Wave goodbye to designer handbags and 6-inch heels, this year's must-have accessory is jewellery. From bangles to chandelier earrings, jewellery is the perfect accessory to go with summer dresses and peg leg trousers, but where do you find something no one else has got? Rupa Sudra goes in search of funky jewels in the most unusual places and ways…
Down your local high street
Sam Ubhi 's designs consistently appear in the fashion pages. And now with the opening of her first shop in Tooting Bec, it's becoming even easier to buy a slice of her eclectic, elegant jewellery range. Sam is producing a retrospective book to celebrate 20 years in the jewellery and fashion business and to coincide with Coutts London Jewellery Week.
Sam Ubhi, The Studio, 10 Glenburnie Road, London, SW17 7PJ
T: 0208 767 5533
Inspired by you
Multi-award winning jewellery designer Jig Pattni operates strict client criteria when it comes to bespoke designs. “Clients must know themselves, know their passions and must know their worth – this coupled with being open minded allows for the piece to be directly representative of the individual,” explains Pattni. Clients are also given the original artwork to keep when presented with the final piece.
Around your pet's neck
Jari designer Louise Barnfather creates one-off bespoke collarettes and cuffs for cats and dogs using precious and semi precious stones such as diamonds, peridot, sapphires and onyx. Prices start at £350 for a charm, to £15,000 for a yellow jewelled collarette. The perfect indulgent gift for a well behaved pooch or feline friend.
On the box
Gems TV broadcasts 24 hours a day selling gemstone jewellery through a 'reverse auction' system. Viewers are invited to bid on jewellery either via the telephone or on the Internet.
Gems TV can be viewed on Sky Guide (channel 646 and 660), Virgin TV (channel 755 and 756) and Freeview (channel 43).
Inspired by a poem
Zoe Arnold , a Central St Martin's graduate, creates one-off pieces which are inspired by the poetry she writes. Using precious metals and stones, plus collected items such as mother of pearl gaming chips, ribbons and prints, Arnold creates whimsical pieces with a dark side. Often Arnold will include a limited edition book of poetry to go with the piece.
See it in 3D
Holts Lapidary use state of the art computer-aided-design to bring bespoke ideas to life. Clients can see their chosen piece in 3-D from every angle before it's made, ensuring everything is perfect. Holts Lapidary provides bespoke jewellery with custom made gemstones.
Holts Lapidary T: 0207 405 5286
Something for your handbag
Ever frustrated that there's nowhere safe to place your designer handbag in a bar or restaurant? Well, jewellery label Tach have come up with just the thing. 'Cute at the table' is a high-end luxury handbag holder, which comes in platinum or gold and in an array of semi-precious stones. It prevents your handbag getting dirty and looks chic on the end of any table.
Tach T:0207 434 0577
By Rupa Sudra
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