A little something: Wright & Teague 'Gala' bangles

Oh, the first day back at work after the bank holiday... Fuzzy head and tired feet (I blame all the dancing at Carnival) but also time for me to get back into the swing of things on Like Gold Dust!
Last Saturday night I found myself on the fringes of Stoke Newington, at a party with a Surrealist theme. I went as one half of Magritte's Les Amants and while I was there got talking to Claudia, a lovely gal who works for Wright & Teague. It's been a while since I've looked them up but I'm glad I did, because I discovered a fun collection of jewels and these cute 'Gala' bangles. Horse heads, tassles, stars and coins. I especially adore the charms engraved with 'Amor' and 'Love Divine'. Such a sucker for romance..!

Gala bangles by Wright & Teague. image courtesy of wrightandteague.com

Azendi's 20th store opening - Kings Road, London

This week I was invited along to the press launch of Azendi's 20th UK store, on London's Kings Road. Living in Battersea a few years ago, the Kings Road was my local haunt for shopping, working (I was an Office girl once upon a time!) going to the cinema, snapping up bargains in Zara and knitting paraphernalia in Peter Jones. It was a little bit of a nostalgia trip heading back west for the first time in a while, so I took along my old Battersea flatmate Sophia to peruse the gems and jewels in the new store...

Azendi have been selling a design-led range of silver and gold jewellery since the opening of their first store in 1989. Locations now include York, Bath, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester, with the Kings Road store their newest addition. The great thing is there's something for everyone, whether simple pearl studs for a bridesmaid, a gem-set cocktail ring or a necklace for mum...

 Top: Rose Gold Vermeil and Silver Lace Heart necklace and earrings
Middle: Silver and Vermeil bangles
Botton: Sophia trying on a long Pearl and Abalone rose necklace

I was impressed with thier price points, not to mention the delicious but lethal champagne and vodka cocktails which were served up, alongside cute cupcakes that had me in awe of thier yumminess. Back to the new store though! The lovely Vicky helped Soph and I try some goodies on; she was full of knowledge of gemstones and the designers they are currently hosting in store, who include Shaun Leane, Stephen Webster and Jayce Wong (the first and last were there on the night).

  Jayce Wong's Octahedron Ring, with Crystals and Rubies

It was Jayce Wong's collection in particular that I was drawn to, with her fun use of gemstones in silver settings, the ring (above) was made around two central crystals, chosen by Jayce because they glow bright  purple under UV light. We watched Jayce demonstrate it, and it was definitely unique. I love the ruby surround as well, making it feel all regal alongside my Zoe & Morgan skull ring! 

 Top: Sophia trying on Jayce's Rutilated Quartz and Sapphire Ring
Bottom: Loving the antique mirrors!

So overall a fabulous evening, and it's definitely put Azendi on my 'ones-to-watch' list.  Soph left with a lovely gold vermeil bangle, set with Onyx, Tiger's Eye and Smokey Quartz. Fabulous. And with the Azendi online shop just making waves, I'm sure I'll be writing more again soon!

A little something: Jordan Askill Gemstone Heart Ring

I first saw this Jordan Askill heart ring - in plain 18ct gold - on a lovely lady I was talking to at work one day.  Then I saw the gemstone heart ring and totally fell for it. So I have only two words: I do.

A little something: Purple Jewels on Adorn London

This fortnight, Adorn is paying homage to John Galliano's catwalk for Dior Haute Couture AW 10/11. Each of us contributors were given a colour to work with - from cirtus yellows to scarlet red. My pick was purple and the gorgeous hues it includes, from pale lavender to deep indigo. Taking inspiration from the Scottish Highlands, the unusual shapes in Galliano's collection made me opt for quirky cuts of gemstone mixed with offbeat designs. Take a look at the full piece on Adorn London here, and the other colourways worked with here .

See more from Adorn London jewellery trends site here

Marc by Marc Jacobs Geo Ring set

Last week I got to play the proud auntie for a few days, kitten sitting two lovely little felines owned by my friend Holly. While Holly escaped to Wales to camp under the lovely Perseid meteor shower, I snuggled up in Dalston with these two cuties... 

 

...And in return for feeding, playing and cooing over the kittens, Hol gave me a fabulous set of Marc by Marc Jacobs Geo Rings. Made from perspex, these lovelies come not only in clear but green, purple, red, sky blue and black. Great for a little mix'n'matching <3

Clear Marc by Marc Jacobs Geo Rings

A little something: Assya Tourmaline Peace necklace

After a weekend spent dallying about in the Cornish countryside my inner country gal - relaxed, free spirited and a little too partial to cider - has raised her head and as a result I'm currently loving all things bright and colourful (as seen below in Boucheron's 'Ma Jolie' ring). Walking past Assya's store most days on the way to work, I've fallen for this pretty, rosary-style Tourmaline Peace necklace. Complete with its gold vermeil peace sign, I know this would be one to layer up with some vintage necklaces and wear with a cute dress and oversized knitted cardigan.

Tourmaline Peace necklace by Assya. Images courtesy of Assya.co.uk

A little something: Boucheron 'Ma Jolie' rings

Good enough to eat, non? It was pretty much love at first sight when I saw the gorgeous 18ct rose gold Ma Jolie ring by Boucheron. Set with multicoloured sapphires and a central pink tourmaline it's one delicious piece of jewellery... Especially with its £5,300 price tag!

 

I've always loved what Boucheron do - quirky French jewellery featuring everything from gem studded  hedgehogs, to macaroons and snakes. The other items in the Ma Jolie collection are definitely worth a look; they're inspired by the powder puffs found on 1950s dressing tables with their candy coloured gemstones and soft, flowing shape. Just as irresistable is the sapphire and diamond Ma Jolie ring - the little sister to the tourmaline ring - at a more accessible at just over £2,640. Yum yum!

 All images courtesy of Boucheron.com

A little something: Dominic Jones on sale!

My lovely friends Dale and Holly are massive Dominic Jones fans, with his rings gracing their fingers (along with some beauties from Vivienne Westwood), in silver, rose gold and yellow gold plate. Lovely. And guess what? Dominic's classic Jack ring is on sale at Matches right now. Hmm...!

Images courtesy of matchesfashion.com

A little something: Niessing 'Victory' Ring

Niessing have been in my life for a few years now. I've quietly appreciated what they do: precision-made jewellery based on physics, weight and size. Thier modern approach to jewellery making is refreshing; I always thought I was a deco girl, but the Victory ring has become a little favourite of mine. Imagine being 5 years old and drawing a diamond ring... This would be it.

Niessing 'Victory' ring. Image courtesy of Niessing