Category: Jewellery

Turning old jewellery into a one-of-a-kind piece

Post author By Emil Pruden
Post date 2nd September 2022

Jen Withington Bespoke Necklace of her wearing it.

Repurposing several pieces of sentimental jewellery into a bespoke statement necklace.

Having heard about our positive reputation and wanting to support us as local jewellers, Jen came to Pruden and Smith looking to repurpose several pieces of sentimental jewellery into a new statement necklace. She used our redesign service to create a bespoke item, turning her old pieces of jewellery into a (rather sparkly) something new!

(Image: vyouimages.com)

At the design appointment

With a vague brief and set of ideas, Jen came along to our Workshop and Gallery in Ditchling for a design appointment with Rebecca our Head Designer.

In just half an hour Rebecca had combined a couple of Jen’s initial ideas into a beautiful design that surpassed Jen’s expectations. And, with a special birthday approaching, Jen requested whether it would be possible for this item to be fast-tracked and ready within four weeks of the appointment – which our team ensured was possible!

The end result

We’re so proud to have created a unique piece of handmade jewellery for Jen that maintains its sentimental value through the memories associated with the stones. Jen shared that the necklace is “everything I hoped it would be and more. I love the design and the way it shows off the stones to the maximum effect. I normally wear very dainty jewellery, but wanted something larger to wear on special occasions.”

In our opinion Jen’s smile in the pictures says it all – we think she looks like a million dollars in her brilliant statement necklace and we are happy to have made something so special.

(Image: vyouimages.com)

If you have an old piece of jewellery that’s no longer worn, we invite you to look into our redesign service or book a design appointment for an opportunity to create something special for yourself (or a loved one) for years to come.

Thank you for reading this Customer Story – if you would like to share a past experience of working with us and feature as part of this series, please do get in touch at: hello@prelive.prudenandsmith.com.

Diamond jewellery

Diamonds Don’t Need To Be Expensive For An April Birthday

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 12th April 2022

Diamonds Don’t Need To Be Expensive For An April Birthday. Prices for our rough diamond stacking rings start at £195 and you can build them up each birthday into a fun stack.

We can also add a small diamond to any of our handmade silver or gold jewellery at £40 per 1.5mm diamond added to the price of any item. During the week when the workshop is open we can add your diamond or any other birthstone to any piece you purchase off the shelf while you wait. Here are our favourite pieces as examples. You can choose your own from our jewellery section:

Tiny hammered shapes are ideal backgrounds for your diamonds

Add in a little family gold from an inherited piece of jewellery to create a two tone gold effect

Go a little larger and create a fun diamond ring

Tiny earstuds are fun, choose from silver, silver gilt or 9ct gold. Interesting metal designs show off your tiny diamond highlights.

Hand-forged silver metalwork with the hammer-marks left in create an additional sparkle of their own.

Our silver and gold nuggets are another fun option

Aquamarine jewellery Eternity rings

Unusual Aquamarine Eternity Rings

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 22nd March 2022

Our top twelve Unusual Aquamarine Eternity Rings? Aquamarine is one of our best selling gemstones. With its watery blue green sea tones it makes the perfect companion to diamonds. At 7 on the Mohs scale it wears well and is hard enough to withstand daily wear. It is is the birthstone for March and the gemstone used to celebrate the 19th wedding anniversary.

Eternity rings are traditionally gifted on the 10th wedding anniversary and if you are looking for something a little unusual then aquamarine is the perfect choice. It cones in a wide range of gemstone cuts from round brilliant, princess cut, the very popular emerald cut and the art deco favourite the baguette cut. All the designs in our eternity ring catalogue are available in aquamarine, on its own or mixed with diamond. Try it with green Tsavorite for a vibrant unusual mix! aquamarine looks equally good in both platinum, rose gold or yellow gold.

Princess Cut and round brilliant diamonds and aquamarines work well together as the cuts match well. mix platinum and gold to warm up you ring.

All our rings are designed to fit with your existing rings if required. Often today the eternity ring is also worn on the right hand to allow for a more unusual ring that expresses who you are without the constraint of fitting with your wedding and engagement ring. Anything goes!

Baguette cut and diamond full and half eternity rings Claw set and fitting aquamarine and diamond alternating eternity rings

Aquamarine is a fascinatingly beautiful gemstone, it’s name comes from the Latin for seawater not just for it’s colour but because it was said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. The best Aquamarines combine high clarity with limpid transparency shining over an extraordinarily beautiful range of blue to green colours. It occurs in large crystals inspiring creative gemstone designers to create new artistic cuts again and again due to it’s many good qualities and it’s hardness makes it very tough and protects it to a large extent from scratches. It is almost as popular as the classics: ruby, sapphire and emerald. The more intense the colour of an aquamarine, the more value is put on it.

Aquamarine jewellery Engagement rings

Aquamarine Engagement Rings

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 31st January 2022

Aquamarine Engagement Rings are an unusual but increasingly popular modern choice. Perfectly matched with diamonds and platinum with a smattering of yellow, rose or even green gold. We design you a unique ring based on your personal style or iconography. From a traditional modern take on the classic cluster or art deco inspired engagement ring, through a simple contemporary classic to the creative and organic.

Art deco inspired rings use the emerald cut or the baguette cut diamond and aquamarine. The rings like the gemstone cut have simple angled lines and clean cuts that give a geometric elegance that is just as fresh today as it was in the 1930’s.

The Edwardians popularised the classic cluster ring. A central aquamarine instead of the traditional sapphire really updates the look that had a resurgence in recent times when Princess Diana’s engagement ring was gifted to Kate Middleton by Prince William on their engagement.

Contemporary engagement rings can take any form and its important that they express who you and your partner are. in the rings above an aquamarine and a diamond was set into a design based on our inwards spiky engagement ring to symbolise a couples love of astronomy and the study of the planets. The green and white gold aquamarine engagement ring symbolises a couples shared love of the beach and the sea.

As you put together your ideas for an ideal engagement ring to propose with it can be useful to think about the moments that you have shared together and if any of those themes symbolise your relationship for you both. An aspect of this can be used either boldly or subtly to make your ring a unique expression of who you are.

Talk to our designer Rebecca Smith about aquamarine Engagement rings online or instore.

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Jewellery Seasonal Jewellery Uncategorised

Autumn Jewellery Seasonal Style Guide

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 6th October 2021

Looking for autumn jewellery ideas? Look no further. Our autumn jewellery seasonal style guide has got you covered.

The star of the show this autumn is this Giant Stacking Cocktail Ring featuring a 5ct Trillion Natural Brown Zircon, 6mm round pale yellow fancy diamond, emerald cut purple spinel, trillion cut pink spinel, octagonal cut purple spinel, and an oval orange garnet and a trillion champagne garnet. It was handmade in 18ct yellow gold using a collection of the client’s own sentimental stones along with some carefully selected new stones that we sourced to complete this beautiful warm autumnal palette.

We have a selected a number of our favourites to highlight. Firstly, we have our new Emerald Trefoil Rough Diamond Stacking Rings which feature three 2mm round emeralds set in 18ct yellow gold. Secondly, we have our striking Yellow Sapphire Diamond Spiky Stacking Rings. This beautiful set features a one carat round brilliant cut diamond and a valuable yellow pear shaped sapphire. And last, but by no means least, we have our Bubbles rings. Our Bubbles cluster rings and Bubbles eternity rings pictured here in ruby and emerald are available in your choice of gemstone.

Autumn Jewellery Seasonal Style Guide: Rough Gemstone Jewellery

Our Brazilian Rough Emerald and Tiger’s Eye jewellery make the perfect jewellery for autumn. The warm golden hues are perfect for the season. The rough textured gold plated silver setting edge follows the undulated surface of the stones giving an organic rustic feel. Brazilian rough emerald is available in a number of designs. These include necklaces, earrings, pendants and a bracelet.

Brazilian Emerald

Our Brazilian rough emerald has been cut to carefully preserve the rough texture. Colours range from black to brilliant green and pale green in a single piece. The settings are made from rough hammered silver with a Vermeil (gold plated) finish. Autumn jewellery perfect for evening events or every day wear.

Tiger’s Eye

We have given Tiger’s Eye a bit of shake up in our rough cut collection. Often cut into rounded beads or smooth cabochons, we have opted instead to cut the surface to reveal the beautiful texture of the stone. The rusty golden hues are reminiscent of autumn leaves or a roaring log fire.

Eternity rings Ruby jewellery

Ruby Eternity Rings Handmade in Sussex

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 16th September 2021

Ruby Eternity Rings: Ruby Old Cut Diamond Eternity Ring

Ruby eternity rings are a wonderful alternative to a purely diamond eternity ring. Perfect for anyone who loves a splash of colour. Rubies are also the birthstone for July, and the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the 40th wedding anniversary. Ruby works particularly well with diamonds for contrast. You can also combine rubies with other gemstones such as sapphires. Rubies can be cut into many different shapes, we love to create unusual eternity rings with square or baguette cut rubies.

By far the most popular combination for a ruby eternity ring, is to set the rubies with diamonds in yellow gold. The warmth of the gold brings out the red in the rubies and the cool white diamonds provide contrast. Rubies also look fabulous in platinum or white gold, the vivid red really stands out against the white metal. When choosing an eternity ring it is important to consider what you will wear it next to. If you are going to be wearing the ring next to another ring then it must be made from the same metal. Some people choose to wear their eternity ring on another finger so that they can choose something a little bit different to their existing jewellery.

Many of our ruby eternity rings have rubover settings where the rubies are fully enclosed in a metal surround. This setting style is very popular because of its contemporary style and because they are very practical to wear. Other setting styles include claw set and channel set. Sometimes these styles can be ideal when you are matching an existing ring set in this way.

Unusual Ruby Eternity Rings

If you are looking for a ring that will stand alone you can get really creative. You can also choose a more substantial design. We love to create these really unusual pieces. Here are a few of our favourites:

Our Ruby Eternity Ring Side Hammered is a great design if you are looking for something a bit chunkier. The rubies measure 6x4mm and the overall width of the finished ring is 10mm. The undulating edge of the side-hammered metal gives it a fluid organic feel.

Wider rings don’t necessarily have to have larger stones. These two rings are made up of lots of smaller diamonds and rubies to create a wider band overall. With this look you can either create a single wide band or stack of three narrower rings that slot together to create the wider effect.

Another way to create a band with more impact is with the metalwork itself. This intricate filigree style ring is ornate and impactful whilst also remaining delicate and feminine.

If you’re looking for the perfect ruby eternity ring, book a free design consultation with Rebecca Smith to discuss your ideas: book here

fashion jewellery Jewellery Uncategorised

What to Wear to Glyndebourne Festival

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 24th August 2021

Large pear lapis pendant on gold torc neckpiece

With the final weekend of the summer programme nearly upon us, you may be wondering what to wear to Glyndebourne Festival 2021. Whilst there is no official dress code, most guests take the opportunity to dress up. Glyndebourne Festival is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some new formal wear or bring out your old favourites. The Glyndebourne website reads ‘We love to see formal or vintage attire or the height of contemporary fashion’ in the advice on what to wear.

Black tie is by far the most popular choice for gents, however a summer blazer and panama hat, or coloured jacket and floral bow tie would be just as at home. For ladies this is a great opportunity to make a statement, don a fabulous full length gown and gloves, sophisticated summer dress, or even trouser suit. Don’t forget your jacket or wrap for cooler days/evenings and lawn friendly sensible heels rather fine stilettos which may be prone to sinking.

We’ve put together a selection a jewellery ideas perfect for Glyndebourne, with some styling suggestions below. Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to express yourself with your style!

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is one of our favourite gemstones. Its vivid blue is sure to add wow factor to any outfit. This beautiful waterfall coat, available from the Glyndebourne shop, would look stunning set of with one off our striking necklaces. Our favourite designs include this fabulous teardrop pendant on a torc, and our lapis tab necklace, as well as two different collar necklaces: 6mm and 12mm. The jacket is handmade in lightweight silk, and is also reversible for two different styles.

Opera Necklaces

Opera length necklaces are perfect for wearing over gowns with a higher neckline. Accessorise with a pair of gloves. Opera necklaces are also great for layering up with other necklaces. These are versatile pieces you can style your own way.

Unusual Pearls

We have some fabulous unusual pearls that really break away from pearl tradition. Two of our favourites are our 20mm Keshi pearls and our Gold Elephant Baroque Pearls. This simple and elegant envelope clutch bag, made from cream suede, would compliment these necklaces perfectly.

What to Wear to Glyndebourne Festival: cufflinks

Hammered Silver Cufflinks

Our hammered silver cufflinks work with all kinds of different styles of suits. Why not pair them with a classic panama hat for the ultimate summer chic style.

Lapis Lazuli

Introduce a splash of colour to your suit with our lapis lazuli cufflinks. Available in rectangular or trillion, the unique textured silver matches the rough cut surface of the lapis.

If you are yet to secure your Glyndebourne Festival 2021 tickets, you can book them here.

Birth Stones Sapphire jewellery Uncategorised

Alternative Sapphire Birthstone Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 11th August 2021

Sapphire is the birthstone for September. If you know someone with a September birthday, you might enjoy our alternative sapphire birthstone jewellery ideas. Whilst the most well-known colour for a sapphire is blue, they can also be pink, purple, green, yellow, and orange. If you’re looking for unusual sapphire birthstone jewellery, coloured sapphires are a great choice. This rainbow sapphire eternity ring was made as special commission in varying shades of coloured sapphires pave set into platinum.

Mixing a couple of shades of sapphire can create a beautiful tonal quality. This side hammered eternity ring has a mix of pale blue, bright blue and pink sapphires with diamonds. Sapphires also look nice mixed with aquamarine and diamond as we have done in this Bubbles pendant.

This gorgeous 7ct multi coloured sapphire stacking ring was designed from a collection of a clients own sapphires. They were bought many years ago in India and have sat in a drawer waiting to be used. Blue sapphires look gorgeous in both yellow gold or white gold/ platinum. For something a little different why not choose rose gold. This ring was handmade in rose gold to compliment the pink hues of the stones.

Alternative Sapphire Birthstone Jewellery: Yellow Sapphires

At Pruden and Smith we love yellow sapphires. They are sunny and bright and make a real statement in a sapphire dress ring. Yellow sapphires can vary in shade from a pale lemon yellow, to a warm amber. We often set yellow sapphires in yellow gold to reflect their warmth and pair them with diamonds set in white gold to add a cool contrast.

If you are interested in coloured sapphires, why not book a design appointment with our designer Rebecca Smith. She can get a selection of wonderful sapphires in for you to choose from. Book your free consultation here or call 01273 846338.

Birth Stones Peridot jewellery Uncategorised

Peridot August Birthstone Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 6th July 2021

Peridot is the birthstone for August. Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine. It is one of only two gemstones not formed in the Earth’s crust, but in the molten rock of the upper mantle. It is associated with calm, peace, harmony, and health. This lovely vibrant stone adds a great flash of colour to our favourite peridot August birthstone jewellery designs. It is set off equally well by gold or silver and can be paired with other gemstones such as diamond, aquamarine and topaz for tonal harmony, or amethyst for vibrant contrast! We personally love to mix the warmth of gold and peridot with the calm coolness of diamond and aquamarine. It is a great addition to a coloured cluster ring, or unusual stacking ring. It can even make a lovely eternity ring when paired with diamonds.

Peridot August Birthstone Jewellery under £150

We’ve put together a little gift guide showcasing some lovely peridot birthstone gifts under £150. Whether you prefer a simple silver peridot stud, or an unusual chunky rough peridot stacking ring, there is something for all tastes.

Hammered Heart Peridot Pendant – £150
Hammered Peridot Earstuds Heart – from £120
Silver Nugget Earstuds 6mm with 3mm Gemstone – £99
Peridot Stacking Rings – £120 each

Unusual Peridot Rings under £400

Birthstone jewellery doesn’t have to be boring! It can be hard to find something unique when searching for birthstone jewellery. There are a lot of plain pendants and earrings, but finding something with a little more personality can be tough, particularly if you are looking for an unusual peridot dress ring. Here are a few of our favourite silver designs to give you some inspiration:

Side Hammered Peridot Pear Ring – £380
Silver Peridot Wrap Round Ring – £220
Parallel Inwards Spiky Ring Marquise Peridot – £380
Moi et Toi Cocktail Ring with Peridot and Blue Topaz – £360

For more peridot gift ideas check out our peridot gallery.

Birth Stones Ruby jewellery

Ruby July Birthstone Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 8th June 2021

We design a wide range of ruby July birthstone jewellery, everything from understated ear studs to bold cluster rings. Ruby is one our favourite coloured stones to work with. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire, and gains its colour from the presence of the element chromium. Long considered a stone of kings, ruby has been prized since antiquity for its vibrant colour, and is said to symbolise nobility, passion, and personal power/energy. As well as being the July birthstone it is also given on the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, and is a popular choice for engagement rings and Valentine’s Day jewellery.

All of our ruby rings are designed and handmade in our on-site workshop. We work to order in rose, yellow, or white gold and platinum. Rubies pair particularly well with diamonds and 18ct yellow gold. Here are a few of our favourite designs…

Prices of rubies are primarily determined by colour. They range from pink to dark red, the brightest and most valuable red called ‘pigeon blood’. We have an excellent supplier of top quality rubies from Thailand and Burma for bright and deep red rubies to be mounted in fine jewellery and a FairTrade mine in Tanzania for slightly cheaper pinker gems. The mine has also been able to supply us with some natural ruby crystals and some uncut ruby shapes that look fabulous combined with our gold and silver “nugget” beads.

These gold ruby pear shaped earstuds and pendant were made for a ruby wedding anniversary. The AAA quality rubies measuring 5x4mm can be set in handmade in 9ct or 18ct yellow, rose or white gold or platinum with post and scroll fittings.

Alternative Ruby July Birthstone Jewellery – Ruby Zoisite

Ruby Zoisite is a naturally occurring composite gemstone comprised of both ruby and zoisite crystals in a single stone. It can vary in colour and pattern depending on the particular composition of the individual specimen. Zoisite has an earthy emerald green colour, contrasted by the pink and red highlights of the ruby. Ruby-zoisite is also heavily included with black hornblende minerals. Ruby-zoisite is currently only found in Tanzania. Although ruby-zoisite is not fine ruby, it is one of the most colourful ornamental gemstones available.

For more ruby jewellery ideas check out our ruby jewellery gallery: prelive.prudenandsmith.com/shop/gemstone-jewellery/ruby-jewellery

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