Working within the jewellery industry, the pressure was on to find the perfect ring. In initial discussions with our chosen designer, Sassalina founder and Creative Director, Sarah Freeman, we were determined to focus on the design of the ring rather than the stone.

Working out a story for the piece, to include romantic notions of my union with Simon, became over-complicated and contrived but Sarah’s patient and supportive approach gave us the opportunity to explore the avenues we needed.

Then one day she rang me to say that she had some stones she had selected with me in mind and would Simon and I like to join her for a glass of champagne at her home in Balham so that she could talk us through them.

We happily obliged and, looking back now, I was in no way prepared for the delightful experience that followed. A confection of precious stones; yellow and blue diamonds, chocolate coloured spinels, mossy sapphires and delicious emeralds awaited us.

Sarah is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, which involves passing rigorous exams and having a very scientific brain.  The amazing thing about Sarah though is that despite being able to source the most beautiful stones and having the ability to discuss minutiae of how it came into being, Sarah intuitively understands people, and is quick to associate stones with personalities and desires.

When presented with the beautiful, bold sapphire that now glints happily on my ring finger, my initial reaction was: ‘Am I allowed it?’, quickly followed by: ‘Am I brave enough?’

In order to answer the first question, she assured us that it was within our budget – Sarah never puts us in the position where we feel stretched beyond what we initially discussed. And, in response to the second question, it did take a little soul searching, but in the end I did decide I was brave enough and on the days when I do not feel as brave as I did then, it just takes a quick glance down at my left hand to fill me with the fierce fire that emanates from its yellow centre.

Here she is…

If you would like to get in touch with Sarah her email address is sarah@sassalina.com

We love getting feedback and requests from our clients, so took the decision recently to recruit a hand and neck model to work with us every Friday (something you thought, would be very useful).

Model shots compliment your product photography and help customers to understand scale when they purchase online. An opportunity not to be missed once a customer has clicked on an item of jewellery they like but are not sure how it will look against the skin, how to wear it or how big it will be.

We charge these shots at our silver level.

Do get in touch if you would like to book in some time on a Friday.

Claudia Bradby Jewellery worn by model.

We enjoyed visiting the beautiful Kabiri King’s Road store to celebrate the launch of JADA Fine Jewellery’s Mira collection. Ceyda and Nathalie were wonderful hosts and it was great to try on some beautiful pieces.

Simon has been putting together some footage he filmed there, so watch this space for the launch video… a great way of creating interest online.

We are back from an amazing weekend of surfing, sangria and sunshine. It was Simon’s 30th while we were away and what better way to celebrate. That’s him surfing on the right.

We have been shooting award-winning shoe designer Michael Lewis’s beautiful creations over the past few years and is always a treat to hang out with him in his studio and catch up on all his exciting projects and news.

Michael has worked for Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Burberry. His own label is sold internationally and he was recently made Versace’s design director of shoes. Here are some of his collection mood shots… swoon.

I always find the atmosphere a tad manic at these shows but on this occasion everyone seemed very enthusiastic and content with the organizers and the notes of interest they had received.

Show highlights included: coffee with JADA jewelley; seeing SHO Fine Jewellery’s anniversary couture necklace, earrings and scarf; finally meeting the lovely Daisy Knights ladies; Alex Davis and his Quark Super Brooch… and, of course, seeing our photographs adorning so many stands: a very proud moment for the two of us.

Until next year…

xAly

Alex Davies, Quark Super Brooch

SHO Fine Jewellery anniversary couture necklace, earrings and scarf

Simon is now back in London after spending a wonderful weekend celebrating Midsummer on Brännö, an island in the Southern Göteborg Archipelago.

Enter in your details on the competition page of the Talisman Gallery’s website. The closing date is the 20th June and the winner will be announced on the 4th July.

We had a great evening sipping champagne with the lovely ladies from Emma Beckett PR, who invited us along to the grand launch of the Save it with a Scarf collection. The event was held at Liberty in London and was attended by celebrity guests , design students and representatives from the World Land Trust. A hugely successful evening, much enjoyed by everyone who attended.

The five prints were created by Textile Design students at Winchester School of Art, and represent conservation projects around the world that are in urgent need of awareness and funds. 15% of all sales will be donated to the World Land Trust. Buy your scarf here