A little something: Pebble's rough-cut citrine ring

OK, so I know it's only Janaury, but I am in a summer bubble of excitement at work today, seeing the amazing things we've picked up from a recent trip to Pebble. The colours are good enough to eat and the gemstones are shimmering away. There is lapis, prehnite, aquamarine, coral, labradorite, moonstone, dyed jade, chalcedony... Then I spotted this AMAZING ring - the kind of mad thing I fall very hard for. I grabbed our camera, took a few snaps et voila. Pebble's rough-cut citrine ring. Luckily it's far too big for me, but I look forward to seeing which colourful (and very lucky) lady snaps this badboy up. <3

Like Gold Dust video - Merle O'Grady 'Navette' necklace

So here goes... My first ever video for LGD. It's an unedited, filmed-in-my-bedroom cracker of a first attempt, and I'm really pronouncing my words haha. I'm sure things will improve along the way! Anyway, enough about the filming, press play and watch my brief introduction to Merle O'Grady's lovely Navette pendant, from her SS11 Poolside collection. This beauty is made from sterling silver, howlite, Swarovski crystal and perspex. Lovely!

ps. I picked Merle as one of my 'ones to watch' for Adorn London earlier this month. Have a read here.

A little something: Belle Sauvage SS11 film

I stumbled across this gem recently. Love love love. Featuring jewellery favourites of mine Nicholas King, Pebble London, Maria Francesca Pepe (MFPepe) and insane costume jeweller Andy Farrow. Watch and be amazed...

Adorn London does a vintage Christmas

Back in December, Adorn London editor Juliet Hutton-Squire treated us Adorn contributors to a Christmas party - a day of decadence which saw us devouring cakes and sandwiches at CocoMaya (honestly the best chicken sandwich I've ever had!) before heading to Atelier Mayer for an afternoon of vintage dressing-up.

 Top - Bottom: CocoMaya's vintage crockery and stunning chocolates

CocoMaya is like nowhere else. Aside from its stunning handmade chocolates in a million colours and flavours, they do a wonderful afternoon tea. Sitting down to a gorgeous gift of vintage clip-on earrings from Juliet, we indulged in several cups of jasmine tea served up in vintage floral crockery and so many cakes that even I - a self-confessed cake fiend - was stuck on which to choose first.

At the table, sticking out our little fingers while drinking from vintage teacups!

After making a good go of the delicacies (there were enough that we left with a box of cakes each) and feeling slightly less dainty than upon our arrival, we headed a few steps around the corner to Atelier Mayer for a surprise. Juliet had organised an afternoon of heavenly vintage dressing-up with Atelier Mayer's founder Carmen Haid. Drinking champagne from kitsch 70s glasses, we dressed up in vintage gowns and posed for a few fun photographs. And we're not just talking old sun dresses and jackets - this was designer vintage: Chanel, Dior, YSL, Caroline Herrera...

The jewellery was out of this world; stunning Chanel clip ons with the classic 'double C' logo, Kenneth Jay Lane pieces, glittering diamante collars, chunky monochrome neckpieces... A fabulous, fabulous day and one of the best Christmas parties I've ever had!

Long time no see!

Tut-tut, I have been a bad girl. I've not written for about 6 weeks... I must admit I  feel very bad about it, and things have been super busy with lots going on (not to mention the busy run up to Christmas, which completely took the wind out of me)... But I'm back!

Some of you may know I work for EC One, a fabulous independent jeweller in London run by husband and wife Jos and Alison Skeates. With Christmas being the busiest time of year, it was all hands on deck in both the office and the shops over Christmas: writing newsletters, sending SS11 pieces to press, helping chaps choose the right gift, gift-wrapping, last-minute engagement rings orders, posting about 30 web orders a day, setting up the sale... Phew!

 Top: EC One's store in Notting Hill

Above: Jos and Alison

And then I had some fabulous news - another reason why my mind has been elsewhere - with a new job role at Professional Jeweller magazine working with Rachael Taylor. Rachael is an inspiring, forward-thinking editor, who has spent the last year single-handedly making PJ the best business-to-retailer jewellery magazine there is. I'm now her 'assistant editor' (so says my email signature!) and will be splitting time between EC One and the Professional Jeweller office in Hatton Garden. I've already helped with a bridal photo shoot for next month's issue, as well as chasing several other leads for The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair and thoughts on this year's bridal trends. 

So yes, expect the posts to continue as normal from now. I've got lots stored up including the Adorn London Christmas party, my new Merle O'Grady necklace (love it!!) and a slightly late pick of the sales piece.

Kx