jewellery Archives - Style&Minimalism

Hoopla

**Otiumberg** Gold Graduated Hoops | **Normann Copenhagen**Moon Tray in Black* | **Monica Vinader** Fiji Mini Hoop Earrings* | **Otiumberg** Small Gold Graduated Hoops | **Otiumberg** Yellow Gold Huggie Hoop | **Murmur** Rare Earth Candle*

Gold hoop earrings are in the spotlight once again but for me they’re a classic style that will forever be relevant. Large hoops are the perfect solution when you want to elevate a simple outfit, like a classic white shirt and black trousers. I also find that small hoops are a good everyday alternative to studs. As I have a few piercings in each ear, I like to layer a couple of different sizes.

I started wearing only gold jewellery a little while back. I’d become bored of opening my jewellery box only to find my silver pieces looking tarnished and, frankly, unappealing. Fortunately, I have the sort of skin tone which allows me to wear either. So I made the switch over to gold plated or gold vermeil silver pieces (never brass, unless they’re really big designs) and, whenever I can, I’ll opt for solid gold. Obviously, there’s a big cost involved with buying solid gold jewellery so I only buy it when it’s an investment piece that I can guarantee I will wear for many years. And the great thing about it is if I become bored with the style I can always have it melted down and create a new piece.

I’ve been buying a lot of my jewellery from Otiumberg, lately. They’re a relatively new brand that sell both their own designs and those of a well-curated selection of jewellery designers. A lot of their pieces are fine jewellery (i.e. solid gold) but they have incorporated gold vermeil into their own collection which is much more affordable, and it lasts longer than gold plating. Their own designs include a huge selection of hoops, some of which you can see in my photos; I think they have something for everyone. There’s also a lovely collaboration with Laura Fantacci from Wardrobe Icons. (A word of warning if you’re looking for small hoops: I bought the small huggie earring for my helix piercing but it’s far too small. Unfortunately, I can’t exchange it as it’s not possible to return earrings, understandably. So I’ve been wearing it lower down my ear.)

Monica Vinader have recently expanded on their collection of hoops. Their Fiji collection is one of their more minimal, and includes some really nice hoops. It’s their mini hoops in 18 ct yellow gold vermeil that I’ve recently been wearing instead of my studs. I really like their large hoops too, they’re not that big but a classic design anyone can wear.

Love, Travel, Laugh

This post was created in collaboration with Auree Jewellery.

LOVE, TRAVEL, LAUGH; three things that mean a lot to me. They’re the three things that I most like to do, and am lucky enough to do regularly. I carry these words with me on my necklace, a small reminder of what I believe is important. My mind is often distracted and I’ve found that by working out what is most important to me, I’m able to let go of the things and thoughts that aren’t.

Growing up I was told that it was important for me to be my own person, not to copy others but to discover the things I liked and enjoyed. The older I get the more that makes sense to me. We’re all individuals with our own passions and although it’s easy to get swept along with what everyone else is doing, it’s more fun to discover something more personal to you. Some things are universal though, we all need and gain from having and building good relationships. Without the LOVE of our partners, friends and family, life would be dull. Having someone to share the good and bad times with is important for all of us and allows us to grow as people. TRAVEL always offers me the opportunity to meet you new people, be inspired by new places and learn about different cultures. It’s the chance to escape the ordinary that is a breath of fresh air to me. And, life shouldn’t always be taken too seriously, there is something so energising about really LAUGHing with someone, the friends that have me in fits of giggles are my best friends. I’m unguarded with them and utterly relaxed.

The necklace I’m wearing is Auree’s Seychelles Spinning Love, Travel, Laugh Pendant. It’s a classic Victorian design that hides the message until you spin it. Auree are kindly offering you a discount code to use on their website until 18/12/17. If you type in AUREEANGEL7 you will receive 15% off all pendants and necklaces, just in time for you to buy some lovely Christmas presents. If you’d like to know which items are my favourite, head over to Auree’s Journal. If you follow me on Instagram, there’s a chance for you to win one of the Seychelles Spinning Pendants, either to give as a gift this Christmas or to keep for yourself. And, if you sign up to the Auree newsletter you’ll be entered into a competition to win a £250 necklace. Good luck!

The Tembo Collection: Auree Jewellery x TLC

**Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Pembe Bracelet in Silver*

At the start of the month, I was invited to the launch of The Tembo Collection, a wonderful event for an important cause. The Tembo Collection is a collaboration between Kelly Eastwood (AKA The London Chatter) and Auree Jewellery. They’ve created a collection of seven delicate solid gold and silver bracelets that were inspired by traditional Maasai bead jewellery. 100% of the profits from these bracelets goes to For Rangers, in conjunction with Tusk (a charity that was highlighted in the press by the support of both Prince William and Prince Harry). For Rangers is a charity raising money to support the rangers who risk their lives daily to protect Africa’s endangered species. Rhino poaching in Africa has been well documented, with well over 100 rhino killed each year. If this continues at the same rate it is estimated that by 2026 there will be no rhino left in the wild, some report as soon as 2020. Across Africa it’s estimated that 100 elephants a day are slaughtered by poachers, that’s one killed every 15 minutes.

Although it has been scientifically proven to have no medicinal properties rhino horn is still used in Vietnam, China and Laos as traditional medicine. And ivory still fetches a high price in the Far East, where it’s valued at $1,200 per kilo.

It is the rangers, supported by For Rangers, that put their lives in danger protecting the rhino and elephants. Globally, over a thousand rangers have been killed since 2003. These men are brave, they are up against poachers with high-caliber assault weapons, working at night with night-vision. They work in harsh conditions, often cold and uncomfortable; as well as dangerous ones, amongst elephants, lions, and buffalo.

“For Rangers is aiming to raise funds and awareness to ensure that rangers across Africa are adequately equipped with top-quality basic equipment, well paid, incentivised and trained.”

Kelly and Auree Jewellery invited twenty-two bloggers to Bronte, a stunning new Tom Dixon-designed restaurant on The Strand. Kelly talked about her reasons for wanting to do this collaboration and shared a very moving film about the rangers, that left me in tears. I’ve shared many of the facts above that were highlighted to me then. Kelly lives in London but is originally from Kenya, she still spends a great deal of time there, visiting her family, and has been supporting For Rangers for a while.

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of poached eggs and avocado on toast, with tasty green juices. And, we were each given two bracelets from the collection, I have been wearing mine since. The little tusk on the catch is a reminder to me of the important cause they represent.

If you are thinking about Christmas presents and would like to buy someone something with meaning, that will actually make a difference, I think one of these beautiful bracelets would make a wonderful gift.

Feeling Pumped

**Bon Label** Tie Sweater in Marl Grey* | **Closed** Pedal Position Blue Denim Jeans* | **Jimmy Choo** Rebel Shoulder Bag | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Whistles** Cornel Suede Pointed Pumps in Black | **Missoma** Gold Engravable Initial Necklace* | **Sophie Wallgren** Marta Bracelet in Gold* | **Renné** Halo Bangle in Silver*

Sweatshirts have always been considered a casual wardrobe item but recently I’ve seen them elevated to a new level. Both this season and last, Joseph featured beautiful separates in soft jersey which we can’t seem to get enough of. Comfortable but chic these pieces have changed the way we think of the humble sweatshirt.

‘the brand exists to provide women with luxury everyday pieces which are effortless, interesting and chic‘
Designer, Linda Smyth

Recently, I discovered a lovely Australian brand called Bon Label. I’ve since collaborated with them to show you how I would style a couple of pieces from their new collection, their tie sweater and sweater dress (as seen in this post). I love the way they’ve looked at the basic design and creating something much more unique. A simple tie in the same grey jersey fabric and a curved, unfinished hem make it a much more feminine piece.