Review: ChloBo Bracelets - A Bit of Handmade Bohemia

Hands up, I had heard of ChloBo bracelets before but as I have recently been consumed by all things Pandora, they had passed me by.

Me, wearing my lovely ChloBo Noodle Disc Peace Bracelet

Happily, a chance to review one of their lovely sterling silver hand-made bracelets has rectified that, as I was sent the ChloBo Noodle Disc Peace Bracelet to try.

Part of their Iconics Collection, this is one of their best sellers and it's made from 925 sterling silver large noodles, 6mm discs and 4mm beads. It also features the peace charm which symbolises desire, love and peace.  And let's face, when you're a parent you'll try anything for a bit of peace.

ChloBo bracelets are designed to be worn as a stack and there are so many lovely ones I have my eye on.   You can either buy them separately or as a predesigned stack.  They come in silver, rose gold or gold and the featured stones are Black Onyx, Eagle Eye and Pearl. There are also rings, necklaces and jewellery for men.

ChloBo Mini Disc Hamsa Hand Bracelet from the Cuties Collection

One of the major plus points for me with my ChloBo bracelet is .... no tricky to use clasp.  Much as I love my Pandora charm bracelet I still haven't managed to do it up myself on more than a handful of occasions.  ChloBo bracelets simply slip over your wrist as they are elasticated.

ChloBo Feature Bead Tassel Bracelet from the Iconics Collection

Because they are made from sterling silver, gold plating and semi precious stones, you do have to treat them with care. ChloBo recommend that you keep your jewellery away from perfume, fake tan, lotions and chlorine, and that you gently clean the silver with a polishing cloth.

Obviously ChloBo bracelets are designed to be appreciated in stacks but I think my individual bracelet is pretty enough to be worn on its own and would be a great gift that the recipient could add to over the years.

The designs are a little more edgy than some of the other jewellery ranges and are, as ChloBo themselves say, bohemian rather than traditional. That said, I think they are as likely to appeal to fashion-conscious young things as they are to us, um, slightly more mature women who refuse to be defined by their age!

ChloBo Gypsy Collection: Dusk Wanderer Stack

They are not inexpensive (my bracelet is £90 and the stack featured above is £350) but they are certainly not costume jewellery and you are paying for the ability to create a pretty unique bracelet which should last for years.

You can search for stockists and find out more at www.chlobo.co.uk.

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Why More People Are Investing In Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver jewellery is by far the shiniest of all the precious metals. A lot of people choose to adorn themselves with sterling silver pieces over any other metals. In fact, both the popularity and value of silver has risen, making way for even more choices among sterling silver designs.

Here are 5 reasons why people choose to invest in silver jewellery.

1. The Value of Sterling Silver

While it is the most brilliant and whitest metal, sterling silver is also more affordable than platinum or gold. Since it is a fraction of the price of gold, finding a stunning piece of silver jewellery for a modest price makes for more variety and allows customers to feel like they have found something sensational for a good price. You can take a look at the collection of silver jewellery here.

2. Durability of Silver Jewellery

Silver is a harder metal that can stand the test of time. It can be filed down effortlessly and polished to repair a surface that has been damaged or simply worn out with normal wear. Rings can be sized quickly and easily, and repair costs in general for this metal are economical.

3. Artistry and Design

The variety of jewellery designs in silver is abundant. This is mostly because new artists can afford to cast a lot more designs in this metal than in platinum or gold. This means that there are more and more new jewellery designers and new concepts on the market. The Silver by Mail silver jewellery collection has some gorgeous new designs.

4. Different Styles in Silver

Sometimes it is tough keeping up with the latest jewellery trends. But since silver jewellery is more affordable, customers are able to update their wardrobes more frequently and mix and match as they please.

5. Interchangeable

Many customers find that silver jewellery is easily interchangeable with platinum and gold items. They can don stunning silver designs with other items from their jewellery box, which means that a variety of designs can be worn together as unique ensembles.

Many people adore sterling silver for its bright lustre. The marketplace has seen resurgence in sterling silver simply because it is less expensive to produce and buy compared to its platinum and gold counterparts.

Customers love the fact that sterling silver pieces are great value and highly durable. They can keep up to date with the latest designs without having to pay a fortune to procure them.

Today, many high-end designers enjoy casting their unique jewellery designs in sterling silver. It’s not uncommon to see beautiful precious gemstones being set in silver, either.

Jewellery lovers are enjoying this concept and being able to afford new pieces from popular designers.

While sterling silver may require a small amount of special care to retain its simmer, that doesn’t bother today’s customers. They have learned how to look after their precious pieces and find that it is well worth the effort to continue enjoying all the advantages that purchasing sterling silver has to offer.

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Top Tips on Choosing a Vintage Engagement Ring

So you’re set on proposing to your special someone. The plan is all in your head, the flowers, the date, the flash dance. Everything! Whatever it is, you’re ready to make your commitment official. Now all that’s left to do is buy that diamond engagement ring. The best part of it all is that you already know your partner adores vintage rings. Half the struggle of the engagement ring selection process is already done when you know what style your partner wants. You only need to choose the best looking one and you’re good to go.

Image by Bill Young via Flickr

Few of us are experts at shopping for vintage engagement rings so here are some tips you may find useful.

You can start by looking at vintage and certified diamond rings in the UK from Serendipity Diamonds. Not only do they have a great selection, but they also have a wonderful customer service that make your shopping experience much easier.

Check the durability 

The ring may be vintage but there’s no excuse for it to break after just a few years of wearing. Check the durability of the engagement ring. It should hold just as well as modern rings. The great news is that most vintage engagement rings are made with sturdy materials. This was back when mass produced rings weren’t popular yet and artisans actually took the time to craft jewellery. Quality materials were used to build handmade rings back then.

The setting should not be loose 

Some vintage rings, because they are old, can have loose stones in them. Check if the ring’s stones are firmly held together by the setting. If not, you can have it re-set at the jeweller so it holds tight as if it’s brand new again.

A return policy is a must

If you’re buying the vintage engagement ring online, checking the return policy is a must. You never know when you need to return the ring. It could be because your special someone may want to get it replaced or it’s not what you thought it would be like in person. Whatever it may be, a good return policy is always needed in case you need to return the ring.

All the 4 Cs are estimated

Because vintage rings are already intact, you most likely won’t be able to get a true valuation for your ring. Most jewellers won’t be willing to disassemble a vintage ring simply because you want to know the clarity. Instead, you will be given an estimate of the cut, clarity, and colour of the ring.

We recommend that you begin narrowing down your choices at reputable jewellery shops known for providing accurate valuation for their rings. This helps take off the worry of whether the price you are being asked to pay is reasonable.

Consider the metal used in the wedding band

Vintage engagement rings often stand on their own which means it may be a challenge to find a band with a metal that will go best with your vintage engagement ring. If you appreciate the beauty of hers and hers wedding rings and plan to get one for your partner, you can wear it on the hand that doesn’t have the vintage engagement ring on it. It keeps the integrity of the vintage engagement ring without neglecting the wedding band which symbolises the union of your love.

Those are just some of the things to keep in mind when shopping for vintage engagement rings. I hope these tips help. And if things come to worst and your partner doesn’t like your choice, remember that return policy!

What other tips do you have for choosing a vintage engagement ring? Let me know in the comments!

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I've Been A Bit Distracted By ...Thomas Sabo - 29/11/2013

In case you've already had enough of sparkle and glitter, or you're keeping your powder dry for the Christmas festivities, these rock-chic-esq silver skulls from Thomas Sabo's Rebel at Heart range should add a bit of edge to your Saturday night glamour.

Thomas Sabo Sterling Silver Rebel at Heart Hinged Hoop Earrings - £119

The earrings are sterling silver, blackened and with black synthetic zirconia-pave. Great gift for a teenager, a rock chic or (and I'm particularly fond of this option), for yourself.

Delivery is free if you order before 8th December and Thomas Sabo offers elegant free jewellery packaging too.

Further information at www.thomassabo.com

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Giveaway: Beautiful Sterling Silver Sparrow Pendant Worth £55 From Oorla Jewellery

This giveaway is now closed but you can find all my current competitions on my competitions page.

I have a beautiful silver pendant from Oorla Jewellery worth £55 to give away to one lucky reader. 

The pendant is a dainty yet detailed sterling silver sparrow charm on a delicate sterling chain. 

Three labradorite gemstones add a splash of iridescent colour and meaning. 

Did you know that Labradorite is said to give protection from negativity and misfortune and it has always been considered a magical stone which helps develop spirituality. 

The sparrow is also a symbol of good luck!  

The pendant comes packaged in a gorgeous white ribbed gift box - an ideal Christmas gift for someone special or as a treat to fortify yourself against the stress of all that Christmas shopping and being nice to relatives!

The ‘tiny sparrow pendant with labradorite’ is available from http://oorlajewellery.co.uk/

Price £55

Based in Surrey, Oorla Jewellery specialises in high quality contemporary handmade silver and gemstone jewellery inspired by colour, pattern and texture in the natural world. 

The company was set up in 2010 by jewellery designer Oorla Morgan who, like me, is also an older mum to two beautiful kids.

Oorla can be contacted on 07725009333 or by email info@oorlajewellery.co.uk.

Entry to the competition, which ends on at midnight on Friday 13th December is via the rafflecopter widget below.  The usual terms and conditions apply.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I've Been A Bit Distracted By ... Astrid & Miyu - 24/10/13

Here's another lovely statement necklace from London jewellers Astrid & Miyu. The chain comprises coloured chains and strings of diamantes and the brooch-style pendant has sparkly coral, red and clear crystal.

Anna Karenina in Red Necklace from Astrid & Miyu- £39

Astrid & Miyu suggest you wear the necklace with a LBD for full effect - and for those with sensitive skin, it's nickel free and comes in Astrid & Miyu's signature packaging. There's free UK delivery and returns too.`

One for the Christmas list ladies.

Further information at: www.astridandmiyu.com.

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My Daily Distraction - Pandora for Breast Cancer Awareness - 03/10/13

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

More than 1,000 women die every month from breast cancer and each year 50,000 women will be diagnosed with the disesase.

You can show your support with this fab Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet from Pandora which is comprised of their Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon charm - a lovely sterling silver ribbon with pink zirconia crystals - on a pink leather bracelet.

Pandora Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Complete Leather Bracelet- £85

Source:  John Green Jewellery

Pandora are supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer by donating 15% of the price of the charm on this bracelet, which is one of a number of pieces available from John Greed Jewellery.

Further information at: www.johngreedjewellery.com, www.breakthrough.org.uk

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