SentiMetal: My Meaningful Jewellery Edit
How to wear your heart on your ears, wrist, fingers, round your neck, maybe even on your sleeve
I started this post a while ago with the intention of it being a Mothers Day-ish,. perfect present suggestions piece. Also to answer the IG call ‘Where did you get your ring/earrings/necklace?’ etc. en masse - because apparently I have become synonymous with sentimental and initial jewellery. And then my cat died and I couldn’t think of anything to make me feel better (I know it’ll take time) except the thought of wearing something to commemorate him every day, taking him with me everywhere kind of thing.
Before kids I had a whole host of ‘S’s’ - such was the trend for monogramming everything when I worked in mags. But now that I have people I adore and wish to honour in diamonds, a tiny bit more than myself, my collection has become much more meaningful.And I realise that this is why I’m so drawn to personal pieces. Jewellery is special, the most personal, precious forever tokens that are wearable, so I can carry my love (or loves) with me.
Beyond that, if you think about it, a well made piece will last longer than a lifetime, if it can connect you to something or someone, then it can do the same for the next person who gets to wear it after you. I believe, like houses with (friendly) ghosts, jewellery can kind of collect memories. So (*clears throat*) ahem, anyway, whether you feel as woo woo as I do about something that some people will consider simply material, or you’re a magpie who likes sparkly things - here are some VIPs (very important pieces).
Have a little scroll, see if there’s anything you need to point in someones direction - nudge, nudge, hint, hint - and rest assured if something here seems particularly expensive, it is an heirloom piece, a sentimental slice of life that should mean something to someone forever. To me, of all the ‘stuff’ I own, especially that I wear, that’s always going to be worth it. (And to help with that, please find an exclusive chunky discount on one of my favourite jewellery brands at the bottom of the piece). Enjoy! x
Edge of Ember Your Heart Diamond Necklace, £395
We’ll start with this one because it’s the newest favourite addition to my collection. Both my girls on one chain, so no tangling. Simple sweet perfection. (And 20% off with exclusive code at the bottom!)
Otiumberg The Initial Jewellery Collection, from £60
Almost impossible to choose from this beautiful selection of delicate, elegant pieces. I have the tiny diamond initial earring tags and I never take them off. Planning to add a ‘W’ necklace pendant for my cat Woody, to wear with the below amulet as soon as I can muster the emotional energy needed…
Loft & Daughter Functional Amulet, £169
For loved and lost. I got this, it’s beautiful, one end screws off to hold some ashes. I don’t know how I’m going to get them in there, (there are no instructions - and how do you work in such tiny scale with your eyes full of tears?) And I’m swapping the chain for an Otiumberg one that feels more elegant and keep-onable. But it feels like a nice, quiet, personal ode. (you can get 10% off your first order)
PDPAOLA 18ct plated and semi-precious stone pendant, £65
Adore this, haven’t seen anything like it, and wonderfully affordable too.
Liberty 9ct gold and diamond signet ring, £510
I am tempted by this every time I walk through the jewellery hall. There is also a non-diamond version for £305, but if you’re investing in a forever piece, this might be the one.
Aurum + Grey 9ct initial necklace, £145
The original teeny tiny initial instigators, Aurum + Grey also do studs, rings, everything tiny, so sweet and such beautiful quality.
Oak & Luna Tyra Initial Medallion Necklace, £182
My friend gifted this to me when Noa arrived, with my husbands, Marlies and her initials. Whole family on one beautiful chain, I adore mine.
Cece Jewellery Bespoke Collection, £POA
This is by far the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me and ever shall. Caveat - we sell Cece in Liberty and her ready to wear rings start at around £2860. That feels like a lot, but it’s a true heirloom piece, the crafstmanship and quality is out of this world (please read more about her process here), and if you’ve just got your 10 year all clear from cancer, published a book about your surrogacy journey that resulted from that treatment, and your husband wants to surprise you with a likeness of the cover of the book, with your longed-for daughters name and tiny diamonds, you break down in tears and feel the same surge of love for all and everything involved every time you wear it. I cannot describe how special this brand, and this piece really is.
Stone And Strand 10ct gold pearl necklace, £240 £120
Sale! It’s in the sale! (but there aren’t many initial options left, so GO)
Another sale find and a sweet Etsy option to wear your heart near the end of your sleeve
Kismet by Milka Name Ring, £768
Turkish brand Kismet made my LOVE ring that I wear between my wedding and engagement rings. I do indeed LOVE it (and everything they do), this has some new Phoebe Philo vibes, it’s gorgeous (and you never need to take it off, so cost per wear…..)
Annoushka 18ct gold diamond initial pendant, £550
The original culprit of my initial obsession, every beauty editor in the mid 2000’s had one of these, and we (hopefully) still love and wear them today. Come to think of it, I’m not sure I’ve seen mine since we moved house. OH NO
Zohreh V Semi Precious Beaded Name Bracelet, £125
A take on the crystal bracelet trend, feels almost childlike which I love for a double sentimental hit (you can order it in single colour or mixed too. And they’ve very kindly also offered a 15% discount which paid subs can find below…)
Any more important pieces you love to love? Anything I need in my life? Please do share below, and for paid subs, the discount is below the line. Many thanks as ever, and happy mothers day ish x