First off we had a tour round the workshop learning what each of the machines did and how to use them – and how not to lose a finger/eye while doing so! Next we got to have a rummage through the rough stones which we would become very friendly with over the course of the day. I chose a monochrome slice of agate and set about “designing” my cab so that the colouration would sweep across my finished cab. Stage1 - Here's the rough agate and dop stick ready to go. Stage 2 - Preformed and ready to attach to the dop. Stage 3 - Making sure it's straight. Stage 4 - Making the base a perfect oval. Stage 5 - Base finished, time to work on the top. Stage 6 - Getting the dome perfect is tricky as it's all done by eye. Very satisfying once it's given the thumbs up by Roger! Stage 7 - Polish...then a bit more polishing...then just a bit more to give it a high gloss shine. Stage 8 - Finished! See my pictures below of each stage! :-)]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=45Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=44It’s week 7 of my government review on how to make apprenticeships more accessible to small- and medium-sized businesses. I’ve had the unique experience of speaking to a very diverse group of people, from government ministers and training providers to trade associations and businesses. While my thoughts are still forming, I am beginning to realise just how critical it is to crack this nut. In truth, the majority of people in business are at best confused and at worst clueless about how to go about recruiting an apprentice. And yet, those who have taken the leap speak of the immense benefit, value and satisfaction in investing in their future. There is clear empirical data to show the correlation between business success and a policy of apprentice recruitment. So why is it that the vast majority of businesses remain oblivious? I would love to hear from you to find out how you think the government should make the apprenticeship brand better known and more accessible. More thoughts on this next month…]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=44Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=43/blog/article.aspx?id=43Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=42At the beginning of this week it was confirmed that our very own Jason Holt has been appointed by the government to head up a review to help speed up and smooth the process of taking on apprentices by SME’s. Jason will be talking to stakeholders about how to improve marketing of the apprenticeships programme to SMEs, amongst other issues. John Hayes, the government’s skills minister, welcomed the appointment stating he was “delighted Mr Holt has agreed to lead this review. His experience, both as a businessman and through running a training academy, gives him invaluable insight into the needs of both small businesses and apprentices. We’re tweeting mad about this new venture for Jason and can’t think of anything more exciting (or maybe daunting) for this young Holt. To read more about Jason’s new celebrity status go to: Government Official Release Economia Professional Jeweller ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=42Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=41Valentine ’s Day is nearly upon us. Heart -shaped knick-knacks are flying off the shelves. But for those of you wishing to make a less overt show of your feelings, why not make like the Victorians and go for a little antiquated symbolism in your Valentines gift? Here at Holts, we’ve come up with a ‘top-ten’ of the more unusual symbols used in Victorian love jewellery.... 10) Arrow - Shooting in at number 10 is the arrow – a vital tool if Cupid is to do his work properly. Symbolising love, the Victorians were keen to use it in their jewellery designs, although the angular shape lends itself particularly well to the later Art Deco styles. 9) Ivy - The vivid ivy symbolizes evergreen love. Green enamelled leaves add vibrancy to any piece of jewellery and are a good substitute for expensive emeralds. 8) Buckle - The buckle symbolizes binding loyalty. Buckle rings were often beautifully engraved and came in a variety of thicknesses. 7) Claddagh Ring - The Claddagh Ring originated in Ireland in the 17th Century and, depending on which finger it is worn, can symbolize whether somebody is married, in a relationship, or single. 6) Hair - A lock of hair, encapsulated in a brooch, locket or ring has been a staple love token since time immemorial. For best results, ask permission before taking the scissors to your loved one’s locks. 5) Forget-me-not - Step into spring with the Forget-me-not – an ideal choice for the long-distance relationship. The meaning behind these pretty, pale blue flowers is self-explanatory. 4) Dearest - For a secret message, why not embrace the Victorians’ fascination with acrostic jewellery? Use the first letter of each gemstone to create a word of affection. ‘Regard’ (Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Diamond) and ‘Dearest’ (Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz) were common choices in the Victorian period – but play around and create your own, personal message – it can get quite addictive! 3) Pansy - A play on the French ‘pensée’, meaning ‘think of me’, the pansy design was in vogue during the late Victorian, Art Nouveau period. Often set in brooches or adoring hat pins, these pretty flowers were beautifully enamelled and had Diamond or Pearl detailing. 2) Snake - Queen Victoria’s engagement ring from Prince Albert was an entwined serpent – a symbol of eternity. It’s a refreshingly edgy design which makes it a popular choice amongst young people today. 1) Acorn- At the top of the jewellery symbolism leader board this year is the acorn. And a very Royal choice it is too. It’s hard to forget Kate Middleton’s wedding day attire, and for jewellery fans across the world, her diamond encrusted acorn earrings were the icing on the cake. P.S The acorn symbolizes fertility, which makes us wonder whether there might be a new addition to the Royal Family this year.... ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=41Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=39Most recently, we’ve had the pleasure of supplying artist, Stuart Pearson-Wright with a collection of gemstones to include in the paintings of his current exhibition,‘Together in Electric Dreams’, which runs until 15th February at the Soho-based gallery, Riflemaker - the ‘coolest art space in town’ according to Vogue. The exhibition consists of an intriguing collection of arresting, hyper-real portraits. The subject of identity, particularly which we cultivate through our own behaviour and self-styling, is a prominent theme of the collection. A striking portrait of Kiera Knightly fronts the series, which includes a wall of bare-chested, heavily tattooed men, a cluster of smiling blondes and a china tea set. The private viewing was held last night and, guess what? We were invited! The gallery itself was small, charmingly intimate and fashionably down at heel. There was an eclectic mix of guests ranging from dauntingly cool arty types to earnest portrait enthusiasts, with a scattering of Pearson Wright’s sitters –the tattooed kind being the most evident. The buzzing atmosphere was no doubt intensified by the presence of Pearson-Wright, who cut a striking figure amongst the crowd. Dressed with aplomb in Edwardian-style riding breeches, he looked every bit the artist. We finally mustered up the courage to say hello – not expecting him to remember us at all – but he did! What a lovely man. And very talented, too. If you fancy checking out the exhibition for yourself and having a look at how Pearson-Wright used our stones in his work, further information can be found here:http://www.riflemaker.org/s-now ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=39Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=38Economic prosperity, cheap and plentiful manufacturing, an emerging popular culture and society’s increasingly materialistic mentality were all factors that contributed to the rise of throwaway jewellery during the twenties. The introduction of the motion picture had a huge impact on the nation’s tastes as movie stars dangled a world of glamour in front of the masses. Costume jewellery gave the look that was projected on the big screen but without the price tag - allowing increasing numbers of people to enjoy the appearance of wealth. The growing cult of celebrity and its influence on the costume jewellery scene was not limited to the big screen, however. Fashion designer Coco Chanel fuelled the enthusiasm for cheap statement pieces by draping herself in long strings of fake pearls. The pearls looked particularly good with the elongated silhouette that was in vogue at the time. They became such a staple that they are now firmly associated with the twenties ‘flapper look’. Clothing fashions also played a part in the popularity of another item of jewellery: the bangle. The developing trend for sleeveless dresses meant that more of a lady’s arm was on show than ever before and bangles, stacked high on the arms, made fabulous statement pieces. The recently invented plastic, Bakelite, was the perfect material for these solid, chunky hoops; it was light, cheap to produce and came in an assortment of delectable colours, ranging from Pea Green to Cherry Red and for those with an extra sweet tooth, Butterscotch. High culture and pop culture blurred when established names in the luxury jewellery industry such as Lalique and Van Cleef cashed in on the public’s appetite and introduced Bakelite in their own designs. For those on a budget, but who were after a more classic look than that of the brightly coloured Bakelite, Rhinestones were a popular choice. Set in a cheap and plentiful alloy known as ‘pot metal’, it had never been easier (or cheaper) to generate the illusion of diamonds and platinum. So the twenties was a period when appearance was everything. The ‘look’ became the thing and if this meant faking it, then the fraudsters were rearing to go. Not so very different from Gatsby after all then… ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=38Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=37Holts and Holts Academy hosts a fabulous evening of Fabergé, Tuesday 29th November 2011 Holts and Holts Academy were delighted to host Spiro Ark and Toby Faber for an evening of historical insights into the world of the Fabergé egg. The workshop environment of the Academy proved to be the ideal setting for Toby’s fascinating presentation, and all revenue generated by ticket sales went to supporting the good work of the charitable educational foundation, Spiro Ark. Women in advertising and communications London: WACL Ball, Tuesday 6th December 2011 This is the 7th year of attendance for Holts at the WACL Ball, which this year proved to be an amazing night, raising £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Holts supported the Diamonds in Champagne fund raiser by donating a 0.5 ct diamond worth £1,500. We are delighted to have supported such a worthwhile cause and such a great event. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=37Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=36/blog/article.aspx?id=36Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=35 spectacular selection gleaming up at you from our counters. Some people know exactly what they’re looking for. Some don’t. Either way, most people have an idea of the colours they might like to go for – red, blue, green, pink, yellow, purple gemstones… our showroom is unbeatable for choice. Now, in a world where money grows on trees, a lady seeking a bespoke engagement ring, set, for example, with a red stone, might make a beeline for the Ruby tray. Here she’ll pick the richest, sparkliest ruby and there’ll be smiles all round as she splashes out on a fabulous purchase. Back on planet earth, 98 Hatton Garden to be precise, a lady walks into the shop. She has a budget. She wants bespoke. She wants a Ruby. Well, that’s to say she wants a blood-red coloured stone. But they’re one and the same thing, n’est pas? Well, like most things in life, it’s more complicated than that and a quick glance at our Ruby tray will tell you that the majority of Rubies look more pink than red. And the really red ones – boy are they expensive. So how can our lady, with a modest budget but the ambition to create something unique, overcome this hurdle? Say hello to the marvellous red Spinel . Granted, its name doesn’t quite have the glamour of Ruby, but in the words of my favourite Bard, what’s in a name? Not an awful lot, if you ask me. Spinels are the most amazingly underrated gemstones. They’re incredibly durable (8 on Moh’s scale), really, really sparkly, come in an amazing array of colours (including that elusive ‘ruby’ red) and are fantastically well-priced. Being of a naturally suspicious nature, I have searched high and low to find fault with this gemstone. There must be SOME reason that Spinel isn’t marketed alongside the more popular gemstones. The result of my research? Top quality Spinels are rarer than Rubies. If they were seriously promoted on the retail market, demand would quickly outstrip supply. On my reckoning, that makes Spinel even more desirable. Couple this with the amazingly reasonable prices and it’s a win-win gemstone! We made a Spinel Engagement Ring for a lovely gentleman recently. We loved it. He loved it. And most importantly, SHE loved it. So next time you’re hesitating to take a leap into the world of bespoke, don’t let budget get in the way. Come in and have a chat with us. We like finding marvellous things for marvellous people. You never know, you might even inspire a new blog…]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=35Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=34Buy goods from a reputable source If you’re new to the world of antique jewellery, buying from an established shop is always going to be a far safer bet than a gamble on ebay. Handle as many pieces as possible You can only learn so much from looking at photographs. Only from regular handling of goods will you get a feel for what’s ‘right’. Always look at the workmanship of the entire piece Check the back of items – fine antique pieces should be just as beautifully finished on the back as the front. Check the stone The stone in an old diamond ring should be cut in a style that befits its age. The modern brilliant cut was only introduced in the 20th century. Victorian and Georgian rings tend to be set with old-cut, rose cut, old mine cuts and eight cuts. Check the metal Been offered a beautiful platinum Georgian ring? Pah. Platinum jewellery wasn’t introduced until the 20th century. Don’t be tricked by fancy packaging Just because it’s in an old box, doesn’t mean it’s the genuine article. Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to be swayed into believing something is genuine because it’s presented in an old, tattered velvet box. Look for hallmarks A lot of antique and period jewellery wasn’t hallmarked, so don’t immediately rule a piece out as a fake if you can’t find one. However, many items were and this is really handy when trying to establish the date and maker of a piece of jewellery. Birmingham Assay office’s website has a great reference page which charts various hallmarks and their respective dates. That’s it for the time being. Ask me in a few months time and I’m sure I’ll have a few more tricks up my sleeve.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=34Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=33At Holts, blue Sapphires are always a popular choice with our engagement ring customers. Apart from its beautiful colour and lustre, Sapphire is hard – a 9 on Moh’s scale compared to Diamond, which is 10, and therefore making a great choice for a ring you are going to wear everyday and want to last! At Holts we have just launched our new semi-bespoke range of rings which enables customers to choose their gemstone and ring mount separately. Once you’ve made your choice from our large collection of coloured gemstones , diamonds and ring mounts, we’ll put them together for you to create your perfect ring. Blue Sapphire belongs to the Corundum family of gemstones. Sapphires come in a variety of different colours (apart from red - which would be Ruby) and the blue colour comes from chemical impurities of iron and titanium. Here are a few pointers for you when choosing a blue Sapphire: Blue Sapphires come in all shades of blue, varying from a very pale light blue to a deep black blue. Colour is of course down to personal preference but the colours which command the highest prices are a deep blue, not too dark and not too light. The clarity of the Sapphire is also important; you do not want too many obvious inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. On the other hand, a few little crystals and feathers within a sapphire will help you identify it as a natural gemstone rather than a synthetic. Blue Sapphires are commonly cut into ovals and cushions due to the shape of the rough crystal, as seen below. This means that the cutter produces the least waste. Sapphire treatments – heated or unheated? Most Sapphires are heated, so unheated certified blue Sapphires command a premium. Sapphires are heated to improve colour and/or clarity, producing a much more desirable gemstone and enabling more of the Sapphire rough to be cut into gemstones. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=33Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=32First off is an unusual Hessonite and Diamond Ring. Hessonite is a type of Grossular Garnet which has a unique warm treacly colour, and in this ring it is set off by the asymmetric diamonds on either side. Since Garnet is a fairly hard stone, it need not be reserved just for special occasions, and would really come to life in the autumn sun. So often, Citrines are a glaringly bright yellow colour but this next ring houses a naturally coloured Citrine with a beautifully toned down hue. Complementing its colour perfectly, the fancy cut of the stone gives this ring a wonderfully vintage feel which would complete any autumnal look. My final ring just has to include a Tourmaline. They come in a rainbow of colours but the peacock green of this impressive stone (14x10mm) has a wonderful Seventies feel which is bang on trend but with the modern addition of a widely spaced split shank, glimmering with pave set Diamonds. Lush. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=32Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=30Amidst the buzz of IJL, the jewellery trade’s annual showcase event, Holts and Holition celebrated a double whammy by both making it onto The Professional Jeweller magazine’s 2011 Hot 100 list. The party at 1 Mayfair on Tuesday was a sparkling affair in terms of star jewellers and champagne, and enjoyed by more than 700 guests. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=30Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=31The other day we bought a watch over the counter. An Art Deco, platinum and diamond watch. One of the most beautiful watches EVER. A watch of this style is more a bracelet than a time piece. The dial was so tiny it was almost lost amongst the dazzling array of diamonds. The stones were charming old-cuts and baguettes and the quality of the setting and elegance of design were up there with the best. So the fact that the watch wasn’t in working order didn’t seem to be a problem to me. It was a piece of jewellery in its own right and would look stunning when worn, ticking hands or not. The resounding opinion, however, from every dealer who came in to Holts throughout the day was ‘scrap it’. In a world where gold and platinum prices have hit the roof and kept going, people’s desire to cash in on unwanted pieces of jewellery is becoming the norm. We’re an increasingly impatient society, unwilling to wait for fashions to change or buyers to arrive. We want immediacy. We want to have the latest gadget or gizmo on the market and if that means melting down that old thing we inherited but have never really looked at and don’t really know about, then so be it. Right? It’s at this point that I must scramble up onto my soap-box and let my voice be heard. This ‘cash for gold’ mentality has gone too far. As an antique jewellery devotee, I see beyond dusty brooches, tired lockets and broken watches. Clean them up. Give them a polish. Wear them with pride. Old jewellery is intrinsically romantic. It tells a story, has a history and is often far more finely crafted than contemporary, mass produced pieces. If these aren’t reasons enough, the chance of your bumping into someone wearing exactly the same piece on the high street is practically zilch. And what better selling point could you ask for than exclusivity? Why anyone would want to get rid of such treasures is beyond me. But if you still do, just run them past me first…. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the watch sold the following day. So much for scrapping. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=31Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=29As a personal token of love it’s rather romantic, as a memento of the deceased some might call it morbid, as an elaborately woven piece of jewellery – crimped and curled to within an inch of its life – it borders on just plain weird. Yet for the Victorians, all three of the above mentioned fashions were embraced with a fervour and resulted in so-called ‘hairworkers’ popping up all over the place (including a manufacturer whose business was just down the road from us in Clerkenwell…). A number of factors lay behind the Victorians’ penchant for hair jewellery. While a simple lock of hair has, for thousands of years, been regarded as an instant keepsake, the sudden boom in the market for intricately woven and plaited locks of hair during the 19th Century was fuelled by the Victorians’ aesthetic for fussy details and Queen Victoria’s hugely influential preoccupation with mourning. Although much Victorian hair work was set in lockets and brooches, designs quickly became more extravagant and before long, entire pieces of jewellery were being woven from hair. Human hair merchants dealt in more than 50 tonnes of the stuff each year and whilst some of this hair was taken from the loved ones of those commissioning the work, much of it was brought in from convents on the continent. Often, this imported hair was pre-worked and exchanged with the donated hair without the commissioner’s knowledge. Those Victorians were sneaky like that. Today, there is little market for hair work, old or new. Most antique lockets that pass through our doors have had the hair removed and I’ve never been presented with a hair-necklace, bracelet or earrings. If I was, I’m not sure whether I’d be repulsed or intrigued. Probably both.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=29Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=28Accessorizing with stunning pieces of jewellery is the best way to do this! Earrings and necklaces are an ideal way of accessorizing beachwear or an evening outfit, as they form a statement piece of jewellery, which adds character to the plainest of outfits. Blues, yellows, pinks and greens are beautiful summery colours which can be found in gemstones such as Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Opals, Apatite, Topaz, Citrine, Coral and Turquoise. Within our Silver Cocktail Collection we currently have a variety of coloured stones set in silver. With their contemporary designs, these pieces of jewellery are an affordable way of customizing an outfit. Here is a selection of our favourite bright and beautiful pieces.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=28Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=26The September issue of Tatler features the collaboration, which allows readers to see how jewellery worth millions from a number of luxury brands would look on them – assisted by nothing more than a pair of scissors and a computer with a webcam. Kate Reardon, editor of Tatler said: “I’m beside myself with excitement. We’re bringing together the worlds of high tech and high jewellery. Frankly, I’ll be spending the next week trying on diamonds at my desk.” Jonathan Chippindale, chief executive of Holition said: “We’re delighted Kate Reardon and the team at Tatler have appreciated the potential of augmented reality as it provides an excellent platform for Holition to further increase the creativity and potential of augmented reality technology. So many people are looking online for their favourite fashion or jewellery item but what about trying it on before going to buy? It’s all about experiencing the brand in a different way using a webcam – you don’t need to know the technical details you just want to try it on!”* Want to learn more? Go to www.holition.com *interview quotes courtesy of Internet Retailing You can also read the article featured on Retail Jeweller.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=26Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=25Before commenting on the article, I think it’s best to clear up a couple of things: Diamond stimulants aim to look like diamonds but are made from another material, whereas synthetic diamonds are made from carbon but created in laboratory conditions. The main scope of the article concerns wider consumer choice of diamond stimulants and synthetic diamonds, and increased sales and awareness of Moissanite (never heard of it you say…). This particular type of gemstone is lab grown by Charles & Colvard, formally Cree, has been around for 15 years and is now worn all over the world. Although it has been fully embraced in the US, only a few retailers sell it in the UK. The main question here is: Is Moissanite the new Diamond? According to Charles & Colvard, who describe Moissanite as “having brilliance and dispersion that exceeds a diamond’s”, the way in which it is created is expensive and time consuming, meaning the stone is not mass produced and lending to its exclusivity and price tag (even though its still a simulant). Commenting on real vs fake, Jason stated “Synthetics are a major threat to the industry, but no matter now affordable simulated and synthetic diamonds may be compared to their natural counterparts, the romance and beauty of a natural diamond will always remain.” At the end of the day “it comes down to personal taste, the occasion and most importantly, whether the customer loves the design” (Sarah Ho, SHO Jewellery), although Jason believes that it will be several generations before simulated and synthetic stones have a hold on the market, as Diamond becomes rarer and more covetable. “I think I’ll leave you to decide for yourselves, but just to add: can you imagine a friend telling you he proposed with a synthetic diamond?”]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=25Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=20Fifteen Holts employees, two empty suitcases and A LOT of excitement made its way onto a flight to Basel for a weekend of buying and browsing at the annual Eurogem and Euromineral show in Alsace, France. The show was split in two across the town, one side showing a dazzling display of loose gemstones, the other, the marvelous world of minerals, fossils and meteorites. Each section was a maze of tents, huddled together cheek by jowl as dealers flaunted their finest goods. Our resident opal fanatic, Antonia, was lost instantly to the opal section (quelle surprise!) and only emerged when her pockets were full and wallet empty. The less gem-driven of us were happy to stumble upon random delights. Amy picked up a beautiful pair of baroque shaped pearls, which she has subsequently made into earrings and Alicja found a fantastic piece of meteorite. Mrs Holt, Jason and Debbie were on the prowl for fine goods for the shop and, not surprisingly, managed to fill the two empty suitcases with remarkable rapidity. Some amazing Agate specimens and a beautiful jade bowl (all of which are now in the shop!) were particularly interesting purchases. A spectacular six-course meal, an evening of games and a rollercoaster race back to the airport rounded off the weekend nicely. Only a year to go until the next trip! ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=20Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=23www.melissalund.com]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=23Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=18/blog/article.aspx?id=18Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=17With the Hatton Garden festival sure to be in full swing, Holts will have plenty of special events, offers and competitions happening throughout the day, our main events include: Guess the gemstone competition - Visit Holts at the Hatton Garden Festival and you’ll get a chance to win a £100 gift voucher. All you have to do is to try and identify the 5 gemstones we will have on display. Simply write down your answers and pop them into the box. The winner will be announced at 4pm on the day. Good Luck! Holts Sale Extravaganza – With so much stock, we will be having a one-day sale outside our shop, with lots of beaded jewellery, gemstones and minerals. Holts Manufacturing Tent - If you happen to have missed out on the Behind the Scenes Tour, don’t worry, as we will have a selection of jewellery’s finest makers all under one roof in the Manufacturing Tent. Here you’ll get to see all the stages that go into making jewellery from design to finish. You’ll even have the chance to enter a raffle to win one of the 5 rings that will be made. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=17Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=16 www.melissalund.com ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=16Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=15London Jewellery week will kick off later this evening with a fabulous launch party at the Mayfair Hotel, and some of us will certainly be attending to help set in motion what is sure to be an action-packed week. To help celebrate London jewellery Week, we are hosting some events of our own in-house to celebrate everything involved in jewellery from design to finish. Please contact customerservices@holtsgems.com or phone 020 7405 5286 to reserve a space on any of the events listed below. • Bespoke design day • Colour me fabulous • Behind the scenes tours]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=15Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=14Holts are committed to giving back to the community, not only through our Academy, but through regular support to charities. This time we donated a diamond heart pendant (pictured) to the Mary Ward Legal Centre fund. The pendant (18ct white and yellow gold diamond heart-shaped set with fourteen brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.42cts) was auctioned by Cherie Booth on 12th May. The pendant raised £600 and this money will be going to the building fund for the centre. The Mary Ward Legal Centre is one of the few places left in the UK which serves the wider community in advising them on their legal rights where they may not qualify for legal aid or be able to afford a solicitor. At a time of huge legal aid cuts, this service is vital to maintain the essence of human rights for which the UK is renowned around the globe. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=14Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=13Since colour blocking is the hot thing in fashion right now, we’ve invited Melissa Lund, our fantastic colour and style expert to join us on 8th June, during London Jewellery Week, for an exclusive colour workshop session. Melissa will be discussing the following topics: • How to choose colours that suit your skin tone • The importance of jewellery • Jewellery trends and colour-blocking your jewellery • Gold Vs Silver Make sure you come along and to hear her all-important advice. Nibbles and drinks for you to enjoy, plus plenty of coloured gemstones and jewellery to browse on the day, including our new silver stacking ring range. To reserve your session with Melissa, contact us on customerservices@holtsgems.com or call 020 7405 5286. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=13Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=12To celebrate London Jewellery Week, Holts, co-founders of Holition, invite you to see the latest Augmented Reality projects at the opening of Treasure 2011. This will be a rare opportunity to see how major brands are revolutionizing the way consumers interact with jewellery, online, in-store and now through mobile. To find out more, visit the Holition website. We are also proud to announce that Holition has been shortlisted for this year’s UK Jewellery Awards under “Business Initiative of the Year”. The winners will be announced on 14th July, so fingers crossed!]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=12Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=10Imagine a street, bustling with people, shoppers, couples and families. Imagine a street that is colourful, vibrant, filled with music, entertainers, demonstrations, flowers and Victoriana. What better way to start the summer than a lazy stroll through London’s oldest jewellery district. Now in its fifth year, the Hatton Garden Festival is a fabulous day out for all ages. Holts will be there in full swing with a sale extravaganza outside our shop and the famous manufacturing tent where you can see first-hand how a piece of jewellery is made and the work that goes into it — all under one roof!]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=10Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=11]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=11Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=9In celebration of the Royal Wedding, we have gathered our favourite pieces of Sapphire, Diamond and Tanzanite jewellery. The aptly named collection is filled with some of the most sensational Sapphires, tempting Tanzanites and dazzling Diamonds. The best part is that you don't have to be Royalty to wear any of the gorgeous pieces in this collection, but they’ll certainly make you feel worthy of a royal title!]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=9Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=8]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=8Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=7'Something for everyone’ is something of a motto around here and our new range of stone-set cufflinks certainly proves the point. Making perfect gifts for the guys in your life, these cufflinks have been set with a variety of unusual stones, every bit as charming as the ones we’re more familiar with, but a great way to give an edgy update to a suit in an instant. Choose, for instance, from the cool Septarian Pyrite or the simple and effective Black Onyx cufflinks. These would even make great wedding gifts for groomsmen, but be sure to pick the one that best reflects their personality.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=7Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=6Holts are very excited to welcome a new and very exclusive range to our online world, Kusion Jewellery, which brings together three mini collections: Primitive Glamour, Forgotten Shore and Aqua Pura. Primitive Glamour features slices of gorgeous Watermelon Tourmaline in its natural colours, beautifully encased in sterling silver rings. Forgotten Shore brings to life Freshwater Pearls in sterling silver settings, which enhance the natural luminosity of the Pearls. Finally, Aqua Pura, the latest mini collection, takes its serenity and colour from the ocean and is brought to life using Blue Topaz gemstones. The whole collection radiates an extraordinary unique and imaginative beauty. As each piece is made to fit the stone — not the other way round — no one piece is ever the same, making each one just as individual as the wearer! In the Press: Kusion was listed in Vogue’s ‘Treasure Chest’ feature in the recent May 2011 issue (page 239) accompanied by a mouthwatering picture of the fabulous watermelon tourmaline from the Primitive Glamour range. As a special treat, we are offering an introductory 25% off all Kusion Jewellery until 31st August 2011. Have a browse online and feel the fusion for Kusion!]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=6Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=22Colour: love it or loathe it, it’s everywhere this season. From the neon brights of Christopher Kane on the catwalk at London Fashion Week to windows the length of the high street, colour is shaping up to be one of spring summer’s biggest trends. But how to take it from runway to reality? There’s no doubt that the very idea of colour can seem daunting after months spent embracing your dark side. But with the arrival of brighter days, it’s a trend that you might be tempted by and, with a little insider know-how, it’s easy to do colour your way. One of the major trends is colour blocking which is just fashion speak for wearing contrasting plain colours on different areas of the body. For example, you could have a red jacket and royal blue skirt or a pink shirt and an orange skirt. Yep, you’ve guessed it, colour blocking works best with really vibrant and often clashing colours. So if you’re feeling bold, why not go for it….but don’t worry, you can also colour block with more subtle shades. If the very idea of full-on colour blocking gives you palpitations then ease yourself in gently by choosing brightly coloured accessories. A t-shirt or scarf won’t break the bank and if your waist merits the attention a belt can be a great way into this trend. When the clothes are this bright, what happens with the jewellery? Well, it all depends on the look you’re trying to create. If you’re colour blocking a brightly coloured necklace or bold cuff can really help to pull your look together. Stones such as turquoise, emerald, peridot, lapis or citrine come into their own here as their colours are vibrant and positive. Howlite is often dyed in bright hues and could be a budget-friendly option. Alternatively, if your style is rather more minimal stick to gold or silver but size up or you run the risk that your jewellery will be overpowered by your clothes. If you want to know whether you should be wearing gold or silver it’s simple: if you have warm colouring then gold is for you and if you have cool colouring then silver’s your metal. But above all, this is a fun trend so choose colours you love and let the fun start here… Melissa]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=22Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=5Check out these ‘sailortastic’ cufflinks we recently made for a customer. She was looking for something unique to give to her husband, who has always dreamt of owning a Hinckley Yacht, so she commissioned a pair of cufflinks designed to the precise waterline and style of the Hinckley for his 50th birthday. Okay, so not quite the same as giving him his own yacht, but at least this way he gets to wear his dream boat on both sleeves! ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=5Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=4Jason Holt talks about the future at Holts and its technology focus: “What we have seen in the past 5 years is a revolution in CAD and to stay on top requires that we constantly keep updated with the latest developments.”]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=4Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=19/blog/article.aspx?id=19Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=1With the miracle of technology increasingly being used in today’s business, it was nice to see Holition mentioned in the Financial Times for their Augmented Reality. Having discussed the technology in regard to fashion, the article was clear that Augmented Reality is fast becoming the new accessory for any jewellery or watch company. What’s all the fuss about? Have a go yourself, and check out www.holition.com.]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=1Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=2/blog/article.aspx?id=2Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=3The Vilas Ganapati is a 119-carat natural deep blue rough diamond, bearing a resemblance to the Hindu deity, Ganapati (Lord Ganesha). It is held in a unique gold pendant, designed for the stone by renowned Indian spiritual artist Udayraj Gadnis and manufactured by craftsmen at Holts in Hatton Garden. The diamond is from the Cullinan mine in South Africa. Gadnis says of the Vilas Ganapati, “It is a miracle of nature – when I first saw this beautiful diamond I had a ‘Divine Darshan’ of Shree Ganapati. Ganapati Stotra (sacred chants) flowed from my entire being, I could feel tremendous vibrations.” The incredible organic gold setting represents Bhoomi, mother earth, from which the Ganapati emerges. The pendant comes with an original painting of the Vilas Ganapati diamond by the artist. The painting shows the image of the Ganapati. The pendant and the painting were both commissioned and generously donated by Mr Dilip Mehta of the Rosy Blue Group. It is being donated to the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) for auctioning at their Diamonds in the Sky event to be held at the Banqueting Hall, Westminster on Monday the 8th November. Diamonds in the Sky is a benefit evening with a live auction, bringing together a mixture of the international diamond jewellery sector, London’s corporate & social and entertainment sectors and DEF supporters. The D.E.F. is a non-profit international organisation with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Estimated value – in excess of £50,000...]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=3Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=21As a stylist I seem to be on a one woman mission to persuade my clients to be braver with their jewellery choices. You see, if you want to be truly chic, jewellery is essential not an optional extra. However, I often find that people are remarkably conservative in their choices. This is usually born out of uncertainty about what suits, so over the course of the next few newsletters I’ll be giving you my top tips on what works in terms of colour, shape, size and style. I’ll also be talking about jewellery trends and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. One question I’m frequently asked is what size jewellery to wear. Traditionally, the size of your jewellery depends on the size of your frame, which is always judged by the size of your wrist. If you have a small frame, the advice is that you should wear smaller jewellery. But in my opinion this can lead to a rather bland and unexciting look. Two quotes resonate with me. Victoire de Castellane (ex Dior jewellery designer) once said that “small jewellery is vulgar” and Elizabeth Taylor famously said “big girls need big diamonds”. I reckon jewellery (diamonds or otherwise) needs to be big enough to be seen – preferably from the other side of the room. So why not give your jewellery a style injection: break the rules and go supersize to be superchic! Actually your frame size is just a starting point. A woman with small wrists but wide shoulders and cheekbones (and they are out there) will need a larger necklace. Larger women often say that they feel more delicate in smaller pieces but tiny jewellery just looks insignificant on a more statuesque woman and will only result in her looking larger. It’s all about scale and balance. It’s also all about your personality. If you’re inclined to the dramatic then the larger pieces will look better on you, regardless of your physical size. Right now, large pieces (often billed as statement jewellery) are bang on trend. But this doesn’t stop you from using the smaller items in your jewellery box. Simply layer them. Different lengths, textures and materials worn together make for a great contemporary look. It never did Coco Chanel any harm, after all. So there you have it – my take on one important element of jewellery choice: size. For the rest, watch this space….' Melissa]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=21Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=27Dextro Energy Triathlon On Sunday 25th July, Jason Holt from Holts participated in the ITU London Triathlon (Olympic distance being 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run in that order) to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Thanks to immense generosity from friends and colleagues, so far £4500 has been raised for this incredible charity which helps provide free nursing for families with terminally ill relatives. Jason found it far tougher than expected and frankly was happy to come out alive. Jason's end time was 2hrs 42 minutes. ]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=27Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT/blog/article.aspx?id=24Jason was chosen for his contribution to the industry, alongside his enthusiasm and passion for jewellery. As a company, Holts Gems is committed to providing the highest standard of craftsmanship through a combination of traditional jewellery-making techniques intertwined with modern technology. However, Jason’s passion hasn’t stopped there, sparking life into two new enterprises, Holition and Holts Academy. Jason’s further contributions to the industry take the form of implementing new technologies with his groundbreaking launch of Holition. “One of the highlights of my year has been to see a crazy idea I had four years ago turn into a commercial reality.” Holition is a joint venture between Holts and Inition, a technology company specialising in an exciting new technology called Augmented Reality (AR). Holition is dedicated to bringing AR to anything worn on the body. It sounds like Star Trek but people can now see themselves wear items they see on-line. Visit Holition for more information and to see it in action. In contrast, Holts Academy was set up in 1999 as a not-for-profit organisation providing high-quality training in the jewellery making and the design field. The success of Holts Academy has also led to the birth of another social enterprise: Platform. Coming together in 2009, Platform provides a retail presence for young, undiscovered jewellery designers to connect with retail buyers and consumers. Jason says that “none of the exciting commercial ventures surrounding Holts would happen without an incredibly gifted group of individuals who run their teams far better than I ever could. It is not disingenuous of me to say that I am very proud of them.”]]>/blog/article.aspx?id=24Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT