justin duance; october featured designer

This month we thought we would head to the picturesque South West of the country, specifically Cornwall home to the talented Justin Duance, designer and silversmith behind the jewellery range of the same name. 

After obtaining his degree in jewellery and silversmithing from the Sir John Cass Faculty of Arts in London, Justin began to explore building his own jewellery collection. Due to high costs in London he decided to relocate back to Newlyn Cornwall, where he built up his workshop and continues to see inspiration from the surrounding Cornish countryside.

Justin's collection of jewellery, whilst having a masculine edge appeals to people across the board. His contemporary designs are deeply influenced by the surrounding countryside and ocean and the way they engage with each other. His love of the surrounding landscape is shown in his use of different metals and combining them with a textured finish or wood to create his stylish collection.

Read on to find a little bit more about Justin.....

Silver and Wood Cufflinks

Describe yourself in ten words or less....
I absolutely love to make things and doing things no one else does! (Slightly more than ten.)

Tell us a little bit about your job and what you love about it.....
My job involves making jewellery and watches, trying to make commissions and realise people ideas. I also spend a lot of time on the computer answering emails and doing general admin. This seems to take up more time than I would like.

How would you describe your jewellery?

9ct Yellow Gold and Silver Ring

Quite masculine, using straight lines and combining them with the natural organic grain of wood. My work often has meanings associated with it especially with the symbolism of the wood or where it comes from. For example the oak I use comes from a tall ship and is the traditional symbol of strength. My watches have a vintage look with a contemporary twist using traditional techniques to create something new and unusual.

What inspires you to design and create your jewellery collections?
Sometimes I design or make something just to see if it possible. Quite often it is more about the way materials mix together rather than designing a shape.

What are some items of jewellery that you find yourself wearing constantly?
My watches. I try and wear rings but I keep taking them off for work and losing them.

Quick fire questions!

Silver and Double Wood Band

City or countryside?
Seaside!

Silver of gold?
Yellow gold

Favourite shop?
Ikea

Favourite place in the world?
Gwenvor, North Cornwall

Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?
Indonesia

What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter - although I am not sure if she is a possession.

Best way to spend a day off work?
Surfing

9ct Yellow Gold and Silver Textured Band

To find out more about Justin Duance and see his full range of jewellery and handcrafted watches please visit www.jewelleryby.co.uk.

we are one! happy birthday to us

If you have visited our online shop recently, or been to see us on Facebook then you will already know that we are now a whole ONE YEAR OLD! The time has flown by and we are so pleased with how things have developed and how far they have come. It feels like only yesterday we were rushing around to get things ready for our opening.

The support we have received from friends old and new has been amazing; bloggers, facebookers, tweeters, new businesses and more. We have to express our thanks to the lovely and welcoming people of Stokesley, where our shop is based and people from the wonderful surrounding towns and villages. Not a day passes when we don't meet someone new and interesting. 

Our first year has been a dream, full of hard work and stressful at times but we can only hope the next year is as fun, challenging and as inspirational.

We embark on the next year with a makeover on the outside of the shop, more designers available in store than when we first started, exciting plans for exhibitions showcasing the work of local students, jewellery making classes and more so keep in touch and come and visit us in store for more information.

As a thank you firstly we would like to say, please have a HUGE slice of birthday cake.

Secondly we are offering 10% off all online orders for the month of September, just use the code BIRTHDAY at the checkout.

Thirdly we are running a competition to win one item of jewellery from each designer we stock, that is 17 pieces of jewellery! All you need to do is like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewelleryby and share our page. Compeition winners will be picked on the 30th September and will be notified by Facebook.

Yum!

september birthstone; sapphire

Sapphires are well known for their beautiful blue hues and this is what most people think of, when they think of a sapphire but they actually come in a whole host of colours including even shades of grey and black. Any colour of sapphire that is not blue, is reference as a 'fancy colour' sapphire.


Sapphires come from the corundum family along with rubies and have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Because of this hard wearing rating sapphire is also used in non-ornamental applications such as scientific instruments or high durability windows.

One of the worlds largest faceted sapphires is the Logan Sapphire located in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. It is a flawless specimen from Sri Lanka and is the second largest blue sapphire known weighing 423ct. It is named after a Mrs John Logan who donated it to a research institute in 1960.

The Logan Sapphire

Sapphires are mined all over the world and different locations can produce different colour and quality sapphires.

Kashmir Sapphire

Regarded by many a the finest examples of sapphires in the world, they were first discovered in 1879 in the Padar region of Kashmir in northern India after a landslip allegedly uncovered their existence. Unfortunately after a few years of mining the area become unworkable due to the deposit being in the middle of a politically unstable area. The situation worsened in subsequent years so whether a result of conflict or the fact the mine may have been depleted in a few short years, it is still not completely understood or what remains of the sapphire source.

In 2007 Christie's held an auction for a Kashmir sapphire pendant set in gold. The pendant sold for $3,064,000, this equates to around £85,000 per carat! 

Ceylon Sapphire

Made famous in the UK after Princess Diana was given a large Ceylon Sapphire in the centre of her engagement ring, which has has subsequently re-emerged when given to Catherine Middleton on her engagement to Prince William. The ring was made by then crown jewellers Garrad. Ceylon sapphire is today regarded as the finest quality sapphire still being mined today in any commercial quantity.

Sri Lankan Sapphire

Padparadscha

Sri Lanka produces sapphires in a variety of colours but one of the most sought after is the Padparadscha, a pink-orange coloured sapphire. Although the stone is originally from Sri Lanka deposits have also been found in Vietnam and parts of Africa. The name is derived from the Sanskrit/Sinhalese padma raga, meaning lotus colour.

Other notable sources of sapphire include Madagascar, Africa, Thailand specifically the Kanchanaburi region and China (although information on Chinese sapphire is limited) all producing varied colours of sapphire.

Colour Change

A rare variety of sapphire, known as colour change exhibits different colours in different light. They appear blue in outdoor light and shades of purples under incandescent indoor light; they may also be pink in daylight and change to greenish colours. Some stones shift colour well and others only partially. While colour change sapphires can come from a variety of locations, Tanzania is the main source.



As with all gemstones, there are many legends attached to sapphire including the belief that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire. It is also said that sapphires are the stone of loyalty and fidelity, symbolising truth and sincerity.

Sapphires although a heard wearing stone, should be cleaned and stored just as carefully as other softer gemstones and jewellery to ensure its longevity. 

jessica flinn; september featured designer

This month we are turning our attention to Jewellery By Jessica Flinn. Originally from Darlington but now residing and working in Sheffield, the once local girl has quickly become a name to watch having this month been named in jewellery industry magazine Professional Jeweller's Hot 100 of 2012.

Jessica was born and raised in Darlington but after developing a keen interest in design and passion for creativity, decided to attend Sheffield University to study as a silversmith. After graduation she remained in Sheffield where she continues to design and create her contemporary jewellery collections from her workshop.

Her fabulous collections are made using techniques such as laser engraving and casting which are inspired by the industry she grew up around in both Darlington and Sheffield. Her collections are made in stainless steel, sterling silver and gold.



Describe yourself in ten words or less...
Creative, energetic and busy!

Tell us a little a bit about your job and what you love about it...
I run a small design company which is based in Sheffield. I love my job because I do a bit of everything; designing, making, marketing and sales. Everyday is different

How would you describe your jewellery?
Clean lined, simplistic, stylish and feminine.

What inspires you to design and create jewellery collections?
Different experiences that I've had and places I visit. Inspiration comes to me when I least expect it.

What are some items of jewellery you find yourself wearing constantly?
I love bracelets and cuffs, I have around 20 in my collection made by loads of other designers. Some large some small, my wrist is never without one!

Quick-fire questions!

Tell is something about yourself that would surprise people...
I lived in Korea fr six months!

City or countryside?
City

Silver or gold?
Both!

Who would you love to see wear your jewellery?
Anyone. I'd love to see it on a complete stranger as I walk down the road.

Favourite shop?
Normann Copenhagen - very cool designs.

Favourite place in the world?
My flat, with my man :)

Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?
Brazil - I'd love to go to the carnival. 

What is your most treasured possession?
It sounds sad but my mac is my most treasured possession - I'm a gadget lover!

Best way to spend a day of work?
Day of work?? What is this you speak off? :)

To see more of Jessica's designs visit us at http://www.jewelleryby.co.uk/14-jewellery-by-jessica-flinn

inspiring independent; we need your votes!

It is that time of year again when jewellery industry magazine, Retail Jeweller, start their search for the most inspiring independent jewellery retailers in the UK. Whether it is excellent customer service, above and beyond attitude or an eclectic mix of jewellery on offer the standards will be high from all entrants and the battle tough so with that in mind, we ask for your support.

Jewellery By is still in its infancy but our collection of handmade only jewellery, from some of the best designers across the country and beyond, we feel we genuinely do offer our customer something different and unique to that of other retailers. By working with local designers, as well as those further afield we offer items that are not mass made and in some cases are one off items. We projects in the pipeline with the the students of Cleveland College of Art and Design and with our bespoke service for those that want a hand in the design process or an item of their existing jewellery turned into something else, we aim to offer the best and most honest service we can to all of our customers.

At this stage it is number of nominations that count, so if you could please show your support and send an email to Retail Jeweller editor Laura at laura.mccreddie@emap.com simply stating our store name and that we are your Inspiring Independent nomination.

Thank you in advance and keep your fingers crossed!
 
                                                          

alex monroe; august featured designer

Regular followers of Jewellery By will know that every month we like to turn the spotlight onto one of our designers. We like see what makes them tick, give them the inspiration for their work and generally have a bit of a nose. This month it is the turn of Alex Monore. 

British jewellery designer Alex grew up in Suffolk surrounded by fields, rivers and the plants and creatures which inhabit them. These are inspirations for his whimsical and intricately beautiful jewellery collections.  He trained at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London. 

Established in 1986, his core aspiration remains unchanged; to make great quality, wearable jewellery that is well designed and well priced. 

Nature has always been Alex's greatest inspiration. Whether from travels in Pakistan, walks along the hedgerows of Suffolk or even the Tuscan hills, his designs always remain inherently English. Alex always makes the original in sterling silver by hand. He uses his skills to craft jewellery that is slightly quirky, sometimes cute but always feminine. 

Alex's distinctive designs have earned him may admirers, including in the press. The now classic Bumblebee necklace has graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, Red........

In addidtion to producing four collections every year, Alex also embarks on numerous collaborative ventures  working with such luminaries as the Victoria and Albert Museum who asked Alex to design a limited edition locket. These diverse projects have included an 18ct gold poppy for the British Legion, a 250th anniversary range for Kew Gardens and most recently with Burt's Bee to create a limited edition ring and necklace which raised funds for the British Bee-keepers Association. 

In the middle of all of this, Alex's original objectives stay true. Rather than compromise quality and have the jewellery produced in a factory, everything is still handmade in Alex's studio in London. 

In 2008 Alex was awarded the prestigious 'Designer of the Year' at the UK Jewellery Awards. He has also made the shortlist for the award in 2009 and 2010. 

Alex Monroe: I like people who like my jewellery. They are not slaves to fashion; they tend to be more concerned about personality and craftsmanship. They care about quality and they like things that are quirky and individual. 

Visit us at www.jewellerby.co.uk or visit us in store in Stokesley to see our Alex Monroe collection, including the Bumblebee! 

pearls of wisdom

Tears of sharks, heaven's dew, the eyes of the spirit or in fact an examples of the talented mother nature. The origin of pearls has long been the subject of folklore and legend and treasured by man for four thousand years.

Cleopatra wearing pearls

In Roman times they were assosciated with Venus the God of love and so became a currecny and display of love and extravagance. Cleopatra is said to have dipped a pearl in vinegar and drunk it at a dinner party in one display of such extravagance. Such high value was placed on pearls that until the early 20th century a string of pearls could be equivilant to the cost of a yacht or a country mansion.


Though diamond are considered a girls best friend, natural growing pearls are in fact more rare than diamonds.

Natural pearls grow in a mollusc; freshwater pearls in mussels and sea pearls in oysters.

There was a time when Scotland was known for its rose pink pearls and Cumbria for its black pearl. However the mussel colonies on which natutral pearls depend have become so rare that pearling has been banned in the UK river system since 1998. 

Today naturally grown pearls command high prices due to their scarcity, however because of the development of the cultured pearl which is grown with encouragement from humans who implant tiny organic particles into the mollusc’s, this gorgeous gemstone is accesible to all. Mikimoto was the Japanese pioneer who perfected this practise though the actual practise dates back to 5th century China when the undiscerning eyes of travellers along the Silk Road would struggle to discern the natural pearl from its cultured or farmed counterpart.

Pearls are created from nacre, an iridescent liquid which is excreted from a gland inside a mollusc’s when it is irritated by the intrusion of a grain of sand or parasite. Over several years these layers build upon each other, snowballing to create a pearl whose shape resembles that of the original intruder. A perfectly round pearl is rare as are particularly large pearls making them the most expensive. 


One of the world’s most famous pearls, Peregrina, which translates from “pilgrim” is an appropriate name for a gem with five hundred years of history. The enormous silvery luster oval shaped perfect pearl weighs 203.84 grains.  It was purchased for Taylor in 1969 by Richard Burton on Valentines Day for $37,000.00.  

Mary Tudor, Queen of England

 

















Pearls are a delicate gemstone and should be kept away from ammonia, handcreams, soap and ultrasonic cleaners as much as possible. They can be cleaned with a lint free cloth and should be stored in a soft chamois or non abrasive bag to avoid scratching. 

going for gold

It is an Olympic year so make sure you choose a winner of a wedding band.

Choosing your wedding ring is a really exciting part of your wedding preparations. Wedding rings or bands come in a huge variety of styles, metals and settings not to mention prices. The main consideration is to choose a ring that reflects your individual style and taste. It is always best to try and buy the finest quality rings you can afford as they will stand the test of time better than anything else and hopefully increase in value.

The DO's and DON'T'S of buying a wedding ring;

DO decide on a budget and stick to it
DON'T leave it to the last minute to choose your rings - give yourselves plenty of time to find something that you really love
DO your research - speak to jeweller's to see the different styles and prices on offer
DON'T be persuaded into buying anything you don't absolutely love, it has to be a beautiful reminder of your day
DO consider your lifestyle. Bear in mind that you will probably wear this ring more than anything else you own so you need to choose a style that is suitable for your everyday life
DON'T pick something simply because it is on trend. Trends come and go but your own style will last.
DO think about designing your own ring. Here at Jewellery By we work with customers to create bespoke items that suit their needs and style that fit within their budget. You may have jewellery passed to you by family members that you may want to incorporate in your wedding ring, metals and even stones can be used in new items.
DON'T visit jeweller's without your engagement ring as you may need to try rings on alongside it, or discuss designs. Do you want your wedding band to sit flush against your engagement ring? You may need to choose a shaped band if so.
DO get you wedding and engagement rings insured. One in four people loses their ring within five years of marriage.

Platinum Engagement and Wedding Ring

Choosing a Design

Couples have never had such a rich choice in wedding ring design and you no longer have to settle for a traditional plain gold band. The world is your oyster when it comes to jewellery design. Matching his and her rings are also a popular choice these days many couples often shop together to buy rings at the same time. Some couples will opt to have the same metal but the bride might choose to add diamonds to make her ring a little different. Remember to choose what works for you as a couple.

Choosing a Metal

This is an important decision as it will affect the cost and style of the ring you choose. The options available are platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, palladium, titanium and even tungsten.
Platinum is the most expensive but heavier and more durable than gold. If you like the look of platinum but not the cost, palladium and white gold are the more affordable options.
When buying gold you must remember that is comes in different purities known as carats. The easiest way of explaining carats is the higher the carat the more gold it contains. Remember your wedding band also has to sit well with your engagement ring, as such most people tend to use the same metal for both their engagement and wedding rings.

Two Colour 18ct Gold Wedding Bands

How Much to Spend?

Do make sure you have left sufficient budget left for your rings. Some people believe it is always difficult to suggest how much you should spend on your wedding rings, but really it isn't. You spend what you want to spend, if it is £50 or £5000 you need to do what makes you and your partner happy. Bear in mind that most of the items you will be organising for your wedding will only be for the day, your ring will be around for the rest of your life so you need to be happy with it. You do get what you pay for so try not to scrimp on quality.

Timing

Allow plenty of time before your wedding to order your rings, just in case...... Bespoke items can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the jeweller you use and you will need to allow for any changes to be made. Make sure you try your rings on before the big day. Standing at the alter is not the time to find out they don't fit!

Platinum Wedding Bands

Most importantly you should both enjoy this experience and so should never feel under pressue or that you cannot ask questions. Take your time, make notes if you like and ask as many questions if you like. If the jeweller is not accomodate to this, then they do not deserve your custom.

 Visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk to see our range or handmade jewellery collections.

a New York state of mind

Here at Jewellery By we love a bit of romance and a happy ending. We are so chuffed to have heard this week that a young gentleman who recently paid us a visit, to buy a ring for a special someone, got the answer to his question that he was hoping for.

A few weeks ago a slightly ovewhelmed chap came to see us and told us of his plan, to propose to his girlfriend of ten years in New York in the coming weeks. He needed a ring for the occasion but was already overwhelmed by the choice on offer and the tips he was given by everyone and their dog. After a cup of calming tea and a crunchy biscuit (and a long chat) it became clear he liked the idea of them chosing a ring together, something they both had input in and that they both loved. Some may see this as an easier less risky option and that may well be true, but who couldn't fall for the idea of two people buying a ring together that they both love and lets face it, another ring is no bad thing!

The ring of choice for this occasion comes from the design duo at Flash Jordan who are based in the California area of Derby. Their sleek designs are elegant and classy and perfect for such an occasion. The Luna ring that was chosen, is handmade featuring solid sterling silver and diamond accents, a perfect example of fine British craftsmanship.

Luna Ring by Flash Jordan

The newly engaged couple came in to visit us earlier this week and told us all about the proposal that took place in Times Square; the nerves leading up to it (from him), the surprise as he dropped to his knee (from her) and squeals of delight (from him after she accepted). It turns out that he made a fantastic choice in the Luna ring as not only does she love it because he chose it, but she is also a fan of the elegant design.

Visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk to see more of Flash Jordan's designs and other handmade jewellery collections.

shimmer in the summer sun

As much as we love all types of jewellery here at Jewellery By, we REALLY love the talented Kokkino's newest collection, Shimmer. We first saw this collection back at the Harrogate Gift Fair earlier in the year (when it was sunny, rememeber those days) and it made us go all giddy then, but now that it has arrived and is in our chubby little hands I can't help but want to put it all on at once!

The collection features the truly individual and quirky design talents of Melanie, the force behind Kokkino and as with all her collections, is like nothing else avaiable on the high street. Each item is hand crafted by Melanie and features silver stands dipped in 24ct yellow gold to give it the perfect shimmer effect.

To see more of the Shimmer collection and the full Kokkino range, visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk. 

Full Shimmer Collar

Cascade Earrings

Shimmer Necklace

the british craft trade fair, harrogate

The Jewellery By team spent a rather lovely Sunday in the beautiful town of Harrogate. We were attending the British Craft Trade Fair, which for those of you that don't know is a hive of gorgeous produce from across these isles that we call home. From soap to cushions, mirrors to cards it is all there and is handmade and British. What more could you ask for. Whilst we were there mainly for the huge number of jewellers exhibiting, we couldn't help but get distracted every step of the way by the beautiful products on offer. My personal favourite was Grace and Favour (http://www.graceandfavourhome.com/) who had an array of quirky treats for you home all handmade in Devon.

We managed to catch up with three of the lovely designers we have the pleasure of working with, Tracey Birchwood, Kokkino and Jessica Flinn. These three truly represent what we try to offer at Jewellery By, collections that are a bit different and that explore design and technique and it is for these reasons they stood out at the fair. 

Harrogate British Craft Trade Fair

New designers stand

Jessica Flinn's stand

Jessica Flinn's stainless steel lace collection

Tracey Birchwood stand

The fair is well worth a visit, we will most certainly be back next year.

To see more information on any of the designers and their collections please visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk

in full bloom

Spring is well and truly here. The sun is shining, sunglasses have been dusted off and brought out of hibernation and the ice cream vans are doing their rounds. Let us rejoice!

The spring season means birds are a chirping, flowers are popping up all over the place and most importantly, spring inspired fashions are all around us. All forms of fashion take their inspiration from the world around them and jewellery is no different. Have a look at some of our favourite spring inspired pieces available at Jewellery By.

Silver birdhouse bracelet by Sonya Bennett, £89

Handmade silver and 22ct gold plate daisy ring by Alex Monroe, £150.

Handmade stainless steel butterfly earrings with hand woven thread by Polli, £50.

 

Handmade lovebird necklace in ethically mined silver from Oria, £126.00