Category: Jewellery

Jewellery is something that has a timeless appeal, with sentiment playing as much of a part as fashion. But, that doesn’t mean that the catwalks and display cases around the world won’t feature specific trends each season. For 2023, that means go bold!

Whether that is forgetting everything you know about design and opting for clashing metals, or choosing large statement pieces, 2023 is the time when anything goes and the bigger the better.

Here is a selection of our favourite styles that are making themselves heard this season.

Bracelets and bangles

For a specific item of jewellery, bracelets are in. Adorn your wrist with an array of bangles and let them shine. A simple tennis bracelet can be worn with any outfit, for a more understated look.

Cuffs are gaining in popularity this season too. More practical than lots of bangles and providing that hit-you-in-the-face impact that jewellery is getting known for in 2023, a cuff is the ultimate in bracelet style.

Internet searches for bracelets in 2023 have seen a 67% increase already on last year. So, if you want to get the look, look for a bracelet.

Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Hoop Earrings	Pear Shaped Yellow Diamond Halo Ring	12.31ct Diamond Necklace
£2,430	£4,950	£27,850

Statement pieces

Go big or go home is the message for 2023. This can be anything from long earrings or lots of earrings in one lobe, to cocktail rings and giant flower chokers reminiscent of the 90s.

Hoops are out and shoulder-skimming statement earrings are in. Go long and elegant with crystal drops or bring out your wacky side with colourful fun designs that are ideal for the summer.

Stacking earrings into one lobe has been popular for a while. But people are now starting to realise that they don’t necessarily have to have lots of piercings, and that clip-on earrings can do the job just as well. It is no surprise that there has been a 100% increase in people looking for clip-on earrings online this year.

Models and celebrities are all rocking the flower choker this year. Again, go big with it. A slim black ribbon and a giant flower will upgrade any outfit, but can also be worn in a casual setting to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to make your flower choker your go-to piece of jewellery, whatever your plans.

Large gemstones or designs on elegant rings, in any style or colour, are the standout accessory this season. These rings can really make an outfit, by adding a glamorous finishing touch that lifts it instantly.

Big brooches

Brooches From just £250

Perhaps you are somebody who prefers to decorate your clothing or accessories with a brooch, rather than wearing jewellery on your body. You are in luck. Brooches are making a comeback.

Often found in antique jewellery selections, more is more in 2023, so look for the biggest and bolded brooch you can find, and use it to dress up an outfit, secure a scarf or add to a handbag. The possibilities with brooches are endless.

Clashing metals

For years, we have been tempted to stick to either gold or silver tones for jewellery, and never the two shall meet. But, in 2023, that philosophy has gone out of the window. Don’t feel you have to match your jewellery anymore. If you want to wear a gold necklace and a silver bracelet, then go for it. There are no rules.

You may find some jewellery that combines the two styles of metal to glorious effect, perhaps even adding in rose gold for a trio of colours.
Pretty in pearls

Alternatively, move away from metals completely and go vintage with pearls. As you might expect from the rest of this article, it is jumbo pearls that are particularly popular this season. Drop earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces with jumbo pearls bring the stone bang up to date.

We have a wide selection of vintage jewellery at our store, proving that nothing really ever goes out of style. Investing in a good piece of antique jewellery, or several, will always be a good decision.

If you do choose to wear pearls, note that spraying them with perfume will cause them to deteriorate and lose their lustre, so bear that in mind before a night (or day) out.

Hearts and flowers

Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring	Heart Shaped Diamond Solitaire Ring	Cultured Pearl & Diamond Flower Necklace
£1,885	£5,750	£510

For the romantic in us, it seems that jewellery adorned in hearts or flowers is the trending look this season. Chunky heart rings and earrings are a simple concept that is making a big impact on the jewellery scene. Plain silver hearts are the thing here.

With florals, it is 3D blooms that are the thing. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets featuring standout flowers are taking the catwalks by storm and translating well into everyday wear for anyone and everyone. Plus, with so many available colours to choose from, there will always be something that complements your outfit, whatever you happen to be wearing.

Initialisation and personalisation

What used to be the domain of fashion-conscious tweens, jewellery that contains letters, names or birthstones has entered the adult sphere. A single bead containing your first initial or your full name in a curly gold script, however you choose to personalise your jewellery, you can make it unique to you.

Add in your birthstone for extra expression and a touch of colour.
Bespoke jewellery is one of our specialities, so get in touch with us to find out what we can do to make it personal to you.

Final thoughts

The jewellery you choose to wear is often an extension of your personality. So, let it out. Whatever you feel comfortable and happy wearing is right for you. If you like it, that is essentially what matters.

Luckily, jewellery trends last longer than fashion and clothing, so you can be wearing these items for many years. Having a selection of good jewellery in your armoire means you will always be prepared, whatever the occasion.

If you have a large collection of jewellery items, or even just a select few treasured pieces, finding the best ways to store them, both for your needs and theirs, is crucial. You don’t want to lose your jewellery amongst a clutter of other things, and you want to make sure it is kept looking its best for whenever you want to wear it.

There are several things to consider when it comes to effectively storing your jewellery. Do you want to keep all your jewellery together, or are there certain objects you want to keep separate from others? Will you be storing your everyday jewellery differently to the items that are worn on special occasions? Will some items be on display so everyone can see them and others hidden away safely where only you know where to find them?

This blog will look at the various options available to you, so you can decide what best suits you and your lifestyle.

Best ways to avoid tarnishing

Tarnish happens to metal when it is exposed to the air or any damp area, so to keep your jewellery looking tip-top it is important to store it away somewhere rather than leaving it out to slowly corrode. And definitely don’t keep it in a bathroom.

Opting for an airtight jewellery box is the obvious solution, while adding something like a silica gel packet or two, which will absorb any moisture, is a two-pronged approach that can work wonders. Keep items made from different metals separate too, whether that be cheaper costume jewellery, gold or silver.

Each metal reacts slightly differently to the others and you want to avoid them interacting. Often, keeping each item in a ziplock plastic bag within the box can help too, as it stops them rubbing against each other and ensures no air can get in.

This is also an ideal way of transporting and storing jewellery when on holiday in humid countries, to best protect it from the elements.

Source: DERA BURRESON

Displaying your jewellery

If you do want to put your jewellery on display, either to make it easier to find what you need, or to show it off, then the aesthetics of how you store it are just as important as the jewellery itself.

A revolving jewellery organiser is great for something like earrings which may be less susceptible to tarnishing due to the smaller amounts of metal involved. Choosing one which can accommodate stud earrings, drop earrings and hoops, as well as any other body piercings you may have, means you will never be left searching for the other half of a pair, and it also looks great – especially if you have several different styles of earrings.

Using jewellery trays which can be put inside drawers or in a glass cabinet – much like you might see in our own shop in Guildford – gives each piece its own resting place and you can be quite creative with how you display them. A velvet-lined jewellery tray not only looks smart and glamorous, but it is also the best material to protect the jewellery from any inadvertent knicks or scratches.

Alternatively, clear acrylic jewellery boxes, separated into designated compartments and drawers, still enable you to see what jewellery you have, but manage to keep everything in a compact area – ideal for smaller spaces or for putting on dressing tables when you don’t have much room.

Practical storage items

Keeping all your jewellery organised means you will be better placed to find what you need, when you need it, without having to go scrabbling through drawers or searching scattered items on dressing tables or bedside units.

For everyday jewellery, something small like a trinket dish which just holds a few items that can be picked up and put on quickly and easily each morning is ideal. For anything else, a jewellery box is a traditional and popular way of storing items.

If you can find one that has separate compartments for each style of jewellery – for instance, ring cushions, earring holders, and necklace and bracelet partitions – that will enable you to head for the area you want, without everything getting caught up in each other.

Something like a jewellery armoire or cabinet is also perfect if you have a lot of jewellery and is particularly useful for storing long necklaces as each item has its own hook or compartment, making it easy to find at just a glance.

A cheaper, but no less effective, alternative is to have a jewellery holder that hangs on the back of a door or in a wardrobe. Again, this creates an at-a-glance storage solution that is also nicely tucked away with your clothes, for exactly when you need it.

Source: MICHAEL PARTENIO

Get rid of tangling

One of the best ways to avoid tangling is to make sure each style of jewellery is kept separate. You don’t want your necklaces getting wrapped around your rings and have to spend ages extricating them from each other. Storing necklaces on their own individual hooks, leaving them dangling, reduces their temptation to get tangled up.

Divided jewellery organisers and jewellery drawers can be tangle-free options, but only if you don’t overfill them. Otherwise, they will just tangle in the same way as they might in a standard jewellery box.

One way to get around this is to have stackable jewellery trays in a designated drawer – whether that is in a chest of drawers, perhaps alongside your under wear, or in a dressing table where it can be stored with make-up and beauty products, as part of your morning or evening regime.

Final thoughts

For particularly expensive items, you may well consider using a safe to store your jewellery. Again, protection will still be important, so small velvet pouches to keep items at their freshest and most sparkly is a must. And at least you will never forget where you have put them.

For more helpful advice on caring for your jewellery, and further inspiration, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog posts.

Gold jewellery is everlasting in its appeal and its longevity, with everything from rings and necklaces to brooches and bangles available in all types and carats of gold.

Many people will have jewellery in all three colours of gold – yellow, white and rose. But some people may prefer one style over the other, so what should you consider if you want to opt for a single shade?

Whatever your budget, there is a gold for you. Nine carat yellow gold is the cheapest, with white and rose gold often being more expensive. However, price is one of the least things to think about, when it comes to choosing which gold to have.

Do you plan to wear your jewellery every day, or is it more for special occasions? This could help you decide which tone might be more appropriate. Do you want something that suits all the seasons or something glitzy and glamorous that will catch the light at an evening event, giving you an added sparkle?

Jewellery From £160

Skin tone

If you have a particularly warm or cool skin tone, then it may be that one colour of gold will be more suited to you than another. Yellow and rose gold are most effective with the warmer skin shades, while white gold is perfect for the pale and interesting look. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for a contrasting gold colour, if that is the one you prefer.

Your natural skin tone may determine which will look best. But, if you wear a lot of make-up or dye your hair a different colour, then you may find that you will suit all three – yellow, white and rose gold – depending on your particular style that day.

Fashion choices

This ethos will also go for what clothes you choose to wear. Jewellery is used to accessorise your fashion style, and while the choice of chain length or bracelet versus bangle, stud, drop or hoop earrings, or which finger(s) to wear your ring(s) is often an unconscious decision based on what works best with your outfit, the same could be said for the colour of metal you opt for too.

Yellows, reds, pinks and purples all lend themselves to yellow or rose gold, while greys, blues and greens are more suited to white gold. Again, it is all about the warmer and cooler tones. And, as usual, black goes with everything!

Vintage Jewellery From £105

Durability

White gold is more resistant to scratches than yellow gold, as it has increased alloy content. So, if you are looking for something long-lasting that requires little maintenance, white gold is a good option. Nevertheless, if you want it to keep its lustre then having it re-dipped in rhodium coating every few years is a must, or the yellow base may start to appear.

Yellow gold mainly needs polishing with a special cloth, which you can pick up from most jewellers. Rose gold is mixed with copper to give it that hue, which also strengthens the base pure gold metal, due to its inherent toughness.

Jewellery style

Your choice of gold may be down to what the item of jewellery actually is. It may be that some areas, such as ears and wrists, are more sensitive to certain alloys such as nickel, than other parts of your body. So, this may in itself determine which gold you want for what. White gold no longer contains nickel, making it and 18 carat gold a good option for those sensitive areas. Whereas rose gold can often make a statement so is perfect for something like a bracelet.

Yellow gold is the most traditional colour, and often the one to be found in most jewellery, such as necklace chains, so it is likely easier to buy something in yellow gold, regardless of where on your body it is going to adorn.

Design features

Will the gold be used as a setting for a pendant or a stone, rather than being the main feature of the jewellery piece? If that is the case, then the colour and shape of the stone or locket or charm may lend itself to one colour gold above the others.

Aquamarine and sapphires look best with a white gold, whereas garnets and rubies suit a yellow gold more, and rose gold looks great with quartz and pearls. As expected for such a popular gem, diamonds work with all three.

If you are having your gold jewellery engraved, that may also be something to consider when choosing which gold to have, as the lettering may show up better on one rather than the other. And rose gold is stronger and may withstand the engraving process the best.

Nevertheless, we can engrave any form of gold and any style of jewellery, so do get in touch to discuss your requirements and we will make sure that the jewellery is as special as the person you are giving it to.

Vintage or heirlooms

Rose gold has been around for many years, and is often found to be the colour in a lot of vintage jewellery. With the vintage look coming round again and being a particular fashion choice for millennials, rose gold is having a bit of a comeback, after falling behind the everlasting yellow gold and more modern white gold in the market.

If you are considering buying a piece of jewellery that you intend to hand down from generation to generation, then you cannot go wrong with yellow gold.

Its timeless style will always be in fashion and is unlikely to lose its value. Keep it polished to avoid any tarnishing and it will stay looking as good as when it was first made.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, the choice of gold is entirely up to you. But, we hope that these pointers have given you some idea as to what might work best in a variety of different situations. Don’t hesitate to come into our store in Guildford and try a few items on or contact us today for advice from our friendly sales staff.

If you can’t find something you like, we’d be very happy to create something bespoke for you, using the gold tone of your choice, matched with precious gems and a simple or intricate design.

A hallmark on a piece of jewellery proves that it is a genuine metal and not a poor copy of one, contaminated with larger amounts of alloys and plated metals. For a piece of jewellery to be defined as a precious metal it needs to have a certain percentage of that pure metal in its manufacture. This goes for gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

To provide the flexibility involved in shaping the metals into jewellery, the pure metal will be mixed with some form of alloy. However, a hallmark ensures the buyer that what they are purchasing has at least the minimum amount of pure metal for it to be designated precious. This purity can also be known as fineness.

The high value of the pure metals used in jewellery makes this even more important when establishing the provenance and ensuring it is the genuine article.

What do hallmarks show?

Much like the red tractor mark on meat and eggs, which certifies that the product has come from a responsible and safely-produced environment, a hallmark on jewellery shows the maker’s mark, when it was made, the purity of the metal and where it was tested or assayed. It will also specify if it was made to commemorate a specific event, for example the King’s Coronation.

Jewellery hallmarks tend to be situated in a horizontal line and no more than 1.5mm in height. More often than not, they will be marked somewhere that cannot be outwardly seen when the jewellery is being worn, such as the inside of a ring band or bangle, or the back of a pendant.

Why hallmark jewellery?

In order to ensure you are not being sold jewellery that isn’t as precious as it is made out to be, the items will only be hallmarked if they contain at least half a gram of platinum, a gram of gold or palladium, or 7.78 grams of silver. These are the minimum amounts for them to be termed as being made of precious metal and worthy of being hallmarked as proof of that fact.

Fraud is rife in the jewellery industry, with unscrupulous makers trying to pass off their items as being genuine. Having a hallmark provides proof to the buyers, and also provides protection to the jewellery industry buyers and suppliers, such as ourselves.

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Compulsory hallmarks

All jewellers will have their own mark, which is used to signify who has actually made the jewellery and submitted it to be registered. This will often be the initials of the jeweller or organisation. Every mark is unique to that jeweller, so any item can be sourced back directly to them.

In addition, the purity or fineness of the metal will be marked. Perhaps the most commonly-seen mark is 925 sterling silver, but others include 375 for gold which indicates it is 9 carat, or 750 which denotes 18 carat gold, and 950 for platinum and palladium.

These numbers show the parts per thousand of pure metal which has gone into the piece of jewellery. This way, you can be guaranteed that your jewellery is officially made of precious metal.

The International Convention of Hallmarks shows these numbers alongside traditional balancing scales, as an internationally-recognised control mark.
Assay offices are used to test and hallmark jewellery. There are four in the UK, including Birmingham’s jewellery quarter (marked with an anchor), London (marked with a leopard), Sheffield (marked with a Tudor rose) and Edinburgh (marked, appropriately, with a castle).

For vintage or antique jewellery that was made before 1960, you may well see a different assay office mark as there have been several over the years, but these four are the only ones currently in existence.

Optional hallmarks

Date letters became optional in 1999, but these show a letter of the alphabet that corresponds with a certain year. In 2023, we have now reached the letter Y. The shape of the stamp, as well as the font of the letter, changes every year on 1st January, so even older items can still be accurately dated using this method.

The London assay office will go one step further with its fineness hallmarking, incorporating a symbol to show the purity and type of metal. For example, gold is shown as a crown, sterling silver with a lion and Britannia silver with a representation of the female warrior Britannia.

How is jewellery hallmarked?

Stamps were traditionally used to hallmark metals, but it was later recognised that this stamping process could often misshape the item if it was particularly delicate or hollow and make it less desirable. As the item becomes more worn, the hallmark can often be noticed on the outside of it, which is not ideal.

It was then decided to use lasers to hallmark the jewellery. These provide an accurate depiction of the marks required, won’t affect the shape of the jewellery and can often be created very subtly so as not to detract from the beauty of the item. It is sometimes necessary to wear a loupe or jeweller’s eyeglass to see it more clearly.

Because of how a laser physically marks the jewellery, if an item such as a ring needs to be resized, it can sometimes inadvertently remove the hallmark, meaning it has to go back to an assay office to be retested and reapplied legally.

Final thoughts

If you are unsure about whether a piece of your jewellery is hallmarked, bring it in for us to take a look at through our loupe and we will be able to determine all the necessary information. You should then also be able to trace it back to its original source, if you want to.

We can also value your jewellery for you, with hallmarks being of particular use in this instance. If you have any corresponding paperwork, please do also bring this with you, as it all helps to create a bigger picture and means we can be as accurate as possible, whether you want the valuation for insurance purposes, probate or to sell.

Contact us now to schedule a consultation.

A celebrity engagement, and their ring, is often pored over by the public – especially with the advent of Instagram making the announcement and corresponding photos an occasion in itself.

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When most people think of engagement rings, the first one that comes to mind is Princess Diana’s sapphire ring – one which son Prince William then used to propose to Kate Middleton, ahead of their wedding in April 2011. The deep blue colouring and oval design surrounded by small diamonds became immediately recognisable and is still just as iconic today as it was when Prince Charles proposed to Diana in February 1981, after meeting only 13 times. She was just 19 years old.

Interestingly, Penelope Cruz has a copycat sapphire ring, presented to her by Javier Bardem on their engagement in October 2009. The sapphire set with diamonds has fewer carats, but is no less attractive for it. Prince Harry also chose to incorporate his late mother’s gems into the ring he gave Meghan Markle, with two of Diana’s diamonds set either side of a larger central diamond.

4.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring	2.07ct Diamond Solitaire Ring	2.50ct Heart Shaped Diamond Solitaire Ring
£48,500	£46,500	£28,650

Diamond engagement rings

The most traditional gemstone for an engagement ring is a diamond, but there are so many styles, cuts and sizes of diamond ring that you can choose, that the opportunities to find something to suit you are endless.

• The dance moves to ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyonce show her pointing at her ring finger, singing ‘If you like it, then you should have put a ring on it’. And Jay Z did. A massive 18-carat emerald-cut diamond, in fact. It is fair to say it is not one that can be missed.
• In a similar style, Jennifer Lopez was presented with a pale green diamond set on a ring designed by Rahaminov Diamonds, when proposed to by Ben Affleck. The rare green diamond was sourced especially for the occasion. It is the third engagement ring J-Lo has received.
• As you might expect from the classy first lady, Michelle Obama’s diamond engagement ring is understated, featuring a traditional one-carat solitaire diamond on a plain gold band. But it is no less beautiful for it.
• Lorraine Schwartz designed the rings for both Kourtney and Kim Kardashian. Kim was given a lavish cushion-cut diamond on a pave ring which reportedly cost Kanye West $8million, but was subsequently stolen from a hotel in Paris in 2016, while Kourtney had a simple narrow band topped with a flawless oval cut diamond.

Unusual engagement rings

• Ariana Grande is said to have used a pearl from one of her grandad’s tie pins to be set alongside the slanted diamond in her engagement ring. It makes for an unusual, but stunning, design which is truly unique to her
• Jack Brooksbank’s choice of ring for Princess Eugenie was a beautiful padparadscha sapphire in a pink-orange tone, surrounded by diamonds. This type of sapphire is extremely rare, but knowledge of it was boosted when it was seen on Princess Eugenie’s finger, and it is gaining in popularity because of it.
• Pink was also the colour for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, with Lorraine Schwartz once again in action designing a large oval pink diamond ring on a narrow diamond band. The engagement came as a surprise to the general public, but we have lapped up the pairing ever since.
• Orlando Bloom proposed to Katy Perry with a flower-shaped ring – possibly to signify the Bloom surname – using a pink stone surrounded by diamonds and set in gold to create the flower. When announcing their engagement on Instagram, Katy commented ‘Full Bloom’.
• Halle Berry and ex-husband Olivier Martinez opted for a stunning bright green emerald ring, which was mined from Columbia and was engraved with symbols that only the two of them can interpret.
• Megan Fox and fiancé Machine Gun Kelly decided to have two stones – a diamond and an emerald – set on an angle and with magnetic gold bands. The pear-shaped gems complement each other perfectly.

All of these rings offered something different to the more standard designs, standing out amongst the celebrity crowd and providing a talking point and plenty of paparazzi and social media photo opportunities.

Oval Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring	Georgian Style Diamond Cluster Ring	3.00ct Diamond Cluster Ring
£24,365	£10,800	£4,650

Vintage engagement rings

Antique engagement rings, often passed down as an heirloom, are as popular now as they were when they were first designed and created. They offer up something that is truly unique and has already stood the test of time.

• Michael Douglas chose a vintage Fred Leighton ring for Catherine Zeta-Jones. The 10-carat marquise diamond was side-set for added interest, and cost $1million – not surprising, considering the cost of their actual wedding in November 2000, which was reportedly in excess of $2million.
• Although not actually a vintage ring, Jessica Biel’s engagement token from Justin Timberlake was designed to have a vintage styling to it. Scrolled sides and black platinum were combined with a curved-cornered square cut diamond to provide a venerable classic look.
• As vintage rings go, you can’t not mention the engagement ring given to Jackie-O, by President John F Kennedy, in 1953. The style icon was given a two-gem diamond and emerald ring, enclosed by two baguette diamonds in a unique shape that is still swooned over now, and is reportedly worth over $1million.

Final thoughts

Not to ever do anything by halves, it is thought that Victoria Beckham has 15 engagement rings – all from David, we hasten to add! – although the one he actually chose to propose with is a simple gold band set with a marquise-cut diamond. He obviously couldn’t decide on just one.

The wide range of engagement rings on offer makes it almost impossible to choose and narrow it down to that special something. Our customers often use celebrity engagement rings as their inspiration for choosing the ring for their partner. And that comes as no surprise.

Our staff can offer help and advice to make the process easier. Contact us today or pop into our showroom in Guildford to discuss your options and take a look at what we have available.

Jewellers in the UK have a fantastic history of producing some of the most stunning work available anywhere in the world. This means that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic jewellery options here.

However, some people are tempted by the idea of buying jewellery abroad. It might be that they have heard that a particular destination offers stunning quality jewellery, or it could be they believe that they can get a better bargain or more for their money if they go overseas.

In reality, while it is of course possible to buy jewellery from abroad, there is a key question that you need to ask yourself: is it worth it. There are downsides to buying from jewellers abroad, and benefits from sticking with UK options.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the reasons that you should think twice before buying your jewellery from abroad.

Quality concerns when buying jewellery from abroad

If you are thinking of buying jewellery abroad, it is worth remembering that depending on where you shop, you may not always get the same level of quality control you might expect from jewellers in the UK. If you are shopping in a market or even in independent shops, if you don’t know the reputation of the seller, it could be possible that they are artificially inflating costs for inferior products.

It is even possible that sellers could be knowingly selling fake or counterfeit goods. And if you are thinking of buying from world-famous brands and designers to counteract – these manufacturers have stores in the UK as well, so what do you really gain from going abroad for them?

The hidden costs of buying jewellery from abroad

When you buy jewellery from abroad, there are several hidden costs that you may not have considered.

Firstly, there may be import duties, taxes, and handling fees that you will have to pay when the item arrives in the UK. These costs can quickly add up and make the purchase much more expensive than you initially thought.

Secondly, you may have to pay for the item to be appraised or valued once it arrives in the UK. This is because jewellery from abroad may not have the same hallmarking standards as UK jewellery, which makes it difficult to verify its authenticity and value.

Thirdly, if you need to return the item for any reason, you may have to pay for shipping and handling fees to send it back to the seller. This can be particularly costly if you are sending the item back.

Finally, if the item requires repairs or adjustments, you may have to pay for these costs yourself. This is because the seller may not have a UK presence or may not be willing to cover the costs of repairs or adjustments.

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The risks of buying jewellery from unscrupulous sellers

When you are buying jewellery abroad, you are unfortunately at a much greater risk of dealing with unscrupulous sellers. You are not always going to have the same protections that UK companies provide as standard. It is not always possible to thoroughly research those you are interested in purchasing from.

This can also put you in a compromised position when attempting to resolve disputes. Not being sure whether a company will follow through on any repair or refund can make it much riskier for you.

Ultimately, any time that you go abroad, you need to ensure that you are taking the same risks and precautions you would at home. If you see a price that seems too good to be true, you really have to ask yourself why that is the case.

The misconceptions about buying jewellery from abroad

There are a range of different misconceptions about buying jewellery abroad, and it is important that we take a look at them.

• Myth: It’s cheaper – as we have discussed, when jewellery prices are significantly cheaper abroad it is often because the quality of the product has been misrepresented, or because the product is fake.
• Myth: You can make a profit in the UK – if your only motivation to buy jewellery abroad is to take it home and sell it for a profit, you should stop now. Any cheap jewellery that has been passed off as expensive jewellery will be immediately spotted by skilled professionals. “I paid £1,000 for it” doesn’t mean anything to a jewellery specialist, sadly.
• Myth: Favourable tax rates in some countries – it is true that some countries have lower sales tax rates than the UK – but purchases must be declared when you enter the UK.

The benefits of buying from local jewellers

When it comes to buying jewellery, there are many benefits to choosing a local jeweller over purchasing abroad. One key advantage is the quality assurance that comes with buying from a reputable local jeweller. UK jewellers are required to adhere to strict regulations and standards, ensuring that their products are of the highest quality.

In addition, local jewellers often have established reputations within their communities, making them accountable for the quality of their products and services.

Another advantage is the expertise and advice that local jewellers can provide. Many local jewellers have years of experience and knowledge about the industry and can offer valuable insights and guidance when it comes to choosing the perfect piece of jewellery.

Buying abroad for a low price can be inherently risky, and we would always recommend opting for a quality product that you know you can trust. At Cry for the Moon, we have years of experience in selling fine pieces of jewellery, and would be delighted to provide advice of any kind before you buy. Whether you are looking for a specific type of gemstone or need advice on which metal to choose, we would be happy to help. Get in contact with our experienced team to learn more.

Gold jewellery can hold sentimental value and cherished memories. But it can also become clutter or unwanted pieces that take up space. Rather than letting your old or unused jewellery collect dust, selling it can be a quick and efficient way to turn it into cash. However, the process of selling gold jewellery can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry.

Many people turn to pawn shops or gold buyers. These types of business might offer a flat rate per gram of gold, which may not reflect the true value of your jewellery. To ensure that you get the best possible price, you should always have your jewellery correctly valued by skilled professionals who can evaluate its quality, condition, and market demand.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selling gold jewellery and provide insight into the selling process.

Why should you sell your gold jewellery?

Selling your gold jewellery can provide a great way to turn your unwanted pieces into cash. Whether you’re looking to downsize your collection or saving for a specific goal, selling your jewellery can provide the financial boost you need.

In addition to the monetary benefits, selling gold jewellery can also help declutter your space and simplify your life. Rather than holding onto pieces that no longer serve you, selling them can provide a sense of liberation and freedom. It might even make space in your collection for a lovely new piece.

What kind of jewellery can I sell?

Many people assume that only high-end or pristine jewellery can be sold, but skilled professionals can value almost any type of jewellery, regardless of its condition. This can include broken or damaged pieces, as well as jewellery that may be missing stones or components.

Some common types of gold jewellery that can be sold include rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. However, the specific items that a jeweller will accept may vary depending on their expertise and the market demand for certain types of jewellery.

Why do people sell gold jewellery?

There are many reasons why people choose to sell their gold jewellery. Here are a few common ones:

• Financial reasons – selling gold jewellery can provide an easy source of cash, which can be especially helpful during times of financial need. This could include paying off debt, covering unexpected expenses, or saving for a future goal.
• Downsizing – some people choose to sell their gold jewellery as part of a larger effort to downsize their possessions and simplify their lives. This could include selling jewellery that they no longer wear or that no longer holds sentimental value.
• Inheritance – in some cases, people may inherit gold jewellery from a family member but may not want to keep it for themselves. In this case jewellers can offer estate appraisals to help you understand the value of the inherited collection.

How much is gold worth?

The value of gold can vary depending on a variety of factors, including market demand, the current price of gold, and the purity of the gold in your jewellery. To determine the value of your gold jewellery, it’s important to understand a few key terms:

• Carat – the carat of gold is a measure of its purity. 24-carat gold is entirely pure gold (although it is very rare for jewellery to be made from pure gold as it is too often) – however, 18-carat gold is considered a high purity, whereas 10-carat gold pieces are less pure and as such are worth less.
• Spot price – the spot price of gold is the current market price for one troy ounce of gold. This price can fluctuate based on a variety of economic and political factors.
• Melt value – this is the value of the gold if it were melted down and sold. This value is based on the weight of the gold and its purity.

It’s important to remember that the emotional value of your jewellery may be different from its actual monetary value. While heirloom pieces or sentimental jewellery may hold a lot of personal value, they may not be worth as much in terms of their gold content. When selling your jewellery, it’s important to balance these factors and make an informed decision about the best course of action for you.

How to choose the right place to sell to

When it comes to selling your gold jewellery, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable and trustworthy buyer. It is a great idea to go to a local jeweller who has experience in valuing gold and precious metals.

These professionals have the expertise to determine the quality and value of your jewellery, and can provide you with a fair price for your items.

Additionally, you may feel more comfortable working with a local business that you can visit in person, rather than online.

What happens to my gold jewellery when I sell it?

When you sell your gold jewellery, the buyer may use it in a few different ways depending on its condition and quality. Some of the possibilities include:

• Refining – if your gold jewellery is not in good condition or cannot be resold as-is, the buyer may choose to refine it. This involves melting the gold down and extracting impurities to create pure gold bullion, which can then be sold to other buyers.
• Resale – if your gold jewellery is in good condition and has resale value, the buyer may choose to resell it. This could involve cleaning, polishing, or repairing the jewellery before putting it up for sale. In some cases, antique or vintage jewellery may be particularly valuable and could be sold for more than its melt value.
• Recycling – another option for your gold jewellery is to recycle it. This could involve using the gold to create new jewellery pieces, such as wedding bands or necklaces. By recycling gold, buyers can reduce their reliance on newly mined gold and minimise their environmental impact.

At Cry for the Moon, we have extensive experience valuing and buying gold jewellery from our customers. If you are interested in having some of your gold jewellery valued, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our experienced team today.

Once you have decided you want to propose to your significant other, chances are that you want to make the proposal as special as they are. You will want to make it memorable for all the right reasons, as well as hoping that they say yes.

It is likely that proposing has been on your mind for a while; it is rarely as totally spontaneous as they make it look in the movies, after all. You may have some idea as to how, where and when you want it to happen, or you may be completely stuck on ideas for how to plan the perfect proposal.
This is where we come in. Our experienced team of advisers can help you choose the perfect ring, and at least take that off your list of requirements.

Solitaire Diamond Rings From just £785

Choosing the ring

As a jeweller, we know the importance of finding the right engagement ring for your partner. Take a look at the jewellery they already wear. If they only wear silver, then you may want to look at silver, white gold or platinum engagement rings, so as to keep on the colour theme. Alternatively, the tone of their skin may lend itself to a particular type of gold.

If they like coloured gemstones, then maybe opt for a ruby, emerald or sapphire ring instead of the more traditional diamond. Perhaps they already wear several rings. It is worth bringing in a couple of them to the store when choosing an engagement ring, if you are able to do so, so that you can pick something that complements what they currently wear on a day-to-day basis. It will also help to make sure you get the right size of ring. Although, we do offer a resizing service, if required.

We can also take gems from old or broken pieces of jewellery and incorporate them into the design of a bespoke engagement ring, thereby utilising family heirlooms or beloved items into something new and unique.

1.03ct Diamond Solitaire Ring	1.10ct Marquise Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring	0.57ct Yellow Diamond Cluster Ring
£13,250	£8,850	£3,695

The perfect venue

A proposal becomes even more meaningful if it takes place somewhere that you associate with each other. This could be where you first met, a previous date venue or even on a holiday that you picked together.

Restaurants have always been popular places for a proposal, with waiters or chefs roped in to help by putting rings into drinks or desserts or making a specific dish with writing on the plate in some kind of sauce. If you have got dressed up for a special occasion, you might as well make use of that!
Or, for something more secluded, a particular park or countryside setting is ideal for a summer proposal. Even sheltering from the rain can be romantic in the right situation.

What to say

Your speech, where you actually ask your intended to marry you, may be the bit you agonise over most. And yet, often the recipient of the proposal is so overwhelmed when they realise what you are doing, that they don’t actually hear exactly what you say.

Nevertheless, it is understandable that most people will want it to be a perfect rendition of their love for their partner, and to say things which show them exactly how they feel about them. With this in mind, it is important that whatever you say comes from your heart.

You could opt for a very simple ‘will you marry me?’, or alternatively you may wish to expand on your feelings and how special they are to you, before you actually pop the important question. Whether you do all of this down on one knee though is entirely up to you.

3.31ct Diamond Trilogy Ring	3.29ct Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy Ring	1.90ct Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring
£32,205	£21,750	£8,850

A significant date or time

Seasonal proposals have always been popular, with Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year and birthdays being the obvious choices. Some people also choose the anniversary of when they first got together, as a date that is special to them.

The reasoning behind this is sound, but for a truly surprise proposal, there is nothing better than going for a date that has no significance to your lives whatsoever – it soon will do, after all!

Social media is full of betrothal announcements and engagement ring pictures over festive holidays, so stand out from the crowd by proposing on an entirely random date and make it unique to you and your relationship.

Involving other people

Do you want your family and friends to be gathered round to be part of your proposal? Or would you prefer it to be an intimate moment between the two of you? The former is fine if you know your other half is definitely going to say yes, but it is worth considering what might happen if they don’t, or they want to take time to think about it.

Alternatively, have someone on standby with a camera if you want a more secluded proposal, but still want to capture the moment for everyone to see. It will, of course, also give you a visual record of the moment too.

If you like to stay out of the limelight, then there is nothing wrong with proposing somewhere completely private and enjoying the knowledge between just the two of you, until you feel ready to share it.

Your proposal can be as creative as you like, what matters is the two of you and how you feel.

Trilogy Diamond Rings From just £1,075

Final thoughts

Whenever, wherever and however you choose to propose, make it right for you and your partner. Always bear in mind that there is no right or wrong way to propose – as long as you get the answer you want. Whether you go all out for something lavish or you are enjoying a quiet night in together, just the two of you.

The ring is just a small part of the proposal process, but it is the thing that will last the longest as the memories start to fade. Your beloved will likely wear it for the rest of their life, so don’t hesitate to contact us to help you pick out something that is sure to impress, whatever style and budget you are looking for.

Buying jewellery was once seen as something that simply had to be done in-store. With such expensive yet meaningful items, being able to see the pieces in person was considered an essential part of the sales process.

However, in recent years the trend towards online shopping has very much taken off in the jewellery sector. Jewellers have become far better at showcasing their products online and providing customers with all of the images and information they need to make an informed purchase.
Nevertheless, if you are thinking of buying a piece of jewellery online, it is important that you do your research, and understand the smartest ways to go about the purchase. In this blog, we provide a guide to making jewellery purchases online.

Buy from a quality jeweller

When buying in-store, it was traditional that you could rely on the quality of a jeweller, especially if it had been in business for a long time. Jewellery shops selling inferior products don’t last long on the high street. Online, however, it is a different matter.

Anyone can pay to create a website that looks extremely impressive – but just because the site looks good, it doesn’t necessarily mean the quality of the jewellery is too.

It is essential that you research the company that you are thinking of buying from. Look into customer reviews (especially those on external sites) and read into the history of the company. Do they have a reputation for providing great jewellery, or is it a matter of style over substance?

Understand the product

When shopping online it can be very easy to be drawn in by beautiful photos of a piece and becoming enamoured with an item before you know anything about it.

Indeed, a stunning piece might look like a bargain compared to a similar piece on another site. But unless you do your research, it may not be clear why this is the case. Jewellery prices can be affected by a huge range of factors, and you need to understand what this means for the piece.

For example, understanding the clarity, cut, and colour of a diamond can help you to understand why one piece is significantly more expensive than another. Stores generally won’t hide information about lower quality items, but they likely won’t have this information front and centre, so do take the time to research the product you’re thinking of buying.

Brand names aren’t everything

Many of the big jewellery brands do produce eye-catching pieces, and of course, there is nothing wrong with opting for a branded product. However, it is important to recognise that if you are buying a big brand product online because you feel it is a hallmark of quality, you should also be aware that you will pay a premium for the name.

For a comparable product, you will generally save a significant amount of money by opting for a non-brand product while still getting the same level of quality that you would expect. If you have always preferred to shop for brand names, it could well be worth taking a look at independent shops to see the kind of savings you can make.

Look for detailed photographs

It’s important to pay attention to the images provided by the seller. The images should be high-quality, detailed, and provide a good representation of the piece you’re considering. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating the images:

Zoom in feature – look for a zoom feature on the seller’s website so you can see the jewellery up close and in detail.

Multiple images – make sure the seller provides multiple images of the jewellery from different angles. This will give you a better idea of what the piece looks like and help you identify any imperfections or defects.

Lighting – the images should be well-lit, so that you can see the jewellery clearly. If the images are too dark or too bright, it can be difficult to get a good sense of the piece.

Consistency – compare the images provided by the seller with the product description and ensure they match.

Shop for something specific

It is important to go into online shopping with a decent idea of what you might be interested in buying. Doing so can help you to really narrow down what you are looking for. Having a very broad goal like an engagement ring is much harder to search for than if you know you want an 18 carat rose gold solitaire ring with a blue diamond.

This allows you to actually compare like-for-like rather than trying to make an arbitrary decision around price. Naturally you want to get the ring you want for a great price but establishing what is a good price can be very challenging if all of the rings you consider are completely different.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

High quality jewellers are always happy to answer questions about their products – and this is true whether you’re shopping in store or online. If you’ve got a query about a necklace don’t hesitate to either send it over in an email or call up the store.

If a jeweller is evasive in answering your questions or doesn’t seem to have the answer to the question that you’re asking, it can be a warning sign that this might not be the ideal company to buy from.

Check shipping and returns policies

It is important to understand the shipping costs and returns policy of the business that you are buying for. If a piece of jewellery is £20 cheaper on a site, but they charged an extra £25 for delivery, you’re actually worse off.

Additionally, it is important to understand what happens if the piece of jewellery arrives and you don’t like it. Can you get a refund? Do you have to pay to ship the item back? Is there anything hidden in the small print?

If you’re interested in buying from a high-quality online jewellery store, Cry For The Moon has been operating both online and from a store for many years. If you have any questions we would be happy to help – get in contact with our friendly team today.

Here at Cry for the Moon, we offer a range of useful services alongside selling high quality pieces of jewellery.

Whether you need your favourite necklace repaired, or a valuation for an inherited family heirloom, our team have the expertise to ensure you’ll always receive the help you need. We take the time to learn about you and exactly what you need. We are also happy to talk you through the process at any time.

If you’re looking for a unique bespoke piece, speak to our design team about commissioning something tailor-made, or if you’ve changed your style and would like to sell some of your jewellery, we also buy older pieces and breathe fresh eternal life into them.

Our team has years of experience selling, repairing, designing and valuing jewellery and we’ve built up a reputation for the quality of work as well as the high standard of our levels of customer service.

Repairs

Whether your jewellery has suffered a breakage or just some general wear and tear, we want to help get it back to looking its best. Perhaps you’ve stopped wearing some of your pieces because they’ve lost some of their original lustre or you’ve noticed the gems have started to blur, but you don’t want to leave them languishing in the bottom of your jewellery box.

Sometimes our jewellery just needs a bit of extra TLC, and often with a few simple repairs or alterations, you can be wearing your favourite older pieces again in no time. Our team has always taken pride in our ability to restore a piece of jewellery to its former glory – we would love to do the same for you.

We can also help with alterations and resizing, so if you’ve inherited a vintage piece or received a gift from a loved one that doesn’t quite fit, there’s every chance that the sizing can be altered so you can start enjoying it. If an old or damaged piece doesn’t quite fit your style, we can even refashion some pieces into beautiful new bespoke designs.

Design and commissions

We’re very lucky at Cry for the Moon to count a multi award-winning jewellery designer amongst our in-house design team. Our Master Craftsman Simon Gearty was a prodigy at his art school, as the only student to ever win first prize for his diamond modelling two years running. He can turn his hand to unlimited stunning bespoke styling, and loves bringing his incredible skills and well-honed expertise to the fore.

If you’re struggling to find the piece that feels ‘just right’, a commissioned item may be just what you’re looking for. We have no doubt that our fantastic design team can take that idea that’s been swimming around in your head, and in just a few steps will create an exquisite and unique piece that truly encapsulates the style and personality of the wearer.

We will always focus on exactly what you are looking for. We’ll take the time to understand the requirements of your piece and what we can do to make it extra special. We’ll be in touch with you throughout the design and commissioning process.

Sell your jewellery

It’s a fact of life that as we age our personal style naturally changes, and fashion trends come and go. If you’ve fallen out of love with some of your old jewellery or it’s no longer considered en vogue, you might be thinking about selling it to make space for some new pieces in your collection.

Alternatively, if you’ve inherited a collection from a loved one, it’s almost certain that not all of those pieces will be to your taste, and you may prefer to honour their memory by selling five or six of their pieces to purchase a single higher value memento that you’ll actually wear.

Our team have over 50 years experience buying and selling jewellery, and are able to offer highly competitive prices for unwanted jewellery, gold, coins or watches. Our prices will take the sting out of selling items with sentimental value, and give you the peace of mind to declutter your collection in an oasis of calm, knowing that you’re in expert hands that will pay the price you deserve.

The price of precious metals is currently on the rise, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about trading in some of your items for something new. Your old jewellery might be worth a lot more than you realise.

Valuations

If you have inherited a jewellery collection or you just have a number of pieces that you simply don’t wear anymore, you might be interested in having it valued to understand its worth, either from a selling or insurance perspective.

Whether you’d like a valuation ahead of selling the item, for probate/inheritance tax, or for insurance purposes, the team at Cry for the Moon is here to help. We are regularly called on to provide an unbiased opinion on the value of an item, so our team has extensive experience in valuing.

You’l need to provide any paperwork related to the item, such as authenticity certification, gemstone grading reports, purchase receipts, and details of any previous valuations. Once we have those, we’re usually able to appraise the item (including cleaning and photography) and provide an up-to-date valuation within just 2-3 days.

Whichever service you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly expert team at Cry for the Moon, who will be more than happy to assist you. We will happily answer any questions or queries that you have and explain the finer details of the services that we can offer to you.

If you read our previous blog on the types of earrings every woman should own, you may be after a bit more detailed advice on choosing the right style for you. One of the most enduringly popular styles is the hoop earring – it is surprisingly versatile which can make it ideal whether you are looking to match it with a casual outfit or something more formal.

Hoop earrings are available in a very broad variety of different sizes, styles, and designs. They can be bold or understated, traditional or modern, and large or small. Finding the right pair can help you to look your best, or be the perfect gift for a loved one.

In this post, we will dig a bit deeper into what to look for to complement your face shape, hairdo, outfit, skin tone, and occasion.

Hoop Earrings From just £165

Small, medium, or large?

We previously drew a line between small hoops (sometimes known as huggies) and large hoops, but here we’ll look at both, alongside those which fall in between the two ends of the scale.

Small hoops are classed as those with a diameter under 20mm. They’re subtle and elegant, and the same pair can often be worn throughout the day and into the evening. Because of their small size, they’re also a really practical choice to wear if you have an active lifestyle. They also look great if you have medium-long hair and like to wear it down.

Medium hoops usually measure between 20-40mm in diameter. Their slightly larger size makes them an extremely versatile option which suits most face shapes and occasions. They will look fantastic with any hairstyle, and can boost a more casual outfit to give it a glamorous lift.

Large hoops are those with a diameter of 50mm and above. They tend to look best on people with larger faces as they can be overwhelming on a more petite silhouette. Large hoops look great with short hair or up-dos that draw the hair away, as they help to elongate, frame, and pull focus away from the hair and towards the face.

18ct White Gold Hoop Earrings	18ct Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
£165	£555

Which metal to choose?

Each of the different precious metals has its own benefits, and you may already have a preference for one over the others. If you’re buying new earrings for a special occasion, it’s worth thinking about the outfit you’re planning, and any other jewellery you might also like to wear, such as a necklace or a wedding or engagement ring. You may decide to opt for a whole new matching set to ensure you’ll always have a combination you can count on.

Yellow gold is a classic and traditional choice, which beautifully complements warmer skin tones and autumnal colour schemes. If you’re wearing yellows, oranges, reds, or browns, a pair of yellow gold hoops will make a gorgeous match. Also consider wearing yellow gold with purple shades; being its opposite on the colour wheel will create an eye-catching look which will really make you stand out from the crowd.

White gold, silver, or platinum are all fantastic choices for cooler skin tones, or winter colour schemes, such as blues, greys, black, and white. These metals are stylish and sophisticated, offering a touch of Hollywood glamour to any outfit. Platinum also has the added advantage of being hypoallergenic as well as highly prized. Choose hoops in these metals for a sleek and elegant look to rival the red carpet.

Rose gold offers a trendy and contemporary alternative with a versatility to suit most skin tones or colour palettes. It’s a great choice for hoops for everyday wear, and different sizes and design details would complement both daytime and evening looks.

18ct White Gold Hoop Earings	White Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings	Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Hoop Earrings
£230	£1,065	£2,430

Style and design

When choosing your hoop earrings, you also need to think about the style and design. A plain metal hoop is sleek and subtle, but opting for a more ornate or embellished hoop may give you a bit of extra grandeur.

Plain slim metal is a classic choice, but a subtle twist in the metal gives a bit of variety and edge to your style. A jewelled hoop is an attractive and appealing option for special occasions or evening wear, and can come in both small and delicate or bolder and more sizable designs.

The width of your hoop is also important. A slimmer hoop tends to pair well with more casual looks, whereas a wider hoop is the perfect match for a dressier occasion. It’s worth thinking about how the width of your hoop corresponds to the size and diameter of your hoop as well. A wide small hoop offers the opportunity for more elaborate embellishments to give a touch of sparkle to your outfit whilst still maintaining everyday practicality. On the other hand, a slim large hoop offers a delicate way to frame your face whilst wearing your hair up or your head covered.

Find the hoop that’s right for you

Hoop earrings will always be a fashionable choice, though the particular design of the hoops will naturally go in and out of style, and of course the right hoops for you will always be dictated by your own face shape, skin tone, and personal preferences. Hoops come in such a variety of styles that it’s worth trying a few options to find out what works best for you.

If you’re still unsure which hoops are the right choice, feel free to reach out to our expert team at Cry for the Moon, pop into our Guildford store, or browse our selection online. Whether you’re getting a treat for yourself, or buying a gift for a loved one, our team will be able to provide you with the advice and guidance you need.

If you’re invited to a christening or baptism, it’s traditional to bring a gift for the baby, but it can be difficult to know what to choose. Babies and children will grow out of toys or clothes so quickly that these kinds of gifts can often feel too fleeting for such a meaningful moment.

If you’d prefer to celebrate the occasion with a gift that has a longer lifespan, a beautiful piece of jewellery could be the answer that you’re looking for. Obviously the baby won’t be wearing it immediately, but it’s a wonderful keepsake for them to discover and enjoy in their later years. You might also like to gift it in a small jewellery box that could be used to store other memorable or nostalgic trinkets for years to come.

Bangles From just £1020

Bangles

Bangles are a common choice for a christening gift as they can be found both in smaller sizes that can be worn by children whilst they are still young, or in larger sizes that they can enjoy as adults. They also come in a variety of styles from simple metal bands to more elaborate jewelled pieces, so you can be sure to find one that suits your tastes and your budget.

It’s easy to have your bangle engraved with a personalised message, a name or initials, or a date, which makes it a perfect option for celebrating and remembering such a special day. At Cry for the Moon, we offer an engraving service free of charge on the inside of most pieces, allowing you to truly personalise your gift for your loved one.

Yellow Gold Plain Pendant	Diamond Set Cross	Gold Diamond Set Cross Pendant
£295	£2,050	£2,950

Cross pendant

A cross or crucifix pendant is an obvious choice for a christening gift as it carries the weight of religious significance to link it to the ceremony itself. Whilst the baby won’t be wearing a necklace for a good few years after they’re baptised, they’re also not going to outgrow it. They can start wearing their cross pendant from a young age and it will always serve as a reminder of their faith and their commitment to the church. The chain can then be updated as they grow, so that they’re able to wear their original christening gift right through to adulthood.

A cross pendant is an excellent choice, and is also available in different styles ranging from plain 9ct gold right through to versions encrusted with precious diamonds.

St Christopher Pendant From just £150

St Christopher pendant

The St Christopher pendant is a slightly less conventional, but still notably popular choice for a christening gift. St Christopher is the patron saint of travel and protection, so it is said that wearing his image brings good luck, sanctuary and security to the wearer; all things that we would usually wish on a new baby. Like the cross pendant, the St Christopher pendant can be worn from early childhood right through to adulthood, and offers a prudent and well-established alternative to the more traditional cross or crucifix.

Initials Pendant From just £790

Initial pendant

For a pendant option with a less religious weighting, you may like to consider opting for the new baby’s first initial. A beautiful round-cut diamond set initial pendant will be a lifelong treasure that will never go out of style, and will be a nostalgic reminder for the child as they grow, even if they stray away from the church or religious iconography as they get older. If they lose their faith, they will still be able to wear a stunning item of jewellery that has stayed with them throughout their life, as a link to their past and a piece of their childhood.

Cufflinks From just £105

Cufflinks

Whilst cufflinks may not be as traditional for a christening gift, they are another great possibility that can be worn for many years. Boys can pose a tricky challenge when looking at jewellery options, but cufflinks are an enduring alternative.

Cufflinks are often worn with outfits for special occasions, so by giving a set as a christening gift, you are imbuing them with a sense of great significance from the outset, making their inclusion an all-important part of all future celebrations. They’re also another superb prospect for engraving, allowing you to personalise them with the baby’s initials, birthday, or date of their christening.

Rings From just £360

Rings

Rings are another fantastic alternative, which may not have crossed your mind, though a diamond ring or signet ring has previously been seen as a staple for christening gifts. Rings offer an interesting crossover, as they can be purchased in a variety of sizes and of course resized in later life. Whilst you wouldn’t buy one for a baby to wear immediately, a ring could be hung on a chain around the neck from childhood, and then moved to the finger when the child grows into it.

This could be seen as an excellent metaphor for their growth, allowing them to make the change from neck to finger in their teenage years, at the point when they might choose to undergo further confirmation into the church.

Contact Us Today

There are a lot of great options available when choosing a christening gift, and a myriad of ways to personalise your item for a truly unique piece.

Whichever route you choose, getting someone one of their first pieces of jewellery will offer a resilient, long-lasting, and nostalgic gift that will be treasured forever. It will give the recipient a great sense of connection to their past and to you, and will always carry wonderful memories and significance.

Come and see our expert team at Cry for the Moon today, or make an enquiry to find out more about how we can help you find the perfect christening gift, including opportunities for your unique personal engraving.

Earrings have been around for hundreds of years, so different styles have of course gone in and out of fashion over time, but there’s a few stalwarts that should be a part of every woman’s collection.

In recent years, the trend for having multiple piercings in each ear has also given women the opportunity to showcase multiple earrings at once, mixing and matching different types to complement any outfit or occasion. If you’re finding yourself on a lot of video conferencing calls, and you want to make an impact, you can’t ‘dress to impress’ like you used to, but a pair of dazzling and stylish earrings will always be seen and can be an excellent talking point to break the ice with a new group or to give you the edge for that promotion you’ve been waiting for.

Stud Earrings From just £115

Stud earrings

Studs are a classic design and most women’s first ear piercing will be with studs. They’re subtle and easy to manage, and won’t get caught in long hair, which always makes them a practical choice, no matter what activity you have planned. Studs are a fantastic choice for daily wear, and can be found in a variety of styles. Opt for a plain gold or silver for a gentler look during the day, or switch to a single pearl or coloured gemstone for the evening. To really add an extra bit of pizazz to your look, try a floral cluster style with multiple jewels, or a pair shaped like hearts, dragonflies, or traditional Celtic knots.

Drop Earrings From just £520

Drop earrings

Nothing adds a touch of elegance to your outfit like drop earrings. Shorter styles offer a practicality similar to studs, whilst longer styles appear to elongate your neck and slim your face. The drop earring is ever-popular on red carpets, and at charity galas and other glamorous functions. It’s a style that is rarely out of fashion, and can be found in both classic vintage and contemporary designs.

Choose pear-cut coloured gemstones, pearls, or diamond clusters for a traditional look, or sleek and slim linear drops or stilettos for a more modern feel. Whilst drop earrings are a favourite choice to complement evening wear, they can also lift any outfit to give it an air of effortless chic.

It’s also worth thinking about the fitting of the drop earring; some women prefer a post with a butterfly similar to a stud fitting, while others may prefer a wire fitting to give balance at the back of the ear to the drop at the front.

Hoop Earrings From just £165

Large hoop earrings

Large hoops are a style that frequently finds itself on-trend, and has recently been popularised by celebrities as an alternative to the drop earring at stylish evening events. Hoops come in a variety of sizes, so it’s worth trying a few different ones to find the size that suits you. Some women find they’re able to carry off extra large hoops, whilst others prefer to keep them a bit smaller. Whatever you decide, you’ll be sure to find a pair that sets the tone you’re looking for.

Large hoops also come in a variety of designs; a simple slim gold hoop can offer a sophisticated look, whilst fancier twist designs or jewelled hoops are more unique. Some hoops even come with small pendants, or you may choose to customise your hoops by adding your own pendant for a quirky asymmetric vibe.

Small hoop earrings

Small hoops, often referred to as ‘huggies’, are so called because they ‘hug’ your earlobe tightly unlike a larger hoop. These are also often popular for helix piercings as they fit snugly around the top of the ear, and are sometimes called ear cuffs.

Small hoops can offer some of the same practicality as studs, as they won’t get tangled up in hair, or pulled on by small children. They also look great in a second piercing hole to mix and match with other styles.

Again, small hoops can be as simple as a thin metal hoop, or embellished with twists or clusters of gems for a bit of extra sparkle.

Diamond Dragonfly Earrings	Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings	Emerald & Diamond Drop Earrings	Diamond Hoop Earrings
£550	£835	£1,500	£3,040

 

Statement pieces

Whatever style you choose, a bold statement piece can really give you style points amongst your peers. If you usually wear smaller, more subtle pieces, it’s worth going outside your comfort zone and trying a larger option. You may be surprised how many compliments you receive by wearing a bold and eye-catching pair of earrings, and you can’t beat that fantastic little confidence boost. If you’re feeling tired or run-down, adding a pair of chunky earrings can lift your mood every time you look in the mirror, and draws the eye away from any dark circles or crows’ feet you may otherwise be feeling self-conscious about.

If you’re the sort of person who regularly fiddles with or loses their earrings, larger styles could be just what you need. They’re less likely to fall out and much easier to find if you do drop them!

Matching sets

All women should own at least one matching jewellery set, whether it’s earrings and a necklace, or includes a bracelet or brooch as well, a matching set exudes status and prestige, and means you’ll never have to mix and match different items to try to find pieces that complement one another. Choose clear or pale gems such as diamonds, pearls, opals, or topaz for a set that will go with everything.

If you’re ready to find some high quality, fashionable, and classic earrings that will last a lifetime, don’t hesitate to get in touch or come and see our friendly team in store.

The tree is up, the decorations have been hung, and the party food has been ordered… but you’re still searching for that special something for a loved one. It’s a familiar situation, and it can be difficult to know what to get for someone who seems to already have everything they need. After a challenging couple of years for everyone, socks or perfumes might not quite cut it this year. If the budget can stretch a little further this year, a classic item of jewellery is certain to be the show stopping present that you’re looking for.

For her

It’s no secret that most women love jewellery, so you probably can’t go too wrong deciding on this Christmas gift. However, it’s always worth thinking about what sort of jewellery you’ve seen her wearing before, and whether there are certain styles or colours she favours over others.

Whilst gold jewellery may look fantastic on someone with a warmer skin tone or who tends to wear more autumnal shades, someone fairer may prefer silver, platinum, or white gold.

Earrings From just £95

When buying earrings, it’s always worth double checking if she definitely has her ears pierced, or if she tends to wear clip-ons, and whether she prefers subtle studs, elegant slim drop designs, or chunkier statement pieces.

Necklaces From just £360

Bracelets From just £780

Necklaces, bracelets, or brooches are also great choices, and matching earring and necklace sets always make wonderful gifts. Unless you’re certain that someone loves a particular coloured gemstone or enjoys wearing bold costume jewellery, it may be worth sticking to more neutral tones and smaller more subtle designs rather than opting for a strong colour or a large extravagant piece.

For him

Men’s jewellery doesn’t tend to be quite as common, but signet rings, cufflinks, and tie pins are always worth owning. A small flash of jewellery can really elevate a man’s outfit and give him more gravitas and grandeur among his peers. A pocket watch can also make an unusual and quirky gift, with many men loving the alternative vibe this gives them compared to a regular wristwatch.

Cufflinks From just £90

Signet Rings From just £545

Signet Rings From just £1,750

With statement jewellery becoming more fashionable in men’s attire, this Christmas could be the ideal time to buy him a memorable piece.

Cufflinks are always a worthwhile option for any man who ever wears shirts and suits. They’re unequivocally timeless and stylish, and offer an element of prestige and status beyond standard button cuffs. They also come in a wide variety of styles and designs, so you may be able to find a pair that complements one of his other hobbies, such as car logos, playing cards, or sports.

This time it’s personal

If you’re looking for an item that’s a bit more personal, you may like to consider incorporating your loved one’s birthstone into the gift. Whether it’s earrings, a brooch, necklace, or cufflinks, the addition of someone’s birthstone shows that you’ve really thought carefully when choosing their gift and have made the effort to choose something specific for them.

If birthstones aren’t the right choice for you, another fantastic way to personalise their item is with a small engraving. This can be any message you like as long as it fits onto the item. If you’d like a longer message, consider an item with a larger surface area such as a cameo brooch or pocket watch, or keep things simple with some initials or a special date engraved inside a ring or on a pair of cufflinks.

At Cry For The Moon, we offer personalised engraving so you can get the perfect message on a piece of jewellery that will last a lifetime.

Tie it to a special event

If you’re still unsure where to start when choosing a gift, think about any special events that your loved one might have coming up over the next few months. Are you attending a birthday party together, or do they have a friend’s wedding in the pipeline? If you know what they’ll be wearing, or if there’s a theme involved, that might give you a great springboard into choosing the right gift. An art deco brooch would be the perfect addition to a Great Gatsby outfit, or a coloured gemstone necklace might be just the right match for that dress they’ve been wanting to wear for ages.

Rings From just £785

If there’s no particular event coming up that you can think of, you can always create one to share with them. Book a table at a new restaurant or some tickets to a show, and suggest they may like to wear those earrings when you go there. Creating the opportunity to make memories together is a great way to gift jewellery with an extra special touch.

Get it delivered

At this busy time of year, it’s not always possible to get out to the shops, or to make time to see all your loved ones in person, particularly if they live far away. By buying jewellery from an established retailer, you know you’ll be getting the real deal, and can trust that what you’re buying is genuine and ethically sourced. You can purchase online with confidence and even have your items delivered directly to their recipients.

When you’re buying a special gift for a partner or loved one at Christmas, you want to feel certain you are getting a quality piece that is going to last. At Cry For The Moon, we have years of experience sourcing and selling stunning pieces of vintage and modern jewellery; we’ve developed a reputation for only offering jewellery that is both beautiful and durable.

Why not come and visit us at the shop, or make an enquiry if there is anything you would like to discuss about your Christmas gift ideas. Our friendly team would be glad to show you the items we have in store, and help you choose a wonderful gift to make Christmas 2022 a memorable one.

Signet rings are widely regarded as a symbol of status, power, and wealth, so perhaps it is not surprising that they have had such an endearing quality. But in recent years, signet rings have not only found their popularity rising, but it is also arguably at a point that they are more sought after than ever before.

Signet Rings From just £545

These rings, of course, were one of the earliest forms of personalised jewellery, as it has always been traditional for them to be monogrammed or customised with a family crest. Indeed, signet rings were once used as a stamp on letters. Today, however, it’s all about aesthetics and these rings make a handsome addition to anyone’s hand.

Modern signet rings are available in a broad range of styles and designs. But even more popular is buying a vintage signet ring – these having classic and enduring looks, with a timeless quality.

In this blog, we take a closer look at signet rings and what exactly has caused them to make such a successful comeback.

The history of the signet ring

The signet ring has a rather interesting history as jewellery goes. In days of yore, when someone wanted to send a letter, they wouldn’t use an envelope but would seal it with wax as proof it was unopened.

It was signet rings that were used to press into the wax and seal the documents. Amazingly, this practice goes back as far as ancient Egypt in the 4th century BC, where a ring with a back-to-front crest would be used to press into the wax to show the receiver who the letter had come from.

It became tradition that wealthy families would have their own family crest, and they would have signet rings featuring this crest. And while other methods of sealing letters became popular, signet rings retained the impression of a status symbol.

The gentleman’s ring?

Signet rings sometimes go by the nickname the ‘gentleman’s ring’, because they are seen as gentlemanly and as a signifier of status in society. However, it should be noted that one of the reasons that signet rings have been growing in popularity is a renewed interest in women wearing them. Many signet rings are now designed specifically for women.

This serves as a reminder that while signet rings do evoke a sense of gravitas and traditional values, they can also be seen as thoroughly modern and on trend.

An association with class

There’s no doubt that signet rings have a regal and classic air – but today, vintage signet rings can be seen simply as a connection to the past with a twist of modern style. Yes, signet rings have long been associated with tweed and land ownership – but you certainly don’t need to own a country estate to look great in a signet ring.

15ct Victorian Yellow Gold Oval Agate Signet Ring	9ct Yellow Gold Diamond Set Signet Ring	18ct Yellow Gold Rectangular Signet Ring
£925	£1,000	£1,350

 

Who wears a signet ring?

There might well be an idea of the kind of person who wears a signet ring; some of the words that might come to mind include stylish, sophisticated, powerful, and wealthy. Of course, in truth anyone can wear a signet ring and look great doing so.

It is certainly true that the resurgence in popularity of the signet ring comes, at least in part, from the fact that so many celebrities and well-known public personalities have been seen wearing them. The trend has caught on with everyone from Hollywood superstars through to British royalty – with many pictures emerging of stars wearing them.

Some of the famous names that regularly wear signet rings include King Charles III, Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, and more.

How should you wear a signet ring?

The traditional way to wear a signet ring is on the little (or ‘pinkie’) finger of the left hand. This is the way that the signet ring has been worn for many years – and it was especially popular with all forms of European royalty and even the Pope.

However, today there is a much more relaxed approach to signet rings. And while it is still most common to see them worn on the left little finger, you can wear your signet ring in any way that feels comfortable to you.

Indeed, it is common to see signet rings worn alongside a number of other rings. Given that signet rings are often such eye-catching pieces, they are usually best paired with plainer styles of ring. However, it should be said some have started to wear multiple signet rings alongside each other.

What are signet rings made from?

Most signet rings are made using gold – there are often a range of carats available. The classic looks of yellow gold are those most often associated with the signet ring, but they are also available in white gold as well as using other metals.

It is quite common for these rings to be enriched with precious gemstones – either a number of small gems, or one large gem. These have been seen in
almost every colour, shade, and size. So it really comes down to personal preference when it comes to choosing the right ring for you.

Signet ring or wedding ring?

One style that has been gaining a great deal of popularity comes from the idea of signet rings in place of a traditional men’s wedding ring. The enduring appeal of the signet ring makes it an excellent choice as a stunning alternative to the conventional wedding band. These are durable and long-lasting rings which stand up to the rigours of regular wear. This means that they are ideal as a wedding ring that you wear day-in, day-out.

Even less conventionally, there are examples of signet rings being used as a stunning engagement ring. It is a unique option that can appeal to those who are looking for something very special and different for their proposal.

If you are interested in purchasing a stunning signet ring, Cry for the Moon offers a broad range of options to suit every taste. It may be that you are looking for a ring that is going to be worn all year-round, or one that only comes out for special occasions. In either case, our team has years of experience and can help you find the perfect signet ring.

To learn more, you can contact us today by calling 01483 306600 or emailing enquries@cftm.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Nature-themed jewellery is a wonderful way to transition from one season into another, as the perfect adornment to any outfit. From elegant florals to abstract pieces to animal and bird themes, there are various ways to incorporate nature into your jewellery. In this blog, we’ll show you some of the ways you can try this trend for yourself and the different styles of nature jewellery you could consider.

Coloured Gemstones From just £620

Abstract

Nature-themed jewellery doesn’t have to mean a literal interpretation. In fact, choosing an abstract approach can be a fun way to get creative with this theme and add a contemporary twist. From subtle textures and natural colours to rustic shapes, abstract jewellery is modern and elegant without being too overt. You may choose gems in natural colours such as greens, blues and yellows, or opt for jewellery that has a visible texture that’s reminiscent of scales, feathers or plants. These styles hint at surrounding landscapes without being too obvious, and they work well with other contemporary pieces, if that’s a style you tend to gravitate towards.

18ct Yellow Gold Mouse Shaped Brooch Just £1,125

Animal motifs

What says nature more than the spectacular wildlife that surrounds us? Animal and bird motifs are playful and add personality to any outfit, and they’re particularly well-suited to people who want to add a splash of colour to their jewellery collection. Brooches are a great way to play with animal motifs in an elegant way, from birds and insects to more exotic creatures like tigers and snakes. But you can also incorporate them into items such as cuffs and bracelets, or feather-inspired earrings that are luxurious and feminine, and still give a nod to the wild.

0.15ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Dragonfly Earrings Just £730

Natural materials

If you’re inspired by the great outdoors, wearing jewellery that contains elements of it can create a truly stunning look. Natural materials can appear in many forms, from flowers set in resin to seashells, crystals and more – often seen in pendants, rings and bracelet bands. The obvious choice is, of course, to choose an item of jewellery that contains genuine gemstones – in particular, raw gems or pearl jewellery, which can be a brilliant way of blending elegance with natural texture.

0.22ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Leaf Design Half Eternity Ring Just £1,425

Vintage jewellery

Vintage jewellery often has a natural theme to it, utilising the shapes of leaves, flowers and fruits, or birds, reptiles and insects. A vintage item adds a whimsical touch to your outfit while also feeling elegant, sophisticated and unique. Searching for that perfect vintage piece can result in some truly one-of-a-kind items in your collection that draw inspiration from the natural world. Vintage items are romantic and often intricately designed, for a charming embellishment to your outfits that are sure to be a great conversation starter.

0.10ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Dragonfly Pendant From just £695

Celestial themes

Natural themes aren’t limited to the environment around us – you only need to look up to the skies to get inspired. Moons and stars are a beautiful addition to any jewellery item, and have long been associated with luck, love and protection, so they’re the perfect choice if you’re gifting a piece to someone special. There’s something truly magical and mystical about celestial themes in jewellery, and they’re guaranteed to appeal to people who want something inspired by nature in a slightly more understated way. Why not choose a crescent moon-shaped brooch, star-shaped earrings or a bangle for a striking jewellery item you’ll treasure for many years to come, and that won’t go out of style.

How to wear nature-inspired jewellery

Nature-themed jewellery comes in a range of bold and delicate styles, so you can choose what to wear based on your personal tastes, or be inspired by the occasion. Subtle touches are perfect for everyday wear, such as floral earrings or a delicate pendant, while an abstract natural piece or an item made with natural materials can be a stand-out item for an evening out or a special occasion. Going on holiday? Why not wear pieces that are evocative of the tropical surroundings, incorporating a fun design or a bold and colourful pattern.

It’s not only the more interchangeable jewellery that can be inspired by nature, however, as even everyday items such as engagement rings and wedding bands can prove a great way to show off your love of the great outdoors. For example, why not try textured bands that are inspired by the bark of trees, twisted bands that look like branches and entangled vines or even abstract shapes that are reminiscent of leaves or flowers. Of course, adding emerald, topaz and amethyst is another way to add coloured gemstones in a modern twist on the classic diamond ring, while also paying homage to Mother Nature.

Try layering pieces together such as long necklaces over higher necklines in warm colours, or stack several rings in different hues together for a modern take on the trend. Mixing and matching rings in different metals or styles adds plenty of sparkle to your outfit, and ensures you don’t have to pick and choose when you can’t decide what to wear. Bold earrings can also be a beautiful addition, especially if you choose gemstone earrings in bright colours – try keeping the rest of your outfit relatively neutral to let them shine and stand out.

Final thoughts

Nature will always be in fashion, but recently, it’s become one of the go-to trends for jewellery lovers. Consider adding some nature-themed pieces into your own jewellery collection, to add interest and depth to your outfits. Look for high-quality items that are guaranteed to last and transcend fashions, so you can continue to enjoy them for many years to come without fear of them becoming outdated.

At Cry for the Moon, we specialise in luxury jewellery that makes any outfit or occasion extra special. From bridal jewellery and engagement rings to vintage pieces and keepsakes, why not browse our collection online or visit our store? If you have any questions, please contact our team and we’d be happy to help.

There’s huge demand for buying antique jewellery, whether it’s at auction, online or in person. But new collectors can be hesitant to get started out of fear of buying the wrong item or parting with too much cash for a piece. The purchase of antique jewellery is incredibly personal – you’re not just purchasing an item of jewellery, but also a part of history, so you want to be sure you’re getting it right. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to help you get started.

Know the historical period you’re interested in

Knowing your personal style and the periods in history that most appeal to you can help you to narrow down your search.

Georgian and Regency

If you’re a fan of Jane Austin and love the style of characters from films and books such as Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, look for a piece of Georgian or Regency jewellery. Jewellery from this period in history is delicate, refined and elegant, often with floral themes such as flowers, wreaths and vines. You’ll also find that Georgian and Regency jewellery has rope decorations and engravings, as well as gem-set crosses. It’s perfect for people who enjoy feminine pieces and want something delicate and sentimental. An item of jewellery from this period will date from 1714-1830.

Victorian

If you’re passionate about all things Victorian, 19th century jewellery will be ideal for you. This period ranges from the Romantic to the Revivalist, and it draws many influences from Renaissance style necklaces to bracelets with Assyrian decoration or Japanese-inspired pieces. Victorian jewellery often has nature themes, such as birds and insects, or flowers. You’ll also find pieces in darker colours with large gems set within it, such as pendants with garnet, black onyx or amethysts. Victorian pieces can be very dramatic and certainly make an impact, from brooches and pendants to engagement rings and bracelets.

Art Deco

Jewellery from the 1920s will have an Art Deco design and feature influences from the French rococo. If you’re a fan of the Downton Abbey TV series, or The Great Gatsby, you’ll no doubt be familiar with this style of jewellery. The new ‘Jazz Age’ featured a lot of drama and colour, with clean geometric patterns and stone-set jewellery, and have a contemporary feel since many Art Deco designs served as the foundation for modern pieces that we wear today. With this style of jewellery, you’re likely to find carved gemstones, sunburst motifs, architectural-style jewels and items inspired by Egyptian, Persian and Chinese jewellery and art.

Consider wearability

While there are many people who collect antique jewellery purely to build a beautiful collection of historic pieces, for the most part, people buy antique jewellery to wear it and because it brings them immense joy. So when you’re searching for an item, consider how you’ll wear it and the outfits that you will want to wear it with. Maybe you want a piece that will be worn occasionally for special events, or maybe you want to be able to wear it every day in which case you’ll want a durable item that can withstand wear and tear. A vintage engagement ring, for example, needs to be long-lasting and hardworking for you to be able to wear it every day in your busy life.

Check your sources

It’s all too easy for people to pass off an old item of jewellery as an antique or to sell a reproduction, but you want to be sure you’re buying something that’s authentic and genuinely from the period it’s being sold as. It can take a long time to build up the knowledge you need to be able to spot an authentic antique, so unless you’ve done that research yourself and feel confident that you know what to look for, it can save you a lot of time and wasted money by working with a trusted source.

Question what you find

There are so many details that make up an item of jewellery, from the metals used to the purity of the gold, the quality and clarity of the gemstones, and the measurements – not to mention the age and size of the piece. It’s important to ask questions about all of these details when you’re buying a piece, so you can be sure that it’s not only what you’re looking for but that it’s worth the price being asked for it. You’re likely to have a budget in mind when you’re shopping for antique jewellery, so asking questions will help you get the best value for an item, and will help you build a collection you’re proud of.

Only buy what you love

The last tip may seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose sight of it when you’re faced with myriad options. It can be overwhelming to shop for antique pieces, as they’re often much more of an investment than modern, off the shelf jewellery and fast fashion items. But keep in mind that this jewellery collection is for you and that you’ll be the person wearing it and staring at it every day, so make sure you’re investing in the items that you truly love and that work with your style and tastes.

Final thoughts

Antique jewellery and vintage pieces are an enjoyable way to enhance your jewellery collection and build something that’s really unique and personal to you. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, antique jewellery has a story to tell and is a literal piece of history that you get to wear. It’s a safe investment that typically holds its value when you choose wisely, and it is something that many of us will have a personal connection to.

At Cry for the Moon, we always have a beautiful selection of authentic antique and vintage jewellery in stock. Browse our collection online or visit us in store. If you have any questions, please contact us and a member of the team will be happy to help.

A brooch is always fashionable and stylish, and they’ve long been used as a way to bring elegance and personality to an outfit. Brooches and pins are such versatile accessories that can be as elegant and intricate or bold and colourful as you want them to be, and they always serve as wonderful conversation starters.

Brooches From just £250

From modern pins to antique and vintage designs, brooches with gems and ornate patterns to contemporary abstract pieces, brooches come in a wide range of styles. In this guide, we’ll explore the beauty of a brooch, from their history to the different ways you can incorporate them into your outfits.

A brief history of pins and brooches

Although we wear pins and brooches as decorative accessories now, they weren’t actually created to be worn as jewellery. They were originally used as functional items, made out of flint or thorns to secure clothing in place, such as loincloths. Metal pins became popular during the Bronze Age and were used by the Celts as cloak fasteners. During the Viking period, brooches were used on a daily basis by men and women and often had intricate details and ornate designs.

Today, we wear pins and brooches as fashion pieces, and they’re enjoying something of a fashion revival. Even luxury designers such as Chanel and Boucheron have been known to include them in their collections. TV shows such as Mad Men and The Crown have also reignited our interest in vintage pieces and antique pins.

2.00ct Old Cut Diamond Star Brooch	7.00ct Diamond Set Bow Brooch	2.40ct Diamond Bow Brooch
£4,550	£8,500	£6,250

 

How do pins and brooches differ?

We use the terms pin and brooch interchangeably, but are they different? The truth is that there isn’t much of a difference between them – antique sellers and collectors are likely to refer to this accessory as a brooch, while many other people will call them pins. Brooch is the more traditional term, and while both are decorative pieces, pins tend to refer to the general category for this type of jewellery while brooches are a specific type of pin. So all brooches are pins, but not all pins will be brooches.

How to wear a brooch or pin

Brooches aren’t limited to just wearing on a coat or jacket, though that’s a beautiful way to wear them. You can get creative and wear them in a variety of ways. Why not wear a sparkly, gem-studded brooch in your hair to add an elegant touch to a classic ponytail or chignon? Or you could use your brooch to secure a lightweight silk scarf around your neck or waist as a belt.

Brooches are a great way to create a more personalised look, so you may want to consider mixing modern and vintage or sentimental heirloom items for a unique look. Combining a few smaller brooches together in a cluster on a dress or top can work well to add interest to an otherwise plain outfit – keep the metals or colours the same to tie everything together. They can also be an effective way to liven up a formal outfit, such as a business suit or a blazer.

15ct Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Crescent Brooch	15ct Yellow Gold Cameo Diamond Brooch	0.30ct Diamond Set Horseshoe Stock Pin
£950	£995	£1,080

 

What to consider when buying brooches

When shopping for a new brooch to add to your jewellery collection, consider your personal style and the type of outfits you tend to wear most often. If you wear a more traditional wardrobe, keeping your brooches in a classic style will ensure they complement your clothing. Similarly, if you prefer modern, contemporary pieces, look for brooches that will work well with the items in your wardrobe and other jewellery pieces already owned.

It’s best to avoid trends when it comes to brooches – you want your jewellery to be timeless, and the best way to achieve that is to look for pieces you love and that work with the outfits you wear most often. When adding a brooch to an outfit, look for a contrasting colour that will help the piece stand out, such as adding a colourful gemstone-studded brooch on a neutral jacket or dress.

Be careful when it comes to adding brooches to certain materials, as if it’s more fragile you don’t want to run the risk of the pin damaging the fabric. You don’t need to limit yourself to a single brooch every time, and curating small collections on an outfit can be a fun way to add personality and flair to what you’re wearing.

If you’re buying a brooch for a loved one, choosing a theme or motif that will add a memorable touch can be a wonderful way to show you care. For example, if it’s for a birthday, why not choose a brooch that features their birthstone? Or the gem that commemorates the month of an anniversary?

Perhaps you can search for a brooch that features their favourite animal or colour. Take your time to find a brooch that really suits the occasion and will remain a treasured piece in their collection.

Final thoughts

Brooches are a playful way to brighten up an outfit, allowing you to have fun with what you’re wearing while still looking chic and stylish. Whether you’re adding a vibrant beetle brooch to a jacket, a classic floral piece to the top of a dress or a sparkly celestial item to a blazer, brooches are fun and personal to your own interests and tastes.

They can be as simple or intricate as you like, from contemporary minimalist designs to antique pieces that have incredible detail and colourful gemstones throughout. Whichever style you choose, you can guarantee that they will add personality to your outfit and serve as an interesting addition to your jewellery collection.

Cry for the Moon hold a beautiful collection of brooches in a range of styles. Browse our selection online, visit our store in person, or contact us if you have any further questions.

As the most important item of jewellery you’re likely to ever wear, it pays to put some thought into your wedding ring. It’s an accessory that needs to work with every outfit and every occasion, whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant with your partner, giving a presentation at work or going for drinks with your friends. But it also needs to be high quality, hardwearing and made to last a lifetime.

There are many factors that go into choosing a wedding band, from materials and thicknesses to engraving, unique styles and whether you want something traditional or contemporary. In this blog, we’ll go through each consideration in detail to help you choose the right men’s wedding ring for your special day.

Wedding Bands From just £360

Invest in precious metals

When you’re buying a piece of jewellery that you’re going to wear every day for the rest of your life, quality matters. Precious metals will ensure your jewellery will last, without deteriorating in quality or showing signs of wear and tear. When it comes to men’s jewellery, there are several options to consider.

Yellow gold – yellow gold is the most traditional choice for a wedding band. It’s timeless, versatile and will complement any outfit. Provided you take good care of it, yellow gold will stand the test of time and will remain looking as good as the day you say “I do”. However, gold isn’t as robust as other metals, such as silver or platinum, so you need to take care of it to avoid scratches or dents.

White gold – If you’re looking for a modern alternative, white gold is an increasingly popular choice. It’s a mix of gold and white metals such as silver, nickel and palladium. This gives it a cooler toned appearance and also makes it more hardwearing than yellow gold. However, it might need to be re-plated every so often to maintain its shine.

Rose gold – Want something more unique? A rose gold wedding band is perfect. This warm-toned metal has a coppery appearance and is more durable than yellow gold. It’s also a less traditional choice, which may be what you’re looking for.

Sterling silver – A popular choice that’s classic yet contemporary, sterling silver is also more affordable than other precious metals. However, when choosing a sterling silver wedding band, choose the highest quality you can to make sure your jewellery lasts.

Platinum – Platinum wedding bands are perfect for durability and robustness, which is precisely what you want for a wedding ring that you plan to wear forever. Platinum is modern, stylish and works for every occasion. However, this is usually reflected in the price and platinum rings are much more expensive than other metals.

Choose your wedding ring profile and finish

Wedding bands may all look very similar at first glance, but there are subtle differences that can set your wedding ring apart. The ring profile is the shape of the band – the most popular style is a D-ring profile, which is round and thin on the outside but flat on the inside for a closer fit.

But you may also choose a court style, which is round inside and out, or a flat design which is comfortable to wear. Each style will not only look different but also feel different when you’re wearing it, so it’s worth trying on each style before buying so you can see for yourself how they look and feel on your hand.

There are also various finishes to choose from. A high polish finish provides you with a glimmering, shinier finish that really showcases the metal you’ve chosen, while a matte finish is more modern and gives off less reflection. A combination finish falls somewhere between the two, while a hammered finish is more distinctive and provides more texture. It can be a good choice if you want a more rustic, characterful finish to your wedding band.

The finish you choose depends on the style you’re going for and whether you want to stick with tradition or break from it. You’ll know your own tastes best, so think about the type of jewellery you ordinarily enjoy wearing to inspire you.

Platinum Heavy Court Wedding Band	Platinum Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Yellow Gold Low Dome Court Wedding Ring
£595	£525	£360

 

Ring widths

Rings come in various widths, and wedding rings are no exception. A slim-width band will measure approximately 4mm, with medium widths around 6mm and wide bands around 8mm. Wider bands cost more but are also more flattering for men with larger or longer fingers, while a slimmer width might be a better fit for men with smaller or slimmer hands. Ultimately, it’s up to you which style you choose based on what you think works well for your hand, but again, it’s worth trying on a few different styles to see the difference in person.

Engraving and personal styles

Lastly, there may be ways you want to personalise your wedding band even further to make it truly unique to you and your marriage. You may want to choose a vintage band and have it engraved with your partner’s name or the date of your wedding day. Or maybe you want to include a gemstone on the band, or a pattern. There are so many ways to make your wedding band something you enjoy wearing every day and that’s well-suited to your personal style.

Final thoughts

Just as with any aspect of your wedding, your wedding ring needs to be carefully considered. It’s surely one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, so taking the time to think about what you want from this significant piece of jewellery is the key to finding a ring that will work with your style and age well throughout your lifetime.

At Cry for the Moon, we offer a broad selection of men’s jewellery, including wedding bands. Browse our jewellery online or contact us if you have any further questions.

Engagement rings may get a lot of attention, but your wedding band is an item of jewellery you’re going to wear for the rest of your life and they’re a steadfast symbol of your devotion to your partner. From deciding which metal you want the ring to be made from to engravings, gemstones and embellishments, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to picking a wedding band before your big day.

Most women choose to wear both their engagement ring and their wedding band together in what’s known as a bridal set in the jewellery industry. But building a bridal set takes some consideration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different factors to think about and the design options you can choose from.

Wedding Bands From just £360

Wedding band styles

Wedding bands for women come in a broad array of styles and designs, so no matter what style you like, there are options to choose from. Most bands are either straight or curved, but the features can vary considerably.

Yellow Gold Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Platinum Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Christian Bauer Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Band
£470	£525	£1,925

 

Straight bands

Straight bands are so named for the symmetrical, circular shape they have. They’re typically worn alone but they can also be paired with an engagement ring, depending on the style of engagement ring you have.

0.20ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wishbone Shaped Half Eternity Ring	0.15ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Curved Half Eternity Ring
£1,225	£1,095

 

Curved wedding bands

Also known as ‘shaped to fit’ bands, these are curved to contour around the shape of your engagement ring and are worn tightly next to your engagement jewellery. Some curved bands are designed to have multiple curves and points, while others may have a subtler curve for a perfect fit. Curved wedding bands can be as simple or elaborate as you want, from multi-metal and gemstone rings to a simple metal band.

0.40ct Diamond Vine Design Full Eternity Ring	0.97ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring	2.21ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring
£1,850	£1,975	£4,650

 

Eternity bands

Eternity wedding bands are also sometimes called infinity bands and they get their name from the endless circle of stones or the pattern design of the ring. It’s believed to be a representation of endless love and can be crafted with a contour or a straight shape, depending on your style of engagement ring.

0.10ct Square Cut Amethyst & Round Diamond Half Eternity Ring	0.33ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring	0.75ct Castle Set Diamond Half Eternity Ring
£650	£1,650	£2,825

 

Half eternity bands

Half eternity bands offer a similar look to a classic eternity band but they’re more affordable as there are fewer stones included. The other half of the ring is metal or can be inlaid with another material.

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

Stone cuts and settings

The style of your wedding band can be impacted considerably by the shape or setting of gemstones, whether you go classic with diamonds or something more colourful such as rubies.

Marquise cut stones have a pointed oval shape and are often bezel set, with the metal of your wedding band surrounding it.

Baguette cut stones are rectangular in shape, and they can be used to create a single stone with a simple metal band or multiple stones used for a modern eternity band.

Pave is a style of smaller stones which are set into the ring with a prong setting. They’re typically round cut and often used for multi-stone eternity bands.

Channel set stones are secured with a channel of metal, in which small stones are set. They’re kept in place by the lip of the metal channel.

When it comes to choosing the stones, if you want your wedding band to have gemstones included, make sure you stick to durable, hard-wearing stones such as diamonds, sapphires or rubies. Consider your lifestyle when choosing how many stones you have in your wedding band and the style – pave styles add a lot of glamour and sparkle, but they run the risk of coming loose over time if you have a more active lifestyle. If you don’t want to run the risk of this but still want the flair of multiple stones, a channel setting may be a better fit.

Wedding band width

The width of the band is another design choice that’s personal to each bride. Many brides choose to match the width of their engagement ring, which is typically between 2mm and 4mm, but mixing widths can also create a unique look so don’t feel that you have to match them – choosing a narrower or wider design can still look beautiful and helps create something personal to you.

Engraving and etching

Engravings can be a wonderful way to personalise your wedding jewellery and make it even more special. You may want to include a message or a word that has personal meaning, the name of your partner or the date of your wedding, for example. Patterns and designs can also be etched into the band of the ring to enhance the design of a simple metal band. Here at Cry for the Moon we offer a free engraving service for wedding bands, so make sure to enquire about that when choosing yours.

What is the wedding ring profile?

The ring profile of your wedding band refers to the shape of the exterior of the ring and it’s one of the most important design elements of your band. The most common styles are round or flat, and you may choose your band to match the profile of your engagement ring for a complementary, uniform look.

How to wear your wedding band

Whether you choose to wear your wedding band on its own or with your engagement ring is entirely up to you, but traditionally the wedding band is worn on the inside of your engagement ring. It’s believed this is so that it’s closer to your heart, but you may prefer to wear it on the outside of your engagement instead if that’s more comfortable for you.

Final thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you decide what you want from your wedding band – as you can see, there are many options to choose from and various ways to make your wedding jewellery unique to you and your tastes. At Cry for the Moon, we offer a great selection of wedding bands, bridal sets and engagement rings with various metals and stones to choose from. Browse our jewellery online, visit our store or get in touch with us if you have any queries.