All About Jewellery

SECOND HAND DIAMOND CLUSTER

2010-11-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day - Don't Forget Your Man

2010-02-02T04:05:00.001-08:00

In all the excited anticipation over your Valentine's Day gift, don't miss the opportunity to make an impression on the man in your life - or even the man you'd like to be in your life!

Nicholson's Jewellers are now stockists of the BLOG for Men range from Lovelinks. Similar in idea - a design-it-yourself range of links for bracelets and necklaces - , to Lovelinks Jewellery for women the similarity ends there. BLOG is a range of silver links, many with a rhodium finish but all with a very masculine look. BLOG takes its inspiration from Viking or Norse legend with links in the design of swords, shields, knight's helmet; the armed forces - bundles of TNT, a handgrenade; hobbies such as motor racing, card playing or golf. BLOG bracelets and necklaces are available in silver or leather. (Tip: Buy BLOG for him then borrow it yourself. These links, the skull for example, look seriously good on women - just wear lots of black (as usual!), pull on your favourite jeans and throw on a biker jacket to complete the look

If BLOG is too casual for the occasion, then Nicholson's Jewellers have a great selection of cufflinks from everyday to super-smart. Choose from antique cufflinks in classic styles, some with hand-engraving in rose gold or yellow gold or contemporary silver and enamel designs.

These cufflinks from Nicholson's Jewellers are sterling silver with enamel and diamond. The subtle colouring make them perfect for a business day shirt right through to evening wear (Hint: you could even "borrow" these from him your own perfect white shirt).

Apart from a Valentine's Day gift, cufflinks also make really great "landmark" birthday presents or even to celebrate the birth of a baby boy from doting grandparents or godparents.

Watches are a perennial favourite and Breil Milano have Italian flair and styling that's second to none. Founded in the 1930's, there are Breil watch designs with a retro/vintage influence right through to designs suitable for water sports. Popular with men for their casual through to smart styling, Breil watches are also discounted by 20% at Nicholson's Jewellers (subject to availability).

"Don't Touch My Breil" so the saying goes so maybe you'd better leave this all to him. After all, you've already "borrowed" his BLOG and his cuffliks!

Valentine's Day

2010-01-25T03:29:00.000-08:00

St. Valentine, Patron Saint of love and lovers, is celebrated on 14th February but who was St. Valentine and how did the custom of Valentine's Day begin?

Well, Valentine appears to have been a Roman priest living during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Claudius II. Needing troops to enlist in his armies, Claudius II declared marriage illegal for young men in the expectation they would enlist. Valentine, defying Claudius II's edict, persisted in conducting illegal marriage ceremonies and was eventually was imprisoned for his crime. Although during his imprisonment Valentine initially found favour with Claudius II, his attempts to convert Claudius to Christianity sealed his fate and Claudius sentenced Valentine to death in the late 200's - although it took another couple of hundred years for Valentine to have a recognised Day.

During his imprisonment, legend has it that Valentine restored the sight of the jailer's daughter. The couple fell in love and, on the eve of his death, wrote in farewell to his love, signing it, "From your Valentine" and this letter is generally considered to have been the first Valentine's "Card".

In Englamd, Valentine's Day has been celebrated since around about the 1600's. By the mid-1700's sending love-letters and exchanging tokens of affection was quite popular but with the advances in printing and an efficient postal system, the custom of sending "Valentine's Cards" really took off to become the celebration of romance and love we know today.

Of course, apart from the red rose and chocolates, jewellery has always been a popular Valentine's Day gift and the Victorians, with their highly developed sense of the sentimental, produced some of the most beautiful love tokens.

Today the heart motif obviously still features strongly in sentimental jewellery. Many modern designs, including Hot Diamonds, feature hearts in their collections. Hot Diamonds silver jewellery is set with diamonds and often has a gold plated detail. The presentation boxes are of a quality normally associated with the luxury market and give an extra special touch to a Valentine's gift of Hot Diamonds jewellery.

Love Hearts jewellery, designed on the famous sweets, has a fun theme. Silver heart-shaped pendants and charms have coloured enamel decoration and are inscribed with mini "love letters". The Love Hearts have messages that start with the "good friends" stage right through to the wedding and, with a Love Heart inscribed "Girl" or "Boy" even a christening is catered for.

New Year Witchery

2009-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

What a year! Nicholson's Jewellers' website is just a year old and I can now bore for England on google ranking, search engine optimisation, social networking and html colour codes. But, seriously, I've had a wonderful time meeting new people via the website, courses I've attended and new customers visiting the shop in Ilkley after viewing the website.

And, to round off 2009, today I've met a witch - yes, honestly. Well, at least a witch's grand-daughter - though I'm convinced she has witchy potential too. She told me all about her opal ring changing colour depending on her mood. Now, of course, as a jeweller I have heard this before but have never actually seen it or had anyone own up to it. I still haven't seen the colour change as Mrs. Witch was apparently calm and friendly today and the opal remained a lovely bluey/green but she told me, and her husband attests to this, the opal becomes pinkish when she's roused (aroused?) - it didn't seem polite to enquire further. So impressed was I with this tale, and thinking it only fair to give the old OH a bit of notice with my mood swings (30 years married and he still has to ask?), I considered getting an opal ring for myself - something big and flashy with a diamond or two thrown in. Then I remembered Lady Penelope and her article on unlucky opals http://nicholsons-jewellers.blogspot.com/2009/11/opals-are-girls-worst-friend.html Read it and you'll see what the problem is. Of course, don't let that put you off but after such a great year I don't want to risk it. After all, despite what others might say - I'm not a witch. Although, there is something about witches toes - but that's a story for another day.

I'll sign off 2009 wishing all our friends and customers a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Watch Out - Discounts About

2009-12-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and, if you're anything like me, it's probably taken you by surprise. Although goodness knows why -it's not as though the date changes every year! At least the old me was disorganized. In contrast, the new me had the Christmas cards written, and posted, at the start of December, the presents are bought and wrapped, the turkey is on order, menus have been planned and visits from relatives happened last weekend. Which is just as well as I'm typing this in snowy Ilkley and I don't think that my Newcastle based brother and family would have made the journey this weekend.

The thing is, though, that after all this organisation I'm left with the nagging thought that there's something, or worse, someone, that I've missed off a list or two. If you are bothered by this too have you thought about a watch?

Traditionally, watches are a good fall back option and do seem to be a typical Christmas present. At Nicholson's Jewellers we've been stocking Breil Milano watches for a few years now. Italian styling at its best, Breil watches are designed for men and women and are available with either a leather strap or a metal bracelet strap. Some of the Breil watches are set off with diamonds whilst others are chronograph styles for those who like lots of dials and things (some people, but not me, even know what all the dials do!)

As a design led watch brand, Breil Milano will be introducing new designs next year and, as special website promotion, we are currently offering 20% discount on our normal retail prices of current Breil Milano watches that we have in stock. Quite a few have already sold and stock is limited.

Head on over to the website soon and there's still time to get your Breil Milano watch to give as a Christmas gift, or to treat yourself, in time for Christmas.

Nicholsons Jewellers Has a Love Affair with Lovelinks

2009-11-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

Nicholsons Jewellers Has a Love Affair with Lovelinks

LOVELINKS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION BOXED SET | for sale at NICHOLSONS JEWELLERS, YORKSHIRE

2009-11-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

LOVELINKS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION BOXED SET for sale at NICHOLSONS JEWELLERS, YORKSHIRE

Reserve and order now.

Nicholsons Jewellers, Ilkley Teams up with Jazz Singer, Sarah Mitchell - Free-Press-Release.com

2009-11-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Nicholsons Jewellers, Ilkley Teams up with Jazz Singer, Sarah Mitchell - Free-Press-Release.com

Lady Penelope's Lucky Birthstones

2009-11-04T06:58:00.001-08:00

A quick meander through a few more pages of Lady Penelope's Xmas 1968 Fab Club annual and here we have another jewellery related article. She really is a girl after my own heart with all her jewellery talk although, I have to admit, she beats me hands down on the wardrobe stakes. Mind you, a tiara and fur would not look out of place in very glamorous Ilkley. Lady P has a different take on lucky birthstones. As far as she's concerned it not the month in which you were born but, rather, the date.

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th or 28th: Lucky birthstone - topaz
Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, 29th: Lucky birthstone - moonstone
Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, 30th: Lucky birthstone - amethyst
Born on the 5th, 14th, 23rd: Lucky birthstone - diamond (and how lucky are these dates!)
Born on the 6th, 15th, 24th: Lucky birthstone - turquoise
Born on the 7th, 16th or 25th: Lucky birthstone - aquamarine (that's me)
Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, 31st: Lucky birthstone - crystal (oh dear, never mind)
Born on the 8th, 17th, 26th: Lucky birthstone - onyx
Born on the 9th, 18th, 27th: Lucky birthstone - ruby

Hope you get the birthstone you want if not the birthstone you wer meant to have!

Opals Are A Girl's Worst Friend?

2009-11-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Just a short post today, more of a postette, but I had to share this with you about opals. Continuing with the nostalgia theme, I was ferreting through my girlhood Christmas annuals (I know, but it was a rainy day) when I came across some opal superstitions in my Lady Penelope Fab Club annual - a gift from my parents Xmas 1968. Yes, I am that old. So with acknowledgement to Lady Penelope, here goes:

Alphonso XII, King of Spain, gave his wife a priceless opal on their wedding day: she died shortly after. Before the funeral Alphonso gave the opal to his sister - she dies a few days later. He then gave the opal to his sister-in-law - dead within three months! Rather bravely, or some might say foolishly, Alphonso decided to wear it himself in a determined effort to prove the opal was not fated and, yup! you've guessed it he died shortly after. On his death the opal came into the possession of the Queen Regent who, rather than risk a premature death, hung the jewel around the statue of the Virgin of Almudena in Madrid.

Lady P goes on to give the recipes for Toffee Apples and Baked Alaska Slices with Nuts. If you really want them, contact me.

An Ode to Opals

2009-10-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know;
But lay an Opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.~Author Unknown

Nostalgic for Antique Jewellery?

2009-10-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

Well the clocks have gone back, all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey. Never mind Californian sunshine on a winter's day, autumn always seems a nostalgic time and this year especially we all seem to be looking backwards. All the usual old re-runs on television (although I do enjoy the Art Deco jewellery in Poirot and look out for our exclusive range coming soon), we've had new(ish) gems such as Ashes to Ashes and George Gently based in the 60's and 70's. Fashions from the 80's are coming back with wide shoulders appearing on the catwalks once more, Spandau Ballet on tour again and Marks and Spencer celebrates its 125th anniversary with designs from their archives. We've even gone back to the days of union strikes! Before we know where we are we'll all be on a 3-day week and will probably start wearing yellow gold jewellery again, although, from the amount we've bought in recently I'd be surprised!

But let's not dismiss jewellery from the past altogether. It's one way of showing we are individuals, and wearing something antique means at least we're not going to see everyone else wearing it. And, let's face it, you could hardly wear the colours in this diamond and gem set brooch in an outfit but in a piece of jewellery it works. If you are seeking something unusual, to lift you out of the crowd, let us help with our Antique Jewellery Enquiry service.

At Nicholson's Jewellers our customers have always appreciated the beauty and individuality of antique diamonds and jewellery, and we have seen an increased demand and growing enquiry list.

Antique or second hand diamond rings are popular choices as engagement rings by young couples perhaps appreciating the good value that antique or second-hand diamond rings and jewellery can represent, or maybe they just want something different from the crowd. We can help with your search and then hand make your wedding rings in our jewellery workshop.

So, if you too are feeling all nostalgic and we have whetted your appetite for antique jewellery designs, then why not wander through our Antique and Second Hand Jewellery section at http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk/ and if there's nothing there that takes your fancy, send us an enquiry and we'll try to match your mood to something special. Don't forget to look through our previous sales for inspiration.

What are the best diamonds to buy?

2009-10-14T05:11:00.001-07:00

What are the best diamonds to buy?

Shared via AddThis

Lovelinks' New Arrivals

2009-09-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

The newest boxed sets of Lovelinks Murano glass links arrived today at Nicholson's Jewellers. But that's not all, there are new designs in Lovelinks Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings as well as more individual Murano glass links and silver links

What a Fabulous Scarf!

2009-09-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

or, The Importance of Accessories

Isn't it true that when we wear a fabulous outfit - stylish, great colour, exact fit - we have the wind taken out of our sails by the number of people who admire the scarf we've added almost as an afterthought. Well, maybe that just goes to show how important accessories can be in the making or breaking of an outfit. And the same goes for a fabulous piece of jewellery. If you want to make an impression say, at an interview or business meeting, a piece of statement jewellery can be an important part of your armoury. We all go to social events where we hardly know anyone at all and a well chosen piece of jewellery can be a great ice-breaker. For me, that means either my large stainless steel collar that has not failed to draw comments and requests to try it on!

Necklaces

Those blessed with a long neck can usually get away with any sort of necklace, a chunky choker or a long dangly chain. The secret is to keep it bold as long necks can look a bit "unbalanced" with anything delicate, so really go for it with something eye-catching - bearing in mind the neckline of the top. And be careful of a bold necklace and earrings worn together; we want to be remembered in a "good way". Short necks, on the other hand, suit the delicate choker style of necklace as they don't take up too much space between chin and chest!

Earrings & Brooches
Earrings, something I can't do without. I've been wearing earrings so long I feel naked without them - star shaped diamond studs since you ask. Chandelier or stud styles are ideal for long faces but, if you have a short neck, avoid earrings that dangle towards the shoulders. And don't wear dangly earrings if wanting to look professional, go instead for a marvellous bracelet or, if you wear a suit for work or interviews, a stunning brooch and keep the dangly earrings for a night out. Yes, I know few people wear brooches these days but that's the point! We want our jewellery to make an impression for us and say something about our style - and a brooch doesn't have to mean fuddy-duddy. This one is a beautiful Edwardian brooch set with square cut sapphires and seed pearls. Very elegant.

Rings

Big hands, big rings. It's true. A small dainty ring on a large hand just gets lost whereas something big and bold looks fabulous. How many rings to wear? Well, one great ring is worth more than 3-4 mediocre ones.

This is certainly chunky; it's a large faceted quartz and silver ring from Luxenter - a new collection at Nicholson's Jewellers.

Bracelets

Small, delicate wrists are for small delicate bracelets; big wrists, big bracelets. A bracelet worn with a watch? Well just be careful as one will damage the other. A bracelet constantly moving over the watch face will scratch the glass, wear a leather strap and scratch a metal strap. A bracelet on each wrist? Victorian women used to wear a bracelet or cuff on each wrist (and, admittedly, it does still look stunning today) but Victorian ladies didn't wear wristwatches! So, if you must wear a bracelet or bracelets on each wrist - lose the watch, or do as the Victorians did and wear a pretty pocket watch. They don't have to be kept in a pocket, they can be worn on a chain around the neck or on a pin as a brooch.

Watches

Small, delicate and feminine or chunky and modern. With styles by Breil and Ted Baker you can have both and make different impressions for different occasions. If you want to get noticed or be remembered (like at the important interview) an on-trend chunky watch is just the thing. And for a dinner date, something delicate, perhaps with a mother-of-pearl face, would be the right choice.

Nicholsons Jewellers, Ilkley Teams up with Jazz Singer, Sarah Mitchell

2009-09-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

Nicholsons Jewellers, Ilkley Teams up with Jazz Singer, Sarah Mitchell

Shared via AddThis

Luxenter Jewellery

2009-08-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Luxenter, a Collection of Jewellery from Madrid is now available at Nicholsons Jewellers, Ilkley.

This striking Collection mixes silver with onyx and semi precious stones to create a wide range of mouth-watering designs.

Nicholsons are sponsoring the jewellery worn by Jazz Singer, Sarah Mitchell and, for our first collaboration of 6th September in Leeds, Sarah chose pieces from Nicholsons Luxenter range.

We are very excited to add this bold and fresh jewellery to our range of designers at Nicholsons Jewellers and will be busy over the next few days adding Luxenter to our website

Breil Watch - Eros BW0421 | Nicholsons Jewellers, stockists of Lovelinks, Bien Wedding Ring, second hand and antique diamonds and jewellery | Yorkshire

2009-08-21T12:44:00.001-07:00

Breil Watch - Eros BW0421 | Nicholsons Jewellers, stockists of Lovelinks, Bien Wedding Ring, second hand and antique diamonds and jewellery | Yorkshire

Shared via AddThis

Who cuts gold rings off?

2009-08-15T06:25:00.001-07:00

Who cuts gold rings off?

Shared via AddThis

Caring for Your Jewellery

2009-08-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

Now You've Got It, Look After It!

Jewellery is a very important purchase and is often invested with many special memories. Jewellery is frequently given as a gift to commemorate signicant occasions. Many a lucky young woman has received a piece of jewellery, such as a pearl necklace, for their 18th or 21st birthdays and, although fashions and tastes change over the years, with care their jewellery could be handed down for their own daughter's coming-of-age. And as that young woman becomes engaged and then married, she is gifted very special diamond jewellery from her husband on both of these occasions, not to mention the prospect of jewellery, for example a diamond bracelet or pendant, given for wedding anniversaries and to remember the birth of a child.

Of course, not all jewellery is received as a gift. More and more women are buying jewellery for themselves, such as a fabulous pair of diamond stud earrings, often to mark a promotion in their career, or to celebrate a milestone birthday, or even just because we want to.

So, now we've got it, how do we take care of it? First and foremost - get it insured with a good, all-risks policy giving world-wide cover. Then, at least if the worst happens you won't lose out financially and will be able to replace your jewellery. Of course, no-one can replace the sentimental value.

Gold and Silver Jewellery

Rub with a soft, dry cloth to maintain shine and wipe away grease accumulated during daily wear. Gem Claw-Set Jewellery This can be cleaned with a very soft toothbrush - an old baby's toothbrush is ideal - dipped it mild soapy water. Take care to brush gently and avoid catching the bristles under the claws of settings. Be careful with emeralds and opals as they are very fragile. As far as turquoise, coral and pearls are concerned, trying wiping with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid this "toothbrush and soapy water" method if the gems have been "glued" into the settings.

Pearl Jewellery

With pearls it's definitely a case of prevention is better than cure, so apply your perfume and hairspray and make sure they have dried before putting on your pearl jewellery. Wipe your pearls with a soft, very slightly damp cloth after wearing, taking care not to get the string wet. Your pearls should be stored separately in your jewellery box, perhaps in a cloth bag, as they can be scratched by the rest of your jewellery. How often pearls will need re-threading will depend on several factors but once a year would be adviseable.

Silver Jewellery

Silver is a beautiful metal and a perfect foil for brunettes and darker skin tones. It does, however have a drawback: it tarnishes. For day-to-day care wipe silver jewellery with a silver polishing cloth. If it has become quite tarnished then a proprietory silver cleaner can be used. Don't leave your silver jewellery in the solution, there's a reason it's called "silver dip", as it can turn black. Remember to rinse well in clean water and dry thoroughly. Tip: when rinsing your jewellery remember to put the plug in the sink; there's many a diamond that's gone down the U bend!

Necklaces

Necklaces and especially fine chains have an awful habit of becoming all knotted and it really does try the patience of a saint (not to mention your local jeweller!) to separate them. To avoid losing your temper, or to continue to be welcomed by your jeweller, keep each chain in a separate pouch. So, insure your jewellery, wear it and care for it and to enjoy it for some time.

WikiAnswers - What is cats eye crystal

2009-07-18T06:30:00.001-07:00

WikiAnswers - What is cats eye crystal

Shared via AddThis

This Ring Is Too Big, This Ring Is Too Small but This Ring Fits Just Right!

2009-07-17T07:24:00.001-07:00

If the Shoe Fits

Whilst our dress size may yo-yo to put a bungee jumper to shame, our shoes stay the same; that extra chocolate biscuit doesn't go anywhere near altering our shoe size. And that's why we all love buying shoes because, unlike the rest of our bodies, our feet don't grow in size. Well, are you sure? Have you never requested your shoe size with more than a hint of pride in your dainty porkers only to find that when the shop assistant brings the shoe, your dainty feet will go nowhere near? Sounds familiar? Well, that's because although our feet haven't changed in size, the size of the shoe we need changes with the style. And it's the same when we buy rings. Actually, it's even worse with rings; eat too many of those chocolate biscuits and the weight will go to our fingers! But back to the style of rings.

Basically, a wider ring will grip the finger more and you may need a larger size. On the other hand, no pun intended, you may need a smaller size if the ring is a narrow band. A smaller ring size may be better if the ring has a large head (top) in order to stop the ring spinning round on your finger hiding the stone.

In the UK we use an alphabetical system but, like shoe sizes, the US and Europe have a numerical system - although not the same numbers, just like shoes again. The table below attempts to show the differences between the UK, US and European systems and gives approximate diameter and circumference measurements, but there is no substitute for having your finger measured at a jewellers - and to have some idea of the kind of ring you want.

UK............US............EUROPE............DIAM............CIRCUMF
................................................................(mm)...............(mm)

H½..............4..............6..........................14.8.................46.5

I½...............4½......... 8..........................15.2.................48

J½...............5..............9..........................15.6.................49

L..................5½.........10.........................16.....................50.5

M.................6.............12.........................16.4..................52

N................6½...........13.........................16.8..................53

O.................7..............14..........................17.3................ 54.5

P..................7½..........15.........................17.7..................55.5

Q.................8...............17.........................18.1..................57

Q½.............8½...........18........................18.5.................58

R½.............9...............19.........................18.9.................59.5

S½..............9½...........21........................19.3.................61

T½............10..............22........................19.7.................62

U½............10½..........23........................20.1................63.5

V½............11...............24........................20.6................64.5

W½...........11½...........26........................21....................66

Y.................12...............27........................21.4.................67.5

Z.................12½...........28........................21.8................68.5

Although we might be forgiven for thinking that ring sizing is difficult, it used to be much worse. In the past, each manufacturer just made rings in sizes he thought he might be able to sell. In Victorian times jewellers used a tapered pole with markings spaced along the length of the pole. However, the markings on the ring stick were quite arbitrary and it was not until 1939-1940 that a British Standard was proposed with the diameter of each finger size increasing by 0.0155 inches. The proposal was officially accepted in 1945 and this is the standard still in use in the UK today for measuring ring sizes.

WikiAnswers - What should a one carat nearly flawless diamond cost

2009-07-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

WikiAnswers - What should a one carat nearly flawless diamond cost

Shared via AddThis

Are You Wearing Your Jewellery?

2009-07-04T05:09:00.000-07:00

I heard somewhere the other day that there has been an incease in the number of websites selling second hand wedding dresses and I thought "what a good idea". After all, what bride wears the same dress to her next wedding (!) and I briefly thought about selling second hand wedding dresses myself; well, we do sell second hand diamond rings as engagement rings. The rationale was: buy the engagement ring, buy the wedding dress. It would be one less thing to think about after all when planning a busy wedding. It was only the thought of running a second website and all the blogging and social networking that goes with it that brought me out in a cold sweat and stopped me dead in my tracks.

This recycling of wedding dresses did set me thinking about recycling jewellery though. We all have jewellery that doesn't see the light of day; things we've fallen out of love with or that's out of style (all that yellow gold for a start!). And that's the question: Are you wearing your jewellery? or is it stuck in a drawer somewhere? Maybe it's still on your insurance policy? Shame on you: you are paying out money to keep jewellery in a drawer that you no longer want or wear. Why! Did you know that jewellers who specialize in second hand and antique jewellery and diamonds might be interested in buying from you? Jewellers, like ourselves, who have jewellery workshops are not even bothered about the condition - it doesn't matter we can use your odd earrings and broken chains to carry out repairs or make other items (recycling see?).

If we think we can resell your jewellery we will offer a better price. Of course, you don't have to take the money. You can part-exchange your jewellery for something that appeals to you more (again, recycling).

So, dig it out, bring it in and get yourself something new to wear.

Gemstones, Star Signs & Birth Months

2009-07-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Jewellery is often bought to mark a special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary and I'm often asked what is the stone for a particular star sign or month when someone was born. I thought I'd add some jewellery gemstone information to Nicholson's Jeweller's blog, that jewellery buyers might find helpful.

Of course, the star signs span more than one calendar month (for example, Aquarians are born in either January or February) and so there is a bit of overlap. That can be a good thing though, if you don't like the stone for your birth month you get a second chance with the gemstone for your star sign.

Star Sign Month Gemstone

Capricorn .......... January ............. Garnet
Aquarius ............ February.......... Amethyst
Pisces ................ March ............... Aquamarine
Aries .................... April .................. Diamond
Taurus .............. May ................... Emerald
Gemini ............... June ................... Pearl
Cancer ............... July ..................... Ruby
Leo ..................... August ................ Peridot
Virgo .................. September ......... Sapphire
Libra .................. October .............. Opal
Scorpio ............... November .......... Yellow Topaz
Sagittarius .......... December .......... Tanzanite

Some stones are used to commemmorate special occasions. For example, Pearl for a 30th anniversary, Ruby for a 40th and, of course Diamond for a 60th. And not just for wedding anniversaries, these gemstones can be given for milestone birthdays; a blue sapphire ring could be given to mark the birth of a son or a pink sapphire pendant for a daughter. Or a pair of diamond earrings for twins? Don't just think of buying jewellery to celebrate the birth of your children either; you might have grandchildren whose births you would like to mark with a special jewel. One lovely idea is a bangle with a stone set for each of your children and grandchildren.

Think also of ways in which you can combine important family events, perhaps if you celebrate your 60th birthday (diamond) the same year one of your children has their 30th (pearl) you could use the occasion to have a diamond and pearl pendant.

And, of course, that other lovely event - a family wedding. As "Mother-of-the-Bride" all eyes will be on your wedding outfit and wedding hat. Well, don't forget to treat yourself to some wedding jewellery to set it all off. Unlike clothes, jewellery bought for a special occasion gives many years of pleasure, recalling all your happy memories whenever you wear it. "Mother-of-the-Groom" shouldn't be left out either. A fabulous diamond ring, necklace or earrings should grab you some of the limelight too!

Bead Jewellery: Dead or Alive?

2009-06-18T02:59:00.000-07:00

or Are There Too Many Bead Jewellery Ranges?

Well, eventually it had to be asked. With so many ranges jumping on the "bead jewellery" bandwagon it was only a matter of time! The answer is YES.. and NO! To paraphrase someone else; not all things are created equal. Let me explain:

At Nicholson's Jewellers, when we first started thinking about bead/charm jewellery - about 2 years ago now - we rejected other brands because their name was either ugly (and faintly insulting) or it didn't conjure up a pleasing mental image. Choosing Lovelinks by Aagaard was so easy: the name says it all - you love links.

Why Do YOU Choose Lovelinks?

And what a choice you have, some might say too much! Yes, we can all get a bit confused about how to start, which link to choose, etc. but at Nicholson's Jewellers we think that's half the fun (and if you still want some help, read my blog
http://nicholsons-jewellers.blogspot.com/2009/05/lovelinks-how-do-they-work.html.
The collecting bit appeals to us because we can choose our theme based on favourite colours, animals, places visited. Received as a gift, Lovelinks can have even more significance. For example, the "Well Done" charm for someone who has passed an exam, the cake to celebrate a birthday or wedding, the cocktail glass for a milestone birthday (or as a reminder of a hen weekend?)

Lovelinks are perfectly placed for the economic downturn too. We all love a treat and with Lovelinks from just £5.95 we can treat ourselves as often as our finances allow.

Who do WE Choose Lovelinks?

So, that's Lovelinks from a customer's perspective and just in case any of you are interested here's Lovelinks from Nicholson's Jeweller's perspective:

Lovelinks are produced by Danish jewellery firm, Aagaard, who have a great reputation, not to mention a large share of the Danish jewellery market. Aagaard's silver jewellery ranges have been well known for many years and Lovelinks is its most recent range. So, as a stockist Nicholson's Jewellers were happy to have a relationship with an established manufacturer who has a team of in-house designers and who can handle quality control and marketing so efficiently.

Jewellery for Men

2009-06-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

At All About Jewellery we know that sometimes, just sometimes, we have to think about buying jewellery for men. And with Father's Day just around the corner, the time seems right to start thinking. Let's start with cufflinks. All men wear shirts at sometime in their lives, even if it's just for a special occasion. They can be modern, like these caramel or ice-blue coloured acrylic, giving a "dressed up" feel without being too formal. Cufflinks make perfect gifts for all occasions from marking an 18th or 21st birthday to a congratulatory gift for a new or first job. And in silver, a thoughtful gift for a bridegroom or groomsman.

Father's Day

2009-06-09T04:07:00.001-07:00

Well, All About Jewellery can't really mean "All About Jewellery for Women" and I guess I have to give some space eventually to Jewellery for Men, especially with Father's Day just around the corner. This led me to investigate how Father's Day came about and, before we talk any more about jewellery for men, I thought it might be interesting to share with you the history of Father's Day. I have to say I found it quite touching.

Father's Day took off in USA when a woman by the name of Sonara Smart Dodd, listening to a Mother's Day sermon at her local church, began to think about her father's dedication to his family. Sonara's father, William Stuart, was a Civil War Veteran who had been a single father for 21 years following his wife's death in childbirth with their sixth child. Whilst listening to the sermon, Sonara began to contemplate the hardships and difficulties her father must have faced, and came to the conclusion that fathers' contributions to family life deserved a similar recognition. She worked to encourage churches in her area to recognise the event and, in 1910, the first Father's Day in Spokane, Washington, USA was celebrated. Progess through to an official holiday was slow. In 1924 the idea was given support by President Coolidge but it was not until some 40 years later in 1966 that Pesident Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed that the 3rd Sunday in June would be known as Father's Day. Another six years followed until, in 1972, President Nixon declared it an official holiday. Wearing a rose on Father's Day is customary in the US, with children wearing a red rose for a father who is still alive and a white rose for one who has died.

Father's Day in the UK seems to have been imported from across the Atlantic and, although it is not an official holiday here, we have taken it up as a special day for Dads. We buy Father's Day cards, but typically of the joking variety as compared with the more loving messages and gifts for Mother's Day. One little boy in the US when asked what was Father's Day replied "Just like Mother's Day; except you don't need to spend as much"; an observation borne out by Bill Cosby with his truism "Being a father means pretending your favourite gift is soap-on-a-rope".

While researching I came across a couple of quotes about Father's Day which, as a daughter made me smile and which I am sure will have a resonance with all of us, both parents and offspring.

• "A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again." -- Enid Bagnold

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." -- Unknown

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. " Fathers Day Quote by: Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

BREIL PALCO: STAR DESIGN OF BREIL MILANO 2009

2009-05-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

The diamond set Palco watch by the Italian wrist watch firm, Breil Milano, is in stock now at Nicholsons Jewellers. The Palco, combining Italian flair with Swiss watchmaking expertise, is the star of Breil Milano's new watch collection for 2009, placing Breil in the must-haves of designer timepieces and seen on the wrists of Hollywood stars Charlize Theron and Edward Norton. See the diamond set Breil Palco and supporting case of the Breil Milano show in-store at Nicholsons Jewellers.

http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk/breil-watches-c29.html

SPINNING JEWELRY UK: THE LATEST CRAZE TO HIT THE UK

2009-05-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

SPINNING JEWELRY UK: THE LATEST CRAZE TO HIT THE UK

Fresh from those wonderful Danish Designers, Spinning Jewelry UK arrived at Nicholsons Jewellers recently and has already caused a stir in those who appreciate Scandinavian designs, appearing to be quite popular with the Lovelinks Lovers - another Danish Design. For those who have yet to become addicted, Spinning Jewelry is a fashion forward concept aimed at those who value their individuality. Spinning Jewelry is unique - in fact, it's just like you. The collection of Spinning Jewelry silver rings are designed to be "mix and match" by wearing several together. The appeal of Spinning Jewelry lies in its ability to unleash your creativity and flaunt your originality, whether that means pretty and dainty, with just one or two Spinning Jewelry rings, or bold and dramatic with as many as you can wear. The sterling silver Spinning Jewelry rings are available in 50 or so designs and are set with cubic zirconia, diamonds, pearls, coral or onyx. Some are engraved and others are enamelled. The more you wear the more the possible combinations of ever-changing Spinning Jewelry rings you will have and, at prices of £17.00 & £27.00 each or £65.00 if set with a diamond, you really can be an addict. Become a collector: buy any six Spinning Jewelry rings and receive a seventh from the £17.00 collection as a reward*. Just ask for a Collector's Card and have it stamped each time you buy. You don't have to buy them all at once but you do have to buy them from the same jeweller (well, why go anywhere else?).

*Choice subject to availability.

Ted Baker at Nicholsons Jewellers

2009-05-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ted Baker watches are no ordinary designs, they're right on-trend and they're here at Nicholsons Jewellers. Choose from styles with leather or metal straps, chronographs or crystals. Affordable new styles for both men and women to make summer 2009 your most stylish yet.

http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk/silver-jewellery-c11.html

SELLING YOUR JEWELLERY

2009-05-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

So, now there are "parties" for selling your old, unwanted or broken jewellery?

But why share your windfall with your party hostess?

Sell to Nicholsons Jewellers and the amount you receive STAYS WITH YOU. Nicholson's have been buying broken chains, odd earrings and other jewellery for years. We can use YOUR GOLD in our Jewellery Workshop. You can settle for direct payment or you can USE YOUR UNWANTED JEWELLERY IN PART-EXCHANGE. In fact, you can earn you MORE MONEY IN PART-EXCHANGE. You don't have to do the part-exchange right away either. We'll give you a voucher to use anytime in the future so you get the advantage of today's high gold price and then take your time deciding which new piece of jewellery you are going to treat yourself to.

Nicholsons are different; we don't automatically regard all of your jewellery as "scrap". As renowned stockists of second-hand and antique diamonds and jewellery we search far and wide for our Client Enquiry List. If you have second-hand or antique pieces, in good condition, we may be able to offer a "piece price".

Remember, your unwanted jewellery could well be someone else's must have.

Click the link below to see if you have what our clients want.

http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk/antique-secondhand-vintage-jewellery-c2.html

2009-05-07T08:04:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

Lovelinks - How Do They Work?

2009-05-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

With hundreds of Lovelinks it's hardly surprising that some of us feel a bit overwhelmed - although that's usually short-lived once we get the hang of it. I thought I'd write a short(ish) "How to" guide as I get asked this question quite often in our shop
(http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk/)

What's Right; What's Wrong?
Firstly, there is NO right or wrong.

What Length of Bracelet Should I Choose?
Choose a bracelet slightly longer than you would normally; the more links added the tighter the fit. I know everyone says they'll only want "a few" but almost everyone ends up with a full bracelet (or two). My own bracelet is 20cm (my wrist is 15cm) and has 12 Lovelinks Murano glass links and 9 "spacer" links and fits comfortably.

What sort of links:
Silver, gold-plated, murano glass, pendants - no rules here either. Some women have a silver theme going, maybe as a reminder of places they've been, such as a koala bear, the Eiffel Tower, Viking longship. Another theme has been high heels, handbag, cocktail glass and pram - draw your own conclusions about that one!

What colour should I choose?
Your favourite or favourites! perhaps choose some go-with-anything-colours plus a few you can change to match different outfits. Depending on your choice of colour, your bracelet will look fun and funky or tasteful and elegant.

So you see it really is easy. Just start buying, choose the links you love and you won't go wrong.

One more thing: Don't be disappointed if you have a Pandora or Trollbead bracelet. The clever designers at Lovelinks have made sure these lovely Lovelinks will fit both Pandora and Trollbead bracelets (and they normally cost less!).

Happy Lovelinks Bracelet Building.

Lovelinks Jewellery

2009-05-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

It looks as though summer might be on its way! I'm thinking of all the lovely summery, mediterranean colours in our Murano Glass Lovelinks and the different look our Lovelinks bracelets can have depending on the colours used.

The cobalt blues and turquoise certainly set off the summer brights that are in fashion now and really stand out against our favourite white linens (sun keep shining please!). If brights aren't your "thing", then how about something a bit more subdued but none-the-less striking? I'm going to make one up using the gold/black/brown colours. I think it'll look great with all the natural colours and, let's face it, we'll probably all still wear a bit of black or brown whatever the weather.