12 minute read
JEWEL OF THE AISLE
JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES AccessoriseAND SHINE
When it comes to finding accessories for the big day, whether that’s the bride, the bridesmaids or the mother-of-the-bride and -groom, not only do you want to look amazing, but you want to feel good on the inside too and you can do that by supporting small, local, independent businesses
ANVIL AND IVY JEWELLERY
Sophie Arnott says... Anvil and Ivy was founded in 2014 after I spent several years teaching workshops in the heart of the jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden, before deciding to focus solely on growing my business. In 2016 I set up my first workshop premises before moving to a light and airy boutique on Maldon’s high street in 2019.
Each Anvil and Ivy piece is lovingly crafted in our Maldon studio, combining age old techniques with contemporary design, we handcraft modern heirlooms for lovers of meaningful design and everyday luxury. We create fine and demi-fine jewellery, with a focus on soft organic form and texture and can craft unique and unusual engagement rings, wedding rings, bridal jewellery, gifts and everyday pieces. Made using the finest materials and specially selected gemstones, our contemporary jewellery keeps the natural world at its heart. bands that come in a range of widths. These have been by far our most requested style for those looking for something a little bit different.
What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? This year we’re seeing a resurgence of pearls for bridal looks. Modern and simplified drop earrings, pearl accents and delicate lariat-style necklaces. A statement drop earring seems to be on trend this year – perfect for hair up and elegant necklines.
What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and special. Every bride deserves to feel amazing on her big day. Sentimental jewels reworked into new bespoke pieces can be an amazing way to honour and feel connected to loved ones who might not be with us on our special day.
FLORAL FOLLY
Lynsey Beard says... Floral Folly encompasses my knowledge and passions into one: colour, innovation and design. My style is very different, I do it my way and have always been a bit of a rebel. I decided when I was very young, aged about six, that I wanted to be a designer, to many people this would appear odd or unusual, but to me it was and still is my everything. I’ve not always been a floral artist, back in 1999 I created my own wedding flowers after qualifying as a florist, since then I have been creating floral displays and continuing my professional development more than 20 years allowing me to niche my skills in faux floral headwear and accessories.
Launching Floral Folly earlier this year, all products are handmade in Upminster, Esses where I have a wonderful home studio overlooking the garden. All Floral Folly products are designed to last and be reworn, using realistic top quality faux flowers that are individually sourced for aesthetic style and quality; faux flowers do not wilt in the sun, you can purchase ahead of the big day, they travel well and come carefully wrapped in tissue and gift boxed.
By creating luxurious floral millinery and coordinating botanical accessories, I’m able to help people feel fabulous and ooze confidence with statement floral fascinators, hair accessories, matching bags, flower shawls, jewellery and shoe clips. All are available ready to wear or bespoke ‒ perfect for a wedding! I also have an exquisite Bridal Collection coming next year in Spring 2022.
What’s your most popular product? The bespoke floral fascinators that can be designed to each individual’s needs, with favourite flowers available any time of the year, or designed with those flowers that hold a special meaning to you. What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? Floral Folly believes in individual style, I love to work organically with just a colour, a shape, a feeling or an energy. For 2022, the key trends are aligning with Folly beliefs, after the last couple of years we are emerging from the depths with new ideas and new passions. Having seen the world in a different light, what was important before has shifted. 2022 embraces us for all we are, to re-energise to help restore and make us feel comfortable in our own skin. We’re now aware of the world around us and the impact we have on it, Floral Folly uses socially conscious reusable products sourcing bundles of remnant fabrics and materials locally that could be headed for landfill.
What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? The best tip you will ever hear is: be yourself! Make sure it is comfortable, fits to your ideals, if you want something bespoke or different speak to the person and make sure your voice is heard.
Sara Anthony says... The birth of By Cindy & Viola came at a time that was, and still is, difficult for the UK and the World and was established in August 2020. With the concept of high quality, every day, standout jewellery, my design vision was to make the customer feel that they are wearing a luxury piece that feels unique to them in their day-to-day life.
It’s been challenging to launch a new venture, however with a lot of patience and perseverance I got there. I’ve always had a passion and keen interest in fashion and particularly accessories, but what sparked the interest in all things jewellery was when I got engaged. I became fascinated with the world of gold and semi-precious/precious stones. I attended jewellery classes in London (pre-Covid) which helped gain a further insight, giving me the confidence to create By Cindy & Viola.
I began thinking of what I would want to wear day to day, what size of jewellery, how would I want it to be seen; not too small that you feel you are not wearing anything but then not so big that it’s overwhelming. It was about creating that right balance, and to be able to incorporate designs that make women feel they are wearing affordable luxury. I decided that gold plated with semi-precious stones was the direction I wanted to take the designs.
The design process began on a few pieces to start a collection. This evolved into the Stars & Stones collection, to build a brand I want to be known for a particular piece. I believe women like their jewellery to be personal and therefore I made the decision that this collection would be a great start. So, to begin this journey the double pendant constellation and birthstone necklace was launched in February 2021.
After making the design decisions back in August 2020 the next step was to begin research into studios to create my designs. Top of the list, and the most important, was sustainable materials and fair trade. I was excited to find the right studio in Jaipur, India; so a relationship began and By Cindy & Viola came to life.
What does the future hold? I see the Stars & Stones collection growing with the addition of a bracelet, and I intend to branch out with different collections adding new design pieces and working closely with the studio in India. What’s your most popular product? As previously mentioned this is a double pendant necklace that has your personal zodiac and birthstone. We will be launching the bracelets by the end of 2021. With the necklace being such a personal piece we feel these are not only special to wear for a bride, but what a unique gift for the bridesmaids?
What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? The key trends for 2022 are going to be much like they are today, personal jewellery whether that be initials, name plate, a star sign or a birthstone, they seem to be very high in consumer demand. The 1970s styles are having a come back with charm bracelets and key materials such as shells and pearls. The bigger the better also! With fashion having quite a casual feel to it with people working from home, you can dress a boring t-shirt with a nice chunky necklace to look lovely on that zoom call.
What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? To go personal with your jewellery is the only way. To wear a piece that means something, whether that is new and bought with a meaning or something old that is borrowed or passed down.
Check out https://bycindyandviola.co.uk
AFFINITY FINE JEWELLERS
Lauren Fossett says... My husband, Andy, and I started Affinity Fine Jewellers at the beginning of 2021. After years of experience in the jewellery trade we found a new-found love and passion for bridal jewellery.
Not only does Affinity offer traditional plain and diamond-set wedding bands, the business specialises in bespoke shaped-to-fit wedding rings and bridal jewellery.
What’s your most popular product? The most popular product for us is our bespoke shaped ring service. We offer a unique process which means the customer never has to be without their engagement ring. We will create a replica and design your wedding ring to exact requirements. The customer will receive images of their design up against the replica of their engagement ring and can order a resin version of their design to test the fit and make sure they are happy.
What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? When it comes to bridal jewellery, we feel like drop earrings will make a comeback. They are the perfect accessory and look great with hair up or down. They can be simple or you can make a real statement with them. Pearls are also a great accessory, not just incorperate into jewellery but they make a great addition to your big-day hairstyle too.
What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? My top tip would be to keep it simple and timeless. I’d also say to think about your dress; if it’s highly detailed then keep it simple, if your dress is plain and classic then you can go for a statement piece.
LUNA LINX JEWELLERY
Alexandra Snell says... Luna Linx Jewellery was founded in 2020 amidst the lockdown, providing affordable and thoughtfully made 18ct gold plated jewellery. All of our jewellery is electro-gold plated, resulting in a durable yet affordable alternative to solid gold. Popular among millennials and gem lovers, Luna Linx Jewellery features ethically mined and lab created gemstones.
What’s your most popular product? Our lab opal necklaces and huggie hoops are by far the best-sellers. They feature synthetic opals, that contain all the sparkle of naturally mined opals, without the significant cost to the Earth or your purse! The electro-gold plating lasts much longer than regular gold plating and the sterling silver base metal adds a luxury touch.
What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? Evident in 2021, ‘90s and ‘00s jewellery trends re-emerged. Chunky charm bracelets and necklaces will be coming back, but with an elevated twist – expect to see a more refined and mature approach featuring chunky chains, gold charms and gemstones. What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? I always vote for ‘less is more’ on your big day. Often, layered jewellery or larger pieces distract from your dress and make-up which, after careful planning and a chunk of change, you want to give it the spotlight! Our Lab Opal Teardrop Necklace in 18ct Gold Vermeil is a popular choice for young brides on a budget and bridesmaids gifts.
Check out www.lunalinx.com
KATIE VALE DESIGNS
Katie Vales says...
Pre-Covid, I was based at Barleylands
Craft Village in Billericay, I’d been the resident milliner there for more than 10 years. I now work from my home summer house in Thurrock where I design and make hats and fascinators for ladies attending weddings or race days – I even post my designs all over the world!
As a Rainbow Club stockist, I also offer a vast array of shoes and bags that can be dyed any colour so you can get all of your accessories in one place. I have many happy clients that recommend me to all of their friends and family and it’s a joy getting to know them all.
What’s your most popular product? Gina and Grace are two of my most popular styles. Both create a statement, but are also very light to wear. Often ladies tell me that they have worn them all evening at a wedding too, totally forgetting they were wearing anything at all. That’s a great sign to me, that they were happy and comfortable on the day, which is the main part of my job.
What are the key trends in 2022 for jewellery/accessories? Feathers! They are very popular at the moment and often I’m asked to add more feathers to make it even more elaborate too.
What top tip do you have for choosing how to accessorise your big-day look? When you come for your appointment, bring all of your outfit with you, have an idea of how your hair will be worn on the big day and try to have it styled in a similar way. Have an open mind, because often people choose something totally different to what they imagined themselves in! Try on everything as you’ll know as soon as you put the correct hat or fascinator on, that it’s the right one for you. You’ll instantly stand tall, relax and smile – I see it every time and that’s when I know, they are wearing the right piece for them!
Grace
Gina
