The Cut: A Selection of Jewels

Baguette about it..baguette cut diamond engagement rings.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:20:00 +0000

I'm sure you've all seen Angelina's engagement ring by now, but despite it's ridiculously mammoth proportions (although we expected no less - a delicate brilliant cut solitaire isn't really her style I guess) it reminded us how beautiful baguette cut diamonds can be. Good choice, Brad.

All below rings are from Craig Evan Small, a vintage jewellery dealer based in LA, California.

Jewellery illustrations: Boucheron

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Adding to our growing online collection of beautiful jewellery illustrations, this week we have these bright and summery designs by French jewellery house Boucheron. These are contemporary designs presented in the traditional hand painted way...swoon....

Another example of the big fashion houses keeping this beautiful tradition alive - and showcasing it as part of their marketing/PR is a really nice touch.

To see the Boucheron jewels have a look at www.boucheron.com

All images copyright Boucheron 2012

Ruby Tuesday. Colour pop ruby engagement rings...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Following on from last week's emerald explosion, here are some ridiculously colour saturated rubies to rival their green friends.

Mainly Victorian engagement and cocktail rings, these showcase the variations of rubies in colour and clarity...beautiful.

Happy Tuesday.

St Patrick's Day green! Vintage emerald engagement rings.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Umm, a tenuous link to St Patrick's Day we know, but it's kind of appropriate to show these green sparkly beauties after celebrating this weekend...

Out favourite is the last image, an art deco emerald and diamond engagement ring. The unusual cuts of the emeralds are amazing.

All images are from the incredible vintage and antique jewellery sellers Bentley & Skinner in London. Have a look at the website and weep...

http://www.bentley-skinner.co.uk

From the Archives: Stephen Webster Jewellery Illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Following on from our post on Garrard's vintage jewellery illustrations, we found these beautiful and emotive pages from the jewellery designer Stephen Webster.

A great example of how to convey a mood along with the actual design of a piece of jewellery, Stephen shows us the inspiration behind the design; the process from conception to (almost) finished piece.

A great story-teller, seeing these pages remind us just what a master of creating a brand Stephen Webster is. We'd be happy to bet that the majority of all the rock'n'roll, studded, bold and punchy jewellery you see in high street stores today has been influenced to some extent by Stephen.

To see the actual pieces created from these sketches and designs, have a look at his site here.

All images copyright Stephen Webster 2012.

Old-fashioned Lover Boy: the MINE Ring by Oak.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Fairtrade and ethical jewellers Oak have reclaimed the more traditional sentiments of the engagement ring as declarations of possession with their MINE Ring - the letters M I N E are wrapped around a 0.25ct ethical diamond to become its setting...a cute idea for all those super-possessive guys out there wanting to pop the question.

Check out the rest of Oak's beautiful, delicate and considered ethical collection at www.oakfinejewellery.com.

All images copyright Oak Jewellery 2012.

Maria Black - Danish delight.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:37:00 +0000

We've been coveting the simple, subtle lines of Danish jewellery designer Maria Black for a while now...using clean shapes but perfect proportions and finish, she manages to find a balance between minimalist and edgy.

We also love the fact that you can buy the earrings as a single piece or in a pair - perfect for people who like a bit of asymmetry in their lives (like me).

Delicate in some pieces and heavy in others, Maria's style still shines through despite not being boxed into a prescribed category. Using plated sterling silver to keep prices down for the gold looks, and oxidising methods for the silver, her range is broad yet cohesive, with a flash of Scandinavian cool running throughout.

Have a look at the rest of her collection at www.maria-black.com.

All images copyright Maria Black 2012.

Engagement Ring focus: Hexagonal Diamonds

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 +0000

One of our favourite shapes for a fancy cut diamond is a hexagonal. Appealing to our fondness for all things geometric, but used predominantly during the 1920s and 1930s as a popular engagement ring style, this bridges the void between vintage and contemporary. We need nothing more...

The look can be achieved by setting a brilliant round diamond into a hexagonal setting also, a more cost-effective option than getting a bespoke diamond cut. Our favourite is the top vintage ring from Antique jewellery supplier Bentley & Skinner.

We also like it when the tip of the hexagon setting (the points) are facing 'north' and 'south', rather than a flat edge. The Art Deco feel manages to feel simple and classic, yet vintage and not too traditional, as well as contemporary. Impressive. Engagement ring design at its finest and pretty much the perfect ring. Sigh.

Below are a mix of modern and vintage versions...enjoy.

Hattie Rickards' Strata...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Launched last week at London Fashion Week, jewellery designer Hattie Rickards' beautiful new 'Strata' ring - made from recycled silver and 18k gold plating - can be customised and made to order in the colours of the customer's choice. EXCITING. We'd personally go for summer pastels, but this one's pretty hot too.

Customisable design with customer interaction and control...the future of jewellery design?

Check out more of Hattie's beautiful jewellery designs at www.hattierickards.com.

Image copyright 2012 Hattie Rickards

Engagement ring advice from Kate!

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Last night we did our first radio interview for Sotto Voce...scary...click on the link below and have a listen (from about 5 minutes in) for some top ring-buying tips - a bit late for Valentine's Day but maybe this will give you the balls to pop the question later on in the year.

Go on. You can do it.

Radio BBC London

Enjoy!

Unusual and unique stone cuts...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Sotto Voce is launched! All the answers before popping the question...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:54:00 +0000

It's finally here! So exciting!

The beautiful new site is ready to go, check it out at www.sottovocelondon.com!

From the archives: Garrard jewellery illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Once upon a time, jewellery designers all over the world were trained in the art of gouache painting and illustrating. Rather than the snazzy 3D design programs available now, jewellers for fine jewellery houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Garrard had to work up their designs meticulously by hand, firstly in pencil, then carefully layered paint. It's very difficult, very detailed and very small-scale work.

Sapphire and diamond ring by Garrard

This week we'll be posting some of our favourite jewellery designs - the illustrations are pieces of art in themselves.

Emerald and diamond earrings by Garrard

All images are copyright of Garrard, 2012

Antique engagement rings: look no further than this.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

Whilst researching for the launch of our new site sotto voce, we found this beautiful selection of antique diamond engagement rings from London antique dealer John Joseph...swoon...

1920s baguette cut diamond engagement ring

John Joseph is one of the jewellery dealers selling at the incredible Gray's Antiques Market in London. With over 200 dealers and thousands of vintage rings to choose from, this is seriously the first place you should visit to start your ring research (if you're in the market for an antique ring, that is).

Our absolute favourite though was from antique jeweller dealer Donald & Kyle - a huge 1.13ct flawless (yes, flawless) Royal Asscher cut Art Deco style beauty...sigh...

Our favourite diamond cut, the Asscher cut, is set in double prongs surrounded by princess cut shoulders, and then round bands of studded diamonds further down the shanks. Not too massive, this ring would floor most jewellery loving ladies. Including me.

Gray's Antiques Market:

Grays
58 Davies Street
& 1-7 Davies Mews
London, W1K 5AB

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Many dealers open Saturday 11am-5pm
Sunday Closed

It's all under shelter as well, so it beats pavement pounding around Hatton Garden during the miserable winter months...go go go.

The Cut is expanding! Coming soon: sotto voce..

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:02:00 +0000

We're very excited and proud to announce a new venture from the team at The Cut...next week sees the launch of our fine jewellery agency sotto voce!

Grown from the little box in the right-hand side corner of this very blog, sotto voce - meaning 'spoken in soft tones', or 'hush hush' in Italian - was created to discreetly answer the questions of all the people who email us asking for help looking for an independent jewellery designer.

With most of our readers enquiring about bespoke or unusual engagement rings, we have teamed up with the cream of London's jewellery designers to provide a service that helps you to find your perfect ring.

A discreet, exclusive service provides a free-of-charge consultation helping to discover what exactly will make your lady leap with joy (rather than leap off the nearest bridge) at the sight of her new ring - and who the best person to make it is.

Impeccable taste, an enviable contacts list and an insider's access will enable us to guide you through the world of bespoke or limited edition jewellery, allowing you to make the most of your budget and get a beautiful, handcrafted, unique piece as a result.

Stay tuned for more news of the launch! Or if you just can't wait, email us at info@sottovocelondon.com and we can get started in helping you to pop the question.

And don't be shy girls...it's a Leap Year.

Bright, sunshiny Day: London Jeweller Ben Day brightens up our gloomy January...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:50:00 +0000

This year is all about colour.

We're happy to leave behind the gothic blacks and greys of 2011, and embrace the bright and beautiful world of coloured gemstones for 2012.

Following on from our last post celebrating the choice of colour for engagement rings, we thought London jewellery designer Ben Day deserved his own post.

One of the UK's best ambassadors of coloured precious and semi-precious gemstones, Ben Day is a London based jewellery designer at the top of his game.

We can't get enough of the rich sapphires, rubies, emeralds and opals (our current favourite gemstone) and have been devouring his collections online to try and inject a little colour into these dark days of winter.

Exquisite craftsmanship and a beautiful collection of stones, Ben Day is a fine jeweller who is really celebrating the beauty of the coloured gemstone.

The go-to man for an alternative engagement ring choice, we think.

Have a look at much, much more at www.benday.co.uk.

All images copyright Ben Day 2012

Engagement Ring Inspiration...coloured gemstones.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Ben Day - Selection

Be bold. A move away from standard Tiffany fare could result in serious brownie points - and fashion points (worth more than Brownie points, apparently).

From sugar-sweet gumdrop hues from London jeweller Ben Day (above) to a more toned down but nonetheless gobsmacking champagne diamond from Arabel Lebrusan, there are so many more options other than a princess cut white diamond...zzz....

Arabel Lebrusan - Champagne Diamond and Rose Gold Ring

If you're feeling really ballsy, you could go totally off-centre and opt for this stunning ruby studded (set upside down) gold band...

Hannah Martin - It's Only Rock'n'Roll Studded Ring (Ruby)

I know which one I'd say yes to.

Images copyright Hannah Martin 2011, Ben Day 2011, Arabel Lebrusan 2011

Valentine's Day proposal? Here's some engagement ring inspiration.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:02:00 +0000

This week: Vintage.

Not only do you find beautifully cut stones in old styles like rose cut, or mine cut, but it's also a very ethical choice. Not bringing any new diamonds into the world is kind of like the jewellery equivalent of adoption. Worthy.

Here are some of our favourite vintage and antique diamond engagement rings for some Tuesday afternoon inspiration...

If you're not 100% confident with buying a vintage ring, and you'd rather a new design, it's very easy to take some images of rings you like to a bespoke jeweller, who can then use their finely-honed skills to hand-make you your perfect ring. Email us for advice.

Next up - alternatives to diamonds - coloured gemstones!

EC One - Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:48:00 +0000

The ECOne Boutique in London's Exmouth Market

A little congratulations to one of our favourite independent jewellery boutiques in London: EC One in Exmouth Market, EC1. They won the Best Women's Boutique at the London Magazine Awards last night, up against big hitter Dover St Market - this is a great victory!

Engagement and wedding rings designed in-house by designer Jos Skeates

EC One embodies the vision we had when setting up this blog - our cities are becoming more and more homogenised, with high street chains and big brands dominating the streets and hence influencing our shopping habits - we need to encourage, support and celebrate the brave, bold and independent stores and designers out there!

Shop local, people, shop independent, and shop quality. Support the smaller business in these tough financial times, and get beautiful craftsmanship, impeccable service and a more unique purchase as a result.

Visit EC One in all its independent glory at either the Exmouth Market boutique, or the Notting Hill boutique.

All images copyright ECOne 2011

Pop the question: but get a good ring first.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

BOYS: if you're thinking of popping the big question this Christmas...or New Year (I'd go with New Year's Eve, or New Year's Day, the more romance the better)...then finding a ring is probably harder than asking the actual question.

But fear not, scardey-cats. We can help you. We can recommend a selection of independent boutiques and jewellers who stock beautiful, handmade engagement rings with the best quality diamonds and precious stones.

Or, for the seriously brave, they could even make you a bespoke design (serious brownie points).

Either way, we're here to help. At no cost. Email us for more information...and well done for getting this far. Very brave indeed.

More Fernando...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:22:00 +0000

A few behind the scenes photos from London based Brasilian jewellery designer Fernando Jorge's recent show in the vaults at Somerset House. Definitely flavour of the month over here.

Available to buy at www.couturelab.com

All images copyright Fernando Jorge 2011.

Tomasz Donocik's Garden of Good & Evil...

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:46:00 +0000

The swoonsome Tomasz Donicik has done it again. Easily the best on show at this year's Treasure exhibition as part of London Jewellery Week, we saw his new collection 'Garden of Good & Evil' again at IJL.

In terms of elegant yet slightly dark, esoteric, engaging fine jewellery design, Tomasz is one of the best young jewellery designers London has to offer. Perfect if you're feeling a little bit gothic, but in a
high-end kind of way...

Using 18k rose gold, black rhodium gold and white gold, he adds diamond, rubies and tsavorites to illustrate the paradox of nature - deathly Venus Fly Traps vs innocent Lily Pads. The stone choices add a sinister touch with their dramatic deep hues, but this is softly offset through the organic, fluid shapes of the gold.

Tiny details such as black rhodium plated settings for the stones, hidden cage-like structures revealing bursts of colour and the use of pavé not visible from certain angles elevate these pieces to an almost 'haute joaillerie' status.

Unusual choices like pull-through earrings (below) add a contemporary twist, but Tomasz maintains the femininity and wearability throughout the whole 31-piece collection.

Knife-edges and a sculptural feel - as shown in the Venus Fly Trap ring below - is fast becoming his trademark, adding a gothic touch and a hard edge (literally) to fine jewellery design for women, but not losing any of the sensuality you want from wearing precious gemstones like rubies and diamonds.

This debut collection of women's fine jewellery is highly covetable, both for the intricate design and detail as much as for the beautiful display of stones and precious metal choices. Rose gold is a firm favourite for us, and the details such as tapered chains show a finely tuned instinct for feminine style and aesthetic...which is not bad for a man. Tomasz we salute you. Now go make me a pair of the rose gold pull-through earrings...

Selected pieces, including his menswear jewellery designs, are available through Elizabeth Galton's new venture, www.elizabethgaltonstudio.com.

All images copyright Tomasz Donocik.

Sex & stones...Brazilian jewellery design at London Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:27:00 +0000

We are so tired. Not content with 3 days at International Jewellery London, the London Design Festival, 100% Design at Earls Court and London Fashion Week, we've also been scoping out offshoot projects by one of our favourite designers, the gorgeously talented Fernando Jorge. Sigh.

We love Fernando. His beautifully sexy designs not only drip and drape themselves around our necks and fingers, but he also makes us feel all warm inside when we hear about the ethical practices behind his business.

Nurturing the best of his homeland's talent, Fernando Jorge uses local manufacturers in Brazil and encourages them to develop their skills as makers beyond any level they may have had to previously. By pushing the boundaries in design; he is in turn pushing their own practice.

The smooth, organic, fluid-like shapes of the stones are stunning up close. At this year's London Fashion Week he created an exclusive viewing space in the 18th Century vaults of Somerset House to display the latest diamond studded additions to his Fluid Collection.

Using gold snake wire as an unusual and unlikely encasement for diamonds - snake chain is not used often in fine jewellery - Fernando Jorge expertly manipulates the chain to wrap around hand cut stones such as Chrysoprase and milky Aquamarines, surrounded by diamonds.

The pieces are incredibly comfortable and easy to wear; soft rounded rings and sexy slinky necklaces...it makes us hot under the collar just thinking about them.

Stocked exclusively in the UK at online boutique Couturelab, Fernando is quite clearly a shooting star in the jewellery world. Catch more of him here very soon.

NEW LONDON JEWELLERY DESIGNERS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:53:00 +0000

From the Promise Collection by Laura Gravestock

Mmmm, new London jewellery designers, it feels like a lifetime since London Jewellery Week, where have they been hiding? Oh here they are.

Selection of rings, earrings and cufflinks by Amanda Li Hope

Jewellery Connections @ Platform (a supercool Clerkenwell-based gallery that supports unique and independent talent - we love them) from the 17th August until the 19th August, they will be showcasing - and selling - their work produced in collaboration with local manufacturers.

Being a huge supporter of using local resources; resisting the urge to look to the Far East for manufacturing is highly commendable in our book. Jewellery Connections was set up to do just this, and the results of the participating UK jewellers using UK manufacturers speak for themselves.

Head down to the Platform Gallery in East London (nearest tube Farringdon) to see the latest from The Cut favourites Laura Gravestock and Gina Melosi, Claire English and Jessica de Lotz, as well as fashionista's favourite Fanni Schiavoni. We can't wait. But we have to, at least until the 17th of August.

Free entry and a chance to pick up the latest up and coming new jewellery design talent...we're so there.

17th to 19th August
Platform Gallery
31 Greville St,
Hatton Garden
EC1 8AF

Nearest tube Farringdon (Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City lines) or Chancery Lane (Central line)

Opening times 12-6, with late night shopping till 8pm on Friday 19th August. Go go go...

Looking for the perfect ring? Ask us.

noreply@blogger.com (The Cut) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:10:00 +0000

We're very connected here at The Cut, and we've decided it's time to share the love, and offer free advice and recommendations for those in need of help looking for the perfect piece of jewellery.

Whether it's a unique engagement ring design, or a special present for a birthday or anniversary, just email us with your requirements and we'll give you a list of jewellers who are best suited to your needs. Just because we're nice like that. And think that independent, individual, personal, bespoke designs are way more thoughtful and original than some off the shelf Tiffany number.