Author: Stephen Sutton

Whether you’re gathering inspiration or you’ve been proposed to, choosing your perfect engagement ring can be daunting. This special piece of jewellery will be symbolic of your love and something you’ll likely wear every single day, meaning it should reflect your personal style while also standing the test of time, in style and strength.

In this guide, we will take you through all the important considerations when choosing your engagement ring, from stone cuts and shapes that flatter your fingers, to thinking about your future wedding ring and the best stones for engagement rings.

What are the most popular engagement ring shapes?

Round

Round cut is the most popular gemstone cut, and is a traditional option when looking for a timeless engagement ring shape.

Oval

Oval cuts are an elongated round, which provides more surface area making it appear larger.

Emerald

Emerald cut stones have a rectangular shape that features step-cut facets. They can look both timeless and modern.

Cushion

Cushion cuts are square with rounded corners, giving them a softer appearance compared to Princess cuts.

Radiant

Radiant gemstones are a hybrid between an emerald and a round cut diamond, offering maximum sparkle.

Princess

Unlike Cushion cuts, Princess cuts are square with pointed corners, making them a modern choice for contemporary brides.

Marquise

Marquise cuts are elongated with pointed ends, and are perhaps the most unique shape for engagement rings.

Pear-shaped

Pear-shaped cuts are another shape that combines the styles of other popular cuts to create a unique shape of its own. Pear-shaped diamonds take inspiration from Marquise and Round cuts to form a teardrop shape.

What to consider when choosing your engagement ring?

As well as shape, there are several other things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring that can help you to choose your perfect ring.

Your future wedding ring

When selecting your engagement ring, it’s good to also picture what your future wedding ring might look like alongside it.

More intricate or unique engagement ring shapes may make it more difficult to find a wedding ring that fits perfectly and stacks well. This may mean you have to design a bespoke wedding ring, so you’ll need to consider this in your overall wedding budget.

Your finger shape

You may want to consider your hand and finger shape and size when choosing your engagement ring to help you find a ring that is most flattering for you.

For shorter or wider fingers, you may want to choose a cut that helps to elongate your finger, like oval, emerald or marquise.

For long and narrow fingers, you can add width with round, square or princess cuts to help balance your fingers.

Similarly, if your hands are thin or small, large stones may be overpowering, whereas broader hands and fingers may benefit from a larger stone, as smaller cuts may feel a bit lost.

Your budget

When it comes to setting your budget for your engagement ring, some say you should spend between one and three months’ salary on an engagement ring. Depending if this is pre- or -post tax, that would put the cost of an engagement ring at £2500 – £9500!

However, where did this calculation come from? It was actually first introduced by diamond company De Beers advertising in the 1930s, who suggested that a month’s salary should be spent on a diamond engagement ring.

The average salary has changed a lot since the 1930s, and engagement rings have changed in style too. There are no real rules when it comes to how much you should spend, so figure out a budget that you and your partner feel comfortable with and look for rings in that range.

Your lifestyle and sense of style

While it’s not the most romantic to think realistically when selecting the shape and size of your engagement ring, considering your lifestyle and even your work may help you to make a practical choice when it comes to your engagement ring.

While you may dream of a huge diamond, this may not be the most practical, especially for more manual jobs as they may get caught or prone to damage.

Similarly, your lifestyle and fashion sense may also help inform the stone shape and setting you choose, to ensure your ring suits your style, feel comfortable to wear and work cohesively with your other jewellery. From modern to maximalist, fashion-forward or vintage, find a ring that fits your aesthetic.

What stone to choose for your engagement ring

Diamond

Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings. If you want a diamond ring, try to choose ethically sourced diamonds that clearly state their origins. Better yet, opting for a vintage or antique diamond ring. Alternatively, you may want to explore lab grown diamonds, as you’ll likely be able to get more for your budget.

When shopping for a diamond engagement ring remember to consider the 4 c’s:

• Cut refers to the faceting of the stone, and is responsible for how ‘shiny’ the diamond appears.
• Colour grades the opaqueness and tone of the diamond, with clear, or ‘white’ often regarded as the best.
• Clarity looks at any ‘imperfections’ or blemishes in the diamond.
• Carat measures the diamond’s weight.

Gemstones

Coloured gemstones have been a popular choice for engagement rings throughout history, possibly inspired by Queen Victoria’s emerald engagement ring in the shape of a serpent.

When looking for gemstone engagement rings, it’s important to consider the suitability of the gemstone for everyday wear. Look for stones that have a high rating on the MOHS hardness scale. Diamonds are a 10 on the MOHS scale, meaning they are incredibly hard-wearing. Gemstones like Sapphire, Rubies, Emeralds and Topaz vary between 8 and 9 on the MOHS scale, meaning they would make good engagement ring choices.

Stone like pearl, moonstone and opal are much softer, and more prone to being damaged. That doesn’t mean you can’t choose these for your engagement ring, you’ll just have to take extra care to ensure they don’t get scratched in daily wear.

Final thoughts

When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring to mark your betrothal, remember to select a ring that represents your style, is comfortable enough to wear daily and will work with your wider jewellery collection.

As a symbol of your love, you may even want it to combine yours and your partner’s love story, by choosing your birthstones or engraving your initials into the ring band to make it extra personal and special.

From classic gold jewellery you adorn every day, to statement pieces saved for special occasions, jewellery can become dull or dirty over time.

It is important to regularly clean your jewellery collection to maintain the structure and the sparkle of your gold jewellery pieces. The good news is, often you can tackle jewellery cleaning at home, with simple household products you may already have, like dish soap or bicarbonate of soda!

Whether you want to buff out some surface scratches, or bring the shine back to your special heirloom jewellery, here is a step by step guide to making your gold sparkle at home.

How to clean gold jewellery

Whether you have yellow, white or rose gold jewellery in need of a clean, follow these simple steps to get your jewellery glistening at home.

What you’ll need:

• A bowl
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Soft toothbrush – like a baby toothbrush
• Soft cloth or microfibre towel

Prepare your cleaning solution

When it comes to cleaning gold jewellery, you can create an effective and inexpensive cleaning solution with items you’ll likely already have at home. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl with some warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution suitable for gold jewellery.

Soak your gold jewellery

Carefully place your gold jewellery into the bowl with the soapy water, and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help to soften any dirt or grime, making it easier for you to clean in the next step.

Scrub your jewellery to remove dirt

Remove your jewellery from the water, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush, such as a baby toothbrush, or a soft cloth to gently scrub the jewellery. Pay attention to any areas that are particularly dirty.

While gold is a precious metal and is known for its strength and resilience, remember to be gentle when scrubbing your jewellery to avoid causing any damage, like bending or deeply scratching the metal. Try using soft, circular scrubbing motions.

Rinse your jewellery

Next, hold your jewellery under warm water to rinse any soapy residue or remaining dirt off your jewellery.

We recommend placing your jewellery in a sieve, or putting the plug in the sink, to ensure you don’t lose it! Alternatively, you could place your jewellery in another bowl filled with clean, warm water.

Dry your jewellery

Be sure to dry your newly clean jewellery thoroughly with a soft dry cloth or microfiber towel. Avoid air drying as this may leave water marks on your jewellery.

Finish off with a polish

To add some extra sparkle, you can use a jewellery polishing cloth to gently buff your gold jewellery.

Dealing with tarnished gold jewellery

For pieces that are more heavily tarnished or grimy, you can take some additional steps to tackle tarnished gold jewellery at home.

One option is to mix one tablespoon of baking soda with warm water to form a paste, with a similar consistency to toothpaste. Dip a soft toothbrush into the paste, then gently scrub the most tarnished areas of your gold jewellery.

You can also give them an additional soak. Try lining a bowl with aluminum kitchen foil, then mix together a small amount of baking soda, salt, and hot water together. Pour this into the foil lined bowl and give your jewellery another 10-15 minutes soak, before scrubbing and rinsing.

Tips for cleaning different types of gold jewellery

While solid gold jewellery can be treated with the above steps, other types of gold jewellery may need slightly different cleaning measures.

How to clean gold-plated jewellery

Gold-plated jewellery is often more delicate than sold gold jewellery, so you will need to be careful when cleaning it. Avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing or polishing, as this may remove some of the goldplating.

Cleaning gold jewellery that has gemstones

Another consideration when cleaning gold jewellery is to be mindful of any gemstones, like diamonds. Be extra gentle when cleaning around gemstones, so that you don’t dislodge or damage them. Consider using a cotton pad or cotton bud dipped in your cleaning solution to gently wipe over gemstones.

How to look after gold jewellery

Here are some top tips to help look after your gold jewellery to make the most of your cleaning session.

Avoid exposure to chemicals

Keep your jewellery away from chemicals such as bleach or other household cleaning products, and body lotions, perfumes or suncream. Take off your jewellery when cleaning or sunbathing to avoid exposure to harsh and potentially damaging chemicals.

Take jewellery off before exercising

We recommend taking your jewellery off before exercising as this may expose the jewellery to sweat or chlorine in swimming pools. Extended exposure to these may cause corrosion.

Similarly, jewellery can get damaged by exercise equipment or become a hazard, at risk of getting caught in equipment.

Invest in jewellery storage

It is important to store your jewellery out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. The best place to store your jewellery is in a jewellery box – a perfect excuse to treat yourself to one!

How often should you clean gold jewellery?

Try to treat your jewellery to regular cleaning sessions to avoid build up of dirt and grime. This will not only help keep them looking beautiful, but it can also stop unnecessary damage or weakness.

Be sure not to over clean though – we recommend cleaning jewellery you wear regularly, for example daily or weekly wear, once a month and for jewellery worn on special occasions, clean them every couple of months.

Final Thoughts

Regularly cleaning your gold jewellery can help to prevent damage caused by grime build up and extend their lifespan, as well as giving them a beautiful sparkle, making them feel brand new again.

Gold jewellery needing some extra TLC?

For particularly dirty jewellery, or pieces that need a little extra cleaning, why not book in for a jewellery cleaning and maintenance service. Our experts will gently but thoroughly clean your jewellery, for a small charitable donation.

Inheriting jewellery from loved ones can bring on many emotions, and wearing these pieces can help you feel closer to those who have passed and help you to maintain their memory.

However, sometimes the jewellery may not fit, be in a wearable condition, or just might not be in your preferred style! Repurposing materials from heirloom jewellery can be a great way to create a new keepsake that you will continue to wear, creating new meaning and memories.

In this article, we will look at how and why transforming your heirlooms can preserve your important family heritage for future generations to inherit in the future.

Why should you redesign heirloom jewellery?

Whether you have inherited a family member’s jewellery, or you have invested in antique jewellery and want to give it a new lease of life, transforming heirlooms is a great way to repurpose existing material into new designs. There are many benefits to redesigning antique jewellery for both the people wearing them, and the planet.

Sustainability

Repurposing the materials of antique jewellery is the most sustainable way to add new pieces to your jewellery collection. Creating a bespoke piece of jewellery will have a much higher quality of craftsmanship compared to more mass-produced mainstream jewellery.

With upcycling and repurposing remaining a key trend in the jewellery industry, not only will your redesigned jewellery use existing materials, it will also last longer, making it a sustainable and stylish choice.

Making it modern

Often, the core materials of an antique piece of jewellery, such as gemstones or metal, can remain in near perfect condition. However, taste and style can change over time, meaning the design of the item may not be that of the new owner and wearer.

By redesigning the piece, you can extend the life of the jewellery, respecting its heritage and meaning it will continue being worn, rather than gathering dust in a draw, or being forgotten in a jewellery box.

How to turn old jewellery into new pieces

Whether you want to make subtle changes, or completely redesign the heirloom piece, here is our step by step guide to transforming inherited and antique jewellery.

Evaluate your heirloom jewellery

The first thing to do when looking at how to repurpose inherited jewellery there are a few key things to consider.

Gemstones

Precious and semi-precious gemstones are often the most popular part of heirloom jewellery that are repurposed. This is due to them holding the highest value and being timeless elements.

From diamonds to pearls, emeralds to jade, each gemstone ranges in value and hardness, but generally they can be repurposed into new designs.

Metals

Precious metals, such as gold, silver or platinum, often retain their structural integrity and value, meaning they can usually be melted down and reworked into a new setting or design. This means you are retaining the meaning, but allows you to create something more ‘you’.

Condition

Depending on the age of the piece, how well it was looked after and the original design, the condition of the heritage jewellery may help to determine how much can be repurposed.

Any damage, such as chips or dents in the gemstone or metal, can weaken the integrity and limit how it can be used going forward. Some pieces may just need a simple jewellery repair servicing which will allow you to wear the pieces safely, while others will need completely taking apart and repurposing the individual components in a redesigned piece.

Redesign with clear vision

Now you understand the existing materials you have to work with, it’s now time to look at how these can be incorporated into a new design.

Look for inspiration

If your heirloom is from a particular era, research other designs or styles that were popular in that period. This can help you find alternative designs to consider for your new jewellery piece.

Browse existing jewellery collections and save pieces you like, even if it’s just one element or detail, such as a setting or textured finish. This will help you share a really clear vision with your jewellery designer during your consultation.

Combine multiple heirlooms in one new design

Often, people may inherit multiple pieces of heirloom jewellery as part of someone’s estate when they sadly pass away. These may all be of varying condition, too.

A beautiful way to honour the history and significance of their collection is to combine several pieces of heritage jewellery into a new piece. This could mean using the metal from one item and gemstones from another, to create a brand new, meaningful heirloom. You may even want to blend items from various family members, like grandparents and parents, to create a multi-generational keepsake and heirloom of the future.

Preserve and protect your new piece of jewellery

Finally, it’s important to ensure that you take the steps to maintain the memory and meaning for generations to come.

Honour the history and heritage

Engravings, family emblems or initials of the original and new owners can help to add a personal touch as well as preserve the family meaning even on a brand newly designed piece.

Incorporating the history and previous owner of the pieces in a subtle way will be a sentimental nod to its story while it continues its life in a new state.

Future heirlooms

When redesigning heirlooms into a new piece, think about how you can future-proof them for when the next generations inherit this piece in years to come.

Choose timeless designs rather than trendy silhouettes or styles so that they will stand the test of time, and avoid, or at least limit the extent of, another redesign process in the future.

It’s important to keep your new piece well maintained, ensuring to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight – in a jewellery box is best! Be sure to remove jewellery before swimming, showering or using harsh cleaning products, and regularly clean your items to ensure they have the best chance of surviving for generations to come.

Final thoughts

When it comes to transforming heirloom jewellery, redesigned jewellery items are the perfect and sustainable way to honour the materials, owner and history while also giving older pieces a new lease of life and a long future ahead, too.

Want to transform an inherited jewellery piece?

Book a consultation with our bespoke jewellery designers who can help you to create a jewellery piece that honours heritage and style.

Protect your most prized jewellery pieces with an insurance valuation. Now you’re covered if you lose your engagement ring or accidentally damage your grandmother’s pearl necklace. After all, your jewellery isn’t just something pretty to wear, it holds special memories, milestones, and investment value.

Life happens but with the right insurance, you can be prepared for most eventualities. Let’s discuss the importance of jewellery valuations and how they work.

What is a Jewellery Insurance Valuation?

An insurance jewellery valuation is where a trained jewellery expert carries out an assessment on an item (or items) of jewellery to determine their current replacement value. This ensures you have financial coverage on your cherished jewellery items, such as engagement and wedding rings, and can make a claim in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

Why is a Jewellery Insurance Valuation Important?

It’s important to have special items of jewellery valued for insurance purposes to ensure you have the correct level of insurance coverage. This means that in the tragic event your beloved item of jewellery was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will receive an insurance payout that will finance its replacement.

While we realise it’s not about the money but rather the sentimental value of the piece, having the means to replace something special to you after it’s gone can be of great comfort when things go awry.

What are the Types of Jewellery Valuation?

There are numerous types of jewellery valuation. Understanding what these are and how they work will help you establish the type of jewellery valuation you need. So, let’s take a look:

Insurance

An insurance jewellery valuation is when an item of jewellery is professionally valued to ensure the replacement amount is similar to the value of the item itself.

Probate

Probate valuations help determine the value of a deceased person’s assets. This is important for accurately calculating inheritance tax and ensuring an individual’s assets are correctly distributed to their beneficiaries. Probate is only required on items over the value of £1,500.

Family Division

Family division valuation is used for determining jewellery value while divorce proceedings are underway. The value of jewellery items in this case will be based on open market values at the time of valuation.

Final Value

This is the value that we may offer to purchase your jewellery at. If you are looking to sell your jewellery, accepting the final value will ensure you get a good price without the hassle of finding another buyer.

It’s worth noting that the above is certainly not an exhaustive list of reasons why you may need a valuation. If you are unsure, please do get in touch with us. We’d be happy to answer your questions and provide further information and support as necessary.

Meet Kathy, our head of jewellery valuations here at Cry for the Moon.

Who Values Jewellery for Insurance Purposes?

You should only have your jewellery assessed for insurance purposes by a fully trained and qualified jewellery appraiser. These professionals can be contacted at local, reputable jewellers. However you can also contact The National Association of Jewellers who provide jewellery valuations.

Cry for the Moon’s Jewellery Valuer

Our valuer, Kathy, has worked with jewellery for over 40 years and been with us for over a decade. Kathy gained her Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) in 1981 and has worked all around the world, including: South Africa, New York with the Tenzanite Foundation and Theo Fennel London. Her extensive experience shows her expertise and the quality of her service offering.

What Will a Jewellery Appraiser Consider?

A qualified jewellery appraiser will take into consideration factors such as, the type of metal, size, weight, gemstone or diamond quality, and overall craftsmanship. Unfortunately, the emotional and sentimental significance the jewellery item has to you personally is not taken into consideration.

To ensure accurate insurance valuations with detailed descriptions and photos, we always encourage our customers to provide the relevant paperwork and gemstone certificates (if these are available). This is because once a gemstone is set it cannot be weighted or viewed. As such, having the original paperwork and gemstone certificates to hand can provide us with the most accurate and up-to-date information to work with.

What’s Included in the Valuation Report?

Once the valuation is complete, a valuation report will be drawn up that includes a detailed description of the item of jewellery, a photograph of the item, and a write-up of the assessed value.

The level of detail required in the report will depend on the type of valuation you request. For particularly detailed valuation reports, you can expect the following to be included:

• Appearance
• Metals and finesse of metals
• Gemstones (sizes and carat weights)
• Dimensions
• Weight
• Marks (hallmarks and other additional marks of note)
• Personalisation, such as engravings
• Branding Description
• High-quality photographs of the jewellery item(s)

Keep Your Valuation Up-to-Date

As we all know, prices fluctuate. It’s the reality of the world we live in. Therefore, to keep your policy valid it’s important that you make sure all your jewellery is kept up to date. Typically, insurers require your jewellery pieces to be re-evaluated every 2-3 years because:

The price of precious metals and gemstones change
Insurance policies may be updated with new requirements
Staying up-to-date prevents under-insuring where you may not get full replacement value.

Items Losing Value

As you might expect, valuing any item of jewellery is a mix of facts and experience. Whilst we take great care in our jewellery valuations, there are many variations and elements can change the replacement cost of items. If your item appears to have lost value and you have questions or concerns, we are always happy to help.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Qualified Valuer?

Accurate Jewellery Valuation: a qualified jewellery valuer will ensure that your jewellery is accurately valued for insurance purposes. This ensures that you are correctly insured and that you don’t miss out when making a claim.

Peace of Mind: a reputable jewellery valuer will give you peace of mind that your prized items (especially those with sentimental value) are being valued by someone who understands jewellery and knows what they are doing. In this industry, expertise and experience is everything.

Supports Insurance Claims: a jewellery valuation that has been carried out by an experienced and qualified valuer can ensure that your insurance claim is processed smoothly and efficiently. It reduces the likelihood of questions being raised and delays in the process, helping you get your money back faster so that you can move forward with your life.

Trusting Your Jewellery Valuer

A question people often ask is, can I trust my jewellery valuer? We understand that it can feel nerve-wracking leaving your most sentimental and precious jewellery items with a professional for valuation. What if they swap out the diamond for a fake? What if they damage the jewellery? What if they lose the item?

We always recommend that you find a jewellery valuer you can trust. You want to feel confident your jewellery will be appropriately looked after and returned to you safely.

Some valuers offer face-to-face jewellery valuations which can be a great option if you’re feeling particularly nervous about leaving your jewellery with a stranger.

Avoid Online Jewellery Valuations

You can now have a jewellery valuation carried out online. In fact, online-only valuations have become increasingly more common. However, unfortunately, they provide valuations far from the required standard.

As you might expect, without the proper grading and testing, gemstones can be misidentified and the value of jewellery pieces can be miscalculated. What’s more, key details to jewellery pieces such as measurements and laser inscriptions can be overlooked which may lead to further pricing errors.

Ultimately, the result of online jewellery valuations is inflated insurance premiums and insufficient coverage. Therefore, we always recommend that you prioritise an in-person jewellery valuation with a qualified and experienced professional, such as Kathy from Cry for the Moon.

Do I Require a Jewellery Valuation?

The last thing we want you to do is pay for a jewellery valuation that simply isn’t needed. Therefore, we encourage you to check your insurance policy before pursuing a jewellery valuation. This is because many insurance policies automatically cover items in your home under what’s commonly referred to as ‘general contents insurance’. This includes jewellery.

So, find out what the single article limit is on your home insurance policy. Typically, it’s between £1,500 – £2,500. If your general contents insurance covers the value of your jewellery item, as well as accidental damage protection, a jewellery valuation is not required.

Checking your insurance policy could help you save money on undertaking unnecessary jewellery valuations, so it’s always worth looking into first before you proceed.

Final Words

At Cry for the Moon, we have a wealth of jewellery experience and knowledge. We don’t just sell beautiful jewellery, we ensure it’s protected, too. If you would like to explore a jewellery valuation with us, please get in touch with a member of our team. We’d be happy to help.

Together we can ensure your jewellery is professionally and accurately valued to protect its monetary and sentimental value.

Sterling silver is a popular choice for jewellery, from pendents to bracelets, because it lasts for a very long time and it doesn’t rust. However, sterling silver jewellery will eventually tarnish. This is perfectly natural and can be easily managed with the proper cleaning techniques.

In this article, we will be sharing how you can clean your silver jewellery at home with products you’ve got in your cupboards. And we’ll let you in on a jewellery cleaning industry secret.

So, let’s get started.

Products You Will Need

Before you get to cleaning, make sure you have everything you need to get started. In order to give your sterling silver jewellery a thorough clean so the pieces look like new again, you will need the following:

• Baking soda
• A microfibre cloth
• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
• Lukewarm tap water

You will be able to purchase all of the items above from your local supermarket, for less than £5. However, most people have these products sitting around at home.

How to Clean Silver Jewellery: Step by Step

So, you’ve collected all your tarnished silver jewellery and you’re ready to start cleaning it up. Here are the steps you should follow to make your jewellery shine again:

Create a Paste

Place 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda into a cup, gently add lukewarm water and stir until a paste forms. The paste should be fairly thick – enough to rub directly onto your jewellery without running off.

Apply the Paste to the Jewellery

Now, gently rub the paste onto your jewellery. You can either apply it directly to the areas that are tarnished or you could cover the whole piece for an even shine. It’s often best to apply the paste using your fingers as this ensures a gentle touch and avoids scratches.

Gently Scrub

Once the paste has been applied, use your soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work the paste into the jewellery. Again, you might wish to solely focus on the tarnished areas, or you may wish to scrub the whole piece.

The important thing to remember at this stage is to be gentle. While a soft-bristled brush is excellent for reaching those little nooks and crannies in intricate jewellery pieces, if applied too forcefully, it could scratch or damage your jewellery. So, work slowly and carefully.

Rinse in Lukewarm Water

Once you have thoroughly scrubbed your silver jewellery, it’s time to rinse the paste off using lukewarm water. It’s important the water is lukewarm as this will help to dissolve any stubborn spots of baking soda paste that wish to cling to the silver.

Dry Using a Microfibre Cloth

We recommend microfibre cloths for drying your jewellery as they don’t release any lint and they help to bring out the shine in silver. Once your jewellery is dry, you might wish to work the microfibre cloth over it once more to buff it.

Alternative Jewellery Cleaning Methods

If you don’t have the products above and you want a quick-fix before you leave the house, here are three easy ways to restore shine in your silver jewellery pieces:

Washing up liquid: some people swear by washing up liquid. For more thorough cleaning requirements, it’s not something we would recommend as it is more effective at removing surface dirt and grime. However, if you’re just looking to spruce up your favourite piece before a night out, mix a few drops of washing up liquid with warm water and use your soft-bristled brush to gently scrub at your jewellery. Rinse as above and buff with a microfibre cloth.

Toothpaste: if you go down the toothpaste route, it’s essential that you use a non-gel, non-abrassive toothpaste so as not to damage your jewellery. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a cloth and rub it onto your jewellery. This should remove any tarnishing and restore your jewellery to its original shine. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Baking Soda and Aluminium Foil: add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda to a cup, gradually adding lukewarm water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your silver jewellery using aluminum foil. The foil will create a chemical reaction that removes any tarnishing by transferring the tarnish from the jewellery to the foil. It’s very effective and a great way to clean up your favourite pieces.

Cleaning Products You Should Avoid

While it is helpful to use products around the home to clean your jewellery, there are certain products that should be avoided because they can damage silver. These products include:

Acids: acidic products, such as lemon juice and vinegar, should be avoided when cleaning silver jewellery. This is because they can tarnish and eat away at the silver, causing damage.

Abrasive products: you should avoid abrasive products, such as scouring pads, when cleaning silver jewellery. Abrasive products can scratch the surface of the metal, causing damage that is hard to undo.

Sulfur: sulfuric products are particularly bad for cleaning silver jewellery. Sulfur discolours silver, reacting with a gas to form a tarnish on the surface of the silver. As such, it is not an effective method for removing tarnishing from silver.

What Do Professionals Use to Clean Silver Jewellery?

You may find, having tried the methods of cleaning above, that your silver jewellery just isn’t coming up the way you expected. Whether it’s not shiny enough or there are scratches and marks on the surface of the silver that you can’t seem to buff away, you may need to consider a professional cleaning service.

Professionals use all sorts of methods and products to clean silver jewellery. But here’s the industry’s secret; most jewellery cleaners use Ultrasonic Cleaners. Ultrasonic Cleaners use high-frequency, high-intensity sound waves in liquid to remove tarnishing on silver jewellery and shake out any dirt caked into crevices to restore shine.

Keep Your Jewellery Clean

If you want your jewellery to last a long time, regular cleaning is important. We recommend that you clean your jewellery every 3 months or so to keep it shiny and avoid dirt building up in the crevices.

We hope the tips we’ve shared in this article help you maintain your silver jewellery so that your favourite items last for many years to come.

One of the many beautiful things about jewellery is that it can be designed and made so it is completely unique to you. And, pretty much anything goes, so you can make something really special.

By ordering a bespoke piece of jewellery you can be sure that nobody else will have the same item, and you can choose which metal you want used, what design is created and the specific gemstones that are set into it. It truly is a one-of-a-kind piece, often made for a one-of-a-kind person.

Bespoke Designs Enquire today

Collaboration

If you are ordering a bespoke piece of jewellery to be given to somebody else, you may decide to collaborate with them on the design, so that it can be made to their own desire and specification. Or, if it is to be a surprise, it is worth trying to subtly find out from that person what they might like, either by asking them, looking at what styles and colours of jewellery they already own, or by enlisting a friend or family member to find out.

It is worth listening to the designer you have chosen to create the jewellery too, as they will likely have good ideas as to what works with what, and the various strengths of different types of metals, what will be most easily moulded into shape and all the other aspects that you might not immediately think about yourself.

Creativity

Let loose your creative side! There is no point going bespoke if you end up having something made that could just as easily be an off-the-shelf item. If you want to mix three different types of gold and have a rainbow effect of stones, then go for it. An oversized pendant on an excessively long chain? Absolutely. Mismatched earrings that symbolise something special? No problem.

Get advice from the jeweller as to what can be done, and how easy it will be to wear, what clasps might be best, and all the things for which they have years of experience and knowledge. As long as something can actually be made, then the world is your oyster. And you might as well incorporate the pearl too, while you’re at it.

Made in House From £1,020

Options for metals and stones

Everyone knows the traditional and popular metals – gold and silver – and the best-known stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. But there is no reason to stop there. Palladium is increasing in popularity as a metal for jewellery and for something particularly special platinum is an excellent choice too.

Amethysts are beautiful, and often overlooked, stones for someone who likes rich colours in their jewellery, while peridot is a more subtle green shade and aquamarine is a lovely pale blue. It is worth considering some of these lesser-used stones in a bespoke piece, for their own rarity in commercially available jewellery.

Upcycling existing jewellery

If you, or your intended recipient, has an old piece of jewellery that is never worn or has become cracked or broken from over-wearing, then you could opt to have a new piece of jewellery made from that previous piece. This could take the form of reshaping and adding more onto a ring or pendant, or melting down the metal and using the stones to create something entirely different.

Upcycled jewellery will save you money on materials and could also mean that any sentimental value that is attached to the item still remains. It is also better for the environment for it to be reused and recycled, so it is a win-win for everyone.

Pick your designer wisely

You want a jeweller whom you can trust. Someone who listens to what you want and will do their utmost to achieve it for you. Allow them to offer you suggestions based on their experience, but ultimately the final decision is yours. When you go bespoke, you want it to be exactly how you want it to feel and look aesthetically or there is no point.

Some jewellery designers are specialists in certain types of metal or more experienced in setting stones or creating intricate designs. Shop around and find someone whose work you like, talk to several jewellers, and make an informed decision based on the rapport you have with them. There is no limit to what can be achieved, if you find the right person.

Make sure that everything for your bespoke design is discussed in advance, as any changes you make at a later date are likely to be charged extra or might not be able to be implemented.

18ct Yellow Gold Wedding Band	18ct Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings	9ct Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
£530	£555	£1,195

What items of bespoke jewellery can be made?

Engagement rings and wedding rings are the most commonly requested bespoke items, making a special piece of jewellery even more personal to its wearer. But there is no reason why necklaces, bracelets and earrings shouldn’t also be made as bespoke items.

If you want something to help you stand out in a crowd and wow everyone around you, then any of these as bespoke items will likely do that, making you the envy of all your friends and creating an excellent talking point.

Final thoughts

Our team of jewellers is highly regarded and award-winning, using the best materials we can find, with gemstones sourced from around the world. So, contact us today to find out what we could create for you and let us work our magic on a truly bespoke piece of jewellery for you or a loved one.

Cufflinks are the accessory of choice for any discerning gentleman, as well as making a great gift for the man in your life. But, how did they come into fashion and what should you look out for when buying a pair of cufflinks?

Read our definitive guide to cufflinks, and find out everything you need to know about these tiny pieces of men’s jewellery, what styles are available and the investment potential they can provide.

Cufflinks From just £105

A history of cufflinks

It was King Charles II who popularised wearing cufflinks and brought them into the consciousness of the masses. Tailors had started using stitched buttonholes in shirt cuffs and affixing them with coloured buttons attached with a chain in the 17th Century. But it was due to the stylish King wearing them in public that they became part of a gentleman’s regular dress, and were often given as gifts leading into the 18th Century.

During the Victorian period, jewellery became more ostentatious and it wasn’t unusual for highly polished gold or silver cufflinks adorned with gemstones or intricate designs to be worn on a daily basis.

Now, most cuffs have buttons already sewn on, as mass-produced shirts are the norm, but the resurgence of the French double cuff in recent years has seen cufflinks come back into fashion. They are seen as a status symbol in many, but with designs ranging from sensible and sedate to the weird and wacky, they are just as much a fashion statement as anything else.

When should cufflinks be worn?

Cufflinks provide the finishing touch to any suit and can be worn to reflect the personality of the wearer, giving men an adornment that can be used to portray their own style and tastes.

Most cufflinks are worn with a suit jacket or blazer, with the cuffs sticking out of the bottom of the sleeve to show off the jewellery. But, they are now just as often seen on standard shirts in a more casual setting, making them a highly versatile addition to any man’s wardrobe.

Cufflinks are pretty much always worn at weddings, both by the groom and his groomsmen. In fact, cufflinks are often given to the wedding party as a gift on the day and worn there and then so that they all match, or are personalised with each person’s initials as a keepsake memento of the day.

Silver Oval T Bar	Silver Onyx & Diamond	9ct Gold Antique Round
£105	£155	£710

Function v design

The function of a cufflink, as you might expect from the name, is to link the cuff of a shirtsleeve together. As long as they achieve that and don’t fall out because they are too loose or the clasp is faulty, or are too tight so that movement is restricted or they pop off the sleeve, then they are doing what they are supposed to do.

More often than not, it is the design of a cufflink that draws someone to them, rather than the practicalities. If you need a pair of cufflinks for a particular shirt or outfit, then choosing ones that complement it nicely or suit your own style is likely to be of even more importance than whether they are going to stand up to the rigours of your daily life.

Mechanics of cufflinks

There are several different types of backs you can get for cufflinks, with various clasps available to affix them to your sleeves. One of the most popular types is the bullet back, which just slides straight through the hole and then locks horizontally, much like a treasury tag.

For something more fancy, a whale tale is a more obvious and flashy back to a cufflink, looking exactly as the name suggests, like the tale of a whale, which flips back to secure the cufflink in place.

A chain link is very traditional, but can sometimes mean that the cufflinks are not as tightly secured as some of the other more modern clasps which are generally quite substantial. The same is true of a fixed back cufflink, where there are no moving parts and it just gets slotted through the whole and then the bulbous back acts as a stopper.

Vintage cufflinks

Enamel cufflinks grew in popularity in the early 20th Century, and are still very much en vogue in vintage and antique jewellery selections. The enamel can be coloured in any shade and style making them a versatile choice. These smart oval striped gold enamelled cufflinks are some of our favourites.

Because cufflinks have been in fashion for many years, there are lots of vintage examples available, in various shapes, sizes and materials. The flat surface of many cufflinks makes them ideal for engraving too, perfect for giving as a truly unique gift.

18ct Gold Chain Link	9ct Gold Double Link	White Gold Lapis Lazuli & Diamond
£1,550	£1,625	£1,900

Investment potential

Famous auction house Sotheby’s has long included cufflinks in their sale catalogue, with prices regularly reaching in excess of the £2,000 mark, with those in solid gold and studded with jewels going for even more. Who could believe something so tiny could be so valuable?

Since they are only worn occasionally, cufflinks tend to keep their lustre and remain in excellent condition, making their resale worth higher than many other kinds of jewellery. Make sure to keep them in their box when they are not being worn, and you could find yourself, or your descendants, sitting on a gold mine in years to come.

Final thoughts

We have a lovely selection of cufflinks in stock in our Guildford showroom, in different shapes and colours and styles, so there is bound to be something that suits your requirements.

Come and visit us today, make an enquiry or simply explore our range of cufflinks online. It’s the smart thing to do.

Bricks and mortar are no longer the safe investment that they once were. With inflation and mortgage rates rising, homes being in negative equity or repossessed are on the increase. But, one item that is still going strong and holding its own in the resale and investment market is jewellery.

We have all heard the adverts on TV and radio and in newspapers where companies say they will buy your gold, and wondered if it is too good to be true.

Our suggestion is that you hang onto it for as long as possible, and then choose to sell it to a reputable jeweller like ourselves, rather than opting for one of the many companies of dubious origin that have sprung up over recent years.

18ct Yellow Gold Wedding Band	18ct Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings	9ct Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
£530	£555	£1,195

Gold is for life

We aren’t talking about large bullion blocks favoured by pirates and businessmen in 80s movies, but anything that is made of gold will keep its value or see it going up. This could be a small link chain to a pair of earrings to a bulky gold signet ring.

You can either keep your jewellery as it is, in its original format, or you can melt down all the gold and keep it as a single nugget. Of course, the latter seems sacrilege to a jeweller, but we can understand the appeal. It just isn’t as appealing as a beautifully-crafted piece of jewellery that can be handed down from generation to generation and be seen as a family heirloom over the years. But maybe that’s just us.

9.57ct Emerald Diamond Bracelet	3.31ct Diamond Trilogy Ring	20.65ct Ruby & Diamond Cluster Necklace
£28,250	£32,205	£58,850

Gemstones and provenance

The same goes for gemstones. Little black velvet pouches of single diamonds are all very well, but when you can have those diamonds set into a beautiful ring or pendant, then why wouldn’t you? Jewellery is meant to be worn and admired, not hidden away in a box or a drawer never to see the light of day.

Even expensive pieces bought as investments should at least be brought out and shown off on special occasions, or whenever else you feel like it.

It isn’t the case that the flashiest jewellery is the most valuable either. Often small gemstones can be just as expensive as larger ones, as it is all down to the cut and clarity of the stone, and its provenance. So, be aware of that when buying your jewellery and get an expert to value it and view it through a loupe for added credibility and peace of mind. If you can get a certificate of authenticity for your gemstone then that is even better.

15ct Gold, Pearl & Turquoise Bangle	2.00ct Diamond Star Brooch	Vintage Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring
£1,795	£4,550	£24,365

Vintage and antique jewellery

When buying jewellery as an investment, vintage or antique pieces are an obvious choice, as they have already stood the test of time and come favourably out the other side.

We specialise in a wide range of antique jewellery, ranging from Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian to the more modern art deco and art nouveau styles. There really is something to suit everyone, and all budgets, in the knowledge that these items will only ever increase in value as they get older. It’s a win-win situation and the perfect investment.

Don’t be put off by the jewellery being second-hand either. If it is being sold by an actual vintage jeweller, then this often means that it will have been well looked-after by its previous owner for many years, as well as given the right kind of cleaning treatment to get rid of any imperfections and improve its lustre before it is sold on again.

0.20ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring	0.77ct Diamond Bubble Ring	4.15ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring
£1,295	£4,215	£13,650

Engagement rings and wedding bands

Whichever way you look at it, an engagement ring or wedding band is an investment. It isn’t just a monetary investment, but an investment in your future and that of your spouse. Again, these are often handed down through the generations, as they have as much sentimental value as they do value in pounds and pence.

Engagement and wedding rings are all down to personal preference, so nothing really ever goes out of style. Whether it is a simple gold or platinum band, or something that incorporates a large rock, an engagement or wedding ring is meant to last forever, like the love of the people who wear them. They are often bequeathed in wills separately to any other assets, so investing in an engagement and wedding ring is a wise choice and one that your descendants will be able to benefit from too.

Change of use

As previously mentioned, you may decide that you don’t want your chosen jewellery to stay in its original composition. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to melt it down into a lump. You could just as easily repurpose the metal and change its use. For example, a necklace could be changed into a ring, or a ring could be moulded into a pair of earrings.

The same can be done with stones. Over time, these precious gems can come loose and fall out of their clasps. But that doesn’t have to be the end for them. They can be repaired and reset in an alternative piece. This is often popular if you want a gemstone from a particular piece of jewellery that has been worn by a mother or grandmother, for instance, put into an alternative item to be worn by the daughter or granddaughter.

Final thoughts

Jewellery is one of those things where beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder and every piece is worth whatever someone else will pay for it. Jewellery doesn’t have to be aesthetically appealing to be worth a lot of money. And the prettiest pieces may not be worth very much when it comes down to it.

But, if you like it, then it will always be worth the investment somehow. It is worth visiting antique jewellers and seeing what sorts of items they have in their windows and for what prices, and scouring auction catalogues to see the reserve prices of any jewellery, to help give you some indication of what people are likely to pay for what, and why.

Contact us today and ask one of our experienced staff for a valuation of your jewellery.

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

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

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

What do hallmarks show?

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

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

Why hallmark jewellery?

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

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

Valuations From £45-£70

Compulsory hallmarks

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

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

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

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

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

Optional hallmarks

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

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

How is jewellery hallmarked?

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

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

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

Final thoughts

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

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

Contact us now to schedule a consultation.

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

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

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

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

Quality concerns when buying jewellery from abroad

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

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

The hidden costs of buying jewellery from abroad

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

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

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

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

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

Get a Valuation From our resident germologist and valuer, within 2-3 days.

The risks of buying jewellery from unscrupulous sellers

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

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

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

The misconceptions about buying jewellery from abroad

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

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

The benefits of buying from local jewellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why should you sell your gold jewellery?

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

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

What kind of jewellery can I sell?

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

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

Why do people sell gold jewellery?

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

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

How much is gold worth?

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

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

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

How to choose the right place to sell to

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

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

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

What happens to my gold jewellery when I sell it?

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

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

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

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

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

Buy from a quality jeweller

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

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

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

Understand the product

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

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

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

Brand names aren’t everything

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

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

Look for detailed photographs

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

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

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

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

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

Shop for something specific

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

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

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

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

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

Check shipping and returns policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repairs

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

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

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

Design and commissions

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

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

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

Sell your jewellery

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

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

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

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

Valuations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoop Earrings From just £165

Small, medium, or large?

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

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

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

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

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

Which metal to choose?

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

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

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

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

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

Style and design

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

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

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

Find the hoop that’s right for you

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

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

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

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

Bangles From just £1020

Bangles

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

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

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

Cross pendant

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

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

St Christopher Pendant From just £150

St Christopher pendant

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

Initials Pendant From just £790

Initial pendant

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

Cufflinks From just £105

Cufflinks

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

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

Rings From just £360

Rings

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

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

Contact Us Today

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

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

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

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

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

Stud Earrings From just £115

Stud earrings

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

Drop Earrings From just £520

Drop earrings

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

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

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

Hoop Earrings From just £165

Large hoop earrings

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

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

Small hoop earrings

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

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

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

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

 

Statement pieces

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

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

Matching sets

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

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

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

For her

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

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

Earrings From just £95

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

Necklaces From just £360

Bracelets From just £780

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

For him

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

Cufflinks From just £90

Signet Rings From just £545

Signet Rings From just £1,750

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

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

This time it’s personal

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

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

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

Tie it to a special event

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

Rings From just £785

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

Get it delivered

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

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

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