus allowing her gown to stand out. Due to the hectic schedule of the days leading up to the wedding, some brides may need a little help with their jewellery choices. This…

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but crystals are the ‘Queen of Pop’s.’ In her newly premièred “Livin’ for Love” music video, Madonna steals the screen in a custom corset by The Blonds with thousands of precision-cut Czech crystals. Madonna is just one of many music moguls to recently turn to fashion design duo The Blonds, and thus, the beautiful Preciosa crystal components they use. “It’s an incredible honour to see one of music’s greatest icons wear a Blonds piece,” says David Trujillo of The Blonds, whose upcoming Fall/Winter collection will also feature Preciosa on February 18th during New…

Whitstable’s favourite jewellery designer, Esa Evans, is launching her fundraising campaign on Kickstarter on Thursday 12 March 2015. Esa Evans’ jewellery business, Lady Muck, is well known in Whitstable for its quirky, fun contemporary style. “I have a number of new laser cut jewellery designs ready to go and need to raise funds to pay for materials, production and promotion. Creating a number of new collections will make all the difference to my business and will take Lady Muck to the next level.” Kickstarter is a US-based website that supports artists with the promotion and tools they need to ‘kickstart’…

If you’re in the market to get a new timepiece, there are several luxury watches trending that will fit your sense of style. These watches look great with both casual and dressy outfits, and are sure to turn heads, whether you prefer a flashier timepiece or simple understated elegance.Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-ToneThis watch is a larger version of the Royal Oak watch from Audemars and has a two-toned look that makes the timepiece especially visually appealing. The watch has a rose gold bezel and bracelet links so you can adjust the watch to fit your wrist perfectly. This watch…

Luxury comes in all shapes and sizes, from fast cars to fine tailored suits to edible delicacies. It is generally understood that luxury watches are of both high quality and price – but is that truly always the case?Luxury watches are identified as such for a few key reasons. Brand recognition certainly helps to verify the quality of a timepiece or particular collection, but more often than not, watch aficionados can sniff out a watch’s worth from its materials, make and design. For example, large watch companies typically employ master horologists to assist in production, ensuring that the watch’s primary…

‘Kitsch kreations’ designs are intriguingly distinct and ooze whimsical appeal. To use the word ‘unique’ would be an understatement! Each piece has been lovingly handmade, influenced by an eclectic mix of vintage and retro themes. With a twist of modern art the designer has creatively blended both contemporary and kitsch designs, resulting in a range of fashionable and appealing jewellery. Kitsch Kreations was brought to life in 2009 when designer Joy Stevenson opened her first Jewellery website after choosing to embark on an exciting new journey. Embracing her passion, heart, and dedication to fulfil her dream of becoming an established,…