Venus Rox

Having just arrived back into London to study at the GIA, I took some time off to wonder around the wonderful Notting Hill. While looking around I happily came across a wonderful shop - Venusrox, on All Saints Rd. Wow, what a treasure trove of crystals!

Have a look at their site: http://www.venusrox.com/home-page

Their collection is mesmerising and quite magnificent, they have all the crystals you could think of. Now the focus of this wonderful shop is crystals and their energies, which each person will have their own view on, however, they are all still crystals and stunningly beautiful. I think this place is a must for any gem/crystal lover. I especially like how each crystal is named and a description of the energy is given, http://www.venusrox.com/crystal-information

Venusrox also has a few pieces of beaded jewellery on offer, very simple, elegant and beautiful, http://www.venusrox.com/store/jewellery?p=2

Dita's Charms

Dita Von Teese is a style icon who never seems to put a Louboutin foot out of step, she is a pioneer of vintage style, femininity and glamour. The other day I saw a photo of her wearing another fabulous outfit but also an amazing charm bracelet... an antique or vintage charm bracelet. It reminds me of one my mother has, which she inherited from her mother, one that I have admired and loved since I was a child xx

The King of Design - Indian Design

Indian design first captured my attention when I was a 5 year old girl living in East Africa. We had gone for dinner with a colleague of my Father's, who was Indian and his three beautiful daughters. I was mesmerised by these beautiful girls but even more so by their exotic clothing and jewellery, to me they were like Princesses and all little girls love a princess. One of the daughters took a shine to me and gave me one of her rings, which was an Indian design, gold and just simply beautiful, I still remember how excited and grateful I was!

Since then my passion for all Indian design has escalated, I love their textile, furniture and especially their jewellery design, it just reels me in and always manages to give me something new. I was lucky enough to spend 4 months there in 2007. During this time I devoured the markets in Delhi, Mumbai and of course Goa, however, I did not have very much money, so was unable to feed my desire. I did however manage to buy a few bits and pieces to add to my ever expanding collection of Indian inspired jewellery, which has been added to since.

A mixture of Indian jewellery, that I have picked up from India and other parts of the world.

These pieces demonstrate the exquisite design and intricacy that makes Indian design and Indian jewellery so very special.

My treasured ankle bracelet and charm bracelet, I love them xx

This ring is so simple and yet so pretty and special. This necklace was bought in Ipswich, Suffolk of all places but the design certainly reminds me of Indian design and I adore it!

My Treasures from Kathmandu

A friend and I travelled to Kathmandu in Nepal, to soak up some wonderful, raw culture and eat some delicious food, I had a feeling that I would find some beautiful jewellery there too and knew that gems were plentiful but I was not prepared for the abundance of gems and amazing jewellery!

Each little street and alley way we walked down was lined with funny little shops and jewellers with the most amazing array of jewellery and gemstones, however, my favourite place were the markets with their mix of antique and newer designs... I could have spent all day there. I found some amazing pieces that I will treasure forever!

The detailed carving in this stunning cuff, is just so pretty and just so beautiful. I also love the turquoise stone in the centre of this gorgeous silver cuff. With Nepal bordering both India and China, the jewellery reflects both cultures design, so gorgeous.

I also found this pendant and ring on one of the cluttered market stalls. I loved hunting through and finding these little treasures! Their intricate and pretty designs make them so precious to me.

It was also so fascinating to see the workshop dotted around where they actually made the jewellery, I felt so lucky to witness it actually being made by local, talented artisans.

A Nepalese jeweller at work.

One of the many gem shops that captivated me x

My friend at one of the market stalls playing a local Nepalese board game.