A complete find

I have blogged numerous times about my love of jewellery.  I think it's the best way to add instant life to a more mundane outfit and can completely change a dress from daytime casual to a great night out number.  The easiest way for me to suddenly look polished.  The perfect finishing touch to a pair of jeans, plain tee and everyday blazer.  Suddenly a rather special outfit.  Blah de blah.  Essentially I just love bling.  It doesn't have to be big bling.  It just has to be different bling.

I'm always on the look out for new brands and more places to buy jewellery.  Yes, I like my instant bejewelled addition from the likes of Forever 21 - they serve a purpose and are great for those couple of times when you need something a bit different that you don't want to spend a fortune on.  I'm a huge fan of Alex Monroe jewellery - as I mention, I often wear my bee necklace and it always gets great comments.  But everyone wears it.  Which isn't an issue per se but the Aquarian in me loves finding something new and unique. 

So when a friend of mine I bumped into had a beautiful necklace on that I'd never seen before, I had no qualms about asking where it was from. (yes I come from the stable of "what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine") The answer was Bill Skinner.

I'll admit that the name was new to me but following a stint on google, I discovered that they were a local firm, literally in the next village along.  Ridiculously exciting.  But more importantly, I was so impressed with their jewellery that I asked if I could go and have a look at their boutique and work rooms. (first time in 16 months of the blog that I have ever so blown away by a range that I've asked to meet the designer) 

Last week I went over to meet BIll and the team and had a tour of the design studios, work rooms and boutique.  What an amazing set up and what a truly inspirational man.  And what beautiful beautiful pieces.

Bill has worked for years with the likes of Asprey, Van Cleef and Arples, Garrards, Butler & Wilson and Vivienne Westwood.  Whilst he does still design for other people and well known companies, he set up his own collection, under this name, in January last year with a hugely supportive and talented team behind him - watching one of his cohorts hand craft the most intricate petals on a flower was just mind boggling.

It is truly the most exquisite range and for the price, I don't think there is anything as high a quality or as unique on the market.  I am now the very very proud owner of 3 pieces, one of which I have worn every single day since I got them last week.

And as a result of my visit, I am so so pleased to be able to offer you a 10% discount on all orders placed through the website.  I think it lasts at the moment till June 12th but as I have been totally and utterly inept this week at blogging (so so sorry - small matter of house extension and complete renovation which is getting in the way, other work and a First Holy Communion to plan...) I'm going to see if they will extend it.  And I'll let you know.  The beautiful jewellery is also on sale at House of Fraser and ASOS and through lots of small boutiques round the country, but whilst it's quite widely available, it's not something you're going to see on every other person. 

The code is DMBL40 (case sensitive)  

Here are the pieces that I chose - firstly the 

Emperor Coin Statement Necklace 

And to match it as I am slightly obsessed with matchy matchy, the Emperor Coin Statement Bracelet. 

Hopefully you can see the detail of the lion heads on the top of the reverse of each coin.  Exquisite.
Now they are statement pieces - I have already worn them twice last weekend (see below) and they are the perfect perfect addition to my new Burberry dress and shoes.  Outfit sorted for The Husband's Birthday dinner next week (the small matter of him being 40..!) 

But possibly my favourite piece which I have been wearing every day is this Charm necklace.  To replace my Alex Monroe Bee which has been retired for the time being as this one is so much more exciting.  

Plus it has the addition on the back of a Swarovski crystal.  

I chose the Mini Antelope Charm Necklace  (you can't see the detail of the antlers - or little horns? - but they have the most intricate ridge detail on them)







But am also in love with the Mini Lion one 



However the next item on my list without a shadow of a doubt is the Galloping Horse Bracelet.  The detail on this is just incredible. 





And also in Rose Gold.... how fab would be this be with my Michael Kors watch?!




As I do have a soft spot for bees though (bar the actual buzzy stingy variety) these are definitely on my list after the galloping horse bracelets.  I love a long necklace and my pine cones from NW3 by Hobbs (which weren't that much cheaper than these and are just gold colour as opposed to gold plated) have served me very well.  

Bee and Honeycomb Orb



Bee and Honeycomb Pendant 





If jewellery is your thing or you're looking for a special present for someone, then please do go and have a look at the website as I really can't do the collection justice in my blog.  And do take advantage of the 10% off - as I said I will try and get it extended but it's definitely on till the 12th June.  Don't take my word for it - have a look on the website. 

Advance warning as to how often I shall be wearing these pieces. (a lot) So far here are my pics of me wearing them.