I have looked at my list of things to do for months and it always says write blog, sadly there just hasn’t been enough hours in the day to get it done and it moves from one list to the next and the lists just get longer.

So here goes the blog for the first time in a long while!!

It has been an eventful year with some exciting things that have happened.   I have collaborated with several Brands and produced some exciting new ranges and new additions to collections.

One exciting colloboration was with a new company called Olive and Reg, where I designed and made a stunning range based on 1950’s glam and it used recycled silver.

Grace Collection with Olive and Reg

As the summer drew on there were plenty of things to keep me busy as I was getting married in August and so was my best friend’s so there were many wedding rings to make with special importance to me.

Before that I returned to New York to exhibit again.  The weather was hot and stormy and I was lucky to have my Mum come out with me and help keep me calm whilst there was lots to be done.  I picked up some lovely new stockists including Shore Chic and Chameleon in America.

Order in Chaos Collection at NYIGF

Then my special day was upon us, only a week after coming home form New York!  It truly was the best day of my life and I have been extremely lucky to marry my best friend. We were very lucky with the weather and managed to dodge the temperamental British Weather.  I wore earrings that I made for my friends wedding so they were my something borrowed!  I ran out of time to make my own pair!  And my beautiful Baroque Cuff which worked so well with my vintage style lace dress, and of course our wedding rings.

My Wedding Jewellery

Our Wedding Rings

After an incredible honeymoon in San Francisco, Kauai and New York we returned home, to a new little kitten!!  Wilson!

Wilson the cat helping me sketch

But there was no rest for the wicked as it was straight back to work and exhibiting at the prestigious Origin exhibition.  Jet lag was not a great combination with standing and selling all day!  But it was a successful show for me.

Then I did a two QVC shows and had a lovely time with the presenters and showcased some gorgeous new designs.

I also had a collaboration with Jersey Pearl, a beautiful Aphrodite inspired range, focusing on love and pearls.  I cannot wait for this to be launched, its been slightly held up so I will keep you informed of when it will be showcased.

I have also had several new stockists this year, including, Daniel Henderson, Fisherton Mill, Heart gallery, Ruby and Diva, The Step and Double Moon.

It was then the busy Christmas period so lots of sales on the website and via Notonthehighstreet.com and also a festive QVC show.  It was then time for some festive fun and a relax.

Festive Kitten!

On to 2012.  Its been a busy start to the year and I exhibited for the first time at The Jewellery Show- Spring Fair at the NEC.  Sadly the weather hampered visitors as the February snow came down heavily. But it was great meeting fellow jewellers and new boutiques.

After that I carried on with orders and working for another show Desire in Richmond.  This was a new show to me and it was a lovely platform to meet with the public.

Now I am just about up to date after that brief summary!!  I have a new QVC show on 5^th April at 7pm so don’t forget to tune in.  I will then also be exhibiting at Goldsmiths Pavilion at Sommerset House as part of London Jewellery Week in June.

I now can see why I am shattered!  I have done a lot this year and there are still more exciting meetings and new collections to come.  So Follow me on twitter  www.twitter.com/kimberleydesign or Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/Kimberleyselwoodjewellery to find out all the latest going on.

This year buy him something that he can treasure and wear forever.  Cufflinks are a great idea for a man of any age, and they are becoming far more fashionable, with the increase in shirts with double cuffs.  Cufflinks can be worn to work, or if not for special occasions, and now with the wedding season fast approaching it will be a very appropriate gift.

Torn Square Cufflinks

Torn Rectangular Cufflinks

If you would like to see my full range of jewellery and gift ideas.  I will be exhibiting at Treasure exhibition as part of London Jewellery Week 9th-12th June.  Below is a 241 voucher

Treasure exhibition 241 voucher

www.treasureuk.com

Treasure - London Jewellery Week 9th-12th June

This year from 9^th-12^th June, I will be showcasing at the Treasure exhibition, as part of London Jewellery Week, which is renowned for featuring exciting, contemporary designers.   Its my fourth time to exhibit at this event.

I will be exhibiting all my ranges Plume, Butterfly Effect and Order in Chaos, and will be revealing new pieces in my striking new range Baroque Dream which is influenced by the romantic culture and the elaborate architecture of Barcelona and Havana.  This range creates a statement in its combination of strong contours, reminiscent of ironwork, collaborated with ornately embossed textures and gold flower-accents.

Baroque Dream Ornament Bracelet

The jewellery designs are the height of contemporary fashion, distinctive in their affiliation with traditional techniques and patterns, which are re-worked in new and inspiring forms.  Each entirely different and yet as beautiful as each other, my designs are eye-catching and irresistible pieces.

If you would like to arrange to meet me at the exhibition or for some tickets, please contact me on studio@kimberleyselwood.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you at Victoria House from 9^th-12^th June

Where has the year gone?  It only seems like yesterday that I appeared, trembling, on set with the lovely Dale, and my Posey Collection.  As customers you have all been so great and said such lovely things about my jewellery, giving many 5 star reviews, which only inspires me more to continue creating lovely things for you.  I have listened to your comments, about what you like and what hasn’t worked for you, to hopefully keep creating new jewellery designs that you will love and treasure.

Within the last year a lot has happened, we have seen more of the lovely Posey Collection sku 681301, which seems to be your favourite!

The Pearl and Orchid, the Driftaway 672196, Garland 689089 and the Bloom, also I have many more designs waiting for you.  Personally I got engaged and also became an International jeweler, when I went to exhibit in New York!!  But let me give you a sneak peak at what the next year holds!

I will be launching the new Dragonfly range this month, which I know has been a great hit with the girls at QVC already.  This is an exciting new range, as I know many of you love dragonflies.  In Japan they are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and as you know I like to have a symbolic and romantic feel to my jewellery.  They also have an Art Nouveau feel echoing the curves and forms of this era. A mixture of the satin and polished finishes; I think they will be a great addition to people’s jewellery collections as they will work very well for day or evening wear. sku 695993

I am also very excited about the up coming the range, Nectar, containing Humming Birds and flowers sku 695997.  The Humming bird representing love, joy, and beauty, such a great start for designs!! And the Purity collection based on Calla lilies, with seed pearls.

I hope I have wetted your appetite and look forward to hearing from you soon.

In January, Kimberley will be exhibiting for the first time at Handmade, at the New York International Gift Fair, represented by the British Crafts Council.  Here Kimberley will be showcasing pieces from her Baroque Dreams, Castaway, Plume and Butterfly Effect Collections.

Inspired by floral organic forms, Kimberley’s beautiful designs are enhanced with intricate hand-pierced patterns with delicate textures; creating unique contemporary jewellery. Bold and beautiful necklaces, dynamic cuffs and vibrant rings will add impact to any outfit. All Kimberley’s collections are hand made and crafted with exact care and attention to detail to create beautiful pieces.

Baroque Dream is striking and unique in its collaboration of traditional elements and contemporary design. Influenced by the romantic culture and the elaborate architecture of Barcelona and Havana, this range creates a statement in combining strong contours, reminiscent of ironwork, combined with ornately embossed textures and gold flower accents.

Butterfly Tornado Cuff

Silver and Gold Butterflies seductively arranged in modern pendants, necklaces, bangles and rings. This delicate and enchanting range takes its inspiration from the Butterfly Effect, in which supposedly the flap of a butterflies wings creates ripples around the globe.

Golden Plume Float Away Necklace

Plume range, combines the elegance of Birds and Feathers with subtle textures and form. The necklaces, pendants, cuffs and earrings in silver and oxidized silver, are elegant yet playful.

The Castaway Collection was inspired by travels abroad, highlighting the natural elements with its beautifully crafted sea-shells, starfish and naturally-occurring freshwater twig pearls. Delicate pieces work singularly or placed together, each piece is beautifully detailed and shimmers as though it were on the sea shore.

Starfish Pendant and Ring

Now it is your chance to be enticed by the alluring beauty of Kimberley’s intricate collections by visiting her at stand 9532F at Handmade at the New York International Gift Fair 29^th January – 2^nd February 2011.

Please arrange an appointment to meet with Kimberley at the show and to have a closer look at the collections. For further information, please contact Kimberley direct on email studio@kimberleyselwood.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7879 690 112

You’ll find both familiar collections, such as ‘Butterfly Effect’, my best-selling and much-loved collection which this year was featured in Easy Living, Wedding Ideas and The Guardian with its striking silver and gold butterflies seductively arranged in modern pendants, necklaces, bangles and rings. And ‘Castaway ’ which was inspired by travels abroad featuring beautifully crafted sea-shells, starfish and naturally occurring freshwater twig pearls. Or my sparkling new collection ‘Baroque Dream ’ – influenced by the romantic culture and the elaborate architecture of Barcelona and Havana. This range creates a real statement in combining strong contours, reminiscent of ironwork, combined with ornately embossed textures and gold flower accents.

Why not treat yourself, or a loved one, to a sparkly piece of Designer Jewellery this Christmas?

Each item will be beautifully gift wrapped and ready to make someone you love smile brightly on Christmas Day. The gift can be sent directly to the recipient with a personalized message of your choice, saving you the time and postage.

Free delivery and gift wrapping

With prices starting at £75 – you’ll find stylish, beautiful, Handmade Designer Jewellery for every budget.

Free postage on all orders placed on-line in December.

All orders placed before 20th December will be delivered by 23rd December

Do hurry…and that special gift will make a loved one in your life smile on Christmas Day. Shop now

Warm wishes,

Kimberley

Kate Middleton with her Sapphire Enagagement Ring

With the Royal wedding causing such excitement for the country. William and Kate have great times ahead of them.

Proposing with your mothers ring is such a sentimental and personal thing to do, especially under their circumstances. Having a family heirloom as your engagement ring really is a welcoming gesture into the family.

The Sapphire and Diamond ring that is now proudly worn on Kate Middleton’s finger will almost certainly start a trend for precious gemstone rings; moving away from the solitaire diamond ring.  Already replicas of the ring are being made and on QVC they sold hundreds of a similar designed replica ring last week.  Having a coloured gemstone as your centre stone allows a little stamp of your personality. It could be your favourite colour, your birthstone or in fact your partners.

When choosing an engagement ring it is important to remember it will be worn everyday on your finger for the rest of your life. A diamond is traditional but this is also because it’s hard wearing. Sapphires and rubies are also fairly robust, but and emerald would need to be in a setting which protects the stone.  In a time of rising metal prices it will allow many women to get an engagement ring at more of an affordable price by using a sapphire or ruby instead of a diamond.

Sapphire engagement ring

Also what happens if you are given a ring, which you don’t like. Handle this diplomatically and be honest, you do have to wear it forever. An option is to have it redesigned incorporating the stones.  This means you can have the best of both worlds. I have frequently redesigned Jewellery and it makes the Jewellery have a new life and be personal to the wearer with their modern style rather than one from the past.  Also this helps keep the cost down as you already have the stones and then only have to pay for metal and design time.

I’m looking forward to creating some new designs for customers inspired by the Prince and future Princess!

Designing and making my own jewellery is incredibly satisfying and I have now really developed my own style and enjoy the process of developing.

I have also found other avenues to create and design especially in this difficult time.  With steadily increasing metal prices, inflated rent and trying to prove that handmade British items are the best! Its becoming a harder to grow a business.  Earlier this year I had a great opportunity to design for a large company, QVC.

Designing for QVC is a terrific job.  I have been making jewellery for 9 years and now been in business for 5.  Designing is my favourite side of my work, and QVC allows me to indulge my passion.  Due to the large quantities that they require to sell to their customers I cannot make them myself.  This means that the manufacturing costs are much lower.  But as I oversee each product I can still make sure they are of the quality I expect from my own work.

All my designs are inspired by organic forms and natural elements.  For my QVC designs I like to have an integral theme of floral elements and romantic sentiment.  I start by taking visits to inspirational places, such as a walk in the woods, museums like the V&A, or looking back to holidays in foreign places.  I take photos and my sketchbooks and document all I can.  After taking a break I find ideas flow more quickly.  Not seeing the images for a while gives me a fresh perspective and a new set of ideas.  Another element I always find helpful is to create a mood board, where I take images, colours, and textures, from magazines, wallpapers, and other printed material, and select elements that inspire me.

I am also working with a very new and emerging brand to make their ideas of how their jewellery should look come to life.  I am always looking for more freelance design projects to broaden my horizons.

With my own handmade jewellery I create each piece using the best quality metals and my years of trained experience.  I try and create a couple of new ranges each year; and continually look at new ways to keep building my brand.

In January I will be exhibiting in New York, at the New York International Gift Fair, trying to grow my jewellery brand Internationally!  Wish me Luck!!  I hope the Americans love my style!!

My next QVC show will be this Friday 26^th November at 10am and 6pm so tune in!

Keep Me Safe Pendant

Garland Earrings

For all brides to be and those who like exquisite jewellery, Now it is your chance to be enticed by the alluring beauty of Kimberley’s intricate collections by visiting her as she exhibits at the Designer Wedding Show; Battersea 8-10^th October.  Only a few free tickets are left.

Kimberley’s newest range, Baroque Dreams, influenced by the romantic culture and the elaborate architecture of Barcelona and Havana, combined with ornately embossed textures, pearls and gold flower accents.  Ideal for the modern day contemporary bride.

Perfect for a Butterfly themed wedding; the Butterfly Effect Collection. The curvature of each butterfly and the detailed pattern on the butterfly wing makes the range irresistible and forever enticing.  Also adding to their charm is the sentiment that if a butterfly should land on you on your wedding day you shall have good luck and fortune.

The Castaway Collection, ideal for honeymoon jewellery, was inspired by travels abroad, with natural elements in its beautifully crafted sea-shells, starfish and naturally-occurring freshwater twig pearls.  Delicate pieces which work singularly or placed together, each piece is detailed beautifully and shimmers as though it were on the sea shore.

With her experienced knowledge in both designing and making jewellery, Kimberley is also able to design and create your perfect engagement and wedding rings.  From sourcing diamonds and gemstones to creating the design in Platinum, Palladium and Gold you can have your hearts desire.

All perfect for wearing on your wedding day and for gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Please arrange an appointment with Kimberley and to see her at the Designer Wedding Show.  For tickets and further information, contact Kimberley direct on 07879 690 112 or email studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk

Kimberley’s newest range, Baroque Dreams, is striking and unique in its collaboration of traditional elements and contemporary design.  Influenced by the romantic culture and the elaborate architecture of Barcelona and Havana.

This range creates a statement in combining strong contours, reminiscent of ironwork, combined with ornately embossed textures and gold flower accents.

The Castaway Collection is also a new range, and it too was inspired by her travels abroad, although evidently highlights the more natural elements in its beautifully crafted sea-shells, starfish and naturally-occurring freshwater twig pearls.  Delicate pieces which work singularly or placed together, each piece is detailed beautifully and shimmers as though it were on the sea shore

Its also a chance to see the ever popular Plume collection; Kimberley maintains the delicate weightlessness of the feather in the curves of the silver and gold.  The embossed texture adds depth to emulate the delicate fragility of a feather.

The Butterfly Effect Collection shows butterflies gracefully placed as though they are a statuette of a real butterfly.  The curvature of each butterfly and the cut out pattern on the butterfly wing add to the beauty and the detail of the piece, making the range irresistible and forever enticing.

Please arrange an appointment with Kimberley and see her at stand D29.  For tickets and further information, contact Kimberley direct on 07879 690 112 or email studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk