For a real impact statement this summer, why not try colour blocking! Whilst floral and animal prints are still big, colour blocking is taking over on the runways. Vibrant pop colours like coral, electric blue, ruby red and canary yellow are splashed all over magazines.

A great tip for colour blocking is to keep it simple, team two contrasting items of clothing with a few key pieces of chunky jewellery in a neutral colour.

Celebrities that are fans of colour blocking are Jennifer Lopez, Rhianna and Olivia Wilde.

Peridot became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages as an Ecclesiastical stone.  Knights returning from the Crusades in Egypt had found Peridots and, believing them to be Emeralds, presented them to their local Cathedrals.  There is a wonderful Peridot in the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, gifted by returning Crusaders.  (more…)

The past couple of years have seen a significant, publicised rise in the cost of many precious metals. But it’s not just metals we are seeing a price rise in; the cost of polished diamonds has also been soaring.

During May this year we saw polished diamonds continually setting a new high on almost a daily basis. This has been one of the largest increases in the last 2 years, rising by 13.4% compared to the same month last year.

Prices don’t just rise on there own, there are many factors that contribute to such increases. (more…)

The gleaming Ruby shall adorn

All those who in July are born,

For thus they’ll be exempt and free

From lovers’ doubts and anxiety.

Ruby, like other gemstones that were discovered in early history, has many superstitions attached to it. Quite when the first ruby was treasured we shall never know, but it was likely to have been in Asia at least a thousand years Before Christ.

 

 

Rubies are referred to in the Bible in Proverbs:

She is more precious than Rubies

For Wisdom is above Rubies.

Who can find a Virtuous Woman?

For her price is above Rubies. (more…)

The celebs are doing it all over the red carpet and models are doing it down the runway! Be it necklaces, bracelets or rings, the hot trend this summer is to wear them layered.

Sarah Jessica Parker shows off her high impact look with multiple strands of different necklaces ranging indifferent lengths whilst Jennifer Aniston goes for a more subtle and sophisticated look with some simple gold chains of different lengths.

J-Lo looks fabulous as always in her figure hugging jeans and white waistcoat, acessorized perfectly with an armful of beautiful bangles. There are plenty of different ways to layer bracelets and bangles, what works for you will depend on your style and personality. Some people like to keep their bracelets all uniform in style others like to mix and match. Take a look at some of the pictures below for ideas on how to layer your bracelets.

(more…)

Still hot this summer is the maxi dress.

With the wide variety of styles and never ending selection of patterns it means that everyone can find one of these dresses to suit their shape and personality.

From sophisticated evening dresses to casual day wear maxi dresses seem to be popping up everywhere. The floaty, light weight materials are great in the summer heat whilst the long length provides warmth as the evening cools.

(more…)

Natural pearls possess a history and allure much greater than today’s wearer may recognise. Pearls are mentioned in both the Bible and the Koran as symbols of great wealth. Throughout history a natural pearl necklace, comprising of matched spheres, was (and is) a treasure of incomparable value.  The Roman General Vitellius financed an entire military campaign by selling one of his mother’s pearl earrings!

(more…)

The Queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. In honour of this special occasion a special commemorative hallmark has been approved.

The chosen mark is of a young Queen Elizabeth wearing an over sized crown. The mark will have a diamond shaped surround and can be used on gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

The new commemorative mark will be available from July 2011 although items with the new mark won’t be available for sale until 2012.

Over the years we have seen a number of different commemorative hallmarks. Perhaps the most popular of these was the Millennium Mark, applied to over 5million articles of jewellery and silverware. This mark was a cross with 2000 marked in each end.

(more…)

Jewellery is one of the best ways to re-invent your wardrobe. There is no need to go out and buy new clothes – accessories are a fantastic means to re-vitalise and wake up your existing wardrobe. The key is to keep it on trend.

The big bold statement pieces of 2010 were a reaction to the recession. In 2011 we are already seeing a winding down period with lots of eco friendly, natural materials such as wood and feathers incorporated in jewellery.

The natural earthy colours look fantastic with the boho chic of the ever popular maxi dresses with a mix match of patterns and colours.

One of the biggest trends we are seeing is wearing casual bracelets all mixed together. Friendship cords and wrap around leather bracelets with colourful beads are becoming the next big thing, not just on their own but worn as a multiple too. Not just for weekends in the country anymore, this affordable multi bracelet trend has been seen on the likes of Nicole Ritchie, Jessica Alba and Drew Barrymore. The friendship bracelets in particular are rising in popularity, with personal sentiments behind many purchases creating a great talking point with friends and family!

(more…)

Jewellery can be used as a key accessory when is comes to creating a stylish outfit. Think about it, why change your clothing so regularly when you can give your favourite clothes a new lease of life just by adding accessories?

If you’re wearing dark blue or navy try adding some turquoise or lime green peridot jewellery to lighten the outfit and add a splash of colour.

If you put on a bright purple or cerise pink outfit add some lighter shades of amethyst and rose quartz to soften the look.

Add a splash of colour to browns and neutral shades with green and orange amber.

If your outfit is black and white add a softer, gun metal grey item of jewellery for a subtle, sophisticated look. Or for a statement look add blocks of a single, bold colour such as cerise pink or electric blue.