BE JEWELLED

From lustre-rich pearls to remodelled treasures, prepare to be captivated by these aisle-ready creations

words Rebecca Matthews

FOR THE LOVE OF PEARLS

Pearls are everywhere in wedding world this year – and the pearlcore trend is set to be even bigger in 2023. Perfect for weddings, pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence, and according to one tradition, wearing pearls on your wedding day is thought to ensure a happy marriage.

Michael Spiers is home to an exquisite collection of Mikimoto pearls, ranging from lustrous earrings to dainty necklaces. Since Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearls in 1893, Mikimoto has been seeking to harness the allure of pearls, crafting the most beautiful pearl necklaces for over 120 years in an ethically responsible way with a focus on environmental sustainability.

Michael Spiers’ bestselling Mikimoto Morning Dew collection is awash with timeless classics, featuring the highest quality cultured pearls with the sparkle of diamonds, perfect for wearing from daytime through to the evening celebrations. Meanwhile, the Mikimoto Bubble Collection comprises Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds clustered together to mimic delicate bubbles floating and glistening slowly in the air.

A gorgeous idea for a bridal gift, these exquisite jewels are sure to become family heirlooms, captivating generations to come with their exceptional lustre. michaelspiers.co.uk

If you’re seeking distinctive jewellery with ethical credentials imbued with meaning, then cast your eye over the collection of designer-maker Justin Duance.

Handcrafting a signature range of engagement and wedding rings alongside a host of other pieces including earrings, necklaces and cufflinks, Justin uses a mixture of recycled and ethically sourced materials, transforming them into wearable pieces of miniature art. Couples can have their weddings bands cast in the sand from a special beach, have vintage or heirloom items reworked into bespoke rings, or pick something that personally stands out from Justin’s everevolving collection, including his new ‘Off the Benchpeg’ range.

Brimming with ready-made jewellery, this section of Justin’s website is perfect for anyone seeking a unique piece without the usual six-eightweek lead time. Featuring a plethora of one-offs along with some experimental pieces, peruse the likes of rugged rough gemstone rings using sapphires in their natural form set into precious metal, as well as a collection of one-of-a-kind sandcast pendants – with some even featuring hand-cut quartz from the beaches of west Cornwall. justind.co.uk

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Creating unique, contemporary jewellery from her gallery Moon & Moor in Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor, Corrinne Eira Evans is well versed in recreating bespoke pieces from unworn heirloom jewellery.

Working with clients to turn their old-fashioned or unwanted precious jewellery into timeless modern pieces is a wonderful way to create new bespoke jewellery that retains a sense of sentimentality in an environmentally friendly way. Gold bands can be smelted down and reformed, utilising old gemstones or Corrinne can source sustainable precious gems to enhance the piece further.

The process will start with an appointment in which Corrinne will look at the pieces required for remodelling and discuss the various options. She will then create a series of designs and sketches from which to choose from and, once a selection has been made, a quotation and timescale will be presented. Hand engraving is an option to further personalise your piece and Corrinne keeps a diary of the process which is passed onto the customer on completion as a keepsake. With each piece presented in a beautiful Eira Evans handcrafted box, this is a beautiful option for creating bespoke engagement and wedding jewellery – a personal treasure that can be cherished for years to come.

Contact Corrinne by email on info@corrinneeiraevans.com or pop into Moon & Moor Gallery in Okehampton’s Victorian Arcade. corrinneeiraevans.com

Hannah Sharpe Photography Lucie Watson Photography

Seeking a dazzlingly distinctive piece to complete your bridal ensemble? Devon-based designer-maker Janie Wolverson of The Lucky Sixpence specialises in standout accessories for brides who are keen to break away from the traditional bridal mould and – thanks to the launch of some new pieces on her website – brides-to-be have a captivating choice of seriously special creations.

Statement-making crowns are amongst the highlights, from a showstopping mother of pearl spike crown to a floral twig crown in a glorious range of gold tones, glass diamantes and Swarovski crystals. There are also pearl and diamante halos, headbands, head chains and scatter pins designed to layer and mix and match with each other or with Janie’s one-off pieces crafted from vintage finds. The capsule collection means you can pick and choose elements to build your own look.

Eye-catching earrings are still a huge trend in bridal fashion and Janie’s creations range from crystal-encrusted hoops and shoulder-grazing mother of pearl pieces to blossom earrings cascading with shimmering freshwater pearls – a perfect pairing for the new collection gowns winging their way to the boutiques.

Lovingly handmade in her Devon studio, each limited edition piece is created from upcycled vintage and pre-loved materials sourced from small, independent and – whenever possible – local businesses, meaning that earth-friendly ethics are at the core of the production process. theluckysixpence.co.uk

Leesha Williams Photography Katie Goff Photography

Philly Stokes Photography

OCEAN TREASURES

Beach goddess brides seeking ocean-inspired jewels to complete their W-day look should feast their eyes on the sublime creations by Koko Tala Designs.

Based in North Devon, designer-maker Georgia Hinkley draws on her coastal surrounds to inspire her environmentally conscious jewellery, handcrafting the pieces using semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls and shells with eco silver, gold plated or gold filled components. The collection includes hoops and necklaces dangling with pearls and shells to dainty studs and rings inspired by the treasures of the North Devon seashore. kokotaladesigns.co.uk

Philly Stokes Photography