I want to buy myself a special piece of jewellery

[TheAtterySquash]

Right, here's the thing. I have a budget of £200 - I worked hard for that money, it was a bonus relating to a particular piece of work, and I want to spend it on something for me.

I want something that reminds me of the dcs, without being overly sentimental - I was wondering about a Sweetie bracelet from Links with a couple of charms, but I'm not really a very pretty-pretty person and also every second person I see seems to be wearing them. I'd prefer something a bit chunkier, I think, and a little bit less run of the mill. I'm thinking either a bracelet or a necklace for everyday wear, rather than for very special occasions (I have special occasion jewellery...).

I don't mind silver, its just that I am no good at looking after it, and it always goes grey!

In any case, something like that in white gold would probably be unaffordable for me! you know, I may actually consider getting it....

For me, jewellery is very personal. I always buy one of a kind things by small designers. Often silver jewellery with semi-precious stones - and £100-200 is sufficient to get an unique piece like that. Today I celebrated the end of a yearlong project by buying a string of big papier-mache pearls with a silver lock (perfect with simple scoop-necked black sweaters and blouses - it finishes the outfit). Nobody will have a piece quite like mine and I love it.

Beijingaling I love the chambers & beau site.

I have found a new lust !!

Re chambers and beau... Babes With Babies have a special on ATM. A free C&B necklace with every mamami bag. here

I really promise I don't work for either company.

Wish you did, beijingaling, as then we could all score discounts

I've got a smallprint necklace with 3 pendants, 1 for each DC which I wear ALL the time. A couple of my friends have bracelets with their charms but I've never seen anyone else with a similar necklace (may just be where I live!).

I've also previously bought my self a pair of small simple diamond stud ear rings in white gold as a "reward" after a big promotion, iirc cost was about £200, for years I wore them everyday for work. I'm not a jewellery person per se so they suited my style (or lack thereof!) perfectly :)

I am trying to drop Mothers Day hints for this necklace from Astley Clarke. They have some lovely stuff (and no I don't work for them sadly)

I struggle to find jewelery I like. I like silver. plain. I have bought these recently :earings
and earings
and I am pretty happy with them. I too am looking for a everyday bracelett. quite chunky, but nice, maybe £150 or so. Have been looking for about a year or so. So watching this thread with interest.

Lusting the Astley Clarke too - great choice choc

I'll stick in a recommendation for Hairy Growler. Ignore the silly name - they have some really lovely stuff, all handmade from recycled silver and other metals like antique silver spoons, coins and so on. Anything from earrings to necklaces to rings and they do several different styles including natural tree/plants or animals to stars or more simple patterns and geometric shapes.

No one would ever think that something like this started out life as a silver coin - it is amazing how delicate the work is! I have a couple of pairs of earrings from them but I covet a necklace like this. They do commissions too so you could arrange for them to make you something unique!

MmeLindt I have just discovered Monica Vinader after DH bought me the Fiji bracelet for Xmas.

I think I am a grown-up at last as I now want to treat myself to jewellery and not clothes which I'll wear a couple of times and tire of.

I second Astley Clarke, don't forget you can get 15% cashback via Quidco. I also like Kabiri (modern with the edge) and even Red Direct site is not too bad (and there is 15% discount code is around)

I agree with UML - ninkynonker, that necklace is beautiful!

I found this rox site a while back, and this site seems to have lots and lots too

I could work through some design ideas and create something unique for you, if you'd like. As you're a fellow MNer I wouldn't charge you for the design service and it'd give you the chance to get something that's symbolic and really you.

If you'd like to let me know what symbols are important to you and the kids (some people have leaves because they and the kids spend quality time outdoors, some acorns as symbols of birth and potential, some people love Celtic symbolism and prefer unique designs based around the spiral of life motif ...) I'll see what I can come up with for you

Oh, if you'd like to see an example of my work I have a couple of pieces on www.artela-shop.co.uk and will have a few more up when they've finished updating their new range.

Commission something from one of the artists on etsy.com

www.hihosilver.co.uk/?gclid=CI6N4cOY66cCFQoZ4Qod-00kag

www.hihosilver.co.uk not sure the link works.

this is a sweet little site. I have a lovely brooch from here.

Ladies - can I ask you to take a peek at what I do?

www.didihandmadejewellery.co.uk

Each piece is unique - I only make one of everything. It is all semi-precious, mostly with sterling silver or gold vermeil (gold on sterling). I'm sometimes asked to make something to order and I like to do that too.

I have some lovely customers, as you will see from the testimonials page.

And I will welcome any comments about my jewellery!

Didy (newchelsea)

You have to pay to advertise on here, Didy.

My two favourites, with lots in your budget, are Laura Lee and Dinny Hall.
www.lauraleejewellery.com/ www.dinnyhall.com/

When dd turned 1, I celebrated by buying for her, me and my mum an initialled disc pendant each. They are beautiful and very wearable.

Happy shopping!

Agree Astley Clarke is gorgeous too. Great thread - I'm going to end up spending money!

Oblomov - this might not be plain enough but I want this silver bracelet. I love ec one.

How about these (necklace or bracelet). Tiffany and Links are really overpriced. This is much better value for the same quality and it's different. You can engrave the silver dog tags with names, dates of birth or little messages... Really nice without being all cutsie.

I have this necklace from www.shopsilver.co.uk. Looks lovely and is handmade