Bees, bees, and more bees.

Happy Sunday morning to all! I hope you've all had a smashing weekend so far. Our plans have fallen through for today so we are free agents. I think we might go out for some lunch/brunch/dinner later. But before all of that, I want to share some bee jewellery with you. 

[beneficialbugs.org]

I was watching Mary Berry on TV yesterday and she went to see a lady who looks after honey bees. She found out an interesting fact... honey bees, in their lifetime, only make 1/3 of a teaspoon of honey. If I try to fathom how many honey bees it takes to make all of the honey on the shelf in just my local Waitrose, it blows my mind. Mucho respect to the honey bees of the world and all of the super work they do in their 6-weeks of life. 

Of course, the queen of all bee necklaces is the bumblebee necklace from Alex Monroe. This is their signature piece [sadly I don't own one] and you can see why; it's very special. Alex Monroe offers lots of bees, so it would be rude to not show some of his other pieces too. 

Alex Monroe bumblebee necklace :: £150 :: 3cm wingspan :: comes in 22ct gold plate or silver, and there is a rose gold plate version for £165. There is also a baby version available for £132. 

Alex Monroe 18ct gold baby bee necklace :: £1,185 :: 2.5cm wingspan :: also comes in full size for £1,700 and Teeny Tiny for £465 [picture below] - this is the one I hope to own one day. This little beauty is 1.2cm across. Cute! 

Alex Monroe baby bee charm bracelet :: £195 in gold, £165 in sterling silver. Also on my wish list - I love the little heart and flower. 

I'm going to share one more piece of AM before I move on, but there are more gems on his website, just use the search feature and type in "bee". 

Alex Monroe honey bee and sapphire necklace :: £126 in gold plate / £108 in silver. The little sapphire looks like a drop of honey, and I really like details like that. Very pretty. 

Jewellery and watches are often put together in shops, so I'm comfortable in adding a watch to this lovely homage to the bee. I stumbled across this watch and thought it was perfect.. 

Olivia Burton Bee motif watch :: £125. 

Links of London 18ct gold and diamond bee charm :: £450. 

La vie des fleurs gerbera and bee necklace :: 135 euro. I love the little bee on this gerbera necklace from Les Nereides. I also really, really like the pearl part of the chain - this is typical of a Les Nereides necklace. 

Finally, if you want to pay homage to the bee, but you're not keen on wearing an actual bee, these stud earrings are very chic. 

Silver honeycomb earrings by Strange of London jewellery :: £46. 

So there we have it, please let me know in the comments if you have a favourite piece of bee jewellery. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and keep smiling. 

Thanks for reading, 

L. x 

Wedding sneak peak - my earrings

Happy Sunday fellow jewellery lovers. I am having a really hard time picking out the perfect jewellery for the wedding. My jewellery is very important to me [obviously] so making the right choices for our big day is daunting. 

I was originally looking for something classic; pearls, diamonds, rose quartz... but after hours, and hours [literally, many hours] of searching, over many, many months I purchased some earrings on a whim, from a brand that I'd been coveting but had not actually bought anything from before - Les Nereides. I know, I can hear the gasps, it's risky, but ladies and gents... it paid off! 

I took a risk with these; I'd never seen anything from Les Nereides in the flesh, so they could have looked cheap and plasticky. Thank goodness that they look quite the opposite. Here is what the website showed me... 

And here are mine... [in a vintage box that one of my wedding rings came in]

Aren't they amazing?! Yes, yes they are. They are weighty [in a good way], the enamelling is beautiful, the stone sparkles and is vivid in colour. They are going to look amazing with my floral crown. I'm not a confident person, so these little touches will help me to feel special on the day. Here is a picture of me wearing one of them... [excuse my dry ears, please] and it helps to show that they are actually a lot smaller than they look. 

So there we have it. My wedding earrings. I'm seriously considering buying a bracelet or two from Les Nereides to tie the look together. I don't have to worry about a necklace, so the bracelets are all that's left. Phew! 

L. 

Friday night is alright - Fine jewellery auction at Sotheby's.

We're chilling out with some America sweets that I got from a new sweet shop on my way home from work and watching some new American horror series on Netflix. Of course I am also skipping through the pages of the Internet, looking at sparkly things. What is it tonight, you ask? Well, let me share... 

SOTHEBY'S! Yes! Auctions. They have a fine jewellery auction coming up and seriously, these jewels could not be more beautiful. There are lots and lots of lovely things to look at but I do, of course, have my favourites. So, here they are... 

Lot 23 :: Amethyst, peridot, and enamel necklace, early 20th century. 

Isn't this just beautiful? Look at the intricate baskets that the gems are sitting in, and the colours - oh, the colours! Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000. 

Lot 83 :: Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond ring. Look at those rubies, that cabochon emerald, those sparkly diamonds! This is a rare beauty, when do you see emeralds looking like THAT?! For crying out loud, it's amazing. Estimated at £3,800 - £4,800. 

Lot 144 :: Lady's diamond wristwatch, Jaeger LeCouture, 1960's. Estimated at £3,000 - £4,000 and worth every penny [in my opinion]. This, along with the emerald ring are utter perfection to me. I'd have them both if I could. I could look at this watch all day. It has also made me want to look into "Jaeger LeCouture", which I'll do when I'm finished here. Elegant, beautiful, feminine. 

Lot 196 :: Pair of coral and diamond pendant earrings. Estimated at £1,500 - £2,000. Seriously, I'm not sure I can cope with all this glamour. I have a thing for this style of earrings after seeing THESE [link] earrings from Les Nereides and these earrings really remind me of them. Of course the Les Nereides are much more within my price range, but a girl can dream - right? 

Lot 283 :: Pair of sapphire and diamond pendant earrings, 1920s. Estimated at £5,000 - £7,000. Talking of glamour... oh, my... Look at the cut of those sapphires, and those diamonds. These are from the 1920s and I can only daydream about the glamorous life of the first owner. *le sigh* 

Lot 1847 :: Jadeite bead, ruby, and diamond necklace, Cartier, circa 1933. Yes, you read that correctly. Jadeite, ruby, diamond and CARTIER. My word... look at that catch, and that ruby red against that jadeite green. Just stunning. Please go to the link and have a play around with the zoom feature, those jadeite beads are stunning. The estimate must be more than I'll earn in a lifetime because it is available upon request. Oooo... 

Anyway, I've blabbered enough for a Friday night. I just wanted to share these finds with you. I can pretty much guarantee that this is not the last time I'll be talking about Sotheby's - there are lots, and lots of lovely, beautiful things that need to be talked about. 

G'night. 

Thanks for reading, 

L. x 

Cat jewellery

HAPPY MONDAY! 

Please excuse my lack of posts over the weekend, I was out with a migraine. Boo. 

I have a list of things I really, really like. On that list you'll find things like scented candles, scatter cushions, jewellery, scarves, handbags, leather accessories, cosmetics, and perfumes. At the top of that list you'll also find cats and cat-things. My cat ring is dear to me, despite it costing only £16, hence the photograph of it in my profile. I like it because it's subtle, which enables me to wear it daily. My own cat is family to me and who doesn't love cat salt & pepper shakers, cat t-shirts, cat cushions... cat earrings!? Not everyone, you say? Oh... well I do, so here are some of my favourite cat-inspired jewellery pieces.

Silver cat necklace by Katstudio on Etsy. I love its simplicity which is perfect for everyday wear. Yours for £14.12, what a bargain! 

This one is a little pricier at £207.44, but it is made from 14K gold and diamonds! The baby kitten necklace by MichelleChangJewellery, also on Etsy. Subtle but slightly glitzy, this necklace has made its way on to my wish list. Purrrrfection in a necklace [gettit??]. It also comes in white gold, and silver, and cheaper options are available without the diamond eyes for about £35. 

Michelle Chang has so many things in her shop that I've had my eye on for a while, she has snake rings, skull bracelets, and more. One day... 

Next up is the Kitty Cat ring with blue sapphire eyes by Yayoi Forest, via Catbird NYC. Made from 14K rose gold, set with sapphires, and hand made in Brooklyn, New York. $320. Petite and beautiful. 

Another beautiful piece from Catbird is the Choupette necklace in rose gold by Hortense. I've tried to bring myself to blog about the matching earrings but they are SO expensive and sold as individuals, which is really odd to me. I almost bought them before realising that the price was for one! This necklace is more reasonable at $298. 

Here's a cheeky link to my very own cat ring. 

The vintage kitten bangle from Alexis Dove is next. I know, I know, I should be able to write a post without mentioning Alexis or Alex Monroe, but they are my favourites! I have the vintage kitten on a necklace, but as I've already featured some necklaces today, here she is on a bangle. If you're anything like me, then you love a bangle. £90 in sterling silver. 

I can't post the vintage kitten without the vintage cat mum to follow! [prices are based on a 17" chain, also comes in 18" and 21"] Yellow or rose vermeil - £125 and polished silver £100 and for an extra £10 you can have an initial engraved on the base. 

Sterling silver cat ring from Tatty Devine £35 [reduced from £85]. In small, medium, and large. 

And finally, why wouldn't you want a cat hanging from some yarn, around your neck? WHY? Look at this little gem, from Les Nereides. Tout Beau Tout Doux necklace. 105 Euros. [Tout Beau Tout Doux means all beautiful fluffy in French - heart melt]. Made from silk, pearls, rhinestones, and more. Just so. darn. cute. 

That's it for tonight, folks. I need to get some beauty sleep. I did make a purchase this week though that I can't wait to share with you, so I will be back this week when the lighting is a bit better and I can take some good photos. 

Goodnight. Thanks for reading, 

L. x

My top ten stud earrings for under £100.

Good evening folks. It's Wednesday [I thought it was Thursday for a second - ouch!] and this evening's blog is My top ten stud earrings for under £100. For this mission I am going to use some of my favourite retailers [i.e. the links will not be to the e-shops of the designers]. Let's go...! 

1. Silver forget-me-not earrings by Alex Monroe, from Astley Clarke. £78 [£96 in 18 carat gold vermeil]. I love how dainty they are and I also really like nature-inspired jewellery. Pretty. 

2. Silver bunny stud earrings by Alexis Dove, from Silverado. £48. Cute as a button! What's not to love? Bunnies... silver... jewellery - check! 

3. Gold and ruby dot stud earrings by Embers, from Notonthehighstreet.com. £34.75. I really like the warmth of the ruby in the yellow gold, it's such a great combination. The natural texture of the gold is also a lovely selling point. 

4. Trillion cut stud earrings in labradorite by Amrapali for Dinny Hall, from John Lewis. £75. Trillion cut labradorite? THAT, my friends, is why these made the list. Such a fabulous cut and something from Dinny Hall had to make it. 

5. Astrid studs in black garnet by Katie Diamond, from Catbird NYC. $150 [£90]. Look how pointy they are! Oooo. 

6. Copper circle earrings by Lovely Pigeon, from Hannah Zakari. £18. These are made from brushed copper and formica with silver plated posts. On the cheaper side of the scale but I think they're just lovely. 

7. Turquoise sonatina earrings by Astley Clarke Colour, from Astley Clarke. £75. Turquoise is one of my favourite stones and here it is set in 18 carat yellow gold vermeil. A brilliant way to add colour to your day. 

8. Herkimer diamond solitaire studs from [and by] Erica Weiner. $110 [£65]. As with all Erica Weiner jewellery there is a story that goes with these, so please go to the website and check them out. I think these are wonderful; I have a thing for "rough" stones. 

9. This one is another one that comes straight from the designer's website because I can't find a retailer that stocks this particular brand - Alison Macleod. They were too cute to not include. Just like little pearl studs. £32. 

10. Lastly, I have Pink floral earrings by Les Nereides, from ASOS. £34 [currently on sale from £59]. Les Nereides is one of my favourite "not forever" designers. Their pieces are made from plated brass, and to me that means that they won't last [boooo] which is a shame because their stuff is just amazingly beautiful. Anyway, enough of my rambling, you want to see the studs! 

So there we have it, 10 beautiful pairs of stud earrings. Which ones are your favourites? Please comment below. 

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of the week, everyone! 

L. x

p.s. Today I wore my Alexis Dove belle hook earrings, my mushroom necklace from Alex Monroe, my engagement ring, cat ring, 3 x silver rings, and a classic gold Casio watch. That's all folks. 

Pearl earrings

Morning to all and to all a good morning. It's Sunday. I've woken with a killer headache [nothing that a good cup of tea and a chocolate digestive won't fix] and the sun is trying to come out from behind a cloud. We went out for dinner last night [fillet steak and chocolate fondant, thank you very much] and today we are just relaxing. 

What has happened since the last entry? Let's see... 

On the 11th of February I found the perfect pair of wedding shoes. After months of searching [with a substantial budget, I might add] I just couldn't find something that did it for me. Then along came the perfect pair from an unusual source... Dorothy Perkins of all places. They were 1/2 price, making them £9 and I'm smitten [the patterned background is a jumper that I bought at the same time]. So that's one less thing to worry about. What else?... 

Ah yes, Valentines Day. The title of this entry somewhat gives away what the boyfriend gave me this v-day; pearl earrings. They are my first pair of pearl studs and they came from Tiffany & Co. I believe they are 8-9mm with sterling silver posts, and the post back is a unique flower shape, which I was not expecting; such a pretty little detail and just for the wearer as no-one can see the back when you're wearing them. Here are some photographs, the one with the pearls is quite dark because we exchanged gifts on v-day evening. I'm sure there will be better photographs in time. Also, note the red ribbon as a nice change from the white! Another nice touch from T&Co. 

One of my wedding rings arrived on the 21st of Feb. I think I'm going to save these photographs for when they are all here, or even for after the wedding. Yes, I'll wait until after the wedding, sorry to keep you waiting folks, but they might not all make the final cut. All will become clear in time. This particular one has a very cute story as the person who made it for me has made other rings for me, so it's very special. 

I've been struggling this week with wedding hair. I'm doing it myself so I want something easy but elegant, fun and boho... ah, it's so hard. Anyway, the look I finally went for, the boyfriend doesn't like, so it was back to the drawing board. I have now reverted back to my original plans [which involve a floral crown - hooray] and I've actually got one ordered, finally, after hundreds of hours searching. Photos to follow once it arrives. I'm doing a lot of shopping in the US [how does one plan a wedding without Etsy??] so there has been a lot of waiting. 

And here we are today, the 2nd of March [where is time going??] and another of my rings arrived yesterday, all the way from Brooklyn, NYC and made by Digby & Iona. As this is primarily a "jewellery blog" I'll show you some of my favourite pieces... [most of their stuff is a bit out there for me, but I do adore their rings]. 

1. Petite pave arrows band - $640 in rose gold with black diamonds, but comes in various precious metals and also with white diamonds. A mere 1.5mm wide, which is perfect for stacking. It's one of my favourites. 

2. Petite Ambro ring - $1330 in 18k rose gold with blue and pink tourmaline and their beautiful wave band [you can buy this as a plain band, without a stone and it's lovely]. This one also comes in various colours, but this particular tourmaline speaks to me, it's just beautiful. These rings are one-offs [I imagine because of the uniqueness of the tourmaline] so once they're gone, they're gone. The cut on these stones is just amazing. The band is 1.5mm thick and the stone is .70ct in weight. If you like stones as much as I do, check out the others in the collection; the colours will blow you away [to tease you, I've included the thumbnails from the website in my image - there are more than these ones though]. 

3. Arrows bangle - $90. Does what it says on the tin! Oxidised sterling silver. 

4. The rakish hand - $360. It's an unusual one this one, and I mean unusual in a good way. It's slightly creepy, but again, in a good way. It's made from sterling silver [oxidised] and is on a 26" sterling chain [I like long necklaces] and I think it's the perfect choice for this particular piece. The hand is wearing an 18k yellow gold diamond ring on its little finger, which is hinged so that it sparkles as it moves. See, I warned you that it was a tad creepy, but the fact that the hand is wearing jewellery itself is amazing. So here it is, the rakish hand...

In my search for wedding rings and wedding jewellery I've come across some amazing companies and designers, all of which I will share with you over time, whether I end up buying from them or not. Designers such as Erica Weiner, Les Nereides and Alison Macleod are all too good to not share, so more from them coming soon. 

I'm still undecided on my wedding jewels - earrings, necklace, bracelet/s. I'm quite keen to wear this though, whatever else I end up wearing [to add a pop of colour and because I'm a stacker through and through]  - make a wish lucky horseshoe bracelet on mint, from Dogeared. I was going to buy direct but their postage was crazy steep to England, so I'm on the look-out of a reputable UK stockist. I've bought dogeared before, and will blog about them some day - I could spend a £1,000 there easily. 

For now I think that's me done. I don't want to bore you and this post has gone on a bit. I'm still aiming to be blogging more regularly, but time is being sucked up at the moment. I'll try and write something again next week. Keep smiling folks, and share some of your favourite designers with me via the comments. 

Thanks for reading, 

L. x