Trend: Softened Signets

Traditionally a masculine and somewhat old-fashioned style, modern takes on the Signet ring have been slowly appearing at the international shows for the last couple of years.

From US jewellers Nora Kogan and Ursa Major, three simple and pretty examples of feminine and wearable signets – both with that softly rounded, hand finished look that’s popular among independent American jewellery brands at the moment. 

The smoothed-off edges perfectly soften the weight of the signet style, giving a pre-worn, pre-loved heirloom look. 

Fantasy Payday - Lynn Ban

This payday I'm feeling tough and monochrome, lusting after one of these amazing black Rhodium pieces by Lynn Ban;

The diamond set Double Edge cuff is strong and stunning, and I just know it would look amazing with my early-summer-staple black sleeveless Kooples shirt.

Failing that, however, I'd be more than happy to punctuate my wrist with a single Handcuff Hinged bangle..

Discovered here - Vogue.com

New Designer - Nicola Crawford

Regular readers will know that words and language are close to my heart, so Nicola Crawford's  second collection, inspired by near illegible love letters she found in an antique shop, was immediately interesting to me.

As well as a sweet and wearable selection of 'Kisses', I particularly like the jumbled text pieces such as the 'With Love' necklace above, a move on from her debut 'Lost Words' collection.

 

I love the idea of a intriguing, hidden message of affection - far less obvious than wearing a Tiffany-esque heart around your neck, and to my mind, a far more romantic gesture too.

Like/Try...V

Another Solange instalment for Like/Try (see here for the original post and intention of the series)

Like... Solange Azagury Partridge's menagerie of whimsical creatures (from £1,380);

Try... Simmon's picture-book animals, with a unique white finish and even a little S.A-P style kinetic action (from £106);

Jewellery Wardrobe Project III - Simple Studs

Studs are one of the main areas I think traditional jewellery wardrobe lists do a disservice to, usually recommending a suits-all pair of diamonds or pearls. I think everyday studs can - and should - convey more personality than that; pick a pair of gold or silver stud earrings with a great shape or detail that are both wearable but original.

 I love these Daisy Knights earrings for their bohemian opulence and texture, bursting out of the small space of a stud. The pretty, graphic shape of the Henriette Loftstrom pair make for easy polish, while the rough, jagged Gina Melosi studs add a dash of edge and asymmetry to a look.

My own jewellery wardrobe needed a pair of gold studs in a simple shape, so I’ve made a curvy, isosceles trillion stud – easy to wear alone, or perfect partnered with my Shaun Leane talons.