What a lovely idea! After hearing on the grapevine what Alex Monroe and co had planned for the run up to Christmas I was super excited to see the beginning two days of Alex Monroe's 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar. Playing on the classic song but switching a few of the details around, the little AM workshop have been super busy putting together an ascending number of goodies in their 'trunk show' style. That is, when the pieces are gone, they're gone; making them even more must-have. The first day was of course a Partridge in a Pear Tree necklace. And not just any old necklace; it featured a solid 18t gold Pear, its chain draped over a handmade silver tree, complete with fallen golden pear.
And the second day...? Two Turtle Doves necklace, perched on a little branch in gold plated silver. Sold out of course...
I really cannot wait to see what will happen over the next ten days. What will Nine Ladies Dancing be?! At least we're safe guessing about Five Gold Rings though, eh?
I was just having a quick read through the Alex Monroe blog ahead of something fun I'm looking forward to writing about soon (before the end of the week, anyway!), when I came across this lovely little video filmed by Emma at Alex Monroe. It's a mini tour of the staff and workshop at AM headquarters in London. Alex showing us his favourite drill and saw... gotta love that!
So after several months of judging and preparation the UK Jewellery Awards took place on Thursday at London's Grovesnor House Hotel. There was a rather star-studded line up at this year's awards, with familiar names and past winners including Shaun Leane, Stephen Webster, Astley Clarke and Alex Monroe, alongside new names and brands who've either had phenomenal years or have a promising future ahead...
Video from the 2009 Jewellery Awards, featuring Retail Jeweller's previous editor Sarah Carpin
So, here are the most interesting winners - some were certainly surprising, but nonetheless deserved.
We all love Alex (even my Mum got treated to some lovely Hummingbird earrings a few months ago) so the award was deserved, despite being up against heavyweights including Astley Clarke and Steffans. The site has come on leaps and bounds this last year, their customer interaction is brilliant and the amount of product online is great. A little well done to the lovely Emma at Alex Monroe, and Alex himself who cycled Lands End - John O'Groats, arriving at JoG the night before the awards!
The word 'brand' will always make me shudder unfortunately, so I don't have much to say on this one. Ti Sento's campaign this year has been ubiquitous, they've featured in pretty much ever issue of Retail Jeweller that's come through my letterbox. Stephen Webster not taking the prize home, as a British brand, is a shame but it's great that a new winner has taken centre stage. And hey, at least Pandora didn't win..!
A talented fine jewellery designer, Alexander Davis has some rather interesting rings, mixing up shapes and gemstones for an interesting effect. Unusual cuts are a big part of his work, and a background in science and engineering add to the fine lines and sculptural forms. The DNA-like ring, below, is real showstopper. Great to see some other up-and-coming designers in this category, including La Diosa, FSA and the dazzling Lauren Adriana.
Oh Shaun. Here you are again! He's becoming a British institution when it comes to the Jewellery Awards and really with Sarah Herriot, Alex Monroe and Bobby White all vying for the prize, it's surprising that a different name didn't take it home. Shaun's Cherry Blossom collection really sums up his style - pretty yet edgy - and has been highly coveted during 2010. I do look forward to seeing with what he comes up with next...
Ring and earrings from Shaun Leane's 'Cherry Blossom' collection.
Image courtesy of shaunleane.com
PS. The official photos haven't been released yet, but when they do I'll put some up
We all love Alex Monroe, whether its his classic Bumblebee necklace, his recent Watering Can, his Love Birds ring or his new 18ct gold collection... His designs keep getting cuter, more detailed and more meaningful.
18ct gold Raleigh Jeep Necklace, by Alex Monroe
So I was very excited this week to find out about a special auction and bike ride which Alex is taking part in for the charity Fight for Sight, which researches the causes and prevention of blindness.
For the auction Alex has hand-made two one-of-a-kind 18ct gold bicycle necklaces, one based on a classic 1980s Bianchi men's racing bike and the other a ladies' 1975 RaleighJeep. Not only are they both diamond and ruby-set but the little wheels go around! Lovely.
18ct gold 1980s men's Bianchi bike, with diamond and ruby 'lights'
The necklaces in question will be auctioned off between now and July 19th, with the highest bidders receiving one of these gorgeous designs. In the meantime, Alex and two friends are cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats - very impressive! For the rest of us, for whom cycling gets us to work and back (or in my case, just to work, where my bicycle has lain dormant since February!) we can still donate from behind our computer screens. Read more about the charity, the bike ride and the necklaces here.
Raleigh Jeep bike in 18ct gold, with diamond and ruby 'lights'
