Author: Holly Diamond

When it comes to choosing your wedding ring, it can feel like a big decision. Finding the perfect ring that symbolises your love for your soon-to-be spouse, that complements your engagement ring and fits within your budget and personal style.

Many more people are choosing more unique wedding bands and also turning to sourcing vintage wedding bands that are one-of-a-kind and timeless, as a symbol of their individual and everlasting love.

In this article, we will help you create your perfect wedding stack that features a vintage wedding band.

What is a vintage wedding ring?

‘Vintage’ jewellery doesn’t have an official time frame, unlike antique jewellery, which is classed as jewellery that is over 100 years old. However, we like to think of vintage jewellery as pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old.

This means vintage jewellery spans 50 years of jewellery styles, including:

• Streamlined and stylish Art Deco style from the 1920s and 1930s
• Bold colourful retro from the 1940s
• Mid-century modern from the 1950s to 1970s

Though technically classed as antique, vintage may also evoke older design periods such as:

• Ornate, often gold Georgian jewellery from pre 1830s
• Sentimental, floral inspired Victorian jewellery from 1837 to 1901
• Delicate Edwardian jewellery from 1901 to 1915
• Ethereal, natural Art Nouveau jewellery from 1890s to the 1910s

‘Vintage-style’ is also another option to consider. These pieces take inspiration from bygone eras yet are made using modern materials and techniques.

How to choose the perfect vintage wedding band

There are some key things to consider when looking for your wedding band. From how it’ll sit alongside your engagement ring to choosing the right material for your style and chosen design.

Fitting a vintage wedding right perfectly with your engagement ring

One of the most important considerations when picking your wedding ring is how it will sit alongside your engagement ring. The shape, style and size of your engagement ring will help determine what options you have for a vintage wedding band that compliments and sits comfortably with your engagement ring.

Traditionally, the wedding band is the most common and timeless style of wedding ring. These are simple yet beautiful symbols of your union with the uninterrupted circle representing your unbreakable bond.

Certain engagement ring shapes may require a wishbone shape to fit around the diamond or gemstone. If you have a pear, marquis or oval shape, a wishbone might be the most comfortable wedding band option.

More unique engagement ring shapes may require a wedding ring that has a cut out, which may be harder to find with a pre-loved ring.

Other options for your wedding band include a pave band – which features diamonds around the band, either fully or half way. Similarly, some people oft for more intricate designs for a wedding band that features engravings or textures to the band.

Choosing your metal colour and shape

Even a seemingly simple wedding ring will require some thought when it comes to the profile (that’s the shape of the metal band). Common metal profiles include:

• D section – this is one of the most common profiles for engagement and wedding bands. D section rings lay flat against your skin and are curved on the outside.
• Flat – a flat, or rectangle, profile is flat on both edges, giving it a modern, minimal look.

When it comes to metal colour, the most common choice is to match your metal to that of your engagement ring for a cohesive look.

Contemporary jewellery trends, however, favour a mixed metal look, allowing more freedom and creativity to pair a yellow gold engagement ring with a white gold wedding band, for example.

Don’t forget to pair the same carat metal together, for example if your engagement ring is 18ct yellow gold, choose a wedding band that is also 18ct gold. This is so the ‘hardness’ (or carat) of the metal is the same, avoiding any risk of corrosion that could happen when metals of different hardness (or different carats) rub against each other when worn.

If you’re not sure what tone of metal to choose for your wedding band, try matching your jewellery to your skin tone for the most flattering look for you.

Where to find a vintage wedding ring

When looking for a vintage wedding ring you may have to search a little harder to find the perfect style and fit for you.

The best place to source an antique or vintage ring for your wedding band is to work with a reputable jewellery company, as they will have a wide selection of high-quality rings.

You may also want to look at estate-sales or auctions to find pre-worn vintage wedding rings.

Finally, if you have a family heirloom that you’d like to wear as your own vintage wedding band, you may want to opt for a bespoke wedding ring that uses elements of an existing ring, like a diamond or reusing the metal and creates a brand new ring. This is a beautifully sentimental nod to your vintage family heirloom in a modern and personal way.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a vintage wedding ring for your big day, consider choosing a ring that flatters your engagement ring while encompassing the beauty and craftsmanship of the past.

Working with a reputable jewellery seller to source an authentic antique or vintage wedding band, or creating a vintage-inspired ring that incorporates family heirlooms into a new wedding band will give you reassurance of the quality of your vintage wedding wand. This is an important factor for a piece of jewellery that holds so much sentimental value that you will be wearing daily, so it needs to stand the test of trends and time!

Often receiving heirloom jewellery can feel bitter sweet. They are a lovely object to remember a loved one by and often hold a great deal of sentimental value.

However, in order to fully appreciate heirloom jewellery, you may need to repair, rework or redesign the jewellery in order to adapt it to your personal jewellery style, or to reflect more contemporary jewellery design.

Luckily, there are several ways you can balance honouring the history and heritage of heirloom jewellery pieces while staying true to your style.

In this article, we will take you through the steps to successfully transform your family heirloom jewellery, from assessing the quality to deciding exactly how you want to reuse some or all elements of the cherished jewellery you own.

Assessing the quality of your heirloom jewellery

Firstly, it is good to take a look at the jewellery and fully understand the full potential as well as the sentimental value it holds.

Quality and condition of the components

It’s important to assess the condition of all elements of the jewellery, including the quality of the metal and any gemstones it features. You’ll want to consider the carat of gold (9ct, 18ct, etc.). Look for any hallmarks to help you determine this, or work with a trusted jeweller who can advise.

You can also take a visual assessment as a first port of call. Are there any signs of visible damage, such as thinning metal, scratches or dents. In gemstones, look out for damage such as chips or cracks.

Sentimental value

Receiving a piece of heirloom jewellery can stir mixed feelings of sadness and sentimentality. While some may want to keep it as intact as possible to honour its original wearers, others would be happy to alter it substantially to create a new piece that means they wear it and continue the legacy.

Although the item is yours, you may also want to consider how this might impact other family members to avoid any adverse reactions to redesigning the jewellery.

You can honour any sentimental features of the original, such as engravings, by incorporating them centrally in a new design.

Historical significance

Depending on when the jewellery dates back to, the materials it uses and the jewellery design it embodies, your heirloom jewellery may have historical significance.

Rare jewellery that is in a good condition may hold a high value as an antique. You can determine its significance by having a jewellery valuation, or appraisal. This can help you understand if making significant changes will decrease its value. If this is the case, you may want to instead focus on restoring it to its original glory to retain, or even increase, its value.

Your personal style

Even if the heirloom jewellery is a beautiful example of craftsmanship, and uses the highest quality materials, if it doesn’t fit your jewellery style or your lifestyle, it may end up not being worn or enjoyed at all.

Think carefully about how you want to wear and appreciate the jewellery – will it be worn every day or on special occasions only? This can help you to decide if the piece in its current form fits with your vision, or if it needs to be reworked to ensure you make the most of it.

Your Budget

Depending on the quality of the materials, and how much of a transformation you want to make, will all have an impact on the cost to repurpose your heirloom jewellery. While simple repairs can be fairly cost effective, full redesigns for a bespoke new piece may come at a higher cost.

Consider what you are willing to spend, and the return on this spend – for example, will it increase the monetary value of the heirloom jewellery in the long run by extending its lifecycle, or will it have a higher personal and sentimental value by ensuring that you are able to enjoy it and let the memory of the original owner live on.

Once you understand the condition of your heirloom jewellery you’ll be better able to understand if you need to repair, rework or completely redesign the jewellery to make them wearable.

Popular ways to repurpose heirloom jewellery

Melting metals

Vintage and antique gold and silver is often of very high quality, making it perfect for melting and reusing in new bespoke jewellery designs. This will allow you to keep the heart of the heirloom jewellery but rework it into a brand new design, taking on modern jewellery trends or timeless styles.

Stone resetting

Whether your heirloom jewellery features diamonds, precious stones like emeralds, sapphires and rubies, or even semi-precious gemstones like pearls or opal, many of these can be repurposed into other items. Gemstones can be reset into rings, earrings or pendant necklaces. However, other creative ways to use gemstones include statement hair accessories, like headbands, hair clips or even embellished scrunchies!

Brooch the subject

Brooches are one of the most versatile pieces to rework. While brooches have fallen slightly out of fashion, they can be repurposed very easily into a statement pendant necklace or detail on a cuff bracelet.

Charm jewellery

Charm necklaces are really having a moment this summer, and this trend could be the perfect way to commemorate a loved one and repurpose several pieces of jewellery in one new design.

Charm necklaces and bracelets are a great way to use various elements from the same or different heirloom jewellery and create a truly personal and sentimental new piece. The beauty of charm jewellery is that you can continuously add to it over time, so if you receive any more heirloom jewellery in the future, you can keep adding to your charm piece, allowing it to evolve with you.

Focusing on key details

Take inspiration from key elements of your heirloom jewellery and incorporate these into a new bespoke piece. For example, if your heirloom jewellery has a distinct pattern or detail, such as filigree, you could incorporate this into a new design as a nod to the original.

Repairs and resizing

If you plan to keep your heirloom jewellery as close to the original as possible, it may be as simple as booking a repair service to restore them to their former glory, ready to be given a new lease of life.

Similarly, some heirloom jewellery may be in perfect condition, but not fit you as you wish to wear it. Therefore a resizing service might be all it takes to allow you to enjoy wearing your jewellery. While some resizes are straight forward, depending on the intricacy of the design and the extent of the resize it may be more complicated. Consult with an experienced jeweller to get the best outcome.

Final thoughts

When it comes to repurposing family heirloom jewellery, it’s important to respect the original owner and craftsmanship while also honouring your own personal style to ensure that you are adding value and extending the life of the heirloom.

Whether you’re repairing or resizing, or working on a completely bespoke design using materials or elements of an original heirloom, making sure to work with reputable jewellery experts will ensure that you have a final product that holds meaning and value, and could even be passed down again to even more generations to come!

Vintage inspired weddings are beautifully timeless, making it no surprise that it is an ever-popular theme for weddings!

From picking your specific era or decade and researching the key elements and details that you can take inspiration from for your big day, bringing a vintage wedding theme to life can mean mixing original original vintage pieces with more modern items that take inspiration from the past to create a cohesive vintage wedding that fits within your budget.

In this article, we will help you discover how to mix modern and vintage styles in your wedding jewellery and bridal accessories so that you can take your vintage wedding theme from head to toe!

Picking the perfect wedding jewellery

Once you have chosen your wedding dress, you can evaluate what accessories you might need to compliment and enhance your wedding day style. From jewellery, like your wedding ring, earrings or necklaces, to other accessories, like hair accessories, bags and shoes, you can mix vintage pieces with modern ones to create a unique and completely personalised finished look on your wedding day, with versatile pieces that can be worn afterwards too!

Here, we will guide you through some key considerations when it comes to selecting your wedding accessories, so you can perfectly curate your wedding day look inspired by bridal jewellery through the decades in a modern and budget-friendly way!

Materials matter

Choosing classic materials, such as 9ct gold and precious gemstones or diamonds, will help to create a timeless look that fits with your vintage wedding theme, but also allows you to get plenty of wear out of your wedding jewellery for many years to come.

Gemstones

Some particularly vintage-inspired materials are classic gemstones like Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby. Not only do they have timeless elegance, they add a beautiful pop of colour and are hard gemstones, making them suitable for regular wear, too,

Another material that leans into a vintage aesthetic are pearls, which are beautiful and neutral enough to suit many different themes and colour schemes, However, its important to note that pearls are much softer than other gemstones, so more care is required when wearing them – you might want to keep pearl jewellery for special occasions only! This also gives you a lovely excuse to wear them when celebrating your anniversary.

Metals

Make sure to select precious metals like silver, gold or platinum to ensure that your wedding jewellery, whether they are brand new vintage inspired pieces, or original antique ones, are hardwearing enough for daily wear.

Whatever tone of jewellery suits your skintone, choosing a precious metal in that complimentary shade will make sure that your overall jewellery look is harmonious and flattering.

Similarly, certain vintage themes do tend to lean more into certain metal tones more than others. For example, romantic Victorian themes may lean towards silver or white gold, as would Art Deco – especially white gold, which was invented in the early 1900s when Art Deco style was popular.

Rose gold can also put a modern spin on vintage jewellery, creating a contemporary take on a vintage wedding theme.

Key pieces to build you wedding accessory wardrobe

Wedding rings

The most important piece of wedding jewellery you need to decide on is your wedding ring. When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding ring, the first thing to consider is how it will sit with your engagement ring.

Whether you have an antique engagement ring, a modern minimalist ring, or a unique, contemporary style, finding a wedding ring that compliments your engagement ring is important.

If you’re keen to lean into a more traditional wedding ring, you might want to look for an antique or vintage wedding band. Alternatively, for a truly bespoke piece, why not design your own wedding ring!

Vintage inspired brooch

An antique or vintage-inspired brooch is a beautiful and versatile accessory for your wedding day. It can be incorporated into your wedding look in a variety of ways, as well as giving you options for wearing it after the big day.

If your wedding dress allows for a belt design, you can add a brooch to it as a focal point to highlight this detail on your dress.. You can also use a brooch in your wedding bouquet, attached to the ribbon that holds the flowers together. You could even find two matching or similar brooches and attach them to your wedding shoes for added sparkle.

After your wedding, you can repurpose the brooch on your favourite bag, jacket or scarf.

Hair accessories

Depending how you are having your hair done on your wedding day, you might need to consider what hair accessory you want to use – whether you’re having a veil, up-do or want to go all out with a tiara!

Hair accessories are a great place to add a touch of vintage inspired glamour to your wedding look. From embellished clips with gemstones like diamanties or pearls to add some subtle sparkle to your tresses, to a statement tiara that crowns your bridal look, finding vintage-inspired hair pieces can really tie together your bridal look.

A bridal bag

An often overlooked bridal accessory that is incredibly practical is a bag! While you won’t need to carry much on your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to have a small, stylish bag that matches your wedding dress and overall theme to have your essentials close by – even if your bridesmaids or made of honour holds it the majority of the time!

Find a bag that’s big enough for your bridal must-haves – powder and lipgloss or lipstick for touch-ups, tissues for emotional weepy moments and practical items like your phone and your hotel room card.

Final thoughts

When it comes to selecting your bridal accessories for a vintage themed wedding, you can mix and match actual vintage pieces with more modern ones can help you to stay on theme without having to compromise on style or your budget.

Preparing for holidays can be part of the fun – selecting your holiday outfits, researching fun things to do and planning your itinerary. Proper planning can help your holiday run smoothing and take the stress out of packing and traveling.

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, you might be wondering what the safest way to pack jewellery is for your next vacation.

From where best to store your jewellery when travelling on an aeroplane and how to avoid necklaces tangling on route, to how to protect your jewellery when you’re actually at your holiday destination, in this article we will give you some top tips for keeping your jewellery safe for the entirety of your trip.

How to plan and pack your jewellery when travelling

Planning your jewellery looks will make packing easier

Much like planning your holiday wardrobe, consider what jewellery you want to wear with specific outfits to help you gauge how much jewellery you will be packing. Try and select items that are versatile and can be worn with multiple outfits to streamline your packing.

Holidays are also a great time to bring out pieces that you might not normally wear, like ankle bracelets, or brighter gemstones that will shine against holiday sunsets!

Once you’ve got an understanding of the jewellery pieces that you want to take, you can find the best solution to protect your jewellery while travelling.

How to pack your jewellery safely

The best way to pack jewellery is to use a dedicated travel jewellery case or jewellery rolls. These are specifically designed to transport all types of jewellery, with sections for earrings, necklaces and rings that keep them tangle-free and safe. These are a great option if you are bringing multiple pieces of jewellery, or you want to make extra sure your necklaces won’t get tangled or knotted.

However, there are many budget-friendly ways to transport your jewellery while travelling. Try to keep the jewellery bags and pouches, or ring boxes that come when purchasing jewellery, as these are great for transporting jewellery while travelling. To keep your necklaces from tangling, remember to put one necklace in each pouch.

Don’t wear your jewellery while travelling

Often, when travelling through security at airports, you will be asked to remove your jewellery. To avoid unnecessary hold-ups or delays while you take off, then put back on your jewellery, don’t wear your jewellery when travelling. It will also avoid the possibility of losing jewellery by leaving anything in the security trays.

Instead pack the majority of your jewellery and wear minimal pieces. When packing your jewellery, always carry your jewellery in your hand luggage. This means you can be reassured they are safe and close at hand, allowing you to check they’re still safe and sound throughout your journey.

Make sure your jewellery is insured

It’s always good to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy when going on holiday in case of emergencies.

If you are taking particularly expensive or sentimental jewellery away with you, such as wedding or engagement rings or luxury watches, check what your policy covers when it comes to individual item value. You can also check your home insurance policy, as this might already cover high-value items when travelling.

If not, it might be worth taking out individual insurance for these precious pieces, for extra peace of mind. For most insurance policies, you will need proof of value. This could be in the form of receipts. While this is good if you have them, for some older pieces or even heirloom vintage jewellery, you may not have the original receipt. In this instance, you can get a full jewellery valuation, where you receive all the documentation, such as certificates of valuation, required for insurance policies.

Overall, ensuring your valuable jewellery is covered by some form of insurance, whether it’s travel, home or stand-alone will mean your precious pieces are protected from theft, loss or damage while you travel.

How to keep your jewellery safe while you’re on holiday

Once you’ve arrived at your destination with your jewellery in check, there are additional measures you can take to ensure that they remain safe while you enjoy your holiday.

Use your hotel safe

Many hotels, apartments and even Airbnbs provide free-to-use safes in your room. Not only are these great for storing valuables like your passport, additional currency and home keys, they are the perfect place to keep your jewellery items when you’re not wearing them.

It’s especially important to keep high-value items in the safe, as not only will this deter theft, but it might also be a requirement from your insurance policy.

Avoid wearing jewellery while swimming, sweating or wearing suncream

Chemicals like chlorine and suncream and even sweat can damage and dull your jewellery, especially when exposed consistently over a period of time.

If you’re planning a pool day, leave your jewellery at home. Not only can the chlorine pose a threat to your jewellery, you risk losing your jewellery and not realising until it’s too late to find it. Similarly, even the beach isn’t an ideal place for previous jewellery. Sand can be incredibly abrasive and cause scratches on softer metals or gemstones, like silver or opals.

While suncream is essential for protecting your face and body from sun exposure, it can be damaging to jewellery. Equally, sweat can also cause some tarnishing on jewellery.

Generally, it’s best to leave your jewellery at home during the day when you’re on holiday to avoid them getting damaged, tarnished or lost. Instead, keep your jewellery for evening wear, when you can really appreciate them, enhance your evening holiday ‘fits while also keeping them safe.

Final thoughts

When taking jewellery on holiday, planning, packing and protection are all key to keeping them safe on the duration of your trip, from travelling to while you’re at your destination.

Avoid taking too many pieces, ensure you have insurance for any high-value items and removing jewellery during the day to avoid exposure to sweat, suncream, sand and chlorine will mean that your jewellery will come back in one-piece.

Your engagement ring will be something you’ll wear every day. Not only will it be a continued symbol of your love and your relationship, the commitment and happy memories, it should be able to transcend trends and grow with your evolving style.

So, it’s understandable that choosing an engagement ring can feel daunting!

Finding an engagement ring that reflects your personal style means looking for something that can fit seamlessly into your wardrobe, while also suiting your lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking for a unique antique engagement ring, a vintage-inspired show-stopper or want to design a bespoke betrothal ring, in this guide, we will take you through all the things to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring.

Engagement ring basics

Firstly, there are some key considerations when it comes to choosing an engagement ring:

• Your budget
• Your ring size

Once you have an idea of the more logistical side of ring shopping, you can focus on the fun things, and select an engagement ring that is perfect for your personality!

Selecting your stone style

While it’s important to find the perfect engagement ring shape, it’s equally important to understand the different styles that these stones can be arranged in. From classic to contemporary, there is a style to suit every finger.

Solitaire

A solitaire engagement ring is a classic, timeless style, made up of a single stone, usually a diamond. It can be subtle, yet stylish, or make a real statement with a sizable stone.

Solitaire rings are good for versatility – they can complement both a casual jeans and t-shirt and a luxurious evening gown!

Trilogy

Trilogy rings are made up of three stones, usually one central larger stone surrounded either side by a smaller stone. Traditionally these could all be diamonds, or a coloured stone with smaller diamonds creating a beautiful contrast.

These three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future of your relationship, making them a perfect engagement ring for those who love symbolism and sentimentality.

Halo

A halo ring is a development from a Solitaire and trilogy ring, this time with a central stone that is encircled by smaller stones. Again, typically halo rings consist of diamonds, but you can create interest and contrast with colourful gemstones, too!

Halo engagement rings are great for those who really want their ring to sparkle and capture attention!

Toi et Moi

First emerging back in 1796, the ‘toi et moi’ style, (that’s ‘you and me’ in French) has been having a resurgence in fashion in the 2020s. It is a contemporary style that features two unique, differently shaped stones side by side. It is meant to represent the union of two souls.

This style allows you to really express yours and your partner’s style in the form of gemstones – you could pick your favourite coloured stone or shapes that subtly represent each other for a truly unique engagement ring.

Cluster

Cluster engagement rings consist of multiple stones. Traditionally these could be arranged surrounding a central larger stone, while more modern cluster rings play with size and irregular configurations.

Cluster rings are the perfect choice for creative, eccentric individuals who aren’t afraid to shy away from colour and convention.

Metal matters

When it comes to choosing what metal you want your engagement ring to be made from, matching your jewellery to your skin tone – with icy metals like silver suiting cooler skin tones and glowing gold looking great on warmer tones.

Secondly, you might want to consider what metal the rest of your jewellery collection is, while also thinking about metal strength. For example, if you usually wear silver jewellery, try platinum, which gives the same cool-toned finish but is much more hardwearing compared to silver.

Gold engagement rings are a strong metal choice that come in a variety of shades, from warm yellow, to neutral rose gold and cool-toned white, meaning you can find the perfect gold for your style, maintaining durability and design.

Balancing personality with practicality in the perfect engagement ring

While it’s important to be swept away in the romance of getting engaged, when choosing your engagement ring, be sure to take a moment to think practically too!

Lifestyle

This is an important piece of jewellery that you’ll likely want to wear every single day. That means it has got to fit in with your lifestyle. So, if you work with your hands, something less large will probably work better for you, perhaps with a Bezel setting for extra security and durability.

Similarly, if you often feel overwhelmed by large, statement jewellery, opt for something more subtle, and instead prioritise simplicity and comfort.

Maintenance

Another thing to consider when selecting your perfect engagement ring is the ongoing care and maintenance it requires in order to keep it safe and sparkling for years to come. Here are our top tips to help maintain your engagement ring:

• As with any jewellery, ensure to take it off while showering, swimming or exercising to avoid damage.
• Keep jewellery away from any potentially dangerous chemicals, including harsh cleaning products.
• When not wearing your engagement ring, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Treat your ring to regular cleaning, by either cleaning your jewellery at home with simple household materials or booking a special jewellery cleaning and maintenance service every few years.

Final thoughts

While you’ll want your engagement ring to reflect your personal style, the most important thing to consider is that it represents your love, commitment and relationship, not only now, but forever.

Prioritising practical elements such as secure settings and durable metals, and injecting personality with colourful gemstones and unique stone styles or settings will ensure that your engagement ring is a truly meaningful memento of your marriage.

Choosing a perfect wedding gift for the groom is about more than tradition.

Today’s modern groom values personal, timeless pieces that encapsulate their style; an item with class and character. Your gift should be a reflection of the groom’s personality, too, while matching the tone and significance of their wedding.

For inspiration, we’ve collated a few truly unique wedding day gifts for the groom. Each idea feels both modern and timeless, ensuring you give a gift that can be treasured for a lifetime.

Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Every modern man needs a good pair of cufflinks. This small detail can elevate a suit, adding a touch of sophistication and, potentially, a pop of colour.

For a standout groom gift, look for cufflinks made from quality materials. Sterling silver cufflinks are a trusted choice, striking a balance between high-end materials and price. Choose a unique design to match the groom’s aesthetic – we personally favour enamel or pearl cufflink faces, which are both durable and exquisitely beautiful.

If you have a higher price point in mind, consider gold cufflinks. 9ct gold is a premium option, but it makes for a standout wedding gift that’ll likely become a family heirloom.

Signet Rings

From David Beckham to Harry Styles, rings are a staple of the modern man’s wardrobe. Signet rings, in particular, are favoured for their striking aesthetic and timeless appeal, and make for a unique wedding gift.

Originally worn to seal documents, signet rings are now synonymous with male accessorising. They sit somewhere between a contemporary and heritage piece, and are a truly special gift for a groom who values his appearance.

We have a wide range of gold signet rings in a variety of shapes, including oval, square, and cushion designs. Opt for a plain face for a more minimalist approach, explore engraved styles, or look for rings set with diamonds for an exceptional gift.

We also offer bespoke jewellery services. Speak to our team about options for a custom signet ring and create a piece that’s full of meaning for the groom’s wedding day.

Vintage Pocket Watch

Pocket watches are celebrated for their antiquity and class. A luxurious item worn by only the most stylish of gentlemen, they’re an ideal choice for a groom’s wedding gift, particularly for a man who enjoys high-end fashion.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, pocket watches are an heirloom piece. They can symbolise the timeless nature of marriage and the many years ahead for the happy couple.

If gifted before the wedding day, yours could even be part of their wedding attire, neatly tucked into a waistcoat pocket for an added touch of charm.

For a truly unique present, explore options for having your pocket watch engraved. Add a personalised message for the groom or turn the watch into a charming keepsake by engraving the wedding date.

A Silver or Gold Chain

Chain necklaces are sophisticated and stylish; the perfect accessory for the modern groom. This is a minimal and discreet choice of jewellery that can be tucked beneath a shirt when needed, making it an ideal everyday item.

When looking at chain necklaces for a wedding present, focus on solid gold, silver, or platinum options. Explore different styles, including curb, herringbone, and figaro chains, to ensure your chosen chain matches the groom’s personal taste.

For a truly unique gift, there’s also the option of Russian guard chains. These are far longer than modern chain necklaces and were often used to secure items like pocket watches or glasses. Nowadays, they’re an antique item and can be worn layered, creating a more dramatic look for a man who loves to make a statement.

Monogrammed Travel Bag

Every modern man needs a reliable travel bag. As a wedding gift, it’s stylish, practical, and perfectly aligns with the upcoming honeymoon, as well as any future travel plans for the married couple.

Opt for durable, high-quality materials, like full-grain leather or high-quality canvas. A classic silhouette, like a structured holdall, is a smart choice for a modern look that won’t go out of style. If you’ve seen the groom’s wedding band, look to match the hardware to the metal he’s chosen as a thoughtful touch.

Travel bags are also a perfect contender for monogramming. This lends your gift a bespoke feel for a more personal present.

You could also look at personalising the interior. Consider a lining that matches the groom’s wedding day tie, for instance, or incorporating a thoughtful message that’s sewn into the bag’s label.

A Luxury Fragrance

Fragrance is closely tied to memory and emotion, making it a clever gift for a wedding day. The right scent can instantly transport someone back to a moment in time, helping the groom capture the feeling of his marriage in a scent.

Choose a fragrance that aligns with the groom’s personality, whether that’s fresh and understated with citrus notes, warm and woody with deeper undertones, or bold and distinctive with spices and oud.

For something truly unique, consider creating a bespoke fragrance. Work with a perfumer to develop a personalised scent, inspired by the groom himself or by your shared memories. A Mediterranean holiday, for instance, might inspire a fragrance of Sicilian lemon, juniper, and pine, taking you both back to sunny days abroad.

Browse Our Men’s Jewellery

The most meaningful gifts for a modern groom are those that feel made for them. An engraved signet ring or set of silver cufflinks can blend their personal style with the timeless appeal of heritage jewellery, creating a present that’s unique, charming, and entirely personal.

To explore a variety of new and vintage pieces, browse our full collection of men’s jewellery.

Bridal jewellery styles have changed drastically over the decades. From the extravagant luxury of the early 1900s to the minimalism of the 90s, each era cultivated its own unique aesthetic, often influenced by shifting culture and celebrities.

For modern brides, the last 120 years of jewellery provides the perfect pool of inspiration. Explore the iconic bridal looks that have shaped the 20th and early 21st century, and discover how elements from each era can be reimagined to create a style that feels entirely your own.

Early 1900s

The 20th century was hailed in with elegance and opulence. This era was known as the Belle Époque, and the jewellery was defined by intricate detailing and lace-like designs. Platinum, silver, and white gold were the metals of choice, and pearls were seen frequently alongside diamonds.

Swinging into the 1920s and the Jazz Age, bridal styles followed the popularism of Art Deco. Brides wore statement drop earrings and sautoir necklaces, with the elongated shapes complementing the long, straight lines of the current clothing trends.

1920s engagement rings tended to be extravagant, with halo settings, geometric shapes, and bold colours. The filigree and preference for silver and platinum from the early 1900s were still present, but had been enlivened with gemstones and glamour.

The 1930s followed quickly after, leaning heavily into platinum and white gold. There’s a blend of the Belle Époque and the Jazz Age in 1930s jewellery, where the geometric shapes of Art Deco sit alongside the pearls and refined femininity of the early 1900s.

Mid-Century (1945-1969)

In the wake of the Second World War, bridal jewellery was influenced by both minimalism and the emerging Retro Moderne style, which focused on bold colours and the nostalgic charm of past eras.

Hollywood was heavily influencing trends by this point, and the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe popularised a glamorous look of pearls, diamond studs, and elegant, coordinated sets.

At the same time, advancements in gemstone cutting and setting techniques allowed for greater experimentation. Cluster rings and illusion settings gave the appearance of larger stones, for instance, while maintaining the overall minimalism of the era.

The solitaire ring was a triumph of mid-century jewellery, often with a sleek bezel and prong setting that allowed the diamond to take centre stage.

At the same time, there was a more maximalist aesthetic fighting back against the post-war era. Jackie Kennedy’s famous toi et moi Van Cleef & Arpels ring (1953) highlighted a changing mood in fashion, where colour and impressive architectural designs were bringing optimism to mid-century jewellery.

1970s

The 1970s were the era of boho chic. Bridal jewellery was heavily focused on playful styles and natural elements, including a colourful collection of gemstones – Elizabeth Taylor’s emeralds and rubies could be an era in their own right.

Drop earrings and large studs were statement pieces, and yellow gold was the metal of choice.

It’s also worth noting that Jackie Kennedy altered her engagement ring in 1962, adding marquise-cut diamonds to replace the baguettes. This became a staple of 1970s rings, with the marquise-cut one of the most iconic looks of the decade.

Cocktail rings were a less traditional approach to 70s bridal jewellery, famed for their colourful gemstones and oversized, curved designs. Glam rock stars and disco brought life to this playful jewellery trend, turning the decade into one of metallic maximalism.

1980s

The 1980s continued what the 70s had begun. Bold, glamorous, and certainly not shy, bridal looks focused on statement jewellery to match the puff sleeves and large hairdos.

The round brilliant cut was a popular choice for diamonds, while gemstones came into their own. Princess Diana’s huge blue sapphire in a halo setting defined the decade, cementing the 80s as an era of colour, opulence, and fun.

1990s

As the maximalism of the previous decades died down, the 90s took a breath and opted for a more minimalist approach to bridal jewellery. Fine silver necklaces, small pearls, and teardrop earrings characterise the dainty aesthetic of a century reaching its end.

Engagement rings shed their gemstones and geometric cuts, favouring plain bands and classic diamond cuts. Sleek, low settings were designed to be both practical and beautiful, bringing understated elegance to bridal looks.

Pear-shaped diamonds were particularly popular, but the brilliant cut took the crown for the end of the 20th century.

2000s

The early 2000s paved the way for a happy medium between maximalism and minimalism. High-shine metals and halo settings were all the rage, while rose gold saw a rise in popularity that marked the dawn of a new millennium.

Alongside rose gold, white gold and platinum were the on-trend metals. Bands became thinner and diamonds often smaller, but with multiple stones used for a sparkling, glitzy aesthetic.

If celebrity culture had influenced the looks of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, by the early 2000s, it dominated trends. Iconic engagement rings of the decade include Jennifer Aniston’s spiral pavé band, Jennifer Lopez’s pink diamond, and Beyoncé’s emerald-cut.

2010s

The 2010s embraced individuality. While minimalism remained influential, it was reimagined through delicate layering, fine bands, and subtle detailing that elevated simple looks.

Rose gold continued its rise, often paired with pavé bands and micro-settings that bordered the central diamond. Oval and cushion-cut diamonds surged in popularity, offering a softer alternative to the classic round brilliant, while vintage-inspired rings (think milgrain edges and halo setting) made a strong comeback.

Kate Middleton reinvigorated love for sapphires with Princess Diana’s engagement ring, showing the importance of heirloom jewellery. Coloured gemstones then re-emerged, often as thoughtful accents in understated, romantic designs.

Other iconic rings included Amal Clooney’s emerald-cut diamond, Meghan Markle’s cushion-cut diamond and micro-pavé band, and Scarlett Johansson’s light brown oval diamond engagement ring.

Modern Bridal Jewellery

Today, we see a multitude of influences shaping bridal looks. There’s high demand for vintage jewellery, for instance, with antique rings, necklaces, and earrings from across the decades enjoying a renewed appreciation.

For new bridal jewellery, lab-grown diamonds have become a popular choice, favoured for their more sustainable and ethical sourcing process. They’re also significantly cheaper, making fine jewellery more accessible for modern brides.

There’s still a minimalist aesthetic that’s prevailing over the bridal looks of the 21st century. Fine, single-layer necklaces and dainty drop earrings feel like an updated version of the refined Belle Époque era, where a single statement piece is favoured over maximalist styles.

So far, the biggest influence on bridal jewellery of the 2020s is Taylor Swift’s engagement ring. Her unique old mine cut diamond and yellow gold band is likely to shape future styles, bringing a resurgence of vintage charm into bridal jewellery looks.

Browse Our Bridal Jewellery Collections

Whether you’re inspired by the vintage charm of the early 1900s or enjoy the simplicity of modern jewellery, we can help you choose the right pieces for your wedding. We have a wide range of antique jewellery alongside more contemporary rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Browse our Bridal Collection and discover the perfect pieces for your wedding day.

Finding your perfect gold engagement ring can be daunting. With lots of decisions to make and jewellery techniques to decipher, it can be hard to find a ring that suits your style, budget and skin tone for a piece of jewellery that will be adorning your ring finger forever.

Whether you’re choosing for a loved one ahead of a proposal or you’re selecting your own engagement ring, here are our top tips to help you find your perfect ring to mark your engagement.

Selecting your perfect shade of gold for your engagement ring

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is likely what you think of when referring to ‘gold’. It is a beautiful warm-toned metal. Depending on the carat, yellow gold may be mixed with some other metals to create an alloy.

Yellow gold is a timeless option that is versatile for many styles, from traditional and vintage to contemporary and minimal.

White Gold

White gold is a cooler tone, making it similar in colour to silver but with more strength. White gold is created by mixing white metals, like palladium, or nickel in with pure gold to create an alloy then often coated with rhodium to give it a bright ‘white’ finish.

While white gold has been used for over 100 years, Art Deco jewellery really helped boost its popularity as a contemporary, chic and cheaper alternative to yellow gold or platinum.

It is a good option for fans of silver and cool-tones in their jewellery or clothing collections.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a unique option that is a pink-toned metal which tends to be a good neutral option, not leaning too warm or too cool.

Rose gold is created by mixing copper with yellow gold. Different amounts of copper mixed into the alloy can result in darker or lighter shades of rose gold, ranging from subtle pink hues to deeper redder rose gold.

While rose gold was present in the 19th century, it rose to popularity from around 2012 and continues to be a fashionable, contemporary choice in wedding and engagement rings.

Mixed metals

Mixing metals is a fashion-forward choice to channel modern jewellery trends, giving you the option to choose two or more types of gold in your engagement ring or in your wedding ring stack.

This allows you to be creative and unique, and express your personal style. It is a great option if you wear various tones of jewellery, so you can mix and match.

From cooler toned white gold to warm yellow gold, versatile rose gold to modern mixed metals, selecting the gold that complements your skin tone, and matches your wider jewellery collection and preference.

What carat gold should you choose for an engagement ring?

Once you have selected the type and tone of gold for your engagement ring, you can now think about more details, such as the quality of the gold and how many carats you want.

Carat refers to the purity of the gold. The higher the carat, the higher the percentage that gold makes up of the alloy.

• 9 carat is the most common carat for jewellery you might wear daily. It is made up of around 37.5% pure gold, making it more affordable but with the risk of tarnishing over time.
• 14 carat has slightly more pure gold, at 58.3%, making it more durable.
• 18 carat is often considered the ‘ideal’ purity for gold and is a popular choice for both wedding and engagement rings. It is made up of 75% pure gold.
• 24 carat is the most expensive option, with 99-100% pure gold. It often has a very bright, vibrant colour, though it is very soft, making it a less popular choice for engagement rings that are worn every day.

The most popular carats for gold engagement rings are 14 and 18 carat, as they have a good balance of purity and durability.

Elegant gold engagement ring designs

Classic diamond engagement rings for timeless elegance

Did you know the first recorded diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477? It was commissioned by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria for Mary of Burgundy.

Over 500 years later, a beautiful diamond ring is still a timeless choice for an engagement ring.

From round to radiant, pear-shaped to princess, you can choose your diamond engagement ring shape to suit your style and chosen silhouette. They can also be subtle or a statement depending on the size of the diamond, and it’s often easy to find a wedding ring that will complement a diamond ring, making them a versatile yet stunning option.

Bright and bold gemstone engagement rings

For fans of vibrant colours, selecting a bright, bold, precious or semi-precious coloured gemstone for your engagement ring is a unique option.

From rich red rubies to sparkling sapphires, and everything in between, there are many gemstones that you could select due to preference or sentimental reasons, such as the birthstone of your future spouse.

Chic engagement ring styles for minimalists

Those looking for more subtle, minimalist options for engagement rings may want to choose a chic solitaire ring that is versatile and can be worn seamlessly alongside other minimalist jewellery.

There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings. If you’re not a regular jewellery wearer, you may want to opt for an engagement and wedding ring hybrid to only wear one ring, with a bejewelled wedding band.

Statement multistone engagement rings

If you want your engagement ring to make more of a statement, choosing a multistone ring will definitely capture attention. Designs like cluster engagement rings and halo rings are a dazzling option.

What else to consider when choosing a gold engagement ring

It can be tempting to find your fantasy engagement ring with no limits. However, it’s a good idea to give some thought to practicality to ensure that you can love and wear your gold engagement ring for years to come.

Budget

Having a clear idea of your budget can help you manage your expectations and only look at rings within your price range to avoid falling in love with something 10 times your budget!

Don’t forget to look for vintage or antique engagement rings, as these are a more budget friendly option.

Wedding ring

If you have a clear vision of what you’d like your wedding ring to be like, make sure that your engagement ring fits with this, both physically fitting next to it but also in terms of style, to create a cohesive wedding stack.

Maintenance

It’s likely you’ll be expecting to wear your engagement ring every day. To help keep its strength and integrity, make sure to give it regular maintenance, from gentle cleaning and storing in a cool, dry space, to removing it before showering or exercising. Paying attention to maintaining your engagement ring will help to ensure you can wear and enjoy it forever.

Final thoughts

When it comes to finding an elegant gold engagement ring, be sure to select something that reflects your personality and preferences, from a diamond or gemstone, to the tone of gold and overall jewellery design.

If you are looking for a unique piece to add to your jewellery collection, creating a custom item is the perfect way to add a personalised touch. From bespoke jewellery designed from scratch, to adding an engraving or initial to existing designs or swapping a metal type or gemstone, customising jewellery comes in many forms.

In this article, we will guide you through the bespoke jewellery journey from inspiration and ideas, to collaborating with a jewellery design expert and top tips on maintaining your custom jewellery piece to ensure they become heirlooms of the future.

Unique ways to customise jewellery

Adding initials

One of the most iconic ways to personalise jewellery is by wearing your initials. From signet rings adorned with your monogram to diamond initial pendants, adding the initial of your first name, or your full initials, is a timeless way to add a touch or personality to your custom jewellery, and is seeing continued growth in jewellery trends.

Engraving

Another way to add some personalisation to your custom jewellery design is to use engraving. Engraving is a process that carves or etches words into metal. It is usually a subtle yet clear way to add a meaningful phrase or word to your personalised jewellery. Popular engravings for jewellery include a favourite quote, song lyrics, a significant date, or the names of loved ones.

Gemstones

Using gemstones as personalisation is a beautiful way to customise jewellery. A popular way to make gemstones personal is to incorporate birthstones into your custom jewellery design. You can even add multiple birthstones to represent the people closest to you, and carry them with you.

There are other ways to personalise with gemstones, though. In Victorian times, gemstones held another secret meaning, allowing people to share hidden messages and love tokens using symbolic jewellery. For example, someone may have given their lover a ring that featured a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald and topaz, or a D.E.A.R.E.S.T ring (look at the first letter of each of the gemstones!) These acrostic rings are a subtle and sentimental way to personalise jewellery.

For a modern take on this, you could spell your name using gemstones, or choose a gemstone that shares your initial, or initials.

Horoscope and star signs

Similar to birthstones, another way to personalise jewellery is to look at your star sign. Each star sign has a constellation and a corresponding symbol, and often an object that represents it. Any of these could be incorporated in a subtle or more overt way when creating custom jewellery.

The horoscopes, and their related symbols and representations, are:

• Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) – represented by a ram
• Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) – represented by a bull
• Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) – represented by twins
• Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 22) – represented a crab
• Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) – represented by a lion
• Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) – represented by the maiden
• Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) – represented by a set of scales
• Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 21) – represented by a scorpio
• Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) – represented by an archer, or an arrow
• Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) – represented by a goat
• Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) – represented by water, or waves
• Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) – represented by a fish

Metals and materials

Customising jewellery doesn’t always have to mean making it uber personal with names and initials. You can also customise jewellery by selecting the materials that most suit you. From choosing the best metal tone to suit your skin tone, to selecting your favourite gemstones or embellishments, you can customise existing designs by tweaking small elements to make it feel more like you.

Working with a trusted jewellery designer

Now you have a clear idea of how you want to customise your jewellery, it’s time to select a jewellery designer who can turn your vision into a reality. Collaboration is key, so working with a skilled jewellery designer and maker who can transform your ideas and inspiration into a tangible piece of jewellery is vital.

Creating bespoke jewellery is a fine art, and it requires lots of knowledge of techniques.

How does the bespoke jewellery process work?

Firstly, you’ll have a consultation with the designer. Here, you can share your inspiration and ideas. We suggest taking pictures or moodboards to help illustrate what you like to ensure you’re being as clear as possible.

The designer will likely ask questions to help clarify the brief, such as your budget, metal preferences and possibly some lifestyle or jewellery wearing habits, to help ascertain the best materials and design style for your custom piece.

They will also take measurements at this stage, and give you an idea of timelines to create your custom jewellery.

Next, the designer will take all of this information and create a mock-up of your bespoke jewellery piece. This might be a physical or digital drawing, and will be shared with you for feedback. At this stage, they may also share samples of materials or gemstone options.

Once you have agreed on a final design, the jewellery designer will make your one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery.

Caring for your custom jewellery

Careful cleaning and safe storage

Cleaning your bespoke jewellery regularly will not only keep them sparkling, it can also help to maintain the integrity and longevity of your piece. You can easily clean gold jewellery at home with common household products, or treat your jewels to a professional jewellery clean.

Storing your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight will also help to maintain the strength and structure of your jewellery.

Wear with care

While you may never want to take off your brand-new custom jewellery, make sure you remove it before bathing, showering or swimming and when washing up or cleaning will ensure that you aren’t exposing your jewellery to potentially harmful chemicals which threaten to weaken or damage it.

We recommend taking off jewellery when exercising and while you sleep to avoid causing breakages.

Insurance

For investment pieces that have great sentimental as well as financial value, you may want to consider insuring your bespoke jewellery for peace of mind.

Final thoughts

When it comes to the art of custom jewellery, partnering with jewellery designers who can turn your inspiration into a reality, listen to your wants and needs and combine this with their knowledge and expertise will result in a truly bespoke piece that is unique to you.

Our designers are experts in turning ideas into one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. Get in touch to have a conversation about your custom jewellery design.

Planning a vintage-inspired wedding means choosing period appropriate pieces that fit your desired era, from flowers and colour palette to your wedding attire and jewellery!

Creating a vintage themed wedding can be hard without a defined decade or era to look to for inspiration. Finding a vintage style era that resonates with you and your spouse’s style can serve as a starting point to discover the design elements that you can incorporate into your big day.

In this guide, we will share our top tips when it comes to picking vintage wedding rings and jewellery accessories for your vintage themed wedding, and help you channel styles of the past in a modern way.

What is a vintage wedding theme?

When it comes to picking vintage wedding rings it can be helpful to try and define the decade or era you are most drawn to, or that your wedding theme aligns most closely to.

Unlike antique jewellery, which is more rigidly defined as items over 100 years old, the term ‘vintage’ is generally thought of as being between 50 and 100 years old.

However, vintage wedding themes can take a broader approach, and may include influences and inspiration from many eras, decades and design styles, from Georgian and Victorian to Art Deco and Hollywood Glamour.

In this article, we will use ‘vintage’ to refer to things that are ‘of the past’. To help you choose vintage wedding rings and accessories that fit your favourite vintage era, it’s important to understand the defining features, materials and motifs featured in jewellery design of the time to help you create a cohesive look for your wedding day, and beyond!

Define your decade

Glamorous Georgian designs (1714–1837)

Channel your inner Bridgerton with decadent Georgian jewellery. Gemstones were all the rage in Georgian designs, and jewellers of the time enhanced the colour and brightness of the gemstones with foil backing.

This period also emphasises the handmade and craftsmanship of the artisans who created the jewellery, meaning imperfections were celebrated rather than hidden.

Victorian Era Jewellery (1837-1901)

Victorian jewellery design was rich with symbolism and hidden meanings or motifs. Look out for floral and filigree patterns, serpent and heart designs if you are looking to emulate the elegance of Victorian jewellery.

Cameo brooches and mourning jewellery were also very popular at this time.

Art Nouveau (1890s – 1914)

Art Nouveau spans the late 19th century up until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Art Nouveau is heavily inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, drawing inspiration from nature, with lots of naturalistic shapes, earthy tones for gemstones, like amber and celestial notes, like opals and moonstones.

Art Deco (1920s – 1940s)

Art Deco jewellery designs are elegant, streamlined and geometric, in a distinctly timeless way, making them appear modern even today. Channel art deco modernity on your wedding day with sleek lines and graphic shapes, or opt for Chanel-inspired strings of pearls!

Old Hollywood (1950s and 1960s)

Inspired by glamorous movies, Old Hollywood jewellery is all about sparkles. Think diamond necklaces, pearls and platinum, and cluster cocktail rings (remember to wear these on your right hand so you don’t distract attention from your wedding stack!).

How to incorporate vintage jewellery into your wedding day

Elegant vintage engagement ring

Set the tone for your wedding theme from the beginning with a beautiful vintage engagement ring.

Whether you are selecting your engagement ring together with your future spouse, or dropping some heavy hints, having a vintage style engagement ring can help you to define your wedding theme, and inspire design elements for the big day, like your colour scheme, wedding stationary or even your attire for the big day.

Choosing the perfect vintage wedding ring

Another fantastic way to incorporate your vintage theme into not only your wedding day, but your marriage too, is by carefully selecting your perfect vintage wedding ring.

The beauty of and vintage wedding rings are the exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials that have been used to make them, meaning they are long-lasting and often one-of-a-kind due to their age.

Pairing a vintage engagement ring with a matching vintage wedding ring will help you create a unique wedding stack that’s personal to you and full of memories and meaning.

Vintage cufflinks

Cufflinks have been worn since as early as the 1600s, and have been a staple in menswear ever since. Much like other jewellery pieces, cufflink styles have reflected the jewellery trends and designs in fashion at the time.

So, a pair of vintage cufflinks make a perfect timeless gift for grooms, best men or groomsmen. Not only will they fit the theme of your wedding, they are also a practical gift that the recipient can wear on special occasions afterwards – like on wedding anniversaries for the groom!

Bridal brooch

Embrace the elegance of the Regency era (1795 -1837) with a statement brooch. Originally known as a stomacher, these pieces of jewellery were large, triangular shaped ornaments that were worn on the bodice.

Modern adaptations of this could be a brooch attached to a belt of a wedding dress, or added to the ribbon of your bouquet. A sapphire brooch can even act as your ‘something blue’!

Decorate your decolletage with a beautiful necklace

Another elegant way to embrace vintage jewellery on your wedding day is with a vintage necklace. Often, wedding dresses accentuate the decolletage area, so highlighting this further with a vintage necklace can really draw attention and balance your bridal look.

Along with finding a necklace style that suits your wedding dress neckline, look for pendants that channel your chosen design decade, from pretty pearls to an engraved locket.

Final Thoughts

From glamorous regency gemstones or symbolism-rich Victorian jewels, to nature inspired art nouveau or sophisticated, streamlined art deco, there are so many eras and designs to choose from when it comes to vintage wedding jewellery.

Creating a cohesive vintage-inspired wedding can be really exciting, giving you the chance to research designs of the past and source authentic or vintage-inspired accessories that fit your theme.

From marking a milestone birthday to small tokens of your appreciation, finding the perfect present can be hard, trying to balance something personal and sentimental, while also feeling like a special treat.

Jewellery is a perfect gift for a friend or family member’s birthday that can be worn daily or on special occasions and remind their recipient of your relationship, making it a thoughtful option for your nearest and dearest.

In this article, we will help you select special jewellery for birthday gifts for him or her, with top tips to make them personal, practical, and suited to their preferences.

Memorable jewellery gifts for her birthday

Elegant earrings

Commemorate all of the times you’ve lent them an ear, and listened to their stories with a pair of elegant earrings – though be sure to check they actually have pierced ears before purchasing earrings!

From simple but stunning stud earrings, to contemporary, chic hoops or a pair of statement gemstone drop earrings, select a pair that most suits their hairstyle and jewellery taste.

Matching jewellery for best friend’s birthday presents

Put a sophisticated spin on childhood ‘best friend’ from your youth and treat yourself and your bestie to some matching jewellery!

Whether you want to have an exact match, or ‘same but different’, like the same item in different metals or gemstones, giving your friend jewellery that you’ll both cherish is a sentimental way to keep each other close and in each other’s minds, even if you’re apart.

Classic jewellery gifts for his birthday

Jewellery gifts aren’t just for women! A sentimental, classic piece of jewellery makes the perfect birthday gift for men.

Time pieces

One of the most classic items of jewellery in a man’s collection are time pieces, from wrist watches to pocket watches.

While smartwatches are increasing in popularity in daily wear, helping keep track of steps and keeping their wearer connected, traditional watches and even pocket watches are a beautiful gift that can be worn on special occasions to elevate an outfit and enhance the celebration.

Classic cufflinks

Cufflinks are a perfect gift for male friends or family members. Whether a formal event suit wearer only, or needs to wear suits for their profession, a classic pair of cufflinks are a great gift that will be cherished and can last a lifetime.

You can help them add a pop of colour to their shirts with eye-catching enamel cufflinks, or lean into the classic style with some sleek, simple gold cufflinks.

Make it personal with uniquely personalised jewellery birthday gifts

Finding subtle ways to personalise jewellery is an incredibly chic way to channel personalised jewellery trends.

Initials

One of the best ways to make a birthday gift personal is by choosing a piece of jewellery with their initial. Initial necklaces are a timeless classic that never go out of style.

From a chunky, bold, block letters bracelet, to a beautiful diamond initial pendant hanging from a delicate chain, choose initial jewellery that fits with their over jewellery style so it’ll fit seamlessly into their collection.

Adding engraved initials onto a signet ring is a great birthday gift for him or her, allowing you to personalise an heirloom that can hold sentimental value for the wearer.

Birthstones

Another brilliant birthday gift that’s uniquely personal is to select gemstone jewellery that features their birthstone! This is a subtle way to add some personalisation, in a really thoughtful way. Vibrant gemstones are a big trend in jewellery this year, so this makes a perfect birthday gift for fashionista friends.

Not sure what your best friend’s birthstone is? Here is a reminder of the birthstones you could choose from:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl or Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal or Tourmaline
November: Topaz
December: Tanzanite or Turquoise

Top Tips for selecting jewellery birthday gifts

Knowing their metal preference

Next time you see the jewellery gift recipient, take a quick glance at any jewellery they are wearing to help gauge whether they’re a warm gold gal, a cool silver fan or not afraid to mix metals. This can help you to select jewellery in their metal preference.

If you’re gifting someone who doesn’t wear a lot of jewellery, you can try and match the jewellery to their skin tone, to find the most flattering metal for them.

Adjustable pieces for maximum comfort

Finding out someone’s ring size or preferred necklace length can be tricky. When looking for jewellery gifts for friends or family members, it’s often best to look for universal or average sizes when it comes to bangles or necklace lengths.

Better yet, look for pieces that are adjustable, like chains with extenders to allow the wearer to choose to wear it shorter or longer depending on their preference or their neckline style. Open style rings are also often adjustable meaning the recipient can change up what finger they wear them on and ensure that the ring still fits perfectly.

Remember practicality and preference

It’s good to think about lifestyle when selecting jewellery gifts. For new mums or those with younger children, jewellery that dangles, like drop earrings or long pendant chains, might not be the most practical.

Also consider their overall style. If they’re a minimalist who doesn’t often wear statement jewellery, maybe a brightly coloured cluster ring won’t suit their style and your gift won’t be worn. Similarly, if their clothes are timeless and classic silhouettes, reflect this with a timeless antique or vintage jewellery piece.

Bespoke birthday gifts

Struggling to find the perfect pre-existing piece? Design a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece, an extra special option for milestone birthdays like 18ths, 21sts or new decades!

Find out more: Bespoke Jewellery Design

Final thoughts

When it comes to selecting special birthday jewellery gifts, it’s important to take into account their personality, their tastes and their overall style, to ensure that you’re picking the perfect present just for them.

Adding a personalised touch, like birthstones, and remembering your loved ones’ metal preference will help to ensure that you’re giving them a memorable and meaningful gift for their birthday.

Looking for a unique and sentimental gift for Mother’s Day this year? Move over petrol garage flowers, it’s time to source special gifts full of meaning and memories!

Jewellery is a great choice when it comes to gifting for Mothering Sunday, as it is a purchase they may not treat themselves to and will last long after the day itself.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect present for your own Mum or grandmother, shopping for sentimental gifts from the kids for your wife or thinking about treating a close Mum-to-be friend, in this Mother’s Day Gift Guide we will help you find something special for the mother figure in your life.

Fashionable gifts for trendy Mums

For fashion-conscious Mum’s or stylish Grans, jewellery can be a great way to channel the trends and add some pizzazz to their outfits.

According to Pinterest Predicts, brooches are having a real moment this year. Finding a beautiful brooch is perfect for fashion savvy Mum’s. Go for antique or vintage for a truly one-of-a-kind gift for a one in a million Mum!

Another jewellery trend for 2026 is multicoloured gemstones. A vibrant option for colourful and creative Mum’s, rainbow gemstone jewellery will add excitement and sparkle to everyday outfits or a statement to evening wear. Make it even more personal by selecting birthstones as your gemstones. You can choose her birthstone, or her children’s to make it extra special and meaningful.

To get the most out of these pieces, look for jewellery that balances trends with timelessness, that can add a special touch to their wardrobe. The key with following trends is to select variations that can be adapted season after season to ensure you can be sustainable and stylish. Investing in antique jewellery pieces that are both timeless and trend-forward will help to create a jewellery collection that stands the test of time.

Luxury jewellery gifts for Mother’s Day

Treat your mum to a little luxury this Mother’s Day, she deserves it! What’s more luxurious and special than diamonds? As Marilyn Monroe said, they are a girl’s best friend, after all.

A traditional, hardwearing material, diamond jewellery is hardy enough for daily wear while also adding a touch of class and elegance, making them the perfect gift for maternal figures.

Choose classic diamond stud earrings for a timeless gift that can be dressed up or down, and are subtle enough for everyday wear (make sure Mum removes them if she goes swimming though!).

Wear your heart on your sleeve with bracelets or bangles for Mother’s Day

From sleek, modern bangles, to delicate gemstone bracelets or charm bracelets, wrist jewellery are a versatile option allowing personal style to shine through. They can be worn alone for a dainty look or stacked to make a statement.

Often overlooked when it comes to building a jewellery collection, wrist jewellery like cuffs, watches, bangles and bracelets can be layered or switched out depending on the occasion. They also make a great gift, as most of the time they have adjustable sizing options, meaning you won’t have to return or resize the gift.

Precious metals for precious people

While flowers and chocolates are some of the most popular gifts given on Mother’s Day, they don’t last very long. Instead, look for a gift that will keep both their sentimental and physical value.

Gifting jewellery made from precious metals, like gold or even silver, will mean they will last a very long time, not just on Mother’s Day.

Looking after jewellery well, by storing it safely and regularly cleaning it, will help to ensure precious jewellery will last and be able to be enjoyed for many years to come – or even passed down to future generations and become an heirloom of the future!

Lockets of love

With a rich history of holding sentimental and special belongings, lockets are a perfect gift for grandmothers on Mother’s Day.

For an extra special touch, pre-fill the locket with a small token of love as an additional surprise for the recipient. Lockets are perfect for holding mini family photographs, handwritten notes, small charms or other tiny trinkets and mementos that mean something to the wearer.

Make it personal

Personalised gifts are a perfect way to let your loved ones know how much you care about them. By specially selecting something that is personal to them, will mean they’re likely to love it even more.

Personalisation can come in many forms, from engraving to birthstones. For a subtle, stylish and sparkling gift for Mother’s Day, try a diamond initial pendant and choose from their initial or their children’s – or layer multiple on different chain lengths!

Matching jewellery for Mum’s and daughters

Your biggest inspiration from day one, teaching you life lessons and being there for you on all the milestone moments, your mum is one special lady. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so why not treat the pair of you to a special matching jewellery piece.

Whether you want matching necklaces, bracelets or earrings, choose classic styles to ensure they suit both of your styles. For example, you could select a common motif, like these diamond dragonfly studs and diamond dragonfly pendant.

Alternatively, you could opt for similar but not exact jewellery that gives a nod to each other. Choose a diamond tennis bracelet for Mum and treat yourself to diamond hoop earrings.

Final Thoughts

Make Mother’s Day special this year with a thoughtful gift that shows your appreciation for the maternal presences in your life. Giving the gift of jewellery will give your recipient many moments of joy and ample opportunities to enjoy their present for many years to come.

When selecting a sentimental gift, remember to keep in mind their style and their preferred metal, and try adding a personal touch, in the form of initials birthstones.

Need help finding the perfect gift? Speak to our jewellery experts who can help you source bespoke jewellery or specially selected antiques that will brighten Mums day!

When looking for vintage or antique jewellery, it’s important to understand the distinct designs that each period is known for. In the early 20th century, art deco dominated design in everything from architecture and automobiles to fashion and, of course, jewellery.

Known for its elegance and exotic inspiration, art deco is a striking style that blends modernism in a timeless fashion.

In this guide, we will explore the origins of Art Deco, the key features to look out for in art deco design, and how it was, and continues to be, translated into jewellery that stands the test of time.

What is Art Deco?

‘Art Deco’ is said to have started at the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels’, an exhibition that took place in Paris in 1925, which inspired a distinct design style popular between the 1920s and 1940s.

From architecture, like the Chrysler Building in New York, to fashion, like Coco Chanel, art deco inspired all forms of design, and still influences styles of today.

What are the key features of art deco design?

There are four main features that define art deco designs.

Geometric Shapes

Art Deco is all about strong lines and geometric shapes. Think squares and triangles, but also more exciting shapes, like zigzags and sunburst designs, popular in architecture and in jewellery, which may have been repeated in a rhythmic pattern.

Sleek, streamlined lines

The epitome of modernity, Art Deco was an ode to the machine ages and this is reflected in its design. Smooth, long lines or aerodynamic curves help to evoke a sense of motion.

Modern materials and exotic motifs

Taking inspiration from African, Japanese or ancient Greek art, and the discovery of Tutunkahmun’s Tomb in 1922 influenced Art Deco designers to experiment with luxurious and exotic materials and motifs. This was often contrasted with the use of modern metals, such as steel and chrome and traditional materials like ivory or bone.

Vibrant, bold colours with contrast

Using vibrant colours like deep reds, greens and blues was often contrasted with metallic accents, like gold and silver to create a bold, statement look.

How did art deco influence jewellery design?

When it comes to art deco jewellery, many jewellery designers explored the key features in the shapes, stones and style of their pieces.

Jewellery houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels really embraced art deco in their designs, choosing bright gemstones and geometric designs to modernise jewellery to suit the changing demands of contemporary women.

Cartier Tutti Frutti collection, c. 1920s

Although not officially named ‘Tutti Frutti’ until much later in the 1970s, this multicoloured collection was inspired by the designers ‘adventures in India’, embodying the exotic influence seen in art deco design as well as the bold bright colours.

So iconic was this collection, that in 2020 an original Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet from 1930, was sold for a record-breaking $1.3 million at a Sotheby’s online auction dedicated to jewellery.

Cartier Halo Tiara, c. 1936

One of the most iconic jewellery pieces belonging to the British Royal Family is the late Queen Elizabeth’s Cartier Halo Tiara.

Originally purchased in 1936, in the height of the Art Deco period for the Queen’s Mother, it was gifted to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday, the Halo Tiara was later worn by Catherine Middleton on her wedding day in 2011, leading to a trend in Art Deco inspired bridal jewellery.

Van Cleef & Arpels gemstone bracelets and cuffs

Another jewellery house synonymous with the art deco period is Van Cleef & Arpels. In particular, they focused on creating bracelets and cuffs that were a modern interpretation of jewellery for women.

Notably, their geometric gemstone bracelets featured semi-precious stones rather than diamonds, which was unusual for the time. They were also incredibly innovative for the time as they used calibré cut gems which showcased a new stone-cutting technique developed by Van Cleef & Arpels used to create form and texture within a jewel – the height of modernity!

Chanel imitation pearl necklace

An iconic look during the art deco period was Coco Chanel’s monochromatic little black dress paired with an imitation pearl necklace. Although the brand did not manufacture pearl necklaces until much later, founder Gabrielle Chanel is famed for popularising wearing strings of pearl and imitation pearl necklaces in the 1920s and 1930s.

How to get the Art Deco look today?

Even if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to sourcing vintage designer jewellery at auction, you can still get the art deco look by keeping in mind the key design features and choosing timeless pieces.

Geometric Engagement Rings

Art Deco is a timeless design, making it a perfect style for heirloom jewellery, like an engagement ring! The sleek, streamline design seen in Art Deco gemstone rings make them appear modern even today.

Choose a bold, brightly coloured gemstone for a beautiful contrast look, like an Emerald Art Deco Engagement Ring for a truly statement piece.

Elegant Art Deco Earrings

When the hemlines of the 1920s were rising, so were haircuts for women. ‘Bob’ haircuts were the do of the decade, all the rage for women in this period, following the ‘flapper’ style.

These sleek shorter hair styles meant there was an increased focus on earrings, with Art Deco drop earrings beautifully peaking out below cropped cuts.

Colourful cocktail rings

Make a statement with a colourful cocktail ring. Cocktail rings rose in popularity in Prohibition era America, as a symbol of female independence, a hint of rebellion and a show of a booming economy.

An art deco-inspired cluster cocktail ring can elevate your evening wear, or add some sparkle to casual outfits.

Final Thoughts

Art deco was a period that championed modern materials and machinery to create contemporary designs. Despite emerging around 100 years ago, the sophisticated, sleek features mean they still feel fresh and fashionable even now.

Channel art deco modernity with brightly coloured gemstones in contrasting metal settings, statement cocktail rings and bold drop earrings to add elegance to evening wear or a chic addition to casualwear.

Celebrating your first year of marriage is an important milestone in your blossoming relationship, and finding the perfect gift that your partner will cherish is the perfect way to commemorate this moment.

From traditional gifts, to modern, unique and quirky presents, in this guide, we share our top tips to help you find a thoughtful first anniversary gift for your partner.

What are the traditional gifts for a first wedding anniversary?

Traditionally, the first wedding anniversary gift is represented by ‘paper’. Paper symbolises a blank canvas for you to write your love story on at the beginning of your new chapter together. Similarly, the threads in paper symbolise the unseen strength of your relationship, too! The threads within paper are meant to symbolise the strength and connectivity of your blossoming relationship.

The modern take on wedding anniversary gifts assigns the first anniversary to ‘clock’. The clock is said to represent the couple’s eternal and never-ending love so has been adopted more recently as a way to signify a first wedding anniversary.

Thoughtful first wedding anniversary gifts

There are many ways to take inspiration from the traditional and modern interpretation of these wedding anniversary materials to find a unique and meaningful present for your spouse to celebrate your first wedding anniversary.

Eternity Ring

Eternity rings form part of a wedding ring stack, sitting on top of your wedding band and engagement ring. They are usually a band of precious metal, like gold or platinum, set with a continuous line of diamonds or other precious gemstones. This is meant to symbolise the never-ending love of the couple.

Eternity rings are usually given to mark milestones in a marriage, from significant anniversaries to the birth of a baby. Gifting your wife an eternity ring on your first anniversary celebrates your first milestone together as a married couple, demonstrating your love and devotion to your partner.

Make new memories with an experiential gift

Paper gifts don’t have to be boring! Why not book tickets to an experience that you can share with your spouse. Making space for quality time within your relationship is important at all stages of your marriage, so set the tone with your first anniversary by setting aside time to enjoy each other’s company.

Find an event, exhibition, theatre show or other activity that you and your partner can do together, allowing you to spend time together, make new memories and do something new or exciting with one another.

Remember that presentation is important, so be sure to print out the tickets onto paper or card, and present them in a beautiful envelope or gift box.

Love notes

In an increasingly digital age, many people are turning to more analogue and the rise of ‘stationerycore’ is growing. Journaling is also a great form of self-care and stress-relief, with many benefits to mental health.

Gifting a luxury notebook may encourage your partner to take time out of their day to slow down, journal and write down their thoughts, feelings, dreams or aspirations.

A modern or traditional timepiece

Take inspiration from the modern wedding anniversary gift guide of clocks, and give your husband a timepiece. A modern interpretation of the clock gift could be a smart watch, providing time-telling as well as connectivity.

For those with more traditional style and tendencies, try sourcing a vintage pocket watch, which is not only a sentimental gift, they also have the ability to become heirlooms of the future and passed down through your newly formed family.

Write your own cookbook – a recipe for gifting success

An innovative interpretation of the traditional first anniversary gift of paper is to buy a recipe journal. These are a ‘build your own cookbook’, giving you a dedicated place to write down and collect your favourite recipes together.

From family favourites to recreations of your go-to date night restaurant, a recipe journal can help you to collate recipes throughout your relationship.

Literary love stories

Celebrate your love story with a literary gift. A beautifully bound classic book is a little luxury that many people wouldn’t think to buy themselves, making them a perfect treat and great option for an anniversary gift.

Maybe your spouse’s favourite author has a brand new book out, or look out for a collection of romantic poems in a coffee table book. Classic tales are also a good option.

Alternatively, an e-reader, like a Kindle Paperwhite, are great for reading on the go – perfect for partners that have a commute or prefer more lightweight reading experiences.

A permanent present

If you’re looking for a unique first wedding anniversary gift, why not book in to get matching tattoos! Many modern couples choose to get their partners initials or their wedding date inked on them, however you could also look at getting more abstract that symbolises your relationship or your partner in a more subtle way.

This is a great idea for creative couples, who likely already have tattoos – although it’s a good idea to brooch the subject with your spouse before making any appointments to check they are on board first!

Replicate your first date, or another significant moment in your relationship

Take a trip down memory lane and recreate a special or romantic moment in your relationship.

Whether it’s revisiting the restaurant you had your first date at, going back to the place you got engaged, or taking a trip to the venue you got married in, you can make new memories in meaningful places on your first anniversary. Be sure to mention when booking that you’ll be celebrating your anniversary, as they may go the extra mile for you on your arrival!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding a first wedding anniversary gift that your partner will cherish, there are certain traditional materials and gift suggestions you may want to take inspiration from.

However, the best way to select the perfect present for your partner is to look for something meaningful, sentimental and special to you as a couple that will help you to celebrate and commemorate your first year of marriage.

As Christmas draws closer, festive celebrations are filling the diary. Finding the perfect Christmas jewellery to wear to each of these occasions can help to make the most of the festive season and elevate your party outfits.

From glitzy Christmas parties, to cosy, casual Boxing Day gatherings and full glamour New Year’s Eve soirees, we have put together the ultimate guide to styling jewellery this festive season and the key Christmas jewellery trend to look out for.

How to style jewellery for festive events this Christmas

The first thing to consider when trying to find your jewellery style this Christmas is to think about the type of occasions and events you will be attending, how formal they will be and what clothes you will be wearing with your jewels. This will help you to determine what jewellery styles will best suit each occasion.

What jewellery to wear for the work Christmas party

Work Christmas parties can vary in formality from company to company, from casual pub trips to black-tie dinners!

For more casual Christmas dos, opt for classic styles over statement pieces. Look for dainty high quality metals, like 9ct gold or sterling silver in simple styles to exude class.

For more formal affairs, you can afford to be more experimental and colourful with your jewellery choices. Try a bold pendant necklace or layer chains of differing lengths and chain thicknesses.

Festival jewellery for ‘Friend-mas’

More recently, groups of friends are gathering around the festive period to celebrate ‘Friendmas’, either instead of, or in addition to, their family Christmas.

There are often informal celebrations, so you can wear whatever you want. For jewellery, add a nod to traditional friendship bracelets, and wear your favourite bangles, bracelets or cuffs to your festive gathering with friends. You could even gift your friends matching bracelets for Christmas!

The big day – perfect jewellery for Christmas Day

Move over matching Christmas pyjamas, and say hello to a stunning jewellery set.

Whether you want to match your gemstone earrings to a cocktail ring, or choose a matching necklace and bracelet set, wearing a two, or three piece jewellery collection will create a classy, cohesive look that’s perfect for Christmas Day.

The beauty of matching sets is that you can wear them together on special occasions, like Christmas, to make a statement. But each piece can be worn separately, to tone down your jewellery look, meaning you can get the most out of your jewellery collection throughout the year.

Casual-yet-classic jewellery for Boxing Day

For many of us, after the chaos of Christmas Day, Boxing Day is a much more casual affair.

Whether you’re spending all day in your pyjamas, or pairing a Christmas jumper with jeans (or post-turkey leggings!), add simple jewellery, like a classic pair of delicate hoop earrings.

Be careful with festive knitwear, as it can be a hazard for chain necklaces or dangling earrings. To avoid getting caught in your jumper and risking ruining your knitwear, opt for more subtle, dainty jewellery, like huggie style earrings or smooth rings with minimal edges or details that could snag on your knitwear.

Jewellery for New Year’s Eve

Saving the best until last, New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to wear your most sparkling, most special jewellery pieces. Whether you’re keeping it casual or heading to a party, make a statement with your jewellery to see in the new year.

A pair of statement earrings are a versatile way to add some sparkle to any outfit. From diamond studded hoop earrings, to emerald drop earrings, adding bold earrings to a simple Little Black Dress or cocktail dress is a stylish way to stand out this New Year’s Eve.

Jewellery Trends for the Festive Season

Gemstones Galore

Channel your inner Christmas tree and adorn yourself in multicoloured gemstones this festive season.

While multicoloured lights may have gone out of fashion for Christmas decor, bright and bold gemstones are set to be a huge trend in 2026. Get ahead of the crowd and pair gemstones with more pared back outfits, like neutrals or all-black outfits, or match your ruby or pink sapphires to your lipstick for an on-trend colour blocking look.

Diamonds in December

According to UK based bridal company BrideBook, 35-40% of all engagements happen in Winter, between the months of December and February, with over a quarter of them happening at Christmas time!

So, diamond jewellery is incredibly popular in December. Even if you are already engaged or married, you can add a touch of elegance to your festive fashions with some classic diamond stud earrings.

If you have an inkling you might be proposed to this festive season, our top tip is to make sure to book in a manicure and opt for more dainty and delicate jewellery, especially rings, and keep your ring finger jewellery free – just in case!

Gold rings for Christmas

In honour of the 12 days of Christmas song, why not wear your favourite 5 golden rings this Christmas season!

Try wearing a range of gold rings or bangles in different thicknesses and styles will make an eye-catching jewellery stack. This also allows you to wear several of your best pieces together, making the most of your jewellery collection.

Sparkle in Icy silver and white gold

If you’re more of a cool-toned jewellery lover, icy silver tones are perfect for winter.

Take inspiration from frosted mornings and snowy scenes, and look for metals like platinum, white gold or sterling silver. For gemstones, try diamond, opal or pearl jewellery this festive season.

Tap into traditional Christmas trends with vintage and antique jewellery

Nostalgic, traditional Christmas is a key trend in all things festive this year, from decorations to tableware.

Channel this vintage feeling and look for antique, one-of-a-kind jewellery to wear with your partyware this Christmas. Sourcing vintage jewellery is a stylish and sustainable way to grow your jewellery collection, finding unique pieces from different eras, from Victorian rings to Art Deco earrings. The exquisite craftsmanship found in antique jewellery is perfect to accentuate floor-length gowns and add some glamour to festive outfits.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, add some elegance to your festive fashions with on-trend jewellery.

From delicate and dainty jewellery to create a classic casual look to making a statement with bold gemstones and icy-toned metals, channel Christmas trends from head to toe at all your Christmas celebrations this festive period.

As we near the end of 2025, it’s time to look ahead to the key jewellery trends to watch out for in 2026.

From the haute couture houses of Paris, to the modern runways of New York Fashion Week, and everywhere in between, jewellery trends for 2026 look to be big, bold and beautiful. From mixed metals and layered pieces, to structural and sculptural shapes, there’s something to suit all personalities and tastes.

In this article, we will look at the key themes featured at fashion shows for 2026, and how you can work them into your jewellery collection in a sustainable and stylish way, so you can be a trend setter not a fashion follower.

Key jewellery trends for 2026

Bold shapes

We are moving away from minimalism, and jewellery trends in 2026 are leaning towards bold shapes and structural looks. Think chunky chains, thick cuff bracelets and sculptural pendants.

This trend can lean to futuristic styles, with fluid and abstract shapes, or smooth pebble-like shapes featuring highly. Whether you want to go for angular and geometric, or look for softer shapes, make sure they are big and bold to make a statement for 2026 styles.

Vibrant gemstones

To go-to gemstones for 2026 are all about choosing bold, bright colours. Vivid gemstones are set to dominate jewellery trends next year, and you can be really creative with what stones you choose.

From making it personal with birthstones or choosing stones in your favourite colour, to creating a rainbow look by wearing multiple stones in different pieces of jewellery, when looking for gemstones to wear in 2026, make sure they are colourful.

Mixing metals

While silver has definitely had a moment in 2025, with prices of silver skyrocketing in 2025, next year will be all about mixed metals.

Mixing different metals, like yellow gold and silver, is a great way to experiment with your jewellery and create bold, interesting looks. You can still rock the mixed metal trend even if you’ve already figured out what metal matches your skin tone best, by layering different metals with the same tone, for example wearing different cooler toned metals like silver with blackened metals, or combining yellow gold with copper tones to add depth.

Vintage and heritage inspiration

With the rise of ‘old money’ style in fashion, there’s no wonder that vintage and heritage is a jewellery trend to watch out for in 2026.

Often used as a reaction to, and rejection of, fast fashion that is poor quality, many consumers are now looking to well-made, timeless pieces both in fashion and accessories, including jewellery.

Jewellery for 2026 will focus on vintage inspired pieces, a nod to by-gone eras and building a jewellery collection filled with timeless items that you can wear time and time again.

Layering jewellery

Again, moving away from minimalism, layering jewellery looks to be making a come-back in 2026.

Building a cohesive jewellery stack can take many years, collecting pieces over time. However, with a solid foundation of key, timeless pieces, you can expertly layer jewellery to complement your style and showcase your excellent taste in jewellery!

Pieces to invest in now to stay ahead of the trends

With many trends set to hit the high street and costume jewellery shelves next year, here are some jewellery pieces that you can invest in that can help you stay on trend while retaining your signature style and building out a timeless jewellery collection.

Statement pendant necklaces

From Ralph Lauren to Hermes, one trend that was seen on many catwalks for Spring / Summer 26, was statement pendant necklaces. Worn long and low on the body to mirror deep necklines, or even worn backwards to accentuate backless dresses, the statement pendant necklace is definitely one trend to work into your jewellery collection next year.

Choosing a pendant that can be worn on a long or shorter chain will mean you will get maximum wear, and allow you to layer with other necklaces as the trends change

Brooches

Making their way to the catwalks of high-end fashion houses for Spring / Summer 2026, brooches are set to have a big moment next year.

The beauty of brooches is that they retain their timeless style, and can be worn multiple ways. Fixing a statement brooch to a scarf or tie, to wearing many on a lapel, seeking out a vintage brooch is a great way to create an on-trend look that can adapt to your personal style, as well as change with the fashions.

Chunky hoop earrings

A timeless way to tap into jewellery trends in 2026 is to invest in a pair of statement hoop earrings.

A classic hoop earring never goes out of style, and having a few key pairs of hoop earrings in different sizes and thicknesses mean you can swap them out depending on trends and your chosen outfits.

For 2026, hoop earrings are going to be chunky, so look for thicker styles. To avoid heavy, weighty hoops dragging your ears down, look for hollow styles when considering bigger, bolder hoops to avoid damaging your ears and improving comfort.

Ethical gemstone jewellery

Sustainability never goes out of style. So if you’re wanting to try into the vibrant gemstone trend, be sure to look for the origins of your jewellery. All of our gemstones are ethically and responsibly sourced, meaning you can wear the trend guilt-free.

One of the most sustainable ways to wear gemstones, and all jewellery, is to buy vintage and antique. Through buying vintage jewellery, you are reusing materials and giving existing pieces a new lease of life, truly planet-friendly fashion!

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to hop on the heritage trend, or vibing with vibrant gemstones, jewellery trends are set to be full of fun and creativity in 2026.

When it comes to staying ahead of jewellery trends for 2026, we recommend choosing the trends that most align with your personal style as this way you will be able to select pieces that will work with the trends next year, and many years beyond!

With a chill in the air and the nights getting longer, gothic jewellery may start to make its way onto the fingers and necks of those seeking a darker jewellery look this spooky season.

But, gothic jewellery isn’t just for Halloween! Taking inspiration from ancient architecture and blending it with modern motifs, gothic jewellery trends transcend time.

In this article, we will look at the key styles and trends in gothic jewellery that you can wear all year round.

What is gothic jewellery?

Gothic jewellery draws inspiration from gothic subculture, a cultural movement first emerging in the 1970s in Britain.

The Gothic movement takes influence from a range of historical sources, such as gothic literature from the 19th century, medieval gothic architecture and natural elements like botanicals and celestial elements.

Gothic jewellery often features echoes of the past, and the origins of gothic inspiration, and tends to be on the darker side.

One of the key features of gothic style is creativity and self-expression. So, if you’re looking to embrace your more mysterious side through gothic jewellery, you can blend your personal style with gothic touches or go for a full gothic jewellery collection.

Styles of gothic jewellery

While all types of jewellery can be made with gothic elements or inspiration, there are some key jewellery pieces that emulate the gothic vibe.

Brooches

Inspired by Victorian jewellery, brooches are a great way to start your gothic jewellery collection. They are versatile pieces that can add a touch of gothic flair to your outfit. From an antique cameo brooch to a bejewelled uniquely shaped brooch, you can make a statement or add some subtle style.

Necklaces

To achieve a gothic necklace look, try stacking multiple necklaces of varying lengths. Choker necklaces are incredibly popular in gothic style, layered with large gemstone pendants on longer chains and plain but thick chains to fill in the gaps.

Rings

Wearing lots of bold, statement rings with large jewels is a staple for many gothic jewellery lovers. Some people even choose to wear a ring on every finger! Though that may be impractical for many, adding some interesting, gothic-inspired rings to your collection can help you achieve a toned down version of this look.

Gothic jewellery trends and themes

Silver style

The preferred metal choice for many gothic loving jewellery fans is undoubtedly silver. From brushed and slightly blackened to highly-shined and polished silver, choosing cool-toned jewellery.

The popularity of silver in gothic jewellery comes from its ability to highlight intricate detailing, with the natural oxidisation process providing depth to pieces. Others say that it’s because of its likeness to moonlight.

However, if warm-toned metals like yellow gold jewellery suit your skin tone better, you can incorporate other gothic elements to help achieve this striking look. Look for darker, more muted tones of gold to help create a more gothic look.

Deep jewel tones

In keeping with the dark nature of gothic style, when choosing gemstones, look for deep, striking gemstones to achieve a gothic look this Autumn / Winter. Bold jewels will really stand out against silver settings, creating a striking look.

From blood-red ruby jewellery to inky sapphires as dark as the night sky, deep jewels can help to create a jewellery collection with depth and a touch of gothic style.

Following Queen Victoria’s extended period of mourning after her husband, Albert’s death in 1861, mourning jewellery grew in popularity, with black jet featuring highly in jewellery of the time. While black gemstones are more unusual, you can emulate this design with black stones, like onyx or rare black or salt and pepper diamonds.

Memento mori

Coming from the Latin phrase that translates to “remember you must die”, Memento mori was a popular theme in jewellery between the 14th and 17th century, and later in the mourning jewellery made popular by Queen Victoria.

While it may seem morbid, commemorative jewellery is still rather popular today. Though memorial jewellery of the 19th century sometimes featured lockets with hair of the deceased enclosed, which, unsurprisingly, has fallen out of fashion in contemporary jewellery making, commemorative jewellery featuring loved ones’ ashes is ever popular.

Instead, incorporating skulls or other motifs into your jewellery is a way to channel this memento mori in a more subtle and stylish way.

Victorian inspiration

Harking back to the era of gothic literature, gothic style has a tendency to draw inspiration from the Victorian period.

Key features of Victorian jewellery are intricate detailing on the metalwork and gemstones set with claw-like prongs.

Whether you’re seeking out Victorian-inspired or authentic antique Victorian jewellery, look out for filigree detailing on the metal work and rich symbolism.

Details like hands, hearts and serpents were all common in traditional Victorian jewellery, with strong sentimental symbolism attached. More contemporary adaptations of gothic jewellery may feature motifs like bats or skulls that have less sentimentality and links more closely to cultural symbols.

Celestial celebration

Alongside natural motifs, gothic jewellery often centres on celestial inspiration. From stars, moons and suns to zodiac and astrology.

You can incorporate elements of celestial style by choosing ethereal stones, like moonstone or opal gemstones, that reflect multicoloured refractions of light, creating a dream-like quality.

You could also take an astrological route, figuring out your birthstone and incorporating that into your gothic jewellery. Alternatively, zodiac symbols or the animals associated with the starsign, like scorpions for Scorpios or Lions for Leos, often feature in jewellery designs and can add a touch of the celestial to your jewellery.

Religious iconography

Gothic style often echoes religious iconography and architecture, perhaps taking inspiration from gothic architecture.

Incorporating religious inspiration is common in gothic jewellery, with crosses and crucifixes. However, a more subtle way to incorporate this inspiration could be through choosing gemstones that mimic stained-glass windows, with rich jewel tones.

Final Thoughts

While gothic jewellery tends to be on the darker side, combining subtle gothic features and accents with timeless designs and beautiful craftsmanship, gothic pieces can be added to your jewellery collection seamlessly and worn alongside contemporary items and antique finds alike!

When it comes to choosing pre-loved jewellery, often antique and vintage jewellery are the preferred choice for people wanting unique, well-made pieces that hold meaning and value.

Investing in antique or vintage jewellery is a great way to build your jewellery collection, prioritising craftsmanship and precious materials as well as personal style and heritage.

It can be confusing to identify what makes jewellery antique versus what qualifies as vintage jewellery. From hallmarks to period specific techniques, here is our guide to help you identify and choose your next antique or vintage jewellery purchase.

What is antique jewellery?

The main difference between antique and vintage jewellery is their age.

In the jewellery industry, antique jewellery is generally classed as pieces that are over 100 years old.

This means jewellery made before the 1920s are antique, and include pieces made in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, as well as earlier pieces, if they have survived!

Antique jewellery can be difficult to source, making them incredibly rare and valuable, often resulting in being very expensive. This does, however, mean that you are likely to be wearing a one-of-a-kind, incredibly unique piece of jewellery, making them deserving of the higher price tag.

What is vintage jewellery?

Unlike antique jewellery, vintage jewellery has less rigid rules when it comes to classification. However, there are some guidelines that most jewellers and valuers adhere to.

Vintage jewellery must be less than 100 years old, and most commonly it is between 50 and 100 years old. This means that jewellery made between 1920 and 1970 is considered to be vintage. Although, often jewellery made more than 20 years ago is considered to be vintage, too.

As the time span that covers vintage jewellery is quite broad, so too is the price range. Earlier vintage jewellery, from the 1930s – 1950s can hold more value compared to ‘newer’ vintage pieces, however this can be dependent on condition, quality of materials and design.

What is vintage-style jewellery?

Lots of contemporary jewellery is made and described as ‘vintage inspired’ or ‘vintage style’. This means that it has been made with modern materials and techniques, but takes inspiration from the design of vintage jewellery.

While vintage-style jewellery is a more affordable option, good for costume jewellery pieces for special occasions, genuine vintage jewellery holds a lot more value and is often more hardwearing, due to the time and techniques used to produce them.

How to identify if jewellery is antique or vintage

Jewellery experts look for some of these key indicators when inspecting jewellery to help them identify when it was made to help them accurately classify them, and give them a valuation that is appropriate for their age, design and condition.

Hallmarks or other makers marks

The most accurate way to identify when and where the item of jewellery was made is to look for marking. Sometimes markings can even help you identify exactly who made it, as makers may have engraved initials or company logo onto the piece.

In Britain, design registration marks and hallmarks, such as marks from the assay office can not only help to authenticate the material and quality of the jewellery, but the date it was made too.

Specific eras or styles

Throughout history, certain design styles have been popular during specific periods of time. This means there are details or designs that can help to identify when a piece of jewellery was made.

For example, in the 1920s and 1930s ‘Art Deco’ was the style of the time. Key features of art deco design that you can look out for in vintage jewellery from this period include streamlined, geometric shapes and sometimes a nod to Egypt, inspired by the discovery of Tutunkahmun’s tomb in 1922.

Antique jewellery from the Victorian period often include natural motifs, like floral details or vines, or include snakes and serpent details, a popular symbol of love used in eternity rings inspired by a ring that Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria.

Researching popular design and jewellery styles of notable antique and vintage periods can help you to identify these when looking for heritage jewellery.

Period appropriate craftsmanship

Another way to identify when a piece of jewellery was created is to look for specific making techniques or materials that place it in a specific time period. For example, older pieces of jewellery would have been handmade and exhibit intricate details to reflect this, whereas vintage jewellery may have utilised contemporary machinery to the time to help manufacture and make jewellery.

The cut of diamonds, for example, can be a great way to identify when it was made. More traditional cuts, like the old mine cut, are likely to be antique, while modern cuts, like a round brilliant cut, are likely to be vintage instead.

Material matters

Similarly, material used in jewellery can help to identify when it was made. Higher-carat gold is likely to be used in antique jewellery, while platinum and white gold is often found in vintage jewellery.

When it comes to later vintage periods, like the 1960s onwards, plastic, or resin, and wood can be found used in fashionable jewellery of the time.

How to take care of antique or vintage jewellery

For jewellery you wear daily, such as an antique engagement ring, it’s a good idea to get into a regular cleaning routine to keep your jewellery maintained well and improve the life-span of heritage jewellery. Often it is easy to clean gold jewellery at home, with simple household items, but take care to be gentle with older pieces, as they may be more delicate than modern items.

Be sure to store antique and vintage jewellery in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight, and remove before showering, exercising or swimming. Try to avoid contact with chemicals, such as harsh cleaning products and even over exposure to perfumes, as this may cause damage in the long run.

Taking good care of antique and vintage jewellery will ensure that you can enjoy your jewellery for many years to come, and even pass them down as heirlooms of the future!

Restoring antique or vintage jewellery

Restoring antique or vintage jewellery is a great way to give historic, meaningful or symbolic heritage pieces a new lease of life. However, as a general rule, in order to maintain its status as vintage or antique, at least 50% of the original jewellery must remain in the restored piece.

This could mean keeping a gemstone but making improvements to the setting to ensure that it keeps its integrity but has a more robust setting. In contrast, using metal from antique or vintage pieces of jewellery, melting it down and redesigning it would mean it is no longer classed as either antique or vintage.

Final thoughts

When it comes to antique and vintage jewellery, the most important thing to consider is their condition and their value, not just financially but what it means historically, to you in the present, and who you might pass it down to eventually.

Investing in heritage heirlooms adds new stories to existing pieces of jewellery and keeps the rich tapestry of jewellery making and wearing alive for years to come.

Need help identifying or choosing an antieur of vintage piece of jewellery?

Our experts can help to identify or value jewellery, source jewellery from a specific period, or discuss ways to restore or rejuvenate existing pieces, contact us.