Buying Guides
Buying the best jewellery
Our women’s jewellery edit features pieces suitable for occasions big and small, as well as styles to elevate everyday outfits. We’ve also curated a collection of second-hand, vintage and wedding jewellery. For that extra special touch, our personalised jewellery selection is perfect.
We've got a medley of designs, made from precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum and precious stones like diamond, rubies and sapphires. Some pieces use a range of mixed materials such as resin beads, wood, glass, faux pearls and metal alloys, inspired by the latest trends, while others are handmade or hand-finished. Look out for much-loved brands including Monica Vinader, Alex Monroe, Thomas Sabo and Swarovski.
Sterling Silver
The most common precious metal; sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% base metal for strength. It's stronger and lighter in weight than gold, but can tarnish or scratch easily.
Gold
Our solid gold jewellery comes in 9, 14, 15, 18 and 22 carats. Affordable alternatives include gold-plated vermeil – 14, 18, or 22 carat gold over sterling silver that's at least 10 carats and 2.5 micrometres thick.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is created by combining yellow gold, silver and copper which, when blended together, give the metal it’s distinct pink hue. The more yellow gold present in the mix, the higher the carat.
Precious and semi-precious stones
Gemstones are crystallised minerals, formed millions of years ago. The most popular precious stones are pearls and diamonds; they’re normally set in yellow gold, platinum, white gold or rose gold. Semi-precious stones like aquamarine, peridot and topaz come in a kaleidoscope of colours, offering the wow factor at purse-friendly prices.
Diamond
One of the most sought-after precious stones. The quality of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs: carat (i.e. the size of the stone), colour, clarity and cut. The most popular cut is brilliant.
Pearls
Known for their lustre, pearls come in various shapes, including round, button, drop and baroque. Saltwater pearls from the sea are more highly valued than freshwater pearls.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin for seawater and is a semi-precious stone. Relatively affordable, it's transparency gives the blue-green gem exceptional sparkle.
Peridot
Peridot gets its unique olive-green colour from the iron found in its composition. A semi-precious stone, it’s referred to as ‘the evening emerald’ and is known for its absolute clarity.
Unique Collections
Our vintage, second-hand and personalised jewellery ranges have been carefully curated to bring you something truly special. Expect to find customisable designs alongside highly decorative pieces and gem-studded styles chosen to deliver that unmistakable sparkle.
Vintage
Vintage jewellery often makes use of metals and materials that might appear unfamiliar to us. The emergence of costume jewellery encouraged alternative metals in big, bold and bright designs.
Second Hand
Restored and returned to their original glory by specialists, our selection of second-hand jewellery includes beautifully crafted one-off pieces and unusual gem-studded treasures from eras gone by.
Personalised
Personalised jewellery is ideal for gifting to loved ones as a keepsake they’ll cherish for years to come. Choose from star sign and initial pendants or make it your own with our engraving service.
Owning
Caring for your jewellery
Semi-precious stones
- Wipe with a moist cloth after each wear
- Protect them from exposure to hairspray, perfume or cosmetics as certain chemicals can damage semi-precious stones over time
- Store them in separate fabric pouches or wrap them in pieces of soft fabric to prevent scratching
- Keep them safe in a jewellery box
Pearls
- Wearing pearls keeps them lustrous and iridescent as the natural oils from your skin will give them shine and keep them protected
- Put pearls on last when getting ready and make them the first thing you take off when back home. Keep them away from household chemicals including perfume, makeup and hairspray as they can dull the lustre
- Store pearls in soft fabric bags separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching their tender surfaces
Sterling silver, gold and diamonds
Avoid contact with makeup, particularly moisturisers and cream. If you’re going to moisturise your hands, do so after removing jewellery or before wearing it
Avoid immersion in water, when washing up, showering or venturing out in heavy rain
Be careful not to knock your jewellery against hard surfaces. The stones used in jewellery are durable, but can be shattered with a well-placed blow
To add sparkle back to gold and diamond jewellery, try our special jewellery cleaner that's suitable for gold, platinum, diamonds and most other precious stones
When cleaning silver, protect your hands with waterproof gloves or silver polishing mitts
Use a silver dip or a silver polish to clean tarnished silver, always following the manufacturer's instructions. You can also use a gold cloth or a diamond polishing cloth.
Tip
There are many homemade recipes that can be used to clean silver,
but it’s always wise to first test the method on the back of a piece of jewellery
Ring Sizing Guide
Ring sizes are expressed by letters of the alphabet. Check our Ring Sizing Guide for the perfect fit.
Hallmark Information
A jewellery hallmark comprises three compulsory marks: a sponsor's mark, a fineness mark and an Assay Office mark. This Hallmarking Dealer's Notice explains the approved hallmarks.