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!

Nicholas King & Fiona Paxton Evening at EC One

So, here they are - a collection of lovely snaps from last week's designer event at EC One, celebrating the new collections from Nicholas King and Fiona Paxton. The shop was buzzing on the night, with a lovely mix of customers and fellows bloggers trying and buying - I had a quick chat with Fiona from Save Our Shoes, who bought some of Nicholas' flat Crown Bangles (as featured in my Spikes and Studs post last year), going on my promise that they glow under UV light. Good reason for sure!

 I know, I'm such a geek..! With my two Nicholas King Crown bangles

Fiona's gorgeous rail of necklaces

Fellow blogger Becky modelling Nicholas' Diamante Knot cuff

It was great to see the new pieces by Fiona, too. I 'modelled' her Trent necklace on the night - a gorgeous silver- and gunmetal-tone chainmail necklace, which hung in what I can only describe as 'swathes' around the neck. EC One's Maia modelled the studded Geneva necklace, while my favourite piece by Fiona had to be her Dolly necklace in silver and black, funnily enough modelled on EC One's own 'Dolly' mannequin!

 Maia in the Geneva necklace

The Dolly necklace

Nicholas' brilliant pieces also caused a stir, with ladies clamouring to try on his heavy cuffs. The real winners were definitely the Diamante Flower cuff, below, and the classic Diamante Knots in both clear resin and black-based resin. Find more photos on the EC One facebook page.

Ladies trying on Nicholas' Diamante Knot and Diamante Flower cuffs, more styles below

Nicholas and Fiona's array of work

Nicholas King & Fiona Paxton evening at EC One

Next week is London Jewellery Week which, as I'm sure you'd imagine, is quite big on my calendar. On Thursday 10th I'm heading to EC One jewellery in Clerkenwell, a stones throw from Hatton Garden and the hub of the action at Treasure in Holborn. EC One will be hosting an evening for two designers still new(ish) on the scene but already making big waves.

Nicholas King designs chunky, yummy cuffs and bangles in resin, which are handcarved and shaped meaning each one is a little bit different. The quirk, however, is that inside the resin are submerged treasures from diamante knots, to old watch faces, sequins and ribbons. The effect from the shaped resin is almost like looking at a Bridget Riley - it has to be seen to be believed.

Pyramid Stud cuff

UFO Disco bangle

Fiona Paxton's jewellery nods to ancient beadworking skills, played out in contemporary styles. She'll be showcasing her new collection at EC One; it's futuristic, a little bit tribal and a little bit deco. I love her spikey beaded 'Jess' collar and the chain tassles which are a theme across her necklaces and earrings. They shimmer and shake as you move which makes wearing them with jeans a tshirt (to which they're actually really suited!) immediately glamorous.

'Jess' collar in gold

'Paris' earrings in bronze

Check out my attempt at modelling Fiona's Berlin earring at work the other day... Aaah!!