Tuesday, 3 August 2010
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...!
Sunday, 1 August 2010
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
Monday, 26 July 2010
A little something: My holiday jewels on Adorn London
As part of Adorn London's Holiday Jewels week, I was asked to contribute my key holiday pieces whether home or away. Thinking back to a fabulous barge weekend away I had earlier this summer (OK, it was a pirate-themed hen weekend, but hey it was a nice break from the pace of London!) it had to be simple and a little bit fun. So - anchors away - it could only have been my little EC One silver anchor pendant - as seen in gold in Glamour last month - and Joanna Cave's fabulously simple tag and pearl necklace, a special graduation present from my lovely workmates. Perfect holiday jewels, whether playing sailor or sunbather.
EC One Silver Anchor necklace, and Joanna Cave tag and pearl necklace
Friday, 23 July 2010
A little something: Servane Gaxotte necklaces
I frist saw these little lovelies in Fortnum & Mason of all places. Now also stocked at Browns in London and Prey in Bath, it seems the time has come to give mention to Servane Gaxotte's necklaces. To quote my workmate Rainy, "If Tim Burton made jewellery, it'd look like that". Enough said. Now enjoy these freaky little things!
Images coursesy of brownsfashion.com
Monday, 19 July 2010
New Designers: Better late than never!
I feel terrible... I was meant to write about New Designers pretty much straight after the show but it's been a good 2 weeks now. So better late than never I guess! New Designers is an annual show for design graduates (jewellery, textiles, graphic, ceramics, furniture and so on), where design colleges and universities from around the UK come together to show off emerging talent and new ideas - so definitely an interesting one when it comes to jewellery!
The entrance to London's Design Business Centre, home to New Designers.
Images courtesy of newdesigners.com
Images courtesy of newdesigners.com
To keep things short and sweet, here's a little selection of those jewellery designers who - for me - really stood out at this year's show. There was almost too much to look at, and with only an hour to make it round while the boyf waited patiently outside, I'm hoping this selection will justify just how much brilliant, high quality jewellery is being designed in the UK right now...
Nicola Grant
Resin and silicone neckpieces which shimmered like little ice sculptures. Really loved her use of colour and light through the texture of the resin and its slinky movement.
Images courtesy of Nicola Grant
These unusual bangles and rings were pretty unmissable, taking their influence from the shapes and forms of octopus tentacles. The jewellery is designed to be playful, creating different shapes as it moves.
Images courtesy of charlottekimber.co.uk
Formed using Rapid Prototyping techniques, Lisa'a jewellery takes freehand designs and turns them into structured, graceful necklaces and rings. Loved the industrial-meets-deco feel of her jewellery designs.
Images courtesy of lisajmurphy.co.uk
Taking inspiration from everyday objects, Alice's present collection focuses on dressmaking, and the little bits and pieces found in a 1950s sewing box. Strands of lace, empty cotton reels and fastenings all feature in her pretty yet quirky jewellery.
Images courtesy of Alice O'Neill
The soft colours of the perspex which Francesca uses in her designs really caught my eye. Along with the shapes and solid feel of her jewellery, the need to touch and pick up her work was irresistible. A great graduate from London Met's Sir John Cass jewellery school.
Images courtesy of francescastadelmayr.com
Based on seed pods and the natural shapes and forms found in flora and fauna, Holly's jewellery features granulation, a mix of metals and textures for jewellery which - like Francesca's - you want to hold in your hand and feel it as you wear it.
Images courtesy of hollywilcox.co.uk
Myia's taking of the simple, ubiquitous diamond shape and turning it into over-sized jewellery was clever and also pretty. Mixing colourful perspex designs with silver and brass pieces, Myia's work explored material and shape for a bold outcome
Images courtesy of myiabonner.co.uk
Inspired by Paris and a love of vintage 'ephemera', Maria's jewellery designs were super detailed transformations of match boxes. Mixing oxidised silver, pearls, ribbon and paper, love letters were a theme through Maria's jewellery, as was the chance to hide little trinkets inside her work.
Images courtesy of mariamaclennan.com
For the full list of exhibiting colleges and universities, take a look at the New Designers site, here.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
UK Jewellery Awards - Winners 2010
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.
Jewellery Etailer of the Year - Alex Monroe - www.alexmonroe.com
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!
Jewellery Brand of the Year - Ti Sento
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..!
New Designer of the Year -Alexander Davis
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.
Designer of the Year - Shaun Leane
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...
PS. The official photos haven't been released yet, but when they do I'll put some up
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
A little something: Laura Lee 'Love Unites Us' signet ring
I've always adored Laura Lee, and it's been a little while since I've written about her. Laura's gorgeous shop in Covent Garden is an absolute treasure trove and with the addition of Becca jewellery last year, her little shop is great for unusual jewellery, not to mention Laura's personal design service. But yes, these super pretty 'Love Unites Us' rings are a Laura Lee classic and a longstanding favourite of mine. Shown here in gold plated silver and sterling silver, and engraved with the French 'L'Amour Nous Unite', they're complete and utter romance in a ring.
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