A little something: Dannijo get wild and colourful

I've just returned from a lovely few days in Barcelona with the boy, before which I  bought myself a striking neon orange T-shirt from H&M in the hope that it would be lovely and sunny, which it was, though I did worry that I might end up looking a bit washed out in a colour so bright... In fact the tee has ended up being a bit of a mood brightener. I'm wearing it right now and I feel all a-glow!

Anyhow, in Barcelona we did a lot of walking around, from the top of the city down to the beach and around the little backstreets in-between. Colour was everywhere: in the regal purple flowers that grew in the dusty parks, in the colours of the Gaudi souvenirs that spilled out of shopfronts and at the cheesy but colourful nighttime fountain display at the Font Magica de Montjuic, which drew crowds of thousands marvelling at its changing lights and effervescing water while they nodded - or in one or two romantic cases, ballroom danced - along to the classical music which played in time with changing jets.

In a roundabout way this brings me to the jewels of Dannijo, which have been on my mind for a few weeks and were cemented enough for me to want to write about them when I read a little feature on the brand while on the plane. The two sisters behind the company - Danielle and Jodie Snyder - combine their individual styles to create jewellery that is still hand-made in New York and always makes a statement. With the neon and multicolour all in mind, falling for their new collection wasn't hard. Just take a look at these jewels, which you can snap up in the UK at Kabiri, Harvey Nichols and Matches.

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Delfine cuff by Dannijo

Rosie earrings by Dannijo

Lila ring by Dannijo

Roe necklace as shot on model by Dannijo (image: Kabiri)

A little something: Hanging out with Yael & Tal

Yael & Tal is a playful jewellery brand founded only last year by Israeli jewellery graduates Yael Serfaty and Tal Salomon, who created a collection inspired by the way photography captures split-second moments, but that I adore for its sense of the everyday.

When I saw their work the phrase that came to mind was 'hoi polloi'. Not because I thought low of their designs but because they gave me a sense of the banalities of life - something rarely celebrated in jewellery. Whether it is a lone figure eating lunch on a park bench, a person sitting thinking about life or cosying up with their other half, I'm intrigued by the strangely voyeuristic feel of their jewellery.

It makes me want to take a closer look, or invent some kind of who, what, where and why story for the little characters that feature. In fact, it's like you're wearing the Borrowers.

A little something: Jewellery by Ineke Otte

Well jewellery has brightened my day today, having come across the sculptor and jeweller Ineke Otte, a native of Holland who takes inspiration from almost anything that comes her way. The detail, playfulness and creativity of her jewellery is like nothing else. She even uses 3D printers to create some of her pieces, such as the oversized chain necklaces, below. Try wearing a necklace made from Barbie shoes without a smile on your face... Or just take a look at more of her mad creations here, or scroll down for some of my favourites. 

A little something: Rosita Bonita leather necklaces

So it's Monday again! But at least (after the weekend's gorgeous weather) it can still be a sunny one, thanks in part to these multicoloured leather neckpieces by Rosita Bonita. They're new arrivals at EC One, where I have been helping out for the past few weeks, and also happen to be a new entry on my jewellery wishlist.

Rowena Harrison (aka Rosita Bonita) founded her jewellery brand in 2009, a few years after graduating from an illustration degree at Camberwell College of Art. Roses, hummingbirds, fruit, winged hearts, horseshoes and evil eyes feature throughout her work among a range that also includes earrings and brooches. For the more daring she also designs nipple tassles, but here's me and Rosy keeping things a little more covered up with some neckpieces (for the time being, least..!)

Designer: Sophie Bille Brahe

I have to thank a friend of mine (she knows who she is!) for introducing me to Sophie Bille Brahe's work, and getting me down to London Fashion Week - more of that to follow - in time to get around the Exhibition and the British Fashion Council's Rock Vault space earlier this week. It was there that I managed to catch a glimpse of Sophie's work before the doors closed at 7pm and I wasn't disappointed, not even with just a momentary chance to view her work.

It's designers like Sophie, a graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, that bridge the gap between fine jewellery and avant-garde design. She's one of a handful of talents pushing their way into the UK jewellery scene and someone I'll be keeping an eye on this year. 

Her designs have won her accolades from fashion magazines worldwide and, in her own words, adorn inspiring women. It is her Scandinavian background that also paves the way for her sharp design set - a cross-over of clean lines and architectural shapes with more natural forms such as birds or those with celestial connotations. Beautiful. 

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Palais des Escaliers ring in 18ct gold with diamonds

Palais d’Émeraude ring in 18ct gold with emerald and diamonds

Pavillon Fenetres ring in silver with a single diamond

Lyra ring in 18ct gold with diamonds

Petit Hibou and Petit Hibou Pirate necklaces (cute!) in 18ct gold with a diamond

Rideaux Simples and Rideaux Louise ear cuffs in 18ct gold and diamonds

The Pear Pearl (and others!) by Lindsay Pearson

So OK, OK, I know I get into a habit of writing about the designers I love, but hey, if they keep making gorgeous jewels I will keep writing! Once more it's the turn of Lindsay Pearson, the designer of my much-adored YES necklace, a silver ode to all things positive. I wear it a lot but it's also my talisman for days when I know things might be a little tough.

Step up her Pear Pearl. This pretty 9ct gold chain falls to a Tahitian pearl drop, styled to look like a little pear, complete with leaf and stalk. I think Lindsay might have even worn a Pear Pearl on her wedding day... Pictured here also are some of her most recent designs, the Hope & Anchor necklace and her little initial coin necklace (worn here with the Pear Pearl and Hope & Anchor necklace), both in 9ct gold. Beautiful, accessible, something to personalise and treasure. She runs with the tagline 'jewellery forever' and I certainly believe her.

A little something: Pebble London's Pom Pom necklace

Well, let's start the week with something bright and fluffy. I saw this and smiled. Pom pom. Even the name is fun to say. OK, so you might risk looking a bit like you've escaped from a travelling circus but, admit it, this is one seriously fun necklace. Made using bunched cotton pom poms strung onto a black glass bead necklace, this piece of loveliness comes straight from the treasure trove that is Pebble London (check out the vid, here) having been snapped up somewhere among the colour and bustle of Thailand.



A little something: Van Cleef's Oiseaux Amoreaux

Last week, with things looking a bit overcast ahead of this chilly snap that we're now experiencing (blimey, have you been outside today? Sheesh...) these courting love birds arrived in my inbox. Normally I don't sway too much towards things sent to me by PRs, unless it's for work of course, but this new collection from Van Cleef  & Arpels brightened up my day so much that I couldn't resist writing about them. 

Crafted with turquoise beads, multi-coloured sapphires (always a favourite of mine), emeralds, tsavorite garnets and set in white and rose gold and studded with round, pear-shaped and baguette-cut diamonds, the Couleurs de Paradis high jewellery collection really is a sight to behold. Tweet tweet my lovelies.

A little something: Sugar skull necklace by Basia

Those of you who know me will know I have worn a Zoe & Morgan sugar skull style ring every day for a couple of years now. It's a men's ring but with a little re-size it's become a part of me, and I only take it off to sleep (its thorny shank, based on a rose stem, makes it a little spiky when you want to get cosy).

Imagine how thrilled I was then, when last week I met up with my gorgeous work mates from my old stomping ground EC One, and was given this sterling silver beauty by Basia, one of EC One's long-term superstars, who's just got herself a job at Asprey. Complete with ruby eyes and a cheeky smile I haven't taken him off for more than a week. And I don't plan to. Thanks Bas!!

A little something: Shourouk x Swarosvki Crystallized

I first saw these necklaces in Grazia a couple of months back, pre-Christmas, and completely fell for them. Swarosvski's collaborations with jewellery and fashion designers keeps getting better and these are right on the money. I loved the combination of neon - something common in Shourouk's crystal and mixed-material embellished pieces - and the floral designs. The fact that the strings look like the kind of laces I used to put into my trainers as a kid makes me smile. The collection is that perfect mix of sparkly and edgy, something to match with an old band t-shirt and beaten up Converse or as a bit of glitter with a simple jersey dress. Dreamy... as are the rest of Shourouk's designs. Check out her Phoenix Alabaster necklace and more gorgeous treats here.

Necklaces by Shourouk for Swarovski
Image courtesy of Swarovski

A little something: EC One take us around Pebble London

Just a quick one tonight - and a chance to see behind the scenes at the treasure trove that is Pebble London. Peter Adler, the gent behind the gorgeous trinkets, necklaces, bangles, earrings and sculptures that make Pebble London what it is, takes EC One's Basia behind-the-scenes, letting his charismatic personality shine through - but of course, not beyond the walls of gemstone necklaces, stacks of abalone shell bangles and tribal jewellery. Un-be-lievable.

A little something: Katie Hillier paperclip necklaces

I first spotted these playful necklaces about a year or so ago, following the launch of the now ubiquitous paperclip rabbit necklace. Katie Hillier's irreverent style has seen her designing accessories for everyone from Marc Jacobs to Luella. She's even been involved in Victoria Beckham's new handbag collection (yes, please). I love the little sausage dog pendant, being a huge fan of those little dogs. Now available in silver and with new designs including the tortoise and the hedgehog, I've fallen very much head over heels! <3

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Katie Hillier

Silver and blue topaz hound necklace

18ct gold and champagne diamond bumblebee necklace
18ct gold and navy diamond tortoise necklace

A little something: Tina Lilienthal's 'Little Rogues'

I'm really quite surprised that I've never written about Tina Lilienthal's jewellery here before, having been a fan for sometime... Her jewellery is a cute mix of tiny skull and rabbit pendants, with some beetles, strawberries and cherries thrown in for good kitsch measure. Lots of colour makes Tina's work really eye-catching, and her silk thread necklaces are a must-have for their £20 or so price tag...

Her gorgeous Little Rogues are a new collection, taking her classic Little Skulls as their base, and adding some personality with moustaches (very Salvador Dali), arrows, antlers and tropical flowers. Love, love, love. What's more, Tina has now added rose gold plating to her collections, which gives an even better meaning to her 'dead cute' tag line. Rose gold is so lovely and gives everything that girly blush - here its juxtaposition with the skulls and horror (awww) of her pieces is what makes it. And I love the little tropical-looking flowers too - just in time for summer. Better go and find that Hawaiian shirt of mine...

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.

Alex Monroe's 12 Days of Christmas

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?

A little something: Disaya Kiss mask necklace

Like something straight out of Nacho Libre, this little Kiss Mask necklace by Disaya made me smile. Love it even more that it's a long necklace!

A little something: Giles Jewellery

That's right. Giles Deacon has taken a step into the world of jewellery design (a bit better than Cheryl Cole for De Grisongono, no?), creating a new label Giles Jewellery. His cute collection has taken some recognisable designs and scaled them down into wearable pendants, earrings and bangles. His own little mouse motif, named Eek, also features as does his infamous triceratops Dino - better known in handbag form... Loving it! Available later this month from Dover Street Market and Selfridges.

New designer: Merle O'Grady

Merle O'Grady is a talented up-and-coming designer, already making waves with her stunning jewellery collections. Hailing from Dublin and presently based in London, Merle's jewellery is a striking mix of texture, colour and shape. Swarovski crystals and perspex contrast one another, resulting in jewellery she describes as "armour-like and ultimately luxurious".

Here's a sneaky peek at her new SS11 'Poolside' collection. I'm loving its futuristic feel, which clashes with kitsch colours and shapes reminiscent of 50s motel pools, candy-coloured swimsuits and plastic flamingos all with a nod to the Navajo... Bliss!