We were thrilled that three of our jewellery collections were chosen for the catwalk show at the Autumn Fair.
Sukie Lau, Blowing in the Wind and Kiki Miao looked great on the catwalk models and here's a few pictures in case you missed the show.
Our Blowing in the Wind collection is of course, especially topical at this time of the year and our new Rose Gold finish was very popular.
We have new designs of chains with a delicate dot feature which looks great with the new leaves and we've also just received our new longer length chains - 40" so the leaves can be worn at 16", 18", 24" 36" and 40" whichever you prefer !
Friday 28 October 2011
Thursday 20 October 2011
270 page catalogue now out !
Yes, we did run a bit behind on our self-imposed schedule, but we figured it would be worth it to produce a catalogue that we're really proud of and Boy did we deliver !
Our new catalogue is now ready - it will run from September 2011 to September 2012, with an update in February 2012.
Even if we say it ourselves, its a gorgeous catalogue, the photography is great, the layout is improved and of course the jewellery is divine !
All of our current collections are in this catalogue (except for Sukie Lau) because we know how much it bugged you in previous years when you had to search between different places for different ranges. So, you gave us feedback, we listened - and now they're all together.
The prices list is now separate from the body of the catalogue due to the volatility of the world silver price....
You should have already received yours, so if you have not, please let us know on 08452 600925 or if you need extra copies, ie one to keep at home or for multiple shops to order individually then please just let us know....
We hope that you love the results of all our hard work, if you have any feedback, good or (gulp) bad, then please do let us know so that we can keep on improving !
Our new catalogue is now ready - it will run from September 2011 to September 2012, with an update in February 2012.
Even if we say it ourselves, its a gorgeous catalogue, the photography is great, the layout is improved and of course the jewellery is divine !
All of our current collections are in this catalogue (except for Sukie Lau) because we know how much it bugged you in previous years when you had to search between different places for different ranges. So, you gave us feedback, we listened - and now they're all together.
The prices list is now separate from the body of the catalogue due to the volatility of the world silver price....
You should have already received yours, so if you have not, please let us know on 08452 600925 or if you need extra copies, ie one to keep at home or for multiple shops to order individually then please just let us know....
We hope that you love the results of all our hard work, if you have any feedback, good or (gulp) bad, then please do let us know so that we can keep on improving !
Monday 12 September 2011
Any Which Way debuts at Autumn Fair
Any Which Way, our Acrylic designer jewellery collection made its debut at the Autumn Fair and we were delighted to win an award with it...!
Yes, thats right, the BTAA ran an award for best new collection and we were first runner up ! (The Winner was Owen Barry Bags in case you're wondering) and a very well done to them !
We were thrilled to be selected and shortlisted, and (after a few glasses of Champagne) we were delighted to be called up to receive our award - It was really exciting as we went through each stage of the judging process through to the final selections... So we'd like to say a big thank you to the BTAA for running the competition !
Any Which Way is bold, acrylic jewellery design, the collection is colourful and fun (just what we all need in the present weather) and the packaging is circular plastic dishes, (oh, alright, they're petri dishes - there we said it) and they look fabulous !
Our catalogue will be out shortly, its just gone to print, so you'll get the full wow factor when that drops through your door, but for now, here's some sneak peaks of the delicious loveliness that is Any Which Way !
Yes, thats right, the BTAA ran an award for best new collection and we were first runner up ! (The Winner was Owen Barry Bags in case you're wondering) and a very well done to them !
We were thrilled to be selected and shortlisted, and (after a few glasses of Champagne) we were delighted to be called up to receive our award - It was really exciting as we went through each stage of the judging process through to the final selections... So we'd like to say a big thank you to the BTAA for running the competition !
Any Which Way is bold, acrylic jewellery design, the collection is colourful and fun (just what we all need in the present weather) and the packaging is circular plastic dishes, (oh, alright, they're petri dishes - there we said it) and they look fabulous !
Our catalogue will be out shortly, its just gone to print, so you'll get the full wow factor when that drops through your door, but for now, here's some sneak peaks of the delicious loveliness that is Any Which Way !
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Button it - A tribute to the humble button ...
Forget chocolate buttons, or that delete button you’re eyeing up on your keyboard …. These sterling silver buttons are a tribute to the history of the button !
Our new collection is a tribute to the humble button, used every day, but hardly noticed (until one falls off that is) we thought we'd compile our own small tribute to our new sterling silver button collection. Read on for the history of the button
But if its just the facts you're after - our new collection is Sterling Silver, will launch at the Autumn Fair, and is part of our new Studio Autumn Winter 2011 collection.
Back to the facts....Yes, the humble button has been around for simply ages. The first buttons made their debut during the Bronze age (that’s over 3,000 years ago to you and me) To be fair, the Bronze age man didn’t actually close anything with them, they were more for decoration – since clothes hadn’t been invented…
Over time as clothes became more fitted the button with its associated loop fastening became more popular, not least because it didn’t potentially cause injury to its wearer in the same way as a pin might.
Buttons arrived in the Uk around 1200 liberated by the Crusaders. Around this time they also got their name, Button seems to stem from the french word bouton – or bud or bouter which means to push. France established the button makers guild in 1250 and set about producing beautiful buttons in a shameless manner, although they did take the time to limit the useage of buttons to the aristocracy – peasants were only allowed cloth or thread covered buttons. So the humble button became a status symbol.
Button mania persisted throughout the middle ages, spawning clothes so beset with buttons and button holes that professional dressers were needed to complete the task of dressing. The church even denounced buttons as "the devil’s snare" as Europe became button obsessed.
But button mania wasn’t destined to last forever – the Puritans condemned it as sinful in the 16th century and as the numbers of buttons on clothes subsided to a more manageable level the level of ornateness of the buttons increased. That is to say, people wore less buttons but the ones they did wear were beautiful and unusual and elaborate.
From the 19th Century buttons were mass-produced, but there was still a wide variety available, from wood, bone and metal, brass, ceramic – the list is endless. Most homes still kept a button box with reclaimed buttons from old garments, along with odd buttons used for repairs.
Obviously we’ve got to mention the Pearly kings and queens of london – this tradition came about when a shipment from Japan flooded the local market in the 1860’s, the average Pearl king or queen wears a costume with over 30,000 buttons (and yes, thats really quite heavy) !
Today buttons come in all shapes and sizes and despite the fastenings that fashion dreams up each season, the allure of the button continutes. The future of the button seems secure because its an ergonomic treat, not superfluous in any way – its neat, tidy and above all, the humble button gets the job done !
Our new collection is a tribute to the humble button, used every day, but hardly noticed (until one falls off that is) we thought we'd compile our own small tribute to our new sterling silver button collection. Read on for the history of the button
But if its just the facts you're after - our new collection is Sterling Silver, will launch at the Autumn Fair, and is part of our new Studio Autumn Winter 2011 collection.
Back to the facts....Yes, the humble button has been around for simply ages. The first buttons made their debut during the Bronze age (that’s over 3,000 years ago to you and me) To be fair, the Bronze age man didn’t actually close anything with them, they were more for decoration – since clothes hadn’t been invented…
Over time as clothes became more fitted the button with its associated loop fastening became more popular, not least because it didn’t potentially cause injury to its wearer in the same way as a pin might.
Buttons arrived in the Uk around 1200 liberated by the Crusaders. Around this time they also got their name, Button seems to stem from the french word bouton – or bud or bouter which means to push. France established the button makers guild in 1250 and set about producing beautiful buttons in a shameless manner, although they did take the time to limit the useage of buttons to the aristocracy – peasants were only allowed cloth or thread covered buttons. So the humble button became a status symbol.
Button mania persisted throughout the middle ages, spawning clothes so beset with buttons and button holes that professional dressers were needed to complete the task of dressing. The church even denounced buttons as "the devil’s snare" as Europe became button obsessed.
But button mania wasn’t destined to last forever – the Puritans condemned it as sinful in the 16th century and as the numbers of buttons on clothes subsided to a more manageable level the level of ornateness of the buttons increased. That is to say, people wore less buttons but the ones they did wear were beautiful and unusual and elaborate.
From the 19th Century buttons were mass-produced, but there was still a wide variety available, from wood, bone and metal, brass, ceramic – the list is endless. Most homes still kept a button box with reclaimed buttons from old garments, along with odd buttons used for repairs.
Obviously we’ve got to mention the Pearly kings and queens of london – this tradition came about when a shipment from Japan flooded the local market in the 1860’s, the average Pearl king or queen wears a costume with over 30,000 buttons (and yes, thats really quite heavy) !
Today buttons come in all shapes and sizes and despite the fastenings that fashion dreams up each season, the allure of the button continutes. The future of the button seems secure because its an ergonomic treat, not superfluous in any way – its neat, tidy and above all, the humble button gets the job done !
Thursday 23 June 2011
Support Independent's Day July 4th 2011 !
What is Independents’ Day?
Well, Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are teaming up with local retailers across the country on 4th July to celebrate Independents’ Day, championed by the formidable Mary Portas. Shoppers are going to be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local independent reatailers and celebrate diversity on the high street.
They are championing the skills great independent retailers have and they want to show the public that their local shopkeeper is not only a vital service, but someone who wears many hats; they are the accountant, sales assistant, buyer and often everything in-between. Well, amen to that ! From all of us who are getting dizzy with the multiple chameleonic roles we play in a single day this will be welcome news. This is all part of the campaign to back the high street and maintain diversity, while getting rid of the ugly eyesore empty shops.
Firstly the government appointed a retail adviser to bring back the bustle to our high streets, which was contraversial enough. It proved that there was a problem with our city centres and high streets (which we’ve all known for ages), finally, it seems that even the government noticed that.
Then they came up with this campaign.....
YOu can download more information at www.skillsmartretail.com/independentsday
YOu can get involved by printing posters, liking the campaign on facebook and generally using it to promote your business to your local media and all and sundry...
This is a rare chance to get retail in the mainstream media, so jump over now to download your posters....
Spread the word !
Well, Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are teaming up with local retailers across the country on 4th July to celebrate Independents’ Day, championed by the formidable Mary Portas. Shoppers are going to be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local independent reatailers and celebrate diversity on the high street.
They are championing the skills great independent retailers have and they want to show the public that their local shopkeeper is not only a vital service, but someone who wears many hats; they are the accountant, sales assistant, buyer and often everything in-between. Well, amen to that ! From all of us who are getting dizzy with the multiple chameleonic roles we play in a single day this will be welcome news. This is all part of the campaign to back the high street and maintain diversity, while getting rid of the ugly eyesore empty shops.
Firstly the government appointed a retail adviser to bring back the bustle to our high streets, which was contraversial enough. It proved that there was a problem with our city centres and high streets (which we’ve all known for ages), finally, it seems that even the government noticed that.
Then they came up with this campaign.....
YOu can download more information at www.skillsmartretail.com/independentsday
YOu can get involved by printing posters, liking the campaign on facebook and generally using it to promote your business to your local media and all and sundry...
This is a rare chance to get retail in the mainstream media, so jump over now to download your posters....
Spread the word !
Thursday 28 April 2011
What's your royal wedding name ?
Work out your 'royal' name in preperation for fridays wedding.
To work it out, you take the name of your first pet, followed by your maternal grandparents surname, and finally the name of the first street you lived in.
Prefix this with either Lord or Lady depending on your sex... !
To work it out, you take the name of your first pet, followed by your maternal grandparents surname, and finally the name of the first street you lived in.
Prefix this with either Lord or Lady depending on your sex... !
Thursday 7 April 2011
The Early Bird has landed...
The Early Bird is our new hand made silver jewellery collection. In this uncertain world, we've noticed a return to traditional values, recognising the value and beauty of handmade pieces. This collection takes its inspiration rom nature, but also recognises the modern world, celebrating the juxtaposition of nature and fluid form. The Early Bird collection is hand crafted from Sterling Silver with Gold accents and a variety of modern finishes to convey the message of the pieces and the timeless themes it explores. With floral pieces such as Cascade, Hawthorn and Ring of Roses vying for position with ephemeral designs of love, hearts oxidised on only one side to represent the dark and light aspects of love highlighted with the purity of a freshwater pearl, complemented by the fluid simplicity of the jingle trio and the elongated aspects of the Promise earrings. This is an exciting and captivating collection which attracted a lot of attention at its NEC Spring Fair launch. Our evolving collection is supported by its own uniqe envelope packaging and showcards. Stylish, modern and unique - The Early Bird really does catch the worm !
Friday 18 March 2011
Silver Price rises...
Many of you will have been hearing about the rise in silver recently. It was a topic of hot debate at the Spring Fair and continues to be among the jewellery industry.
When we produced our catalogues last year in August 2010 silver was around $18 oz. Today silver is almost $35 and we’re sorry to report that only the natural disasters around the world such as the Tsunami in Japan are keeping it at this price. It is generally expected to increase further.
We had hoped to be able to maintain our prices until the Spring, mindful of the current economic situation, but unfortunately we are no longer able to absorb this doubling of our raw materials cost. With regret we have to raise our prices.
This will be effective from Monday 21st March.
While this price rise isn’t a blanket increase across the collections, it affects some collections more than others. Obviously the more silver is in a collection, or the heavier the jewellery item, the more it will be affected.
Material components, such as stones have also risen in cost dramatically, even since the beginning of this year, so stone item prices have also regrettably had to be raised.
For an updated price list for our catalogues please call us on 08452 600 925
As you can see from the silver charts below, from last year and this year, silver has been steadily increasing. You can follow the world silver prices at www.kitco.com if you’re interested in the situation
In case you’re curious about the silver situation, we’ve put together some information on the background to the price increase. If you have any questions regarding the situation please do call us on 08452 600 925
Silver price rises : Background information
Precious metals, and particularly silver, are the most undervalued of all the commodities. Silver is currently trading at around $34-$36 per oz.
Basic reasons for this are continuing and increasing global macroeconomic and geopolitical risks, silver’s historic role as money and an storable commodity of value, the declining and very small supply of silver, significant industrial demand and most importantly significant and increasing investment demand.
Historically silver and gold were used in making currency, and were considered a safe investment. This is because they are not simply commodities but also currencies which cannot be debased like our modern paper and electronic currencies. Most countries in the world used silver for smaller denomination coins in the 19th Century and through the 20th Century up until the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s when currencies were gradually debased.
Silver supply is shrinking. The supply of silver is inelastic. Silver production will not increase significantly if the silver price goes up. This is because silver is often mined as a by product of other minerals with only a handful of pure silver mines remaining.
Silver is in such an accelerated demand cycle because it has a number of unique properties including its strength, malleability and ductility. It has unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity, sensitivity to and a high reflectance of light and the ability to endure extreme temperature ranges.
Industrial applications for silver are widespread. Silver is used in film, mirrors, batteries, medical devices, electrical appliances such as fridges, toasters, washing machines and uses have now expanded to include cell phones, flat-screen televisions and many other modern high tech devices.
Silver has many medical applications. Increasingly, wound dressings and other products incorporate a layer of fabric containing silver for prevention of secondary infections. Surgical gowns and draperies also include silver to prevent microbial transmission. Other medical products containing silver are catheters and stethoscope diaphragms.
Silver has many unique properties which make it essential in global industry – especially in the global photography, technology, medical, defence and electronic industries.
Investment demand for silver has also been rising rapidly the past few years with investors guarding themselves against rising inflation, possible currency devaluations and geopolitical and macroeconomic risk. But, silver is a finite resource, it is not recycled in the way that gold for example is, and the supply of silver is only increasing incrementally
Silver is unique in terms of being both a monetary and an industrial metal and having the highest optical reflectivity and the highest thermal and electrical conductivity amongst all metals. Silver industrial and investment demand is increasing very significantly and meanwhile supply is falling.
Sorry there's no good news to end on....
When we produced our catalogues last year in August 2010 silver was around $18 oz. Today silver is almost $35 and we’re sorry to report that only the natural disasters around the world such as the Tsunami in Japan are keeping it at this price. It is generally expected to increase further.
We had hoped to be able to maintain our prices until the Spring, mindful of the current economic situation, but unfortunately we are no longer able to absorb this doubling of our raw materials cost. With regret we have to raise our prices.
This will be effective from Monday 21st March.
While this price rise isn’t a blanket increase across the collections, it affects some collections more than others. Obviously the more silver is in a collection, or the heavier the jewellery item, the more it will be affected.
Material components, such as stones have also risen in cost dramatically, even since the beginning of this year, so stone item prices have also regrettably had to be raised.
For an updated price list for our catalogues please call us on 08452 600 925
As you can see from the silver charts below, from last year and this year, silver has been steadily increasing. You can follow the world silver prices at www.kitco.com if you’re interested in the situation
In case you’re curious about the silver situation, we’ve put together some information on the background to the price increase. If you have any questions regarding the situation please do call us on 08452 600 925
Silver price rises : Background information
Precious metals, and particularly silver, are the most undervalued of all the commodities. Silver is currently trading at around $34-$36 per oz.
Basic reasons for this are continuing and increasing global macroeconomic and geopolitical risks, silver’s historic role as money and an storable commodity of value, the declining and very small supply of silver, significant industrial demand and most importantly significant and increasing investment demand.
Historically silver and gold were used in making currency, and were considered a safe investment. This is because they are not simply commodities but also currencies which cannot be debased like our modern paper and electronic currencies. Most countries in the world used silver for smaller denomination coins in the 19th Century and through the 20th Century up until the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s when currencies were gradually debased.
Silver supply is shrinking. The supply of silver is inelastic. Silver production will not increase significantly if the silver price goes up. This is because silver is often mined as a by product of other minerals with only a handful of pure silver mines remaining.
Silver is in such an accelerated demand cycle because it has a number of unique properties including its strength, malleability and ductility. It has unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity, sensitivity to and a high reflectance of light and the ability to endure extreme temperature ranges.
Industrial applications for silver are widespread. Silver is used in film, mirrors, batteries, medical devices, electrical appliances such as fridges, toasters, washing machines and uses have now expanded to include cell phones, flat-screen televisions and many other modern high tech devices.
Silver has many medical applications. Increasingly, wound dressings and other products incorporate a layer of fabric containing silver for prevention of secondary infections. Surgical gowns and draperies also include silver to prevent microbial transmission. Other medical products containing silver are catheters and stethoscope diaphragms.
Silver has many unique properties which make it essential in global industry – especially in the global photography, technology, medical, defence and electronic industries.
Investment demand for silver has also been rising rapidly the past few years with investors guarding themselves against rising inflation, possible currency devaluations and geopolitical and macroeconomic risk. But, silver is a finite resource, it is not recycled in the way that gold for example is, and the supply of silver is only increasing incrementally
Silver is unique in terms of being both a monetary and an industrial metal and having the highest optical reflectivity and the highest thermal and electrical conductivity amongst all metals. Silver industrial and investment demand is increasing very significantly and meanwhile supply is falling.
Sorry there's no good news to end on....
Friday 11 March 2011
Friendship bracelets spring trend
Once the preserve of teenagers and a hippie or two, friendship bracelets are having their fashion moment in time for Summer. Forget everything you thought you knew about them, they're now uber cool, and come in the form of colourful threads and delicate silver strings.
Traditionally the native american bracelets were given as a sign of friendship and respect. The recipient makes a wish as the giver puts the bracelet on their arm. If the bracelet falls off naturally, then the wish will come true, so don't ask what happens if you take the bracelet off prematurely.....!
Our beautiful One Wish collection debuted at the Spring Fair and is a modern take on the age old friendship bracelet. These modern day sparkly treasures are a beautiful and sentimental gift for a friend to show them how special they are, or to treat yourself.
These particular bracelets are made from sterling silver, and are elasticated for comfort. We also have a letters collection, so any word or name can be spelt out, and a collection of colourful woven styles too.
Jump over to the catalogue downloads page to see the new One Wish catalogue.
Traditionally the native american bracelets were given as a sign of friendship and respect. The recipient makes a wish as the giver puts the bracelet on their arm. If the bracelet falls off naturally, then the wish will come true, so don't ask what happens if you take the bracelet off prematurely.....!
Our beautiful One Wish collection debuted at the Spring Fair and is a modern take on the age old friendship bracelet. These modern day sparkly treasures are a beautiful and sentimental gift for a friend to show them how special they are, or to treat yourself.
These particular bracelets are made from sterling silver, and are elasticated for comfort. We also have a letters collection, so any word or name can be spelt out, and a collection of colourful woven styles too.
Friday 4 March 2011
Get Alex's style !
We just noticed that Alex jones the lovely welsh presenter from the One Show was wearing one of our equally lovely Sukie Lau black onyx cocktail rings. SUR 60C if you're curious !
Anyway, Alex looked super cute in a cerise dress with black accessories !
Anyway, Alex looked super cute in a cerise dress with black accessories !
Monday 21 February 2011
Spring Fair Review - NEC
Now that we're back and unpacked and sorted out from the NEC Spring Fair, we can report that it was a great show ! Attendance was up, orders were up and all in all its a positive sign for the coming year.
We launched two new collections at the show, The Early Bird and One Wish which were well received as well as our Spring/Summer 2011 update catalogue featuring new collections in Studio, Rocks, Vintage, The Charm Bar and Tower Rings.
All of our new collections are available on our site as downloadable PDF's for your convenience. Please call us if you've forgotten your login.
Watch this space for more information on our new collections....
We launched two new collections at the show, The Early Bird and One Wish which were well received as well as our Spring/Summer 2011 update catalogue featuring new collections in Studio, Rocks, Vintage, The Charm Bar and Tower Rings.
All of our new collections are available on our site as downloadable PDF's for your convenience. Please call us if you've forgotten your login.
Watch this space for more information on our new collections....
Tuesday 18 January 2011
Wicked Wire
Our Wicked Wire pendants will debut at the Spring Fair.
Wicked Wire is a fun flower collection, that’s bold and eyecatching, but still light enough to wear comfortably. These delightful pieces can be worn on a silver chain but we prefer them on our lovely colourful super slim ribbons, which reflect the delicate silver.
So why not ease yourself away from the dull Winter and slide gently into Spring with these gorgeous flower styles from Wicked Wire.
All flower designs are Sterling Silver and part of our Studio collection.
See the new collection at the Spring Fair, Hall 18. Stand G28/H29
Wicked Wire is a fun flower collection, that’s bold and eyecatching, but still light enough to wear comfortably. These delightful pieces can be worn on a silver chain but we prefer them on our lovely colourful super slim ribbons, which reflect the delicate silver.
So why not ease yourself away from the dull Winter and slide gently into Spring with these gorgeous flower styles from Wicked Wire.
All flower designs are Sterling Silver and part of our Studio collection.
See the new collection at the Spring Fair, Hall 18. Stand G28/H29
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