Jewellery Retailers

Jewellery Retailers

Having decided to design and make jewellery for this project, I thought it was relevant to visit and research jewellery retailers. I chose to review x2 extremes of the market: Boodles in Manchester aiming at a high end market and Munro House Gallery/Coffee shop in Leeds, aiming at a low end craft market.

Photograph taken by Sam Ellis 21/07/2016.

                                                Boodles

Visited 21/07/2016, Manchester City Centre.

(http://www.boodles.com/jewellery/necklaces.html)

Blossom Classic Rose Gold Pendant

In rose gold with diamonds

£2,100

       Set with 0.14ct of round-brilliant cut diamonds

       In 18ct rose gold

       On an 18 inch trace chain

Pendant length: 26mm (approx.)

Boodles was founded in 1798 interestingly around the same time as Manchester Metropolitan University was founded and in a sense share the same heritage, in that they have continually re invented themselves and reflected the different trends over that period.

Boodles uses A and B rated diamonds, these being the highest quality, aiming at the high end market. The Rose Gold Pendant is made to a very high standard with no imperfections, retailing at £2,100.  The beauty of this piece of jewellery is that the shapes work well together and is polished to an extremely high quality. The product is bespoke and handmade, suiting a 25+ female audience.

Blossom Posy Diamond Pendant

In platinum with diamonds

£33,990

Set with 5.79ct of round-brilliant cut diamonds

       In platinum

On 18 inch chain with diamond detail.

The Blossom Posy Diamond Pendant commands an extremely high price at £33,990, aiming at the very high end market. This pendant shouts out quality, is bespoke and handmade. The curves of the design create a magical effect, although in my opinion the design is “too busy”. I prefer more simple designs.

Having seen the jewellery made by Boodles, I do like the ethos of high quality products and bespoke, although the jewellery I design will be targeted at the low to middle market value, aiming at a more varied audience.

Rather than using precious metals or gemstones for the jewellery design, I am now more inclined to work with re used or reclaimed materials, giving a more natural look.