December 02, 2023

Love in the Air: Anne Edwards from Co-Creative Jewellers Shares Exclusive Insights for Memorable Engagement Season Proposals

Insights from a Professional Jeweller: Key Considerations for Choosing the Engagement Ring of Your Dreams

As the leaves change colours and temperatures drop, engagement season is upon us, and with it comes the promise of love and commitment. As couples cosy up and contemplate taking their relationships to the next level, the quest for the perfect engagement ring begins. To guide couples through this exciting journey, Anne Edwards, Founder of Birmingham-based bespoke jewellery brand Co-Creative Jewellers, shares her expert advice on choosing the perfect engagement ring. With her wealth of knowledge and years of jewellery industry experience, Anne offers valuable insights for couples looking to make their engagement truly special.

"Engagement season is a magical time, and choosing the right ring is crucial to capturing the essence of your relationship," says Anne Edwards. "At Co-Creative Jewellers, we believe in creating unique and personalised pieces that reflect the love and essence of each couple. During the cuffing season, emotions run high, and we are here to help you find that one-of-a-kind ring that will forever symbolise your commitment."

Anne Edwards suggests the following tips for couples venturing on the journey of choosing an engagement ring during cuffing season:

Understand Your Partner's Style

Take note of your partner's preferences when it comes to jewellery. Consider their taste in metal, gemstones, and overall design aesthetic. It is also a good idea to keep in mind their personal style and fashion preferences.

Anne shares: “Your partner's style speaks volumes about their personality and preferences. Paying attention to the jewellery they wear can guide you in selecting the perfect engagement ring. Whether they prefer classic elegance, modern minimalism, or intricate designs, their chosen style becomes a valuable clue, guiding you to choose a ring that echoes their individuality and captures the spirit of your relationship.

Set a Budget

With a keen focus on optimising costs without compromising on quality, Co-Creative Jewellers offers the flexibility to fit various budgets. By carefully sourcing the materials and utilising efficient craftsmanship techniques, Co-Creative Jewellers create a bespoke proposal for a dream engagement ring based on the client’s vision and determined budget.

“Setting a budget is not just about financial planning; it's a compass that guides your search for the ideal engagement ring. By defining your budget, you narrow down your options, making the selection process more focused and enjoyable,” - continues Anne.

Consider Customisation

Personalised engagement rings add a distinctive touch to your proposal, allowing couples to create a ring that perfectly reflects their love story.

Anne adds: “In today's romantic landscape, couples are embracing the beauty of customisation, seeking unique engagement rings that convey their individual love stories. At Co-Creative Jewellers, we understand this desire for personalisation, which is why we offer a bespoke experience tailored to your preferences. Our innovative Interchangeable Rings Design concept allows you to explore various styles, letting you visualise and try different designs before making the final decision. This ensures your engagement ring is not just a symbol of your commitment, but a true reflection of your unique love story, crafted with care and creativity.”

August 21, 2023

The Rolling Mill, Pub Restaurant Review

Either I am going down memory lane or I operate on a different human timeline. 🤪 The Rolling Mill, located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, is worthy of a review even 8 months later. All of their Festive Menu items are still available on their À La Carte Menu.

Their menu features a flavourful selection of pub classics and East-meets-West dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

We ordered the following:

🍽 Marinated Grilled Lamb Cutlets
🥩 Aubrey Allen 8oz Rump
🧀 Truffle Mac & Cheese
🍖 Pork Belly Bites

To start, we enjoyed the Pork Belly Bites and Truffle Mac & Cheese. I am a sucker for decadent pasta, and the Truffle Mac & Cheese did not disappoint. Serious earthy truffle aroma, topped with herb crumbs, a beautiful masterpiece with plenty of textures.

The Marinated Grilled Lamb Cutlets were a true highlight (our fave!), boasting a succulent tenderness that perfectly encapsulated the flavour of the marinate.

There's a reason why The Rolling Mill consistently ranks in the top restaurant hot spots on Trip Advisor. British and European comfort food done well and served in the most cosy, accessible, unpretentious atmosphere. What’s not to love?

June 22, 2023

Sunday Brunch at Aria, Hyatt Regency Hotel Birmingham Review

Luxury hotel Hyatt Regency Birmingham has recently relaunched its highly anticipated Sunday Brunch extravaganza at the renowned Aria restaurant. The brunch takes place every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This culinary feast is priced at £45 per person for food only and for those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, £65 per person with unlimited house beverages.

The revamped Sunday Brunch offers an extensive and delectable culinary menu that leaves no craving unfulfilled. From freshly cooked roasts to live cooking stations, a lavish buffet spread, a tempting selection of cheese, a delightful dessert station, and much more, the options are endless.

You’re definitely spoilt for choice, however, it's worth noting that the wide variety compromised the quality of the food. Some of the dishes were overcooked or lacked seasoning, specifically the salmon. Hopefully, they’ll improve on that.

On a brighter note, their espresso martini stole the show, earning its place as the crème de la crème. This praise is coming from a self-proclaimed espresso martini enthusiast who indulges on a weekly basis.

Overall, the relaunched Sunday Brunch at Hyatt Regency Birmingham promises an opulent dining experience with a plethora of options to satisfy every palate. While there may be room for improvement in certain aspects of the food quality, the exceptional cocktails alone make this indulgence worthwhile.

June 16, 2023

Diamonds in the Modern Era: Evolving Trends and Styles

Diamonds have long held a position as one of the most coveted gemstones worldwide, thanks to their timeless beauty, rarity, and exceptional durability. However, the ways in which diamonds are worn and styled have undergone several changes over time. In this blog post, we will delve into the shifting landscape of diamonds and the evolving styles that have emerged in recent years.

Traditional Diamond vs Modern Diamond Rings

We've all heard the iconic tagline ‘A Diamond Is Forever" which essentially paved the modern concept of a diamond engagement ring. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose engagement ring doesn’t involve a diamond of sorts.

The eternity of traditional diamonds has been seen as the ultimate symbol of everlasting love and commitment. In recent times, there has been a shift towards colored diamonds and modern, unconventional designs. Contemporary diamond rings often feature unique cuts and settings, as well as non-traditional materials such as rose gold and black rhodium.

Modern brides are embracing colored diamonds as they reflect unique hues from canary yellows to soft pinks that symbolize various meanings and subtly showcase their personality traits.

Concerns about the environment and working practices in the mining industry have led to the sparkling rise of lab diamond rings as an alternative, ethical and cost-effective option.

Lab Diamond Vs Moissanite

If you find mined diamonds to be prohibitively expensive, there are excellent alternatives available. Lab diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties as their mined counterparts. They're indistinguishable in every way, except they are grown in a controlled laboratory environment. On average, they cost 30-50% less. Lab grown diamonds are also certified the same way as natural diamonds, with a Laboratory Diamond Report carried out by a third-party lab and specialist jeweller. The report references the GIA color, clarity and cut scales.

On the other hand, moissanite, the second hardest substances after mined and lab-grown diamonds, boast remarkable durability due to its composition of silicon and carbon elements. The increased availability of lab diamond rings, coupled with a growing desire for dazzling statement pieces, has positioned them as trendsetters. Moissanite rings are renowned for their captivating rainbow-colored sparkle, adding to their allure.

Marquise vs. Round

The classic round diamond has always been a popular choice for engagement rings. Lately, the marquise cut has been making a comeback. The elongated shape of the marquise cut creates the illusion of a larger diamond, exuding a unique and elegant aesthetic. Though round diamonds remain timeless and versatile, the marquise cut offers a touch of sophistication and individuality. Both cuts possess their own advantages, leaving the final decision to personal preference and style. Whether you opted for a traditional round or a modern marquise shape, the diamond is sure to radiate sparkle and shine for years to come.

Cushion vs. Emerald

When it comes to diamond shapes, cushion and emerald cuts have experienced a recent resurgence. The cushion cut, characterized by rounded corners and a square or rectangular shape, provides a classic yet contemporary appeal. Conversely, the emerald cut, with its step-cut facets and elongated rectangular shape, exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Both cuts offer unique styles that can cater to a variety of tastes.

Ultimately, the choice between the type of diamond, shape and cut comes down to personal preference and the desire to complement the wearer's taste and personality. Regardless of the chosen cut, a diamond's timeless beauty will always symbolize enduring love and commitment.

May 17, 2023

The Reel Store Review - The UK’s First Permanent, Digital Gallery

The Reel Store is the UK’s first permanent, digital gallery which explores the relationship between digital technology, visual arts, and people. It's located in Coventry aka the City of Culture.

This mesmerising 360° exhibition transports you to the deepest regions of outer space. The AI art was created through machine learning, which sorted over two million images taken by satellites and telescopes.

The concept and technology are cool, but the entire exhibition is one room that plays a 20-minute video on a loop. I'm not sure why I assumed it was multiple rooms and the room would be larger. Slightly unimpressed (due to my own expectations). 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's still an exciting experience and it was fun watching the projections morph around the walls and floor.

📍The Reel Store UK. Telegraph Hotel, Upper Well Street, Coventry.
ℹ️ Machine Memoirs: Space by Refik Anadol.

April 14, 2023

Magic, Music, and Memorabilia: How to host a Coronation Party fit for a King

The Coronation of King Charles III is just around the corner, and millions of Brits are getting into the party spirit and preparing to celebrate the historic royal event.

With celebrations soon to take place across the UK, the team at ParrotPrint.com have researched the King's favourite things to inspire party-goers who want to throw a Coronation party fit for royalty.

King Charles will officially be crowned on Saturday, May 6, 2023, and Brits have been treated to an extra bank holiday to mark the new reign.

Celebrations will be taking place across the long weekend, and millions of families, friends and communities are expected to come together to honour the momentous occasion.

According to the 70 facts released about him on the Prince of Wales website, the King enjoys many familiar day-to-day luxuries, so adding extra royal touches will be surprisingly affordable and straightforward.

Brits really hoping to embrace the royal way for the weekend can invest in the King's favourite foods and drinks like Cheese and Biscuits, boiled eggs, and Laphroaig whisky.

Matt Dahan from ParrotPrint.com said: “Adding these Charles-inspired touches will transform your Coronation party by giving it the ultimate royal touch.

“Many will be surprised that although King Charles does not live a normal life, he does take pleasure in luxuries that the average person would be familiar with, so luckily, many of these options are affordable.

“From playing his favourite music to adding some of his favourite dishes to the food options, this is a unique way to celebrate the historic crowning of the King.

“This is going to be one of the most historical celebrations of our lifetimes, so make sure to take pictures of your efforts so the memories last a lifetime and can be shared with future generations in years to come.”

Here are 6 tips for hosting the ultimate King Charles inspired Coronation party:

Food

A Royal editor recently revealed the King's most-loved foods, which include many organic options. Charles reportedly has a very simple palette and is a massive lover of boiled eggs. He loves foraged mushrooms, fresh fruit and vegetables, and locally raised in-season lamb. He is also an enormous lover of cheese and biscuits. Consider integrating these ingredients into recipes to make the perfect royal banquet. From Eggs Royale and Cheesy baked eggs to Mushroom Risotto, there are many dishes to choose from. For those with a sweet tooth, according to a previous chef to the Royals, he enjoys a cream of lemon. So, consider opting for lemon-flavoured desserts when picking for the big weekend.

Drink

For those who want to drink alcohol over the Coronation weekend, consider a whisky and Martini bar station. `There are rumours that the King brings his martini glass wherever he travels and likes to drink a martini before dinner. The King is a huge whisky fan and sells his own Highgrove Organic Single Malt Scotch. For those who would rather avoid alcohol, his favourite tea is Darjeeling with honey and milk.

Music

The King is very fond of classical music and is known to enjoy symphonies and operas. As a child, he played the piano, trumpet and cello. So, during celebrations, consider sticking on the classical radio. Party planners feeling super eccentric, could even hire a cello player to honour his performance at the University of Cambridge, where he performed in a symphony concert by the Trinity College Orchestra. If classical music is off the cards for the big day, Charles admitted to being a fan of some prominent artists like Diana Ross and Barbara Streisand, so stick a bit of ‘Upside Down’ or ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ on the aux.

Entertainment

Surprisingly, King Charles has a big love for magic and was invited to join the Magic Circle in 1975 after performing a “cup and balls trick.” It would be a fun idea to add a magic station for parties where children will be present. Head to YouTube to find fun and easy tutorials to teach them unique tricks so they can impress their friends and family members during the period.

Invest in memorabilia

It has been almost 70 years since the UK and Commonwealth have seen the throning of a new monarch. Since it will be a once-in-a-generation event, this is an excellent opportunity to invest in keepsakes and Coronation Memorabilia. There are plenty of items that those celebrating can buy to use during the celebrations and to keep for the memories after. Sticking this on display from commemorative cake tins to Union Jack bunting and throws will showcase royal patriotism. To truly add the royal image, invest in a King Charles cardboard cut-out to stick on display.

Take pictures

Being photographed is part of the everyday life of a member of the royal family, with cameras pointing in their direction at every engagement they attend. Through years of training, they have mastered the art of posing to perfection, using their posture to asset their regal status. Looking poised when they appear as a family in front of the cameras is a trademark of the royal family. Since the Coronation will be such an important part of history, make sure to get lots of photos to remember the big day. Make sure to get some ‘royal portraits’ while celebrating with family and friends. When posing, make sure hands are behind backs, legs are straight and everyone is standing in height order to give your coronation photos that regal look.

Disclaimer: Press Article

January 23, 2023

10 Butterfly Jewelry Designs for Kids: The Perfect Summer Accessory

A new season calls for new emerging trends. Butterflies are the latest nostalgia-inducing trend to take flight on the runway thanks to designers and creators digging through the Y2K fashion archives for inspiration.

Butterflies symbolize boundless dreams, transcendence, and spiritual growth. Their metamorphosis from caterpillars to butterflies serves as a reminder to let go of old limitations and embrace new ways of being.

There are endless butterfly jewellery design options and they're a hit with kids. So why not make a collection of butterfly jewellery and bring a smile to your little one's face this summer?

Add some flutter to your style with these 10 Stunning Butterfly Jewelry Designs:

1. Tiny Butterfly Earrings

These sweet little earrings are a must-have for any fashion-forward baby. Made of 925 sterling silver, they feature a metal clamp and a safety back system with a threaded post.

2. Butterfly Hoop Earrings

Elevate your look with these elegant hoops, which are sure to turn heads wherever you go. Made of 925 sterling silver, they feature a dazzling cubic zirconia main stone that adds a touch of sparkle to any outfit.

3. Polka Dot Butterfly Earrings

These fun and playful earrings are a great choice for the trendsetting teen or toddler. Made of 14K yellow gold, they feature a metal clamp and a fun polka dot pattern that's sure to make a statement.

4. CZ butterfly necklace

This delicate necklace is perfect for any young fashionista. Made of sterling silver, it features a metal clamp and a purple cubic zircon stone that adds a pop of colour.

5. Jeweled butterfly earrings

Ideal for special occasions like birthdays or parties. Made of 14K yellow gold, they feature a threaded post and a cubic zircon main stone. The small size makes them suitable for baby girls.

6. Dainty CZ butterfly earrings

The dainty butterfly earrings are a sophisticated choice for pre-teens and toddlers. Made of 925 sterling silver, they feature a small cubic zircon stone and are safe for sensitive skin.

7. Diamond cut butterfly earrings

These luxurious earrings are sure to add some shine to your outfit. Made of 14K yellow gold, they feature a metal clamp and gold stud diamonds that give them a radiant sparkle. Customize the design in white gold for a unique look.

8. Perfect butterfly pendant

A must-have for any summer wardrobe. Made of 925 sterling silver, it features a pink enamel stone and comes with a dainty chain that can be customized to fit.

9. Butterfly charm bracelet

This cute bracelet is the perfect accessory for small girls with sensitive skin. Made of 925 sterling silver, it features a transparent cubic zircon stone and can be customized to fit your needs.

10. Purple cubic butterfly set

This gorgeous set is the perfect gift for any jewellery lover. It includes small butterfly earrings, a pendant, and a chain, all made of 925 sterling silver and featuring a cubic zircon main stone.

To wrap up, butterfly jewellery is a trendy and meaningful choice for children's accessories this summer. Its symbolism of transformation and boundless dreams will inspire your child to embrace new beginnings and reach their goals.