Equinox Silver Charm Bracelets

Equinox's silver charm bracelets are handcrafted in the UK, with a great selection of different weights to choose from – something for every age and style. Each of our Silver charm bracelets is made from solid sterling silver chain, so they all have a weighty quality to them. The silver chains vary in size of link depending on how light or heavy you prefer. Here's our rough guide to charm bracelets to help you choose one just right for you.

Mini Lifetime Charm Bracelet.

This adjustable Equinox silver charm bracelet is fully adjustable with a clever catch that fastens at any point along the chain, fitting all ages and wrist sizes – so it grows with the wearer making an ideal children's silver bracelet

The bracelet easily complements any of our sterling silver charms, and for those who prefer a lobster catch, our clip-on-catches will easily fit this bracelet. Many of our charm bracelets feature the same chain making an easy gift for all sorts of events.

The Mini Lifetime Charm Bracelet with heart or star charms are ideal as a children's bracelet, theTiny Beginnings Charm Bracelet makes a great confirmation gift and we have our own silver adjustable Silver Christening Bracelet that's perfect for a confirmation or Christening gift.

Red Hot Bracelets.

Our Red Hot Bracelets have been a mainstay of our collection since 1999, continuously loved and worn as charm bracelets by many happy Equinoxsilver customers over the years. The two available chain weights are slightly heavier than that of a Mini Lifetime Charm Bracelet, better suited for teens and adults. You can choose from a traditional silver belcher chain bracelet, or a more open link silver trace chain.

They come with our sturdy hand finished T-bar and lock, and are available with a choice of starter charms to suit your style.

Lifetime Charm Bracelet.

Our Lifetime Charm Bracelet features a heavier chain, and gorgeous signature t-bar and lock with a chunky Equinoxsilver Love Heart Charm to start the collection. This silver bracelet will happily take a huge collection of sterling silver charms, we have several customers who have filled each and every link with a charm, collecting over the years and creating something truly unique.

Ideal for adults and serious collectors, it makes a gift of a lifetime as you can give them a charm to add each year, a truly bespoke piece of jewellery that makes a great birthday or Christmas gift.

A full range of charm bracelets can be found on the Equinoxsilver website.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of pure silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper, nickel is no longer allowed to be used in jewellery. The sterling silver standard has a minimum fineness of 925. Over the years, some countries developed different systems of hallmarking silver.

One of the most carefully regulated hallmarking systems is in the United Kingdom. Hallmarking was originally introduced in 1300 by a Statute of Edward I and is one of the earliest forms of consumer protection. 

A silver hallmark from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will contain;

1. A stamp indicating the purity of the article. (925 for sterling silver, 375 for 9ct gold, 750 for 18ct gold, 916 for 22ct gold).

2. A date mark, indicated by a letter which represents a specific year, the typeface, border, upper or lower case are used to indicate the year of hallmarking.

3. Assay office mark, which indicates the hallmarking office which the article was hallmarked, currently London (Lion passant), Sheffield (Yorkshire Rose), Birmingham (Anchor) & Edinburgh (A castle with three turrets) are in use.

Assay offices are independant institutions set up to test the purity of (Assay) precious metals, in order to protect customers. Upon successful completion of an assay the offices typically stamp a hallmark on the item to certify its metal content.

Historically there were also assay offices in Dublin (Now Eire), Exeter (Closed 1883), Chester (Closed 1962), Galsgow (Closed 1964), Newcastle (Closed 1884), Norwich (Closed 1702) and York (Closed 1857).

4. Makers mark, a stamp which is unique to the jeweller who created the article (Or who submitted the item to the Assay Office to be tested and marked.)

5. Special Marks to commemorate significant national  events may also be added if a sponsor chooses. The Millenium Mark to celebrate the year 2000 was very popular and was applied to over 5 million articles of jewellery and silverware. The most recent commemorative mark is to honour the Queens Jubilee in 2012.

The purpose of hallmark application is manifold: To indicate the purity of the silver alloy used in the manufacture or hand-crafting of the piece, to identify the silversmith or company that made the piece (Or who submitted the item to the Assay Office to be tested and marked.) and to note the date and/or location of the manufacture or tradesman. Silver jewellery under 7.78 grams does not legally need to be hallmarked.

All silver sold at Equinox is Sterling silver. All silver jewellery sold in the UK should now be nickel free.

Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview Tara Kirkpatrick

Tara Kirkpatrick's latest collection is her Droplets Twist Collection. You can see her amazing collection at The Best of British Jewellery Exhibition which is being held at Equinox Jewellery in Fleet Hampshire.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and was doing A-levels and then passing a jewellers one day I thought, it would be nice to make jewellery.  Gave up A-levels and enrolled on a jewellery course, the rest is history!

2. How would you describe your jewellery?

Anytime jewellery that be be worn on special occasions and everyday.

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

Gerda Flockinger is the first designer jewellery I saw that I thought was marvellous.  She has been making jewellery since the 1940’s and still makes.  I do prefer wearable jewellery but I admire all sorts even if I wouldn’t wear it myself.

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

I like a bangle I made for someone’s wedding as it was a collaboration between me and the customer and it resulted in something very much in my style and matched her brief and wedding ring, which I’d also made.  As she was very pleased it was an added bonus.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

The more you make the more skilled you’ll become, so keep on going, who needs sleep!

6. What does the future hold for your company?

I am happy where it is at, keep making a variety of things and when time allows develop new designs.  I’ve just ordered a new magnetic polisher so more new machines are very exciting, more machines the better!!  So if anyone has some unused ones I’ll happily give them a new home!

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

I do a lot of commissions, especially melting down peoples old gold and re-modelling it into something more contemporary.

8. Has your jewellery won any awards?

Sadly it hasn’t.  Equally I’ve never entered any awards!

Tara's collection can be seen at Equinox Until mid April 2012.

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview with Jessica Sherriff

Jessica Sherriff (Jessica Jewellery) creates an original range of stunning contemporary acrylic jewellery which is all individually designed and handmade in North Yorkshire. Jessica is taking part in Equinox's Best of British Jewellery Exhibition.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

Always loved jewellery and accessories but I really got thinking about jewellery design on my foundation course at York College.  From there I looked to do a degree in jewellery, studying at Middlesex University gave me the opportunity to make jewellery from a wide variety of materials and acrylic was a material I particularly enjoyed so continued with it. 

2. How would you describe your jewellery? 

Contemporary, designed and handmade jewellery 

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

I admire other jewellers who work in alternative materials such as Sarah Packington, Lesley Strickland, Kathie Murphy 

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

(A picture would be good if possible.)

 I always seem to be most proud of my newest designs as I've pushed myself and created something I didn't know I had in me to make.....My most recent range Optical is an example of this image DSCF2621 - double pendant from the optical range.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

Don't be put off if you are trying something different, listen to all feedback and learn from that, and just try and get your work seen. 

6. What does the future hold for your company?

I hope to continue to supply shops and galleries across the uk, and continue taking part in relevant exhibitions and to keep producing new work.

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

I do make custom pieces and have made items to order using customers own photographs.

8. Has your jewellery won any awards? 

Yes I won the International Jewellery London, Editors Choice award for technical excellence in 2010 

You can see Jessica's jewellery at Equinox, Fleet, Hampshire, until Mid April or visit her website: http://www.jessicajewellerydesign.co.uk/

Jewellery Repairs at Equinox Jewellery, Fleet, Hampshire

Jewellery Repairs at Equinox Jewellery, Fleet, Hampshire.

On-Site Jewellery Repairs.

On-site Jewellery repairs in Fleet, Hampshire, we undertake a range of jewellery repairs in our workshop which is located above the shop, all items are fully insured while they are in our care. 

Our on-site repair services include:

• All repairs carried out by a trained jeweller with 25 years experience
• Most repairs are completed within a week, a priority service is available.
• Gold and silver Charms soldered onto Charm bracelets
• Gold and silver bracelet and necklace repair
• New gold and silver clasps fitted
• Repairs to gold and silver necklaces and bracelets
• Gold and silver bracelet and necklace shortening
• Gold and silver ring sizing; ring repair; reshaping
• Jewellery refurbishment
• Bangle repairs and reshaping
• Earrings repaired
• Stones reset, stones supplied
• Pearls and beads restrung
• Estimates free of charge
• Fully insured

For more details visit: www.equinoxsilver.co.uk

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Competition.

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Competition.


During our Best of British Exhibition we are running a fantastic competition to win £100 worth of Equinox vouchers (Which can be spent online.). You just need to guess how many balloons it took to fill our lovely big red phone box.
Just email your guess to tim.cockram@equinoxsilver.co.uk. Best of British luck to you all!!!!!!

Designed and made near Loch Lomond in Scotland, Linda MacDonalds whimsical award winning silver collections capture the essence of the British countryside and romance. Linda Macdonald has become one of the leading jewellery designers in the UK, Linda will be exhibiting at Equinox's Best of British Jewellery Exhibition.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

I initailly started out in illustration at Glasgow School of Art. Having always enjoyed working with small detail, such as tapestry and model making, I tried the jewellery course and changed my main study to Jewellery and Silversmithing! 

2. How would you describe your jewellery?

Romantic and Fun!  I am a romantic at heart and love working with little natural symbols of romance like the Butterflies and Birds...

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

I particularly love jewellery that has little messages and meaning such as Nick Hubbard, I admire his beautiful miniature scenes and detailed pieces that have romantic phrases/sayings....

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

 I am very proud of our stripey bird, these have been hugely successful and collectable as sets that can be added to with elements from other collections.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

To make designs that "make you happy" and your natural enthusiasm will show in your work!  and to stay true to what insprires you.....

6. What does the future hold for your company?

I hope we will continue to design and produce collections that will inspire romance and fun!  We are a fairly small company and although the jewellery collections are becoming more and more collectable and popular, our dedication to a delivering personal touch is very important to us.  There are many exciting ventures on the horizon, our main business is UK based, we hope to export to other countries in the future... 

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

Yes, the main commission work we do is engagement rings and wedding rings.  But we have been asked to do anything from commemorative brooches for an individual to an exclusive range for John Lewis that will be launched this year.

8. Has your jewellery won any awards?
Yes, over the years we have been very fortunate to have picked up some awards over the years incuding .....

 

Editors' choice award for commercial vision at the International Jewellery fair London
A 'Walk in the Park' inspires competition piece. Reaching the final 5 of the Charles & Colvard's Moissanite Design Competition.
Nominated for the Giftware Associations Gift of the Year 2004 awards 
Precious Nugget Range was one of three products to be nominated for the Gift of the Year 2003 Awards and was Highly Commended by the judges in the competition run by The Giftware Association.
Scottish Gift of the Year.


You can see more Linda MacDonald Jewellery at Equinox Contemporary Jewellery.

Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview Alice Gow

Alice studied at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, and continued working in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, creating bold and beautiful jewellery, featuring coloured aluminium, silver, and wood. Alice describes her work as being bold and beautiful jewellery featuring beautifully textured coloured aluminium, silver and wood. Alice’s designs display movement and interchangeability, simplicity and elegance.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

After studying art at A-level, I went on to Art College and did a foundation art course, where I specialised in 3d, and developed a taste for jewellery.  I continued to develop my jewellery skills, studying Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham's prestigious School of Jewellery.  After my degree I extended those skills with a graduate apprenticeship before setting up my own business, Alice Gow Designs.  

2. How would you describe your jewellery?

Bold, bright and beautiful! 

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

I love Georg Jensen's flowing forms, has work straddles the discipline's of jewellery and silversmithing, and excels at both. 

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

(A picture would be good if possible.)

It's tricky to pick a favourite collection, but I would have to choose 'Revolve' .  It's a range that began in my final year at university, which has been developed and refined into a collection which embodies my design ethos: simple forms, carefully composed to create an elegant yet interesting finished product.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

Work hard, it's the only way!  But hopefully you'll love your work, so it shouldn't be a chore. 

6. What does the future hold for your company?

I've recently brought out a new range of jewellery that was made possible using CAD (computer aided design).   I'm currently working on new pieces for this range,and am hoping to work more with CAD in the future, to develop work that would be impossible to create using traditional techniques. 

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

I've just completed my first ever Wedding Ring commission, two rings in 18ct Gold.  The customers loved the work I already make, but I was able to tweak the designs to make their perfect rings.

You can see Alice's work at The Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition or you can visit her website: www.alicegowdesigns.com

Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview Joseph Lamsin

The very talented Matthew JL Harris creates Joseph Lamsin Jewellery  in Cornwall, using the coastal environment to determine the appearance of the jewellery. All Joseph Lamsin jewellery is handmade in the UK. You can see a selected range of Joseph Lamsin jewellery at Equinox Contemporary Jewellery, during The Best of British Jewellery Exhibition 18th February until 14th April.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

I have always been interested in art and design and ended up working for a jewellery firm when I left school, and have been doing it ever since!

2. How would you describe your jewellery?

Timeless yet contemporary, with an organic natural beauty.

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

Alex Monroe, Stephen Webster, Zoe Harding, and many more jewellers which have a unique and distinctive style.

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

(A picture would be good if possible.)

My current jewellery collections Newlyn, Marazion, and Sennen named after places in cornwall which have inspired me over the years. Each collection has taken many years to get to where it is today!

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

Find your own style and develop it.

6. What does the future hold for your company?

Lots more jewellery collections for both women and men, using techniques which tell a story and have a unique appearance.

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

Yes I do, but I like to do bespoke work which reflects my style of jewellery making. I have done engagement rings, wedding rings, necklaces, bracelets etc in both silver and gold.

8. Has your jewellery won any awards? 

Not that I am aware of!

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview With Dower & Hall

Founded by husband and wife team, Dan Dower and Diane Hall, Dower & Hall create easy to wear pieces that become treasured favourites. You’ll be sure to find something beautiful and unique from their selection of gorgeous, personally designed jewellery, produced at their London studio. You can see a collection of their jewellery in The Best of British Jewellery Exhibition being held at Equinox Contemporary Jewellery from 18th February until 14th April 2012.

1.    How did you become involved in jewellery design?

We met each other at Middlesex university on a jewellery course, and after we had both graduated we decided to set up Dower & Hall with a Princes Trust business loan. This was a huge adventure for us and one of our greatest & fondest memories – we didn’t know what the future held! Along with the risks, we’ve had some fantastic trips – stone buying in India, researching in Thailand. We’ve had some memorable parties too over the years, we used to do quite a bit with British Fashion Week – I remember we used to attend some parties for this at Number 10 along with Princess Diana. 

2.    How would you describe your jewellery?

At first glance our designs cover a wide range of different styles, but on closer inspection there is a balance between the two main themes; sculptural curved forms (as with Nomad and the new Calla Lily collection) and a feminine accent; in the form of pretty pearls, engraved detailing or emotive messages (as seen in Spiral andMemento). We treat each new collection with the same attention to detail, working closely together, often with Dan carving or hammering out ideas from solid silver, where I love to select the most exquisite gemstones and pearls to complement each piece.

 We are a haven for jewellery connoisseurs with a taste for something unusual and personal - our main market is without doubt, professional style conscious women.

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

H. stern jewellery is amazing. He made an appearance as Basle and was lovely. He was still working making jewellery at his bench in his 90s. Very impressive!

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

(A picture would be good if possible.)

Dan Dower:

Probably Memento, as it at last achieves something that I have been trying to make for 20 years – working with CAD CAM has allowed me to work with text in three dimensions with an accuracy and definition I previously couldn’t achieve. The manipulation that the computer programme enables allows us to be very creative with words to convey messages and emotions in a wonderfully tactile and visually precious jewel. The lockets in this collection hold secret messages when you open them up, and the rings fascinate with poems that reveal themselves as you turn them – jewellery that invites the wearer to interact.

Diane Dower:

Nomad, as it is a collection that continues to be so popular year in year out.

But my favourite, as it took so long to get the intricately engraved pattern right, would have to be Spiral.  My new favourite piece though is the spiral pod necklace in the new Array collection; it’s a colourful twist on one of our classic designs, and as it features several different colours it’s a perfect piece to be paired with lots of different outfits, and looks fab worn loose or wrapped around for a shorter layered look.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

We would advise that if possible they find a paid internship with a reputable designer or graduate scheme – a lot of really great talented designers give up because of the problems of being in business and trying to make a living - which is very sad and bad news for the country. There used to be an enterprise allowance scheme before I was in business and I know that it helped a lot of people who graduated in the years above me. It was not much money… but some of these companies are now very successful and employ lots of people. It’s a shame we cannot get something like this reintroduced to help graduates.

6. What does the future hold for your company?

For the months ahead we have some very exciting collections to embrace a momentous year for Britain, what with the Olympics being held here and the Queen’s diamond Jubilee. We are also currently trying to improve upon all aspects of our business, which include developing our social networks, refurbishing each of the stores, implementing a new EPOS system, investing in lots of new marketing materials and simply making our whole operation smarter. 

7. Do you undertake commissions, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

Yes we do. Dan Dower offers a fantastic bespoke service. Here are some of his most memorable commissions:

-          A ring inspired by the revolving shapes and dynamic physics of galaxies – this one is still in development.

-          A pendant which from the front looks like a simple large round diamond but from the side reveals itself to be a three dimensional flower holding many diamonds. Subtle details with a big design impact.

-          A series of feathers for British indie-rock band Kasabian

-          A whole range of make-up themes charms for Virgin Vie cosmetics

-          Lion cufflinks for the Abode Hotel group in Glasgow inspired by the relief wallpaper pattern repeating in the central hallway.

8. Has your jewellery won any awards?

We have been fortunate enough to win many awards, but highlights have included: our 18ct yellow gold Tahitian pearl ‘Abacus’ necklace which won the Pearls of Tahiti Award, our 18ct yellow gold & 18ct white gold with diamonds ‘Phosphorescence cuff’ which won the Editor’s Choice at International Jewellery London 2011 (IJL) and our Memento collection, featuring scripted silver & gold jewellery which pays homage to love, was the winner of the Company of Master Jewellers Design of the Year Award 2011 (CMJ).

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition February-April.

Equinox Contemporary Jewellery are hosting an exhibition of The Best of British Contemporary Jewellery from 18th February until 14th April 2012. The event will be held at Equinox in Fleet in Hampshire.

The many and varied exhibitors are all up and coming talents who work in a wide range of materials and all have their very own unique style. The exhibition will display the unrivalled British craftsmanship which is at the forefront of a new wave of British jewellery design. 

The talented designers on show will include some very exciting collections from: Dower & Hall, Azuni, Scarlett Jewellery, Linda MacDonald, Latham & Neve, Marlene Hounam, Fennie Leung, Muru, & Alice Gow, Joesph Lamsin, Penny Warren, Rosina Beech and Karen Dell'armi.

The exhibition will focus on the inspired work of small independent designers who are based in the United Kingdom.

You can find a full list of the exhibitors at The Best of British Jewellery Exhibition.

Or for more information you can contact tim.cockram@equinoxsilver.co.uk 

Silver Pawprint Jewellery

We have just finished our first paw print! From a very sweet and very old collie named Sebastian.We can make a very special piece of jewellery if you can supply a pawprint. Most people tend to get their paw print by putting a large piece of paper at the backdoor or cat flap, then when the dog/cat comes in they leave a nice muddy paw print.

The print can then be used to make virtually any item of jewellery. Handmade in pure solid silver Equinox's Silvertips range of fingerprint jewellery has something for everyone- cufflinks, dog tags and key rings for proud dads and grandads. As well as charms, bracelets, bangles and necklaces for mums and grandmas everywhere. Names can be hand carved next to the fingerprint and a short message, date or age can be added by hand to the reverse of the jewellery.

A wide range of silver pawprint/fingerprint/handprint & footprint jewellery can be seen at www.silvertips.co.uk. All Silvertips jewellery is handmade, in our workshop in Fleet, Hampshire and normally takes 4-5 weeks to be ready.

If you need any more information on silver fingerprint jewellery Hampshire please contact jess@silvertips.co.uk

Handprint & Footprint Jewellery

 

 Handprint & Footprint Jewellery.

Our Silvertips range now includes hand & foot prints, perfect for if your child is too young to have a developed fingerprint. 

The print can then be used to make virtually any item of jewellery. Handmade in pure solid silver Equinox's Silvertips range of fingerprint jewellery has something for everyone- cufflinks, dog tags and key rings for proud dads and grandads. As well as charms, bracelets, bangles and necklaces for mums and grandmas everywhere. Names can be hand carved next to the fingerprint and a short message, date or age can be added by hand to the reverse of the jewellery.

A wide range of silver fingerprint/handprint & footprint jewellery can be seen at www.silvertips.co.uk. All Silvertips jewellery is handmade, in our workshop in Fleet, Hampshire and normally takes 4-5 weeks to be ready.

If you need any more information on silver fingerprint jewellery Hampshire please contact jess@silvertips.co.uk

Best Of British Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition.

Equinox Contemporary Jewellery are hosting an exhibition of The Best of British Contemporary Jewellery in February and March this year. The event will be held at Equinox in Fleet in Hampshire.

The brilliant designers on show will include some very exciting collections from: Dower & Hall, Azuni, Scarlett Jewellery, Linda MacDonald, Latham & Neve, Marlene Hounam, Fennie Leung, Muru, & Tara Kirkpatrick, with new designers being added to daily.

The showcase will concentrate on introducing new designers to our existing customers and to show-off the stunning jewellery which is made in the UK. All the designers in the exhibition are based in the United Kingdom.

More details will be announced in the next few weeks. 

Or for more information you can contact tim.cockram@equinoxsilver.co.uk