East meets West

SHO is the fine jewellery company set up by Sarah Ho. It has many celebrity followers and soon you may be following her as well.

The company was started in 2006 and has created a cult following for contemporary but sophisticated jewellery. The jewellery fuses Eastern and Western influences to create unique pieces. This inspiration stems from Sarah’s background, her Asian routes and her current routes, London.

The 18k gold and silver collections use the finest precious and semi-precious stones. She draws inspiration from Art Deco, fashion trends and her family heritage. She has many celebrity followers such as Girls Aloud, Lilly Cole, Kelly Osbourne, Mica Paris and Tess Daly. The SHO woman is confident, sassy and loves life’s luxuries.

SHO has been touring with Swarovski Runway Rocks, debuting at London Fashion week, a member of the Rising Gems and has won several prestigeous awards.

If you’re looking for a stunning piece of fine jewellery for Spring or want a bespoke item for a special occasion, then head to the website SHO.

Saving Face

Statement necklaces have been big for the last few season’s and continue to be big for 2010. Saving Face knows this and offer a wide selection of big and beautiful pieces.

Saving Face’s pieces are hand constructed from once loved jewellery. They bring these pieces together, selecting items and materials that work well together. The pieces are one of a kind, unique and include a time piece, vintage for their signature mark.

They offer to use any of your old jewellery and give them a new lease of life. You’re basically given the opportunity to recycle and renovate your jewellery.

For more information please visit, Saving Face

Folk sure

Folk clothing is a contemporary menswear brand established by Cathal McAteer. Cathal created a collection that Cathal’s friends would wear, clothes that were fun, unrestrictive and understated yet with an attention to design and detail that makes the individual stand out.

Cathal now designs collections for Folk’s

sister footwear brand, Shȍfolk. The collection was, initially, only available in Japan. The collection is now available in stores throughout the UK, Italy, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Scandanavia, the US and Japan.

For more information please visit, Folk Clothing

Bex Rox

There is a name on the high street that is continuing to rise. Bex Rox’s ranges are being stocked in big names such as; Browns, Matches, Harvey Nichols and Maria Luisa.

Bex manners launched Bex Rox in 2006. She has collaborated with MADE Africa, Brown Focus and picked up the New Jewellers 2009 Coutts Award.

Bex has always had a fascination with the contours of the animal form and the art deco era. Her collections embody this by combining chain mail techniques with ancient Chinese knotting to create esoteric designs.

She grew up in the Balearic Islands and has applied techniques she learnt whilst travelling, to her pieces. Her jewellery is instincively young, colourful, free spirited and fun. Juxstaposing facted semi precious stones, gold chains, leathers and the signature BEX ROX magnetic clasps.

For more information please visit, Bex Rox

Something special for under £30

Vanya are a group that cater for all a ladies needs; bags, nails and make-up. Bluwie bags were the original building block of Vanya.

The company was established in April 2009. Bluwie sell high quality fashion bags sold at the lowest price possible. The bags are made from bio-leather and Bluwie aim to never cross the £30 mark for their creations. They currently have a store in the Trocadero Centre in London.

Their range is also available at Bluwie Bags

Ed Hardy

If you love tattoos and want that love to spread into the clothing you wear, then you need to invest in some Ed Hardy items.

Ed Hardy offers a variety of garments, including lingerie. The brand specialise in tattoo print craftsmanship and their clothing features prints that are extremely similar to having an actual tattoo.

For more information please visit, Ed Hardy

Shpangle

Have you ever wanted to suspend a sentimental item in a piece of jewellery? Well, Shpangle lets you do just that.

Shpangle Jewellery is the creative genius of Mick Cluley. Mick has always had an interest in taking everyday objects and turning them into pieces of art. He uses resin as a preservative and medium to form jewellery.

Shpangle offer a custom made jewellery service that allows you to have your own personal keepsake. Almost anything can be preserved; flowers, locks of hair, pictures, sentimental fabric and trinkets.

Each item that Mick and his team produce are made by hand and are truly unique. Your item can be preserved in the form of a ring, pendant, bracelet, earrings, cufflinks and phone charm.

For more information please visit, Shpangle

Butterfly Catcher

The snow is settled outside and it’s nearly Christmas. You may have your jewels for Christmas but there’s still New Years Eve.

 

Caroline Collier has something special for the final party of 2009. Caroline has always been interested in jewellery making. As a small child she collected semi precious stones and it was quite a large collection.

 

She went to study Art & Design at the age of 16 and had planned to continue onto a silversmith course. She put this on hold as she was expecting her first daughter. In 2005 she ordered her first parcel of beads and her passion has grown and grown.

 

Caroline attended local craft fairs and held jewellery parties for around 12 months. From this Caroline Collier Jewellery Designs was born. Her daily life inspires her designs. She starts with a bead or crystal and the design continues from there.

 

She takes great pride in all her pieces of jewellery and only puts her jewellery for sale when she’s completely happy with it. She prides herself on beautiful product and fantastic customer service.

 

Caroline’s latest collection is the Butterfly Catcher. As the name says butterflies have inspired the collection. The collection features beautiful silver pieces containing Swarovski crystals.

 

For more information visit, Caroline Collier Jewellery.

Sugar and Vice and all thing’s nice

It’s that time of year again. Yes it’s less than 6 weeks till Christmas and we all need inspiration for presents. What do we get and where from? The answer, Sugar and Vice.

Sugar and Vice is the jewellery company started by Matt & Sarah. The partnership began in 2007. It started as a hobby and has now developed into a career. They specialise in alternative, fashion and statement jewellery and accessories.

Everything the company sells has been put together by them, by hand. They source their bits and pieces from all over the world. They are influenced by anything and everything. From tattoos to travel, they’re confident that they cater for a variety of tastes and lifestyles.

They currently offer a service where you can have necklaces personalised, perfect for Christmas. They also have a wide variety of items including; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches and much more.

Their collection is currently available online and from a store in the Northwest called “Holier than Thou”. For more information please visit their website, Sugar and Vice

Funky indeed

Today I stumbled across an accessory brand that sells truly beautiful pieces.

Funkyaccessories.com definitely live up to their name. Their delicate pieces look stunning and their bolder pieces, such as their bangles, really stand out. They have a vast range of jewellery, bags, mobile charms, mirrors and other accessories.

The brand started in 2006 and originally was only sold online. Now they have two stores, one in Birmingham and one in Coventry. If you’re planning to get some Christmas presents early you definitely need to consider Funky Accessories

Sunday Girl Accessories

It’s plastic and it’s fantastic. It’s the collection from jewellery company Sunday Girl Accessories.

The brand started out as Bling Bling Accessories and has gradually evolved into something big. The collection features a wide varirty of items inspired from a vast array of sources. From ballerina’s to flamingo’s there’s something that could be suitable for everyone.

Sunday Girl also offer personalised necklaces and for Halloween they’re offering a Horror necklace which oozes terror.

Sunday Girl Accessories are available from Ruby Red Boutique as well as their own website, Sunday Girl Accessories

Kokkino

Kokkino are a silver jewellery company based in Worcester. They handmake beautiful silver and vitreous enamel jewellery. They aim to combine ancient techniques with contemporary style, resulting in unique pieces. The workshops are based in Worcester and it’s a constant hive of activity. The entire process is seen through at the studios, from design to end piece.

Their forte is working with colour to produce any of the items using single, or a combination of colours. They also have gold collections which their forte continues into.

They’re also offer a customising service. If you get in touch with them they will discuss making a design that’s personal to you.

For more information please visit, Kokkino.

Somewhere you belong

Belong is the end product of a very long journey. Designer Dawn designs and manufactures diverse collections that are truly unique. Her background is in design and jewellery and worked for a family-run manufacturing jeweller. She’s also worked with colourists, artists and manufacturers to create clothing ranges.

Belong aim to provide jewellery that’s easy to wear and easy to buy for gifts. They aim to provide limited edition, hand-made jewellery without the designer tag. The pieces aim to be fashionable but also transeasonal. They don’t aim themselves at one age group.

The jewellery is hand-made and is completely exclusive to Belong. They only make limited quantities in most of the designs therefore you’ll end up with a piece that’s unique to yourself. Their collections feature sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, murano glass, shell as well as other semi-precious stones.

Dawn believes in sourcing jewellery from all over the world, from many different suppliers. Each supplier gives a collection a distinctive theme, feeling or mood. The themes reflect fashion and the seasons. Dawn gets excited about new collections and aims to get them into Belong every few weeks.

Some of the jewellery incorporates Hill tribe Silver, made by the Karen tribe in Northern Thailand. Each piece is hand-crafted from 95%-99% pure silver. Different families specialise in certain pieces- flowers, leaves etc. Belong take the pieces and combine them with British design to create a unique item. Belong’s custom helps communities and helps provide education for children.

For more information please visit, Belong Jewellery

Cast Iron

There’s something so very hip and very cool about menswear brand Cast Iron.

Cast Iron is a cool Dutch brand who aims itself at the fashion conscious males, men who want to stand out. The collection has an urban feel to it and looks like something that could be seen at London Fashion Week.

The collection mixes denim and tailored clothing. They use handcrafted vintage denims, handwashed trousers, tailored jackets and shirting to create something completely unique. They place a strong emphasis on detail. This is demonstrated by their continuous use of turquoise, they use it on rivets, buttons, snap fasteners, tapings and stitch details.

For more information visit their website, Cast Iron

Cupcakes, rainbows and purple dinosaurs

In 2006 something bold, innovative and completely different came out of a cold, wet day in Manchester. This something was Livid Thorn.



Nat and Cez, two young girls from Manchester, embarked upon a journey to find unique clothing and accessories. They were unsuccessful and decided to set upon designing their own collection.


Their first designs attracted a vast array of people, who are referred to as ‘Livid Kids’, and sold out immediately. The demand for their items was increasing and the duo had to put all their time into creating more and more designs. One of Livid Thorn’s rules is that each design should be created by hand and must be perfect. Livid Thorn relies greatly on the Livid Kids, because of this Nat and Cez want to ensure each design is truly different.

Over the years they’ve changed and evolved, they’ve also gained more followers. Livid Thorn does not conform to stereotypes, they are very much against it, and they believe each person is truly individual. Their designs suit a variety of ranges and cater for each person.


In 2008 they started to develop a range of necklaces. Livid Thorn is inspired by music and this is what helps the brand to thrive and grow. They take particular influences from electro and screamo, fusing together tattoo inspired illustrations and colourful compositions, creating bold and unique items.

The girls are working every hour they can to make newer designs. The pair has more to come so keep your eyes peeled.


To view their designs and find out more please visit, Livid Thorn.

And now for something completely different

This is jewellery that stands out from the crowd but still has an elegant feel to it.



Prong jewellery are the latest designers of jewellery and accessories that have been influenced by punk, fetish, goth and glam. They love all things spikey and shiney, big and loud.

The collection consists of pieces with mega spikes as well as pieces with Swarovski crystals and acrylic pendants. Their jewellery has featured in a few of the big publications, including; Bizarre, I.D, Total Tattoo, Vogue and several others.Paris Hilton has also worn Prong for a shoot in Tatler.


Prong feature at several events. For mor information please visit their website, prong jewellery

Bluwie

For some of us, we want the next pair of designer shoes or next designer bag. However, only some of us can afford that luxury.

Leather bag company Bluwie offer beautifully designed bags but at an affordable price. Their bags look just as good as a top designer but start from as little as £15.


They consdier themselves a young company with a passion for trendy and affordable bags. They believe that beautifully designed bags don’t have to come from big designer labels. Bluwie offer you fashion and quality while keeping your bank balance balanced.


For more information please visit their website, Bluwie

Up in’t th’ills

Far away, in the hostoric town of Belper, lies a small jewellery and gift shop called Ginger.


Ginger was established in 2006 and prides itself in offering a choice of semi-precious and silver jewellery for men, women and children. They also offer a range of unusual watches, fused glass jewellery and pieces made from lampworked beads, acrylic and metals. As well as their own jewellery they also stock Techniq Jewellery and Carrie Elsepth Jewellery. They are the only local stockists to offer standard and specialist body jewellery made from surgical steel, titanium and bioflex.

For their jewellery they use a selection of stones including; amythest, rainbow moonstone, garnet, peridot, turquoise and rose quartz. They also use a range of definitions. These include; sterling silver, tiger tail, hypo-allergenic, memory wire, acrylic, Swarovski crystals, ceramic, cats eye, foil, imitation pearl, enamel and facted.

In their shop they’re also offering a range of Amber products, sadly these aren’t available online yet.

Ginger also offers a selection of gifts including; jewellery organisers, photo frames, delicious scented candles, handbags and aromotherapy bath products.

They source their products from all over the world and they cater for all tastes and budgets.

Fore more information please visit their website, Ginger

Anyone for tea?

Temporary:Secretary are one of the latest jewellery companies who offer beautiful handmade jewellery.



Designer Sarah came up with Temporary:Secretary in 2008 as an alternative to high street jewellery. They make each piece by hand and source their charms from all around the world. The collections feature items such as ice-creams, bicycles, cakes and, for her latest collection, teapots.

Her latest collection, entitled “Tea Party”, features cute little cups and teacups. Sarah says she has an obsession with them. She noticed Lady Gaga’s obession with teacups and even named some of the pieces after her.


When asked where he draws her inspiration from Sarah said, ‘My uni course, Fashion Marketing, has taught me to be open minded and culturally aware, that you can find inpspiration in everything.’ She says this is demonstrated on the Temporary:Secretary website. ‘It is all very random, because ‘I’m inspired by a little bit of everything. However, my own personal style is girly and shabby chic.’


Does she have another collection on the way? Well, Sarah tends to collect things on the way and make things on a whim. She doesn’t plan in advance but, if she finds something cute she will spontaneously but it and figure out what to do with it later. Sarah did say that she’s hoarded lots of miniature tea sets and cake related things, so expect more “tea party-esque” accessories this summer. She added, ‘They go spendidly with all the florals that are on the high street at the moment.’


Temporary: Secretary is available in a wide variety of outlets, including Lunacy Boutique, Birdy’s Boutique, Clothes in the Past lane and Open Shop. Sarah also says if you have a favourite boutique that you’d like to buy Temporary:Secretary products from, please get in touch and she’ll try to hook up with that boutique.


Fore more information please visit, http://www.temporary-secretary.com/

Five at Dive

Five at Dive are the brand from duo Sam and Shaz. They sell T-shirts, bags, shoes and plushies.



They’re designs are quite bold and truly unique. They handpaint their items and using high quality materials. Their plushies are made from high quality felt.


On their Myspace they say, ‘Most of out apparel is only made the once, meaning once it’s gone it’s gone.’ This means you will get a truly individual piece that no one else has. However, they do mention that if you are serious about a certain item they may consider requests.


For more information visit their MySpace

Who's stuff?

‘Handmade stuff for cool people’, that’s how jewellery designer Becca introduces her collection.

Becca’s Stuff create handmade jewellery that is unique. They combine shiny, glittery, tacky goodness with elegant sophistication. The collections feature anything from necklaces to bags influenced by almost anything. Two random subjects are thrown together to create something truly individualistic, for example vintage tea sets with neon leopard print.


The pieces have a hand-drawn quality to them. Becca’s pieces are almost like Penny Crayon, drawing something and bringing it to life via jewellery.


Becca’s Stuff is available via her website,http://www.beccas-stuff.co.uk/