We have adorned ourselves with jewellery since time immemorial, so has the recession impacted on the jewellery we are buying?

Undoubtedly because of the record highs in gold prices this year, there has been a down turn in the in the sales of gold jewellery with silver jewellery and beaded costume jewellery becoming ever more popular.

However to see how the market has really changed, turn on the TV and observe the female newsreader and presenters most of whom are all wearing brightly coloured  large pieces of costume jewellery. Browse through celebrity magazines and you will see the same pattern. Large beads strung on long chains in all colours and it seems the bigger and brighter the better.

Is this a case of bad times are here but I want to cheer myself up by wearing this gaudy trinket. Remember that colour can have a big affect on mood.

It’s not just at the cheaper end of the market with costume jewellery that we have seen this change. There has been a proliferation of charm jewellery with young women clambering for the latest must have bracelet which she can customise with individual beads and charms. One can only sympathise with any parent or boyfriend faced with the demand for the this latest craze as these items of jewellery don’t come cheap. By the time you have filled your bangle with those tacky charms, you will have kissed goodbye to several hundred pounds at the cheaper end or goods made in the far east. It is possible to pay into the thousands for these trinkets which are being mass produced and on sale on every high street and all over the web. Whatever happened to individuality and taste?

How quickly before this latest novelty wears off. This latest craze has sparked off a huge rush to copy these must haves and fakes are all over the internet at more realistic prices. At least shoppers can bag a bargain on items that are likely to fade out of popularity very fast as the fashion craze changes.

For those that would prefer something a little more tasteful and individual, even though times are tight, why not invest in a classy affordable item that will last for many years and won’t date. There are still many small independent designers in the UK producing beautiful quality hand crafted silver jewellery at prices to suit all budgets. In the UK we have lost much of our manufacturing base. lets not lose our jewellery designers.

Written by John Lewis

Of Love2Have

Love2have specialises in quality handcrafted designer jewellery made here in the UK by small independent designers.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/jewellery-through-the-recession-1513514.html

When you need to buy a gift for someone special in your life, jewellery is always a favourite  option.  However, buying something so personal is never easy we here are some pointers to help you make the right impression.

By giving jewellery, you are making a statement of affection. It does not have to be exclusive or expensive – it really is the thought that counts, clichéd though this seems.  Fashion and costume jewellery is a fantastic option – the choice out there is vast and there are many high-end designers who produce simply stunning pieces with Swarovski crystals which can look a million dollars but without the hefty price tag.  Kenneth Jay Lane and Butler & Wilson are clear favourites when it comes to the designer option.  Alternatively, you may prefer a piece with a message in which case Disney Couture produces many styles of jewellery with  words to inspire such as “Wish”, “Believe”, “Dreamer”, Dreams Come True” and “Fairest of them All”! 

Californian brands Dogeared and CC Skye also have their own appeal – Dogeared Jewelry produces fine silver and gold-dipped jewellery with messages for someone special – a bridesmaid, a princess, the Apple of your Eye – there is an almost limitless amount of choice.  For those who like an edgier and up to the minute look, achingly fashionable CC Skye makes fabulous gold and leather jewellery favoured by Young Hollywood starlets and fashionistas alike.

When choosing jewellery, questions you should ask include:

What jewellery has she already got lots of? A girl only needs so much plain silver or gold jewellery – and she might prefer more brightly coloured jewellery for a change – try Kenneth Jay Lane and Butler & Wilson who have an enormous range of stand-out statement pieces.

Would she prefer something with a bit of tradition behind it or would be collectible in the future? Vintage and contemporary Kenneth Jay Lane pieces are highly sought after.  There are specialists on the web who can assist. Zentosa.com has a huge range with years of expertise in the legendary New York Designer.

What style of jewellery does she wear currently? Is it contemporary with bold styling or does she prefer the vintage or classic look? The best indication of her taste is the jewellery she wears all the time because these are the pieces she feels most comfortable with.  Any specialist store will be able to assist in helping you select a future favorite!

Buy jewellery which fits her actual size, not the size you think she is! A short neck she will suit stud or huggy earrings to the long chandelier design.  Additionally, a short neck needs a necklace or pendant that will complement it and not be too tight – remember “choker” is not the literal meaning!

1. When purchasing rings, think of the shape of her fingers when buying rings: does she have slim delicate fingers or small square hands? You can get her ring size by tracing around the inside of one of her current rings and measuring this on a ring sizer guide.

Remember, whatever you finally choose, give it some thought and make sure she knows you have!  Also, presentation is key – a beautifully presented gift is sure to make everyone’s day.

Lindsay Coulter is the owner of www.zentosa.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/choosing-jewellery-as-a-gift-1286896.html