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JEWELLERY
If your idea of jewellery is limited to clunky signet rings and enormous hoop earrings then you’re missing out on one of the UK's most exciting design areas, not to mention on what a unique, well-chosen accessory can do for an image.
You may have to do a little digging to find that diamond in the rough, but where better to hunt for something with that extra sparkle than Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. According to Andrew Munro, Operations Director of the Quarter, it's estimated that this area can account for 40 percent of all UK-made jewellery, and there are around four hundred jewellery or jewellery-related firms operating there.
"I think most people get stuck in a rut in terms of how they think about jewellery or accessories," asserts Jewellery Quarter-based designer Lucy Ann. "It's not just necklaces and bangles that incorporate accessories: dress decorations, wraps, neckscarves, handbags, the lot! Anything that's an adornment can really brighten up an outfit or dress up something plain."
Lucy's stunning and original designs are created using combinations of metallic and silk threads; all handmade using a contemporary method of making lace. 'Lace' earrings may sound somewhat unusual, but it is this element of unconventionality that really draws attention: "The main comment that I get when people see my designs is 'Wow, this is so different from just the bog-standard gold and silver!' It can make people look twice if you've got something a little bit different on."
Of course, it's important not to overdo it. An unusual necklace on top of an elaborate dress and a striking pair of earrings may be a bit too much; you want to aim for eye-catching rather than eyesore. Any kind of accessory has to work with the whole outfit, as Lucy explains: "You want to enhance features, not overpower them or wash them out. Any kind of jewellery or accessory should co-ordinate with the whole image. It gives that extra sparkle, but it needs to be balanced."
It's not just the outfit that influences the choice of jewellery, but also the physical appearance of the wearer: "You need to take into account your stature and features when considering what you can carry off: if you have small features, don't overwhelm them with enormous heavy earrings, for example. Sometimes the nicest things are the simplest."
"Your skin tone will dictate what colours you suit as well. Olive skins tend to suit accessories in greens, gold and autumnal colours and women with fairer skin on the whole suit aquas, blues and silvers. Jewellery can enhance as effectively as make-up. Blue eyes can be really drawn out with blue or turquoise crystals and a lovely long neck looks so elegant with a beautiful ornate choker."
"Softer, brighter colours can really brighten up a complexion, especially a more mature complexion that can start to look a bit drawn in darker colours," she adds. So diamonds really can be girl's best friend, but when considering the bling it's worth bearing in mind the bigger picture, and perhaps thinking a little bit outside the gift box.
Words: Fiona Ferguson
Jewellery shown in images 1-3 by Lucy Ann
Jewellery shown in images 4-6 by James Newman (0121 245 1555)
Photography by Matt Lee
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