The Beauty and Charm of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds have long been the go-to choice for many couples. But in recent years, coloured gemstone engagement rings have been growing in popularity, offering a striking and meaningful alternative. Whether it’s the rich hues of sapphires, the soft glow of morganites, or the vibrant sparkle of emeralds, coloured gemstones bring a unique beauty and personal touch to this symbol of love.
But how did the engagement ring tradition begin? And why are coloured gemstones becoming such a sought-after choice? Let’s take a look at the history of adding colour to this timeless piece of jewellery.
A Brief History of Engagement Rings
The tradition of engagement rings dates back thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians believed to be the first to exchange rings as a symbol of eternal love. They used simple bands of braided reeds or leather, often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which was believed to contain the “vein of love,” directly connected to the heart.
However, the engagement ring as we know it today began to take shape during the Roman Empire, where rings symbolised a formal contract of marriage. The Romans also began the tradition of using precious metals like gold and silver. It wasn’t until the 15th century that diamonds were first used in engagement rings. Archduke Maximilian of Austria is credited with commissioning the first documented diamond engagement ring for his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. This set the precedent for the diamond as the gem of choice for engagement rings, a trend solidified by clever 20th-century marketing campaigns.
But while diamonds have dominated the scene, coloured gemstones have always held a special place in the world of jewellery, and many are now rediscovering their allure.
The Charm of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
One of the main reasons couples are choosing coloured gemstones is their vibrant beauty. Each stone has its own unique story and character, offering a world of options to reflect personal style and meaning. Here are a few popular choices:
Sapphires: Sapphires come in a range of colours, from the iconic deep blue to soft pinks, yellows, and even green. They are known for their durability, making them a great choice for a lifelong piece of jewellery.
Emeralds: The lush green of emeralds is captivating and represents growth and harmony. Emeralds have a rich history, often associated with royalty and luxury.
Rubies: The intense red hue of rubies symbolizes passion and love, making them an ideal choice for an engagement ring.
Morganites: Known for their soft blush-pink hue, morganites are a romantic and subtle option, perfect for those who prefer a more understated yet still colourful gemstone.
Aquamarines: With their serene blue hue, aquamarines evoke the calmness of the sea, making them perfect for someone who loves nature and tranquillity.
Why Bespoke Jewellery is the Perfect Route for Coloured Gemstones
One of the most exciting things about choosing a coloured gemstone engagement ring is the opportunity to go bespoke. When you choose a bespoke jeweller, you have the creative freedom to design a ring that is truly unique and meaningful to you and your partner.
Infinite Customisation: Going bespoke allows you to incorporate as many gemstones as you like, creating a colourful palette that reflects your personality. Whether you want a single statement gemstone or a combination of several, the possibilities are endless.
Rare and Unique Gemstones: Bespoke jewellery also gives you access to gemstones that are less common, making your engagement ring truly one-of-a-kind. Think of rare gems like alexandrite, which changes colour depending on the light, or tourmaline, which comes in a stunning range of hues. You can even find birthstones or gems that have personal significance, creating a ring full of sentimentality.
A Colourful Story: Each gemstone tells its own story, whether it's through its origin, colour, or the emotions it evokes. A bespoke coloured gemstone engagement ring allows you to tell a unique love story through the design and selection of stones, making it a meaningful piece that will be treasured for years to come.
Add a Splash of Colour to Your Forever Moment
Coloured gemstone engagement rings are more than just a trend – they are a timeless way to express individuality, love, and creativity. Choosing a bespoke ring allows you to play with colour and design, making a truly personal statement. Whether you’re drawn to the deep blues of sapphires, the bold red of rubies, or the enchanting green of emeralds, there’s a world of colour waiting to be explored.
The Timeless Appeal of Remodelling Your Old Jewellery
Jewellery is more than just an accessory. It carries with it memories, stories, and a sense of personal history. But what happens when your cherished pieces start to show their age, or no longer match your style? Rather than letting them gather dust in a drawer, consider the many benefits of remodelling your old jewellery. This process not only breathes new life into your beloved items but also offers a range of advantages that go beyond mere aesthetics.
Sentimental Value: Preserving Memories in a New Form
Every piece of jewellery has a story. It might be a family heirloom, a gift from a loved one, or a memento from a significant event in your life. Remodelling your old jewellery allows you to preserve these memories in a fresh and meaningful way. By transforming an old piece into something new, you maintain its sentimental value while creating a unique item that continues to carry its original meaning. This also makes for a unique and thoughtful gift, blending the history and emotional significance of the old piece with a new, personalised design.
Sustainable Practice: An Eco-Friendly Choice
The jewellery industry often relies on mining processes that can sometimes be harmful to the environment. By choosing to remodel your existing pieces, you are making a sustainable choice that reduces the demand for new resources. Additionally, remodelling allows you to turn one piece into two or more, maximizing the use of your materials and reducing waste. This eco-friendly approach not only benefits the planet but also ensures that the value of your original jewellery is preserved and enhanced.
Creative Expression: Merging Vintage Charm with Modern Style
Remodelling old jewellery is a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity. Vintage pieces have their own charm, but they can be updated to reflect modern tastes and trends. You can add engravings, incorporate extra stones, or completely redesign the piece to better suit your style. This blend of old and new results in a one-of-a-kind item that showcases both your personal history and your current aesthetic preferences. See our portfolio for inspiration.
Cost-Effective: Maximizing Value from What You Have
Creating new jewellery from scratch can be expensive, but remodelling your existing pieces is often more cost-effective. By first inspecting the jewellery to see what is usable, such as undamaged stones or valuable metals, you can make the most of what you already own. Even chipped stones or broken parts can often be repurposed, saving you money while still producing a beautiful result. This approach ensures that you are getting the best value from your original investment.
Repair Broken Pieces: Breathing New Life into Old Treasures
Jewellery that has seen better days doesn't have to be discarded. Reworking and remodelling can address broken or worn-out parts, restoring them to their former glory or transforming them into something entirely new. This process not only salvages damaged items but also offers a chance to update and personalize your collection. By giving broken pieces a second chance, you ensure that your treasured items continue to be worn and enjoyed for years to come.
Remodelling your old jewellery is a practice rich with benefits. It allows you to preserve sentimental value, make sustainable choices, express your creativity, and save money—all while repairing and revitalizing your beloved pieces. Rather than letting your old jewellery sit unused, consider the endless possibilities that come with remodelling. Not only will you have a beautiful new piece to enjoy, but you will also carry forward the stories and memories that make your jewellery truly priceless. Get in touch with one of our jewellers today to discuss your ideas.
Providing Yorkshire's Bespoke Jewellery for 20 Years: How Form Bespoke Jewellers Came to Be
Long, long ago in 2004, two Yorkshiremen decided to start a bespoke jewellery workshop in North Leeds. 20 years later, it’s time to see how they’re getting on and learn a bit more about their journey…
How and when did you meet? Do you remember your first impressions of each other?
Tim: We first met in 1990… Which is crazy to think about. Gary was leaving his old job at another jewellers and I was just starting there so we had only worked with each other for a short while. We got on straight away! I remember thinking he was a class guy, always up for a laugh. We stayed in touch through mutual friends and got to know one another over a few pints.
Gary: We were both working at another jewellers for a while but I was due to leave shortly after Tim started. Tim was always super friendly and fun and I remember clearly that he loved his rugby! Thankfully we stayed in touch and shared a few good nights out together… and here we are.
Tim (left) and Gary starting out their careers in jewellery
what made you decide that making jewellery was the right career move for you?
Tim: As soon as I started in the jewellery industry at age 16 I knew it was for me and I feel very lucky to be able to say that. It's not easy finding your passion, let alone straight out of school. It’s also just a great industry to be a part of if you’re looking to do something creative. I wasn’t particularly jewellery-obsessed when I was younger, but always loved working with my hands and fixing things.
Gary: At high school, I always really enjoyed the metal and woodwork lessons and I really appreciated the creative process behind making something that functions! Because I enjoyed it so much, I excelled in it, so that’s what inspired me to look into the jewellery industry. I would always advise people to stick to what they enjoy if you can.
Were there any obstacles you faced which often come with starting a business?
Tim: The beginning of any business venture is always going to be difficult, but all good things come to those that never give up! It was myself and Michael Dransfield who set Form up in the very beginning, before he moved to Australia. Finding the premises was probably the biggest hurdle as we came across some complications, but it was all worth it in the end.
Gary: I wasn’t at the very beginning, Tim initially set the business up with Michael and then reached out to me a few years later. So luckily for me everything had already been established and when I was asked to join I knew I would fit right in. I guess establishing that initial customer base can be quite challenging though, you really have to put yourself out there.
Michael (left) and Tim and the Yorkshire Brides awards in 2007
What would you say has kept Form going all these years?
Tim: Starting Form with 16 years experience in the jewellery trade was so beneficial, working in the different aspects of manufacturing and also high end retail showed the different ‘facets’ of the trade and what’s needed to meet the different requirements for different customers. Ultimately it comes down to having a passion for ensuring each piece of fine jewellery is made to the highest standards and in turn providing the best customer service possible. You also have to be prepared to put in the work and do the long hours and weekend shifts. I think the special thing about Form is that our clients come to us to create something so sentimental and something that will last a lifetime, therefore it’s important to us that their bespoke experience is memorable and personable. We’re really fortunate that we get lots of recommendations between family members, friends and work colleagues and have a lot of returning clients which means we get to know their story and make connections, that’s what it’s all about.
Gary: As a business owner you have to set your own goals and be the decision maker, which is easier said than done! It takes practice and perseverance. I will say that I do think our craftsmanship is something that has kept Form going. We take a lot of pride in our work and I think that shines through in our jewellery and gives us that unique edge.
In the 20 years of business, what have been some of your highlights?
Tim: There’s been a fair few! Moving to Chapel Allerton in 2005 and then to our new current premises in 2018. Our first commission back in 2004, Gary starting in 2011, celebrating 10 years of business in 2014, and of course our 20 year anniversary this year! We’ve had some pretty great staff do’s and Christmas parties too, it’s been an amazing journey & lot of fun. Also looking to the future is such an exciting prospect, there’s always new challenges and new amazing designs to create.
Gary: Building our very own premises is something I'll always be proud of. When we bought the building, it was actually two flats that we had to convert into a workshop and showroom. We overcame the pandemic which of course wasn’t easy but times were hard for everyone. Winning numerous awards over the years, and being able to start our side business. Just generally watching the business grow and evolve has been my personal highlight!
Tim and Gary celebrating the launch of their side business, Jeweller’s Loupe, in 2020
What piece of advice would you give to other small business owners?
Tim: There is always an element of risk involved, so you have to be prepared to try and try again. There is no failure except in no longer trying. You have to have a good understanding of all the different aspects of the trade and your business, it’s not really something you can just wing if you want it to work. Care about the product you produce and understand your audience and their needs. Expect to work those crazy hours and try to remember how fortunate you are to be able to do so!
Gary: I would say find your passion and run with it. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Networking is key! Saying that, also remember to start small just to get your feet off the ground, don’t borrow anything you don’t think you’ll be able to repay, you could end up in trouble.
In your own words, why have you chosen to do a series of giveaways to celebrate your anniversary?
Tim: Obviously we’re incredibly excited to be able to celebrate such a milestone, so we thought we’d like to get everyone involved in our excitement. It’s a great way to bring people together and give back to our clients and community that has supported us for so long!
Gary: We’re really proud of how far we have come and what we have achieved over the last 20 years. We feel like this needs to be shared and shouted about with those that support us. It’s also a chance to say we don’t take any of it for granted, every bit of support is appreciated whether it’s a Google review or recommending us to a friend - it means the world.
Keep an eye on their giveaways via their Instagram.
Anything else you would like to mention?
Tim: We’ve been lucky enough to create jewellery for people all over the world, even as far as Australia & Singapore! Of course our main clientele are Leeds based, so we owe it to this city full of wonderful people for keeping us going. We couldn’t be more grateful. Also a huge thank you to my wife Jo, I couldn’t have done this without her!!
Gary: Nope…. Just kidding. We look forward to making amazing fine jewellery for many more years to come and I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our 20 year anniversary celebrations so far!
If you would like to wish Form a happy birthday then please do! You can contact us via the social media links below or email us directly here.
The Creative Process Behind Your Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery
Here at Form Bespoke Jewellers, our highly skilled team bring your ideas to life through a carefully constructed 4 step process. Whether it be an engagement, wedding, anniversary, or any other special occasion, we make sure every detail of your jewellery should be exactly how you imagined. That’s why our customers recognise and appreciate the personal and unique service you get with us.
STEP 1: Initial Design Brief
We start by having an in-depth discussion with you about your ideas so that our jewellers can accurately design your bespoke piece. Alternatively, if you need some inspiration, we have plenty of past commissions and samples at our showroom which you’re always invited to take a look at. Once all the details are finalised, it’s time for us to start crafting!
STEP 2: Making A Visual Design
Using Computer Aided Design (CAD), we create a digital 3D model of the jewellery which helps us perfect the more precise details. This is an invaluable part of the design process and can take about a week to finalise depending on the complexity. Once you’re 100% happy we then convert your CAD to a wax model with the use of 3D printing. The precious metal of your choice is then made into a cast by pouring the liquid metal into a mould.
STEP 3: Stone Setting and Finish
Once your rough metal cast is solidified and ready, we get straight on with preparing it for stone setting. Using various tools and machinery, the metal is filed and polished to the highest standard giving it that eye-catching shine. When our jeweller decides it’s ready, all your stones and diamonds are set and secured in place by hand - this takes a lot of time and precision!
STEP 4: Collection
By now, your jewellery will be sparkling and just waiting to be worn! After we have carefully packaged your jewellery it’s time to come to the shop for collection.
We also recommend bringing your jewellery back in every 6 months for a check up to validate your complimentary lifetime maintenance. Feel free to browse our website for more information and inspiration!
Famous Diamonds - Koi
From the diamond fields of the Congo, nearly 20 years ago, a 60 plus carat raw diamond was discovered and very nearly consigned to low grade gemstone scrapheap until a creative diamond cutter saw the potential the raw stone had and created the now world renowned, one-of-a-kind Koi Diamond.
With graduations of colour from white, orange, light yellow, dark blue to black this diamond evokes the koi fish — a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Japan.
To certify this priceless, pear shaped 32+ carat diamond, the GIA (Gemological Society of America) had to bring in The King of Coloured Diamonds — Eddy Ezlas, to help with the certification of such a unique stone. Now certified by the GIA, the Koi is owned by Rawstone Business Holding and kept under lock and key in a vault in Antwerp.
Our New Business Venture!
This week was an exciting one at Form Bespoke Jewellers, after years of development we finally launched our new business venture: Jeweller’s Loupe – an online jewellery store specialising in handmade British engagement rings and weddings rings using ethical and fairtrade precious metals and gemstones.
Not too dissimilar to what we offer at Form, I hear you say? There’s certainly some truth to that, Jeweller’s Loupe will offer the same high standards that Form Bespoke Jewellers has become known for, using the same high-quality materials sourced from British companies to create handmade, stylish jewellery, with the same friendly and personable customer service. The main difference is that rather than receiving the bespoke service Form customers enjoy, Jeweller’s Loupe customers will choose a jewellery design from the online store that is then handmade to order by our expert, award winning British jewellers. Jeweller’s Loupe is also able to easily offer a worldwide customer base quality British jewellery from an independent British Jewellers, whereas only a small proportion of Form’s customers are based outside of the UK.
What is a Jeweller’s Loupe?
A jeweller’s loupe is a specialised magnifying glass used to look closely at diamonds, settings, metal work and any other small details on a piece of jewellery. It’s an essential part of a jeweller’s toolkit, can come in varying strengths: 10x, 30x zoom etc. and it can also be fold-able – which is known as a triplet loupe.
The reason we chose to call our new company Jeweller’s Loupe is because we feel this humble tool represents many of the values that are important to us as a company:
transparency — to our customers
precision & attention to detail — flawless quality and nothing less
traditional craftsmanship — flying the flag for an important British trade
We’d love our customers here at Form to browse the Jeweller’s Loupe website, and perhaps even make a purchase! Although our two brands have similarities, we believe that there are enough differences to allow customers of Form to also be customers of Jeweller’s Loupe. So have a look and see what you think. We’re always happy to hear any feedback you may have, so please feel free to contact us here.
Unusual Stones and Recycling: 2020 Jewellery Trends
It’s a new year and a new decade, and although trends in the jewellery business aren’t quick to change, at least not at the pace of other fashion industries, there are a couple that have caught our eye at the start of 2020.
Recycling
The first is the trend towards recycling. And no we don’t mean jewellery made from plastic bottles, but we can see how our choice of headline image may have confused you! Recycling isn’t something new to the jewellery industry, we, and many other jewellers, have been recycling in one form or another for decades—using gemstones or precious metals from older or antique jewellery to create new pieces is the most common way we recycle here at Form. But with sustainability and recycling now common place in all of our day-to-day lives, as well as being on the agenda of our favourite brands and in the news most days, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more customers choose to recycle (or upcycle) jewellery they may no longer wear or family heirlooms that need a new lease of life, particularly when there’s little of the environmental impact a new piece of jewellery has.
We’re always happy to do our bit for the environment and love creating new pieces of jewellery from old. We were recently commissioned to make this beautiful, bespoke engagement ring using the customers antique oval cut diamond:
Antique oval diamond engagement ring.
Unusual Stones
We’ve also seen a rise in clients asking for unusual stones in their jewellery, and this seems to be a trend that’s set to continue in 2020. Our customers have an appetite for unique pieces of bespoke jewellery, and unusual stones can really set a piece of jewellery apart from the crowd. Recent commissions have seen us create pendants using Amethysts, Citrine and Tsavorite Garnets gemstones, as well as rings using Peridots and Spessartite Garnets.
So if you have a piece of jewellery that isn’t being worn or needs a new lease of life why not contact us, and if you really want to create a unique piece of jewellery why not think about adding unusual gemstones to it.
The Journey of Your Bespoke Jewellery
As bespoke jewellers the heritage of our craft is extremely important to us, but we don’t let that stop us from embracing the latest innovations—as long as they allow us to offer our customers a better service. As we wrote in a previous blog post, jewellery making dates back millennia, with many age old manufacturing techniques still being used today.
There have been two significant changes to the way jewellers work in the 21st Century. The first is the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and the second is 3D printing. Both of these innovations allow our jewellers to offer more creative designs without increasing cost, as well as making it easier for our customers to have more input during the design process. So incorporating them into the journey your jewellery takes with us was a no-brainer.
Step One: Consultation and design brief
The first step in the design process is a consultation between you, the customer, and one of our jewellers. This may be over the phone or by email, but more often than not we hold one-to-one consultations in our Leeds showroom. This gives you the chance to chat through exactly what you want, it also allows our jewellers to show you examples of rings or jewellery we hold in our showroom, whilst giving expert advise on settings, gemstones, stone size and clarity, precious metals and a plethora of other options. Our jewellers may also make sketches of your jewellery at this stage, before passing everything on to our CAD designer.
Step Two: CAD Design
CAD 3D Render
During this stage of your jewellery’s journey our CAD designer creates a 3D render of your jewellery in a piece of computer software called Matrix. This render allows both you and our jewellers to view the jewellery and make any amendments to the design. This is a great time for you to give feedback and ask any questions you may have about your jewellery, after all, this is a bespoke service so your input is as important as our jeweller’s. Once everyone is happy, the CAD render is sent over to our 3D printer to be printed in wax resin.
CAD Design
Step Three: 3D Print
A wax resin model of your jewellery is now 3D printed in our Leeds workshop using our Formlabs 3D printer. This model is then sent off to one of the casting companies we use to be cast in the precious metal of your choice. A few days later our Leeds based workshop receive the precious metal cast of your jewellery and it’s then time to set and finish it.
Step Four: Set, Finish and Collection
During this stage, gemstones are set into your jewellery, the metal is polished and any finishing touches are completed. Finally, we quality check your ring, photograph it for our archive and package it for you to collect. It is then ready to be collected in our Leeds showroom or posted to anywhere in the world for you.
Chapel Allerton Indie Trail
As you might already know we’re a very proud British, Yorkshire and Leeds jeweller. But looking a little closer to home we’re also proud to say we’re Chapel Allerton jewellers.
As you might already know we’re a very proud British, Yorkshire and Leeds jeweller. But looking a little closer to home we’re also proud to say we’re Chapel Allerton jewellers.
Chapel Allerton, if you’ve never visited, is a lovely Leeds suburb with a village feel, full of independent shops. Yes we have a Starbucks but how many suburbs can say they have an independent fishmonger, butcher, greengrocer, cheesemonger, zero-waste refilling shop, two hipster coffee shops, a wine shop, yoga studio and florist, all within walking distance of a huge willow tree, more bars and restaurants than you can shake a stick at and not forgetting the brilliant bespoke jewellers!
There’s also a great community spirit in Chapel Allerton, with loads of year round events, like the Arts Festival and the Indie Trail.
The Chapel Allerton Indie Trails starts tomorrow, Friday 29th November, and runs until Saturday 7th December. It isn’t just a great way to support local businesses by shopping locally, but also puts you in with a chance of winning £150 worth of vouchers for shops in Chapel Allerton!
All you have to do is pop into Form Bespoke Jewellers or one of the other participating shops and pick up a free map, then whenever you make a purchase in a shop on the map they’ll stamp it and once you’ve gained 7 stamps leave the map with a participating business and you’ll be entered into the prize draw. It’s as simple as that!
So don’t forget to ask us for a map, or a stamp, next time you’re in our showroom, and enjoy all the wonderful shops that Chapel Allerton has to offer.
A Brief History of Jewellery and a Look at the Future
The history of jewellery making dates back millennia, with the first know jewellery pieces – specifically perforated beads made from seashells, being created by Neanderthals around 115,000 years ago. Stone, marble and ostrich egg pieces, dating to around 40,000 years ago have been found in Kenya and Russia, with crude necklaces and bracelets made from bone, berries, teeth and stone dating to around 11,000BC being found in Europe.
String of beads, 3650-3100 BC.
The history of jewellery making dates back millennia, with the first know jewellery pieces – specifically perforated beads made from seashells, being created by Neanderthals around 115,000 years ago. Stone, marble and ostrich egg pieces, dating to around 40,000 years ago have been found in Kenya and Russia, with crude necklaces and bracelets made from bone, berries, teeth and stone dating to around 11,000BC being found in Europe.
Copper jewellery began appearing 7,000 years ago, with the first established jewellery making practices in Ancient Egypt around 3,000–5,000 years ago. The Egyptians preferred the luxury of gold and other metals over copper, and their jewellery would often symbolise political and religious power, being worn by wealthy Egyptians in both life and death.
Around 5,000 years ago jewellery-making had become a significant craft in Europe and the Middle East with the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and the Etruscan’s manufacturing jewellery using precious metals and semi-precious stones.
It is thought that diamonds were originally mined in India 3,000-6,000 years ago, with the Romans importing Indian diamonds and Sri Lankan sapphires as early as 2,000 years ago, whilst in Roman-ruled England Whitby Jet was being carved into jewellery pieces. Both Greek and Roman jewellery was often worn to give the wearer protection from the ‘Evil Eye’ or endow them with supernatural powers.
The Indian subcontinent has the longest continuous legacy of jewellery making in the world with over 5,000 years of manufacturing. Chinese jewellery-making began at a similar time and became more widespread with the spread of Buddhism around 2,000 years ago.
By the 17th Century, the Renaissance and increased trade throughout the world had a significant impact on jewellery in Europe, with a wider variety of gemstones and exposure to different cultures seeing an increase in jewellery that showcased gemstones and their settings. A trend that has continued with modern jewellery.
Formlabs Form 3 Printer
With the advent of new materials, colouring techniques, computer aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, modern jewellery comes in a multitude of styles.
3D printing as a production technique has gained more importance over the last few years and for that reason Form Bespoke Jewellers recently invested in a 3D printer for our Leeds workshop. Although we won’t use 3D printing in the manufacturing process of the bespoke jewellery our customers take home, 3D printing allows us to create a 3D model for our customers to view, try-on and check over before the final precious metal piece is handmade by our jewellers.
After much research Form Bespoke Jewellery purchased the Formlabs - Form 3 Printer. This Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology 3D printer uses linear illumination (lasers) and a flexible tank to turn liquid resin into solid parts, delivering accurate and repeatable prints.
So whilst jewellery making may have millennia of history, and to this day we still use techniques that have been used for thousands of years, new technologies play a vital role in our industry for both our jewellers and our customers.
Below are photos of the first 3D printed ring we produced, once it has been detached from the light-touch supports (scaffolding like structure around the ring) it is ready for our customer to try-on.
If you would like more information about the bespoke jewellery our Leeds jewellers can create for you please contact us.
Our New Premises
We’ve got a brand new, shiny jewellery showroom and workshop. It’s just round the corner from our old premises in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire. We can’t wait to show you around!
We have moved to a brand new, shiny premises!
…still in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire (of course!) In fact, we’re just round the corner from our old premises, but now we have a fabulous view of the famous Willow Tree and up Harrogate Road. A new year, a new creative space!
Why the move?
Our 15 year anniversary fast approaches (hip hip hooray!) and we are ever-growing here at Form Bespoke Jewellers.
We’ve been ready to make this move for a while. A new creative space seemed like the perfect opportunity to get a fresh new look and explore some more ventures for the business. It feels like home already!
GARY THOMPSON, Director and CAD Specialist
What’s new?
We wanted to improve the customer experience, right from the moment they open the door. Now, we have:
Gallery Entrance - featuring a showcase of previous commissions, customer reviews and testimonials and lovely thank you cards.
Comfy Waiting Room - with new sofa and chair, feature wall, our fabulous world map of where our bespoke jewellery has visited, and a viewing window into our jewellery workshop
Sparkling Showroom - bright, white, clean and roomy. With space to view our previous commission samples and talk comfortably with your expert Yorkshire jeweller.
New Jewellery Workshop - with all our traditional workbenches, equipment and tools, and a glass door and viewing windows out to the waiting room and showroom.
Our New Waiting Room
Our New Jewellery Showroom
Our New Jewellery Workshop
You can also see move-able 360-degree photographs of our new premises on Google. Just click here…>
We also have a little more information on “our new pad”, here…>
Thank yous!
We would just like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful, local tradesmen, businesses, friends and family who have made this transition possible. We simply couldn’t have done it without you! We are so grateful of all the time and effort you put in to making our new premises so great.
We can’t wait to see you soon and show you around!
To make an appointment to come in and see us, call on 0113 262 4064 or email info@formjewellery.com
Helpful Information on Fairtrade Gold
(Images and information courtesy of Hockley Mint). Form Bespoke Jewellers are proud to be a part of the Hockley Mint Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme. We offer Fairtrade Gold options on all our jewellery.
Some Helpful Information on Fairtrade Gold
(Images and information courtesy of Hockley Mint).
Form Bespoke Jewellers are proud to be a part of the Hockley Mint Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme. We offer Fairtrade Gold options on all our jewellery.
Basic Fairtrade Gold Facts
Fairtrade Gold initiatives could affect up to 100 million people.
Fairtrade Gold is both sustainably and ethically sourced.
Fairtrade mines are legal and miners are legally supported.
Fairtrade miners are given specialist safety equipment, technology and training.
Becoming Fairtrade Certified
It can take from 3 to 7 years for a mine to be certified as fully Fairtrade.
Fairtrade mines must meet and maintain a set of Fairtrade Standards.
Once established, the mine is supervised by Fairtrade.
The Fairtrade Premium and the Community
$2000 per kilo of gold is given to Fairtrade mining communities to help with local improvements.
Fairtrade work alongside the community as a collective to choose where the Premium is spent.
The Premium often goes towards heath care, infrastructure and education.
Woman and Fairtrade Gold
The rights of women in artisanal gold mines are supported by Fairtrade.
Women are given a voice alongside the men in their community.
Fairtrade involvement has enable the reporting of domestic violence.
Children and Fairtrade Gold
Children under 18 years old are prohibited from entering Fairtrade mines.
Changes in the use of mercury means that babies and children live in a safer, healthier environment.
Children are able to access a supported education.
Mercury
Mercury poisoning can cause kidney problems, severe headaches, and attack the digestion system and central nervous system.
Fairtrade aims to remove the use of mercury by implementing other methods such as ‘gold catchers’.
Fairtrade minors are given safety-ware to protect them from inhaling toxic chemicals.
Simply put, choosing Fairtrade Gold means that you are supporting artisanal gold miners:
to work in safe and fair conditions
to change the social and environmental impact of the materials they work with
to support the health and wellbeing of their community
It makes sense to choose Fairtrade Gold.
Or, you can call us on 0113 262 4064 or email info@formjewellery.com
2017 at Form Bespoke Jewellers
Well, can you believe that another year has nearly reached its end! And what a year it has been… full to the brim with engagements, weddings and celebrations of love. (And we’re all for love!) We thought we’d have a natter with our expert jewellers, Tim and Gary, about the jewellery trends of 2017 here at Form Bespoke Jewellers.
Well, can you believe that another year has nearly reached its end! And what a year it has been… full to the brim with engagements, weddings and celebrations of love. (And we’re all for love!)
We thought we’d have a natter with our expert jewellers, Tim and Gary, about the jewellery trends of 2017 here at Form Bespoke Jewellers.
What has been the most popular type of jewellery piece requested this year?
Well we’ve been full to the brim with engagement ring and wedding ring commissions. There are definitely many happy couples in the world, that’s for sure. It’s been a feel mix of styles and budgets too which is great to see. Mainly, we have seen customers coming to us with sentimental, bespoke designs that they would like us to bring to life.
We’ve also created an increasing number of dress rings this year too. Some customers designing special pieces for their loved one, others commissioning treats for themselves or some customers redesigning inherited pieces into new jewellery that suits their current style. It’s lovely to be able to offer this special service, here at Form Bespoke Jewellers. We are privileged to be asked to take on this responsibility; enabling people to rework sentimental jewellery pieces into something more wearable.
Which engagement ring style has been the preferred choice for 2017?
Cluster engagement rings have kept their top spot as the most popular engagement ring style this year, particularly a halo design. Customers are choosing both coloured and diamond centres stones and also different metals too. There are so many options with this style of ring. The halo cluster is a classic design (see HRH Kate Middleton’s ring for inspiration). But each one can look so different depending on the combination of metal and stones.
Also solitaire engagement rings, especially ones with unusual diamond cuts, have grown in popularity. Customers have been enquiring about oval cut diamonds and emerald cut diamonds, amongst others. It definitely seems like people are looking for that contemporary twist on a classic style.
Has platinum, palladium, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold been the most popular?
The white metals are always the most popular. Even though platinum has had one of its most cost-effective years for the customer, white gold still proves to be just as sought after as ever. The gents still seem keen to keep a trend with palladium too and also 9 carat options. Well done gents!
That being said, we have seen an increase in both yellow and rose gold choices as well. Particularly with cluster engagement rings, yellow gold has been used to bring a classic element to the halo style. Rose gold has increased across the board with both engagement and wedding rings, so we still think this precious metal is an ever-growing trend.
How about Fairtrade Gold?
We’re pleased to say that more and more customers are enquiring about Fairtrade options and ethical choices with their jewellery. We have literature and POS in our showroom to promote Fairtrade Gold, but it is great to see customers arriving with their own questions about where precious metals and diamonds have come from.
Photo courtesy of Hockey Mint. We are proud to be a part of the Hockley Mint Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme and we believe in the importance of Fairtrade Gold. We hope to see a continued increasing awareness in Fairtrade options.
Have coloured stones made more of an appearance this year?
Yes, we would say so. Particularly in engagement rings. Trilogy engagement rings and cluster engagement rings tend to showcase a mixture of both coloured precious stones and diamonds. Coloured stones can sometimes be a more cost-effective option too so this works really well in a multi-stone design where you can add a bright pop of colour.
The dress ring designs in 2017 have also boasted quite a lot of coloured stones, sometimes from a collection of pre-owned jewellery. Quite a few customers have come to us with a mixed jewellery collections to be turned into versatile stacking rings with coloured stones. This is a lovely way to re-work existing jewellery.
What do you expect to be on trend for 2018?
Well we’ve recently been given the greatest inspiration of all for engagement rings. Thanks to (HRH) Harry and Meghan Markle, the trilogy ring is sure to be a popular one for 2018. And cushion cut diamonds too (which is the centre stone in Meghan’s ring). We have noticed a growing popularity in this diamond cut anyway, but with The Royals choosing it too, it’s likely to be requested more during the designing process.
Photo courtesy of BBC. What was lovely to see with this proposal, was Meghan’s reaction to the fact that the ring had been designed by Harry.
We know just how she feels! As a bespoke jewellers, we feel so privileged to be a part of this process for so many couples and we see from them just how special it is.
Bring on 2018. If you would like to talk to our jewellers about a bespoke commission, please get in touch via our contact page. Or you can call 0113 262 4064.
We will be back open on Tuesday 2nd January. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
A bespoke treat for an Olympian
Form Bespoke Jewellers have been given the honour of creating a very special Olympic Rings Pendant for GB and Olympic diver Lois Toulson.
Form Bespoke Jewellers have been given the honour of creating a very special Olympic Rings Pendant for GB and Olympic diver Lois Toulson.
Specialising in the 10m platform, Lois is a British diver from Yorkshire! (Woop!) You may have spotted her in the 2016 Olympic games, 2017 World Championships and European Championships, and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
To celebrate her diving, Lois’ family commissioned our Yorkshire team to create a bespoke white gold pendant for her. The design is simple and classic, with the five Olympic Rings interlocked and perfectly rounded for a tactile finish.
We were privileged to have Lois visit our Chapel Allerton showroom in person, to collect her bespoke pendant. And we couldn’t have been prouder to have a Yorkshire Olympian in our midst. How lucky are we!
A huge thank you to Lois and her family for choosing Form Bespoke Jewellers to create this special Olympic Rings Pendant. We wish you all the best of luck in your future competitions, Lois. We’ll certainly be cheering for you! See you again soon.
You can follow Lois on Twitter: @LoisToulson and Instagram: @lois_toulson
The Solitaire Engagement Ring: Style Showcase
The trilogy engagement ring is a sentimental engagement ring style. It refers to a ring that has three main stones, which normally symbolise eternal love: ‘past, present and future’. As there are three stones in this engagement ring style, you often find an interesting play with colour, size and cut combinations.
The Solitaire
The solitaire engagement ring is a classic engagement ring style. As its title suggests, it refers to a ring with only one stone (normally a diamond!). There is a certain amount of elegance associated with a solitaire engagement ring. It is simple, clean and emotive. One bold statement of ‘I love you!’.
We’ve put together a showcase of some of our previous solitaire commissions. Maybe just for your perusal, or maybe to give you a little inspiration [wink,wink].
Classic Diamond Shape
Platinum Six Claw Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
All of the beautiful, bespoke engagement rings above have been created by our expert Yorkshire jewellers, in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
See our Portfolio of Previous Commissions …>
To discuss options for your own bespoke engagement ring, just get in touch. You can also call 0113 262 4064 or email info@formjewellery.com
The Trilogy Engagement Ring: Style Showcase
The trilogy engagement ring is a sentimental engagement ring style. It refers to a ring that has three main stones, which normally symbolise eternal love: ‘past, present and future’. As there are three stones in this engagement ring style, you often find an interesting play with colour, size and cut combinations.
The Trilogy
The trilogy engagement ring is a sentimental engagement ring style. It refers to a ring that has three main stones, which normally symbolise eternal love: ‘past, present and future’. As there are three stones in this engagement ring style, you often find an interesting play with colour, size and cut combinations.
We’ve put together a showcase of some of our previous trilogy commissions. A sparkling treat for you, or maybe to give you a little inspiration [hint, hint].
Matching Diamonds
White Gold Part Rub Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
All of the beautiful, bespoke engagement rings above have been created by our expert Yorkshire jewellers, in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
See our Portfolio of Previous Commissions …>
To discuss options for your own bespoke engagement ring, just get in touch. You can also call 0113 262 4064 or email info@formjewellery.com
The Halo and Cluster Engagement Ring: Style Showcase
The halo and cluster engagement ring is a bold and beautiful engagement ring style. A halo design has a centre stone surrounded by a frame of smaller stones. Whereas, a cluster has a collection of stones at the centre. These can be of varying size and colour.
The Halo and Cluster
The halo and cluster engagement ring is a bold and beautiful engagement ring style. A halo design has a centre stone surrounded by a frame of smaller stones. Whereas, a cluster has a collection of stones at the centre. These can be of varying size and colour. The coloured halo is a traditional engagement ring style, often seen in royalty (e.g. HRH Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring).
We’ve put together a showcase of some of our previous halo / cluster commissions. A sparkling treat for you, or maybe to give you a little inspiration [hint, hint].
All Diamond Halos
Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
All of the beautiful, bespoke engagement rings above have been created by our expert Yorkshire jewellers, in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
See our Portfolio of Previous Commissions …>
To discuss options for your own bespoke engagement ring, just get in touch. You can also call 0113 262 4064 or email info@formjewellery.com