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How to find the perfect engagement ring
As many of you know I’m now a blushing bride to be! I was so excited when my gorgeous boyfriend proposed after 5 and a half years. Down on one knee in the stunning setting of the Lake District, he presented me with the most beautiful handmade wooden box, containing a Haribo ring! (in orange- his favourite flavour!!). Then it was up to me to choose the diamond and design the ring.
Everyone I know thought I must have had the design done for years. But actually I suddenly had no idea what I wanted; I panicked! I had seen so many different styles, shapes and designs; I was so confused. What did I want?! I’m so used to helping others I had to do it for myself.
So here’s my advice of how to find the perfect engagement ring:
- Look around and choose the style of diamond you like. I went for a cushion cut, it’s perfect for me, different but with a classic look. But go for what suits you. I first thought I wanted a radiant cut but actually it was too square and hard looking for my hand. I needed a softer look.
- Try ring on. Look at the thickness and see if you want white or yellow metal, set with diamonds or plain.
- Think if you want Classic or Modern or someone to combine elements of designs you like
- See what you don’t like, this can be as helpful as knowing what you do like.
- Size doesn’t always matter! You may want a rock of a diamond, but it’s important to make sure you get a beautiful stone with the right colour and clarity. It’s better to have a slightly smaller stone with a great sparkle, than have a larger one which is more yellowy and flat looking.
- Always bare in mind how the wedding band will sit with it. If you need a shaped band or will a plain band do. There might be times when you will want to wear the band on it’s own, so make sure this looks beautiful on it’s own too.
- If you want something truly beautiful, see somebody like me who can show you a range of diamonds that you can choose from and will do sketches of designs that will suit you. And will get all elements of the design of both rings perfect for you.
- Go to someone you trust. Getting a cheap deal usually means something is not quite right. You want a certified conflict free diamond. There’s no such thing as a free lunch!
- My last bit of advice is about budget. I have been Reading many bridal magazines where the budget for both rings is about £450! This is so minimal you won’t be able to get beautifully designed rings, just plain gold thin bands. No platinum and certainly no diamonds. But remember after the day the rings will be with you for the rest of your life. These are the only things left from the day. So leave a bit more for the perfect rings. Budget by getting flowers in season, loosing the canapés, forgetting the chair covers (who really notices them anyway?) and having sparkling wine instead of champagne. Then you can have the ring of your dreams forever that truly sparkles.
I have designed my ring and I’m making it as we speak. I will show you the finished item, when I’m back from holiday at the end of August – so stay tuned!!
London Jewellery Week- the run down
London Jewellery Week was only a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to show the coverage and things that came from the show. I have been off work for a week after an operation so this is a bit dated but interesting all the same.
I set up Treasure on the Thursday and the evening was a great success filled with happy customers and glasses of Champagne!
The rest of the four days were a great success. The exclusive Castaway collection made for Treasure was very popular. I only have a select few pieces left, so if you are interested let me know. I also gained a new stockist in Leamington Spa called Sydna, so I can’t wait to start working with them.
I was photographed for the Professional Jeweller Magazine and was feature in their online publication:
http://www.professionaljeweller.com/pics-7968-gallery-1-pics-from-behind-the-scenes-at-treasure/16
Me at Treasure
It was then on to my second QVC show which was a great success. I got driven to QVC in the London Jewellery Week Jaguar!! I like to travel in style
London Jewellery Week Jaguar
I had a great show on QVC and I sold out completely. The ranges are all based on floral themes and hearts. They are still available to buy online. These ranges are designed by me but the produced by QVC on a much larger scale then I could produce hand-making each item, as I do for my own ranges.
http://bit.ly/986sjv The Link to the QVC ranges.
During the week i have also been feature in Retail Jeweller where Rachel Dozier described me as one of her favourite jewellers at Treasure.
There has been great response from everybody about my jewellery so thank you. I will be letting you know of future events, offers and news so hope to hear from you soon
Kimberley x
Treasure Exhibition Starts tomorrow!!
Kimberley Selwood will be exhibiting at London Jewellery Week’s corner-stone event, Treasure. The exhibition is to take place at the grandiose Victoria House on Southampton Row, London, from 11-13th June. Please visit the London Jewellery Week website www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk and www.treasureuk.com for further details
Public days Friday 11.06.2010 12:00 – 20:00
Saturday12.06.2010 10:00 -18:00
Sunday 13.06.2010 10:00 -18:00
Victoria House
Victoria House, Southampton Row,
London, WC1B 4DA
I still have a couple of tickets available for the VIP Launch 10th June from 18:00 (guest list only please rsvp. studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk)
Nautical Style at Treasure Exhibition
I will be launching a new collection at Treasure Exhibition this week. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114786905223549 Treasure — an exhibition of the country’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers is returning to London Jewellery Week (7–13 June) with a three-day showcase in Bloomsbury.
Treasure exhibition 11th -13th June
Treasure offers a sparkling opportunity for trade buyers, collectors and the public to meet the designers involved in the exhibition and find out more about the contemporary jewellery scene.
The new Castaway collection is using themes such as starfish and seashells, each piece is created in silver and are inspired by the organic forms of sealife.
Earrings using Sterling Silver Shell and Twig Pearl
There is also the dramatic twig Pearl Necklace that will make a statement to any outfit
Castaway Twig Pearl and silver shell detail necklace
This is fantastic for this seasons Nautical Trend. There are great fashion statements around and accessorising makes the perfect outfit. These new pieces will only be available for a short while. Once they are gone they are gone.
Silver Starfish and Shell Pendants
For some nautical inspiration look at the Style inside blog www.styleinsider.riverisland.com/?p=blog&post=ss10-the-trends-nautical-1660
If you would like tickets for Treasure email me at studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk
My Jewellery was Featured on BBC1 High Street Dreams with Jo Malone
It was about 6 months ago that I took part in the Jo Malone High Street Dreams application Process. Being picked from hundreds and then down to the last 10. I set up my jewellery and then began telling Nic and Jo about my designs.
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- Setting Up Butterfly jewellery for the BBC1 show
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- Jo Malone trying on my Order in Chaos Cuff
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- Setting Up Butterfly jewellery for the BBC1 show”
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- Talking to Nick Leslau and Jo Malone
Jo Malone loved my designs which was such a thrill. She wanted my Order in chaos Cuff and Butterfly Effect Flutter Ring.
Unfortunately i didn’t get put through to the next section of the show. But having watched the jewellery designer Claire English get through, i realised that i had already taken these steps. I had already had my work sold in many national shops and featured in Major International Press and exhibitions.
It was outlined within the show that you need good photography thanks to both Nicholas Dawkes www.nicholasdawkesphotography.co.uk and Jackie King www.jackieking.net; I have managed to do this.
I also always design cohesive collections from the Hero or Statement piece down to the everyday stud earring. this allows my devoted customers to be able to have a little piece from the collection. Im really grateful for all the support i have received over the years. I will also be having another TV appearance on QVC with my exclusive designs on June 11th at 9PM.
A few tips for jewellers trying to make it.
1. Always get great photography – this is great for press and to show potential stockists
2. Show your best work – make sure your samples are as good as the finished products
3. Never lie – make sure you keep your word, and be honest if you can’t
4. Build relationships with your stockists – help them and they will help you
5. Believe in yourself and your work.
Tips for buying great designer jewellery
1. Buy cheap by twice – jewellery should be a considered purchase, accessorising will make an outfit, buying quality will last a lifetime, If you love it you will wear it forever
2. Have a statement piece, but also have small quality items you can put on with everything.
3. Support British designers – help support the economy and buy quality British design and stop cheap imports that break very quickly.
4. IGo for more unusual designs not just what is on every high street
5. Go for what suits you not just what is fashionable this season
Follow me on Twitter
@KimberleyDesign