So I finally got engaged....yay! But where's your engagement ring everyone has asked? This is my problem, having owned Nude Jewellery for almost 20 years he was never going to choose the ring first. So the ring that he proposed with cost around £2 (and I think I'm being generous here!) he bought it from the place that we had our first date so it was very sentimental, but alas it doesn't fit and even if did it would probably turn my finger green !. As a jewellery designer that works predominately on designing bespoke and unique engagement rings for other people, I've stumbled on a problem.....How to pick the perfect engagement ring? Whilst designing the ring I thought i would share the questions that I have asked myself and that I would ask clients when helping them choose the perfect engagement ring.

Style: What's their style? Is it big and bold, dainty and delicate. Do they like a specific style? I've opted to go for a ring in an Art Deco style but maybe they like organic and ornate. Or an alternative style engagement ring. (You can view our alternative engagement rings here.)

Metal: What metal do they normally wear, yellow, white or rose? and which metal will suit their skin tone and are they likely to wear AND love for years? Rose gold is becoming increasingly popular.

Gemstone or Diamond?: You don't necessarily have to go with a diamond, that's not everyone's thing. I love green so opted for a green tourmaline set with diamonds either side. For some women a diamond is a must, for others they enjoy colour and a colourful gemstone would reflect their personality.

Good luck in your journey designing your own engagement ring and remember it's supposed to be fun!

 You can view our engagement rings here or for something bespoke check out our Bespoke Jewellery page.

Well, we no longer have our lovely little Mayfair boutique. Almost 18 months ago I was given the opportunity by my new and very wealthy landlords to tear up my lease (they wanted more rent and I could have stayed for many years before that would happen).

So with the way the world had changed over fourteen years I had been in Mayfair, the internet, websites and social media it seemed that the physical need for a presence on a street, city or town was no longer necessary. That and with two young children I figured it was time to get the work - life balance a little more straightened out. So apart from when I'm meeting clients this is now my commute to work in the morning......loving it!

We are still constantly working on new designs, this week we are working on some besopke pieces for clients:

Last year we made the engagement ring above, this year it's the maching wedding ring.

This is another engagement ring design that we are currently working on - it's a work-in-progress at the moment.

Oh, and these days I am finding a little more time for the work-life balance. This morning me and Gizmo managed a 5k run before we started work!