The Remodelling Revolution
We are back with another intriguing interview with none-other than Rob UMUN Jewellery Studio’s master jeweller and Clarisse Forge Chiffon’s jewellery stylist.
Rob and Clarisse, there has been much discussion about UMUN sparking a REMODELLING REVOLUTION! Your innovative approach, the unique pieces you reimagine in collaboration with each other!
So as we are all filled with an acute case of curiosity we would love to gain an insight into all this excitement!
Could you firstly explain what exactly is a remodel?
In jewellery terms it is changing the structure or form of a piece but this could be as simple as inverting, adding a ring and threading onto a gemstone necklace...........”Voila!”
Which kind of jewellery are you able to remodel?
Only fine jewellery or can costume jewellery also be remodelled?
Costume jewellery is typically made of base metals and synthetic gemstones which do not withstand the processes of fine jewellery manufacture. Really best to stick with fine jewellery as there is usually a significant value in the materials, making it a worthwhile investment.
Are you only able to remodel one piece at a time?
We always like to see all the pieces in question so we can consider the whole design project. Often the most underrated pieces can surprisingly be the magical ingredients.
What about broken jewellery?
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring broken pieces. We can often use part of a chain or a solitary earring to create something wonderful.
Can I add new materials to the remodel?
Certainly, we encourage that. This is the perfect way to bring it into your aesthetic.
What if I were to remodel a piece of jewellery with a damaged gemstone but I would like to keep the gemstone in the piece?
In this case we have a couple of colleagues who are fantastic gem cutters. About the only skill we don’t have in house. We would ask for their advice on how best we can bring your stone back to its former glory.
Okay so now we have a jeweller’s insight into the key principles of jewellery remodelling, I would like to dive a little deeper and discuss your innovative approach to remodelling.
As you have mentioned anything is possible, with all fine jewellery having the ability to be remodelled...
What is your approach to remodelling loved jewellery that has great sentimental value, however is never worn as it does not fit the individual’s personal style?
Firstly we look at how we can adjust the jewellery to simply bring it into our clients aesthetic if possible, often this can be done by changing the chain or even the length of the chain for example. If this is not enough we would then consider using the material and making a completely new piece.
How do you retain the sentiment contained within a family heirloom?
If we are using the material to remake the piece completely we often take our inspiration from its past keepers as well as the design of the original piece.
If we are altering the piece our approach is the least invasive. We deconstruct only what is absolutely necessary and try to keep things together as much possible. For example, if we are changing a brooch into a pendant, we will only remove the rivet and pin but retain the hinge and catch so that one day in the future if the new keeper of this piece would like to wear it as a brooch it can be easily changed back.
How would you approach a remodel if the individual had a collection of jewels but couldn’t envisage how or when they would wear them or was unsure of their personal style?
Easy, lets make an appointment with Forge Chiffon and work through it. Just allow 30mins.
And lastly where would someone begin to have something remodelled?
Give us a call or send an email and let’s make an appointment.
To that appointment bring in your bag of jewels that you’re considering remodelling and any ideas you might have.
We will sort through them with you, giving you lots of advice along the way, talk about your personal aesthetic and share some new concepts with you.
Jewellery Spotlight : The Anklet
The Anklet….it’s time for this accessory to take the spotlight once again….
If you thought High waisted pants, Doc Marten boots, track pants were the only cult-favourite accessories experiencing a re-emergence from the ‘90s, you’ve now got one additional item to love and add to your accessory collection … the anklet.
Time for this gorgeous little accessory to have a second life… the anklet—once casually worn by the surf-obsessed, lover of the beach girl in either a strung shell type or braided leather.
It is one of those accessories which has once again been adopted with great fervour by the fashion set, the anklet is slowly creeping its way onto many street style regular’s ankles (particularly those of summer loving influences)
A once-forgotten accessory, the anklet in its second offering (AKA the fashion anklet) is no longer an insignificant piece worn south of the calf, just there and largely ignored. Instead, the new revised edition is to be worn to adorn the ankle, adding beauty and elevating any outfit and working it’s magic and enhancing our shoes from the simple thongs to the most exquisite evening heels.
We have even seen the anklet of today walk down the Spring/Summer 2020 runways, giving the trend credibility. To hanging off the back of chain-topped mesh heels, to anklets permanently attached to the shoes.
Today you will notice the Anklet in a number of styles beyond their dated counterparts. The fashion anklet—is predicted to become a mainstay piece within your summer 2020 wardrobes—from the daintiest of forms, from a fine chain, through to a slightly more substantial chain link or pearl-strung or even gemstone enhance styles. And for those surf loving girls who can’t quite part with their love of a shell-topped anklet, it is still very much a stylish option.
Pair the anklet with a strappy sandal, an upscale mule-style heel, a plain pump, or even a pair of thongs, the simplest styles instantly elevated in creativity to the most elegant of styles enhanced with glamour by adding this oh-so-now addition .
But just as we welcome the return of the anklet, we wouldn’t extend the same enthusiasm to other items of ‘90s foot-focused jewellery—toe rings can remain in their rightful place in the last decade.
Earrings…Dangling…Hugging and Adorning
Let’s have a chat about earrings for a moment… the most festive jewellery item of all? A bold idea, perhaps, but one that, in our opinion, is completely true. Let’s look at the reasons why.
Earrings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their location on the body is prime real estate for everything one choices to wear from dangling diamonds to swinging sapphires, party-worthy tourmalines and heavenly huggies.
Sure, we acknowledge as stylists that only a few inches down lies the neck, a notable location brimming with potential to display beautiful jewellery looks. But there is no getting away from the fact that the right pair of earrings work to frame the face, catch the light, complement the eyes and convey a sense of pleasure, swinging to and fro as their wearer dances to the music, moves their head as they adjust their hair or steals a kiss as the clock strikes midnight.
So, what about the beautiful cocktail rings with their amazing gemstones, you may ask? Mmm.. yes, a ring named after an event and definitely a party essential, one that has certainly earned its status as a must-have accessory to the little black dress. It’s a close call, but the fact is that a ring isn’t necessarily the first thing one notices on a person so this puts it second to a pair of earrings. Still, don’t rule the cocktail ring out of your party seasons ensemble. We love to adorn our fingers just like we love the beach at this time of year… with the sun gently warming our skin…to the water cooling us down… to the cocktails flowing and BBQ’s
As you can see, no event or party season ensemble is complete without a great pair of earrings. So whether you choose to wear a bracelet, a delicate or a statement necklace, slide on a favourite cocktail ring or perhaps wear it all….just don’t forget to wear your earrings!
Preface... Where a Curated Jewellery Collection Begins...
Every jewellery collection should be curated to effortlessly elevate you from every day to occasion wear… beginning with the essentials.
Whether you are just beginning your fine jewellery collection or have a well-established collection that lacks simple designs to pair with your more casual looks… every collection must have basics..
Basics are simply timeless pieces that focus on a single element... pearls, gemstones or metal alone... matched perfectly to your unique complexion allowing you to glow.
Beginning with huggies, moving to pearls and finishing with coloured gemstones. They are tireless members of a well-edited wardrobe, working to complete your style, whichever style that may be.
Basic are a must, for every woman… no matter their age or personality… with polish, lustre and sparkle to match all skin tones… making them the perfect gift this season, with the help of our stylist of course.
Contact our stylist today and make an extraordinary appointment to begin your journey of fine jewellery that matches your complexion allowing you to radiate!
Preface… Jewellery basics to elevate every day casual wear