Our pick of the top 5 luxury watch brands

From everyday style to the perfect suit accompaniment, our top five picks are sure help you on your way to choosing the perfect watch.

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer are renowned for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. They were founded in 1860 and have been pushing the boundaries of precision watch making for the past 150 years. They have been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking, with every one of their watches passing through rigorous quality control.

The collections within the TAG Heuer range include; Carrera, Aquaracer, Monaco, Connected 45, Formula 1 and the Link. Each collection being unique and offering slightly different style and technology to the other.

The TAG Heuer Carrera is a very neat and sophisticated watch. Its clear dial and day/date window make a sleek, uncomplicated timepiece. Available in both ladies and gents these TAG Heuer Carrera watches make a perfect pair.

Rado

Innovative, enduring and hypoallergenic, Rado watches offer unique styling along with excellent Swiss craftmanship. Their smooth stylish surfaces can be metallic or matte, crafted in an ever-expanding array of colours. The lightweight and hypoallergenic properties of the high-tech ceramic make them incredibly comfortable and can be worn by anyone with sensitive skin. The scratch resistant properties ensure with a bit of TLC they look as good as new day in day out!!

The Rado Ceramica is a truly striking timepiece. The linear edges and bold black ceramic complete with subtle rose gold and diamond detailing, make this timepiece stand alone.

Raymond Weil

Raymond Weil are a family run company founded in 1976 and are one of the flagships within the Swiss watch making industry. They are well known for having strong ties within the music industry. Raymond Weil pride themselves on their precision and attention to detail. Combining their astounding craftsmanship with their Swiss watch making excellence they are able to produce traditional, highly sophisticated timepieces.

The Raymond Weil Maestro Buddy Holly watch is a perfect example of Raymond Weil’s affiliation within the music industry.

To pay tribute to ‘The Founder of Rock and Roll’ and celebrate his 80^th birthday, Raymond Weil have produced the limited-edition Buddy Holly watch. This classic timepiece features a logo of Buddy Holly’s sunglasses on the second hand, his signature under the Raymond Weil logo and an oversized number 9, as Holly classed this as his lucky number. The reverse of the watch features a smoked sapphire crystal glass with the logo of Buddy Holly’s Educational Foundation. A contribution from each watch sold will be donated to the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation.

Gucci

Gucci are leading the way within the fashion industry. Their unique fashion led designs and attention to detail combined with their Swiss watch making excellence sees Gucci producing the most iconic statement accessories. Whilst maintaining their classic Italian feel Gucci have re vamped the brand under the guidance of their new creative director Alessandro Michele.

Inspired by street art, Trouble Andrew, a graffiti artist from New York was invited to collaborate with Gucci. He was first acknowledged by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele after branding the streets of New York with the iconic GG logo. His Gucci Ghost collection includes extravagant designs that are vibrant and mood pleasing.

The new Gucci G-Timeless has a slightly more contemporary feel, with its embossed leather dial and strap. Co-coordinating perfectly with the leather Gucci handbags.

Tissot

Established in 1853 Tissot has continued to develop the brand keeping their traditional values at the forefront of the watch making process. The Le Locle watch pays homage to Tissot’s heritage. The warm rose colours combined with the bold black dial and strap give the watch a truly classical feel. Complete with a Swiss automatic movement and sapphire crystal glass Tissot watches offer exceptional value for money.

This ladies Bridgeport watch is a mixture of rose gold and stainless steel, delicately encasing a beautiful white mother of pearl dial. Complete with a Swiss quartz movement.

Our guide to finding your perfect diamond shape

Diamonds are a truly timeless piece of jewellery that will last you a lifetime!

Understandably it may seem like a mine field when you are choosing your diamond ring. There are so many factors to take into consideration who would have thought it could be so complicated!!!

Don’t panic! We are here to ease the pressure and guide you through the array of shapes, helping you to find your perfect match!

Round Brilliant Diamonds

The round brilliant diamond dates back to the 17^th century, it is one of the more traditional diamond shapes when choosing an engagement ring. The round brilliant has developed dramatically from the original 17 facets, later increased to 33 facets. The modern round brilliant now has 58 (including the culet) facets! These facets refract the light creating a beautiful vibrant sparkle.

The round brilliant is the most favourable shape for enhancing colour (lack of colour) and makes for a truly timeless piece of jewellery.

Oval Diamonds

The oval shape diamond is a take on the round brilliant, it’s brilliance and lustre is very similar. The length of the stone often makes the diamond appear larger and accentuates long slender fingers. The oval shape adds a slightly vintage feel and pairs up beautifully with the round brilliant shoulder stones.

Princess Diamonds

The princess cut is a relatively new diamond cut, having been created in the 1960s and is the second most popular choice to the round brilliant. The clean edges and pointed corners create a striking centre stone giving the ring an ultra-modern look diamond is the most popular non-rounded stone.

Cushion Diamonds

The modern cushion cut has given new life to a style that was popular in the 1800s. The cushion cut diamond has a slightly softer feel to it than the sharp edges of the princess cut diamond. It combines the squareness of the princess cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow.

Cushions come in a variety of different styles with the older styles having larger facets. Creating a striking effect as the light shines through the stone, allowing greater separation of white light, dispersing dazzling colours.

Emerald Diamonds

Similar to the oval cut a rectangular emerald cut diamond elongates the finger and creates a fabulous show stopping piece of jewellery. The long linear facets of the emerald cut highlight the stones clarity and create a hall-of-mirrors effect.

With its parallel edges and clean lines, the emerald cut has a truly vintage feel to it.

Emerald cut diamonds are available in square and rectangular shape.

Pear Shape Diamonds

Pear shape diamonds, sometimes referred to as a tear drops are truly fascinating. They are a combination of a marquise and round brilliant stone.

The pear shape offers a great alternative to the more traditional shapes. They aren’t as popular as the other shapes and you’ll be sure to make a standout and unique statement.

Marquise Diamonds

The marquise diamond is a truly unique shape, the length of the stone helps the fingers to appear slenderer whilst giving the illusion that the stone is larger than its overall carat weight. The marquise stone looks ultra-glam when it is set in a high setting allowing light to enter the stone from all angles, whilst showcasing it’s beauty.

Marquise Diamonds are also occasionally called Navette, meaning “small ship” in French.

Heart Shape Diamonds

The heart shape diamond is a prominent symbol of love. Symmetry plays a key part when the diamond is cut and a smaller diamond may be harder to differentiate the shape. Ideally a diamond of 0.50ct or more will preserve the heart shape outline better.

Have you found your perfect match? Or are you still undecided? Not to worry!! Call into one of our stores and browse our full collection at your leisure.

Pearls – June’s Timeless Birthstone

Classic, elegant and sophisticated the pearl makes a truly timeless piece of jewellery.

The way in which a pearl is formed is truly fascinating! They are the only jewels created by a living animal; Saltwater pearls are found in oysters and freshwater in mussels.

95% of pearls are cultured freshwater pearls, found in fresh water sources such as rivers and streams. Cultured saltwater pearls are found in the depths of the ocean and are harder to source than freshwater pearls.
Most of the pearls harvested today are ‘cultured’ as it has become extremely difficult to harvest ‘natural’ pearls due to changes in our environment.
Pearls derive their iridescence from the inner elements of the molluscs. They can vary from white and ivory to pink, black, purple and even gold!
Every pearl is unique and every pearl has imperfections, or as we like to call them “natures birth mark.”

FACT: The word pearl derives from a Latin word for the thigh-bone, which had been given to a thigh-shaped mollusc

Celebrate in style this month with our enchanting pearls. The glorious iridescent lustre of the pearl will compliment any outfit!

Combined with the distinctive Tree of Life filigree the simple Clogau Gold, silver and rose gold pearl pendant and earrings add a unique touch to the simplistic pearl.

We love the versatility of this uncomplicated pearl Thomas Sabo Charm Club bracelet. From moving house, to birthday celebrations, we have a charm for every occasion.

Choosing your Wedding Jewellery this Season

From classic silhouettes through to pieces that truly break the mold, our collection of jewellery offers something for every bride. Marrying exquisite pearl & crystal detailing, you will be able to find yourself the most beautiful wedding necklace, bracelet, or pair of wedding earrings. From simple pearl designs to more statement diamond pieces, we’ve got the most beautiful selection of both.

Here are a few of our favourite wedding jewellery designs…

DROP EARRINGS

If you’re wearing your hair down on your wedding day you can afford to go slightly longer with an earring so that it will still be seen. Drop earrings are a beautiful option, and we have a beautiful selection here at Peter Jackson. A pearl design will make the ultimate classy statement, or you could consider a more modern rose gold design like the pair below. Here are but a few…

A DIAMOND NECKLACE

No matter what style your dress is, it will look even better with a diamond necklace. Timeless, elegant, and with the perfect amount of drama, a diamond necklace is exactly what your wedding day deserves. For something different, why not try a drop pendant, for added length. This can be both unique and could even slim your figure. Here are a few of the favourites from our extensive ranges…

THE DELICATE BRACELET

For the bracelet, we have to recommend Thomas Sabo. The delicate designs you can see below are not only elegant and pretty, they’re all massively affordable and versatile. A dainty Thomas Sabo bracelet will effortlessly compliment your dress, without overpowering it or stealing the show.

The final rule for you to follow is to always match your jewellery to your dress. Don’t let accessories overpower, but rather enhance. If you want any advice, please feel free to visit us in store, or give us a call.

Free Summer Bracelet with any Thomas Sabo Purchase!

We are offering a Thomas Sabo Charm Club Bracelet as a FREE gift with any Thomas Sabo purchase over £115! This is because the bracelet makes a perfect gift for loved ones – and if their birthday is coming up, you can get two gifts for the price of one!

Thomas Sabo Summer Charm Bracelet from the Charm Club Collection is worth £45 and will add a beautiful touch to any jewellery collection. You can bring in the summer in style. This very special sterling silver charm bracelet with a lobster clasp fastening features a turquoise stone set design disc and can be personalised with your own pretty individual charms.

Here at Peter Jackson the Jeweller, we have a number of beautiful Thomas Sabo pieces, that suit all tastes and budgets. With the tagline “Time for a difference”, Thomas Sabo is a watch and jewellery design company that take a different look on style. Founded in 1984, Thomas Sabo was the brainchild of the man who gave his name to the brand, which started off in jewellery, and then expanded outwards into the production of beautiful watches.

Whether you decide on a new watch, a delicate bangle bracelet, or a cute chunky ring… you can’t go wrong with Thomas Sabo, and with this FREE gift included, this is an offer not to be missed!

Taking your Jewellery on Holiday

Summer is here, and so are the summer holidays! If you’re going away this summer, you may have questions about what jewellery to take with you, what to leave behind and how to pack your special pieces.

Don’t leave your accessory plan to the last minute. Instead, start by checking out these handy tips:

What to bring and what to leave at home…

No matter where you’re travelling to or for how long, a holiday is a break from daily stress and worries, so try not to take anything that you’re particularly going to worry about losing. It’s best to leave expensive, valuable jewellery at home and in a safe place unless they’re a key part of your outfit for a special event on your trip – for example if your trip is for a wedding etc.

But don’t limit yourself too much, a vacation’s a great time to accessorise and expand your jewellery wardrobe so you should include some inexpensive basic pieces. You can find plenty of costume jewellery on the high street that will keep you looking dressy without having to worry about losing expensive pieces.

By packing a few neutral pieces that will go with every outfit, you’ll keep yourself covered. A pair of small hoop or stud earrings, a delicate pendant and a bangle or bracelet that will work with multiple outfits. A chunky, statement necklace will dress up even your most basic travel outfit.

What about wedding and engagement rings?

Depending on your destination and activities, it’s often best to leave your engagement ring at home and wear just your more subtle wedding band. If both are as valuable as each other, consider swapping them out for a less expensive, but equally meaningful travel ring on your wedding finger. Consider a look-a-like ring, featuring cubic zirconia rings or crystal, that can play the part of your more precious diamond jewellery.

If you do choose to travel with any fine jewellery, this is a good time to set up insurance for those pieces if you haven’t already.

How to pack

To avoid tangling your necklaces and bracelets, or losing an earring, here we have some simple methods for packing for your trip:

Firstly, if you travel a lot, you should maybe consider a travel jewellery organiser, with compartments to keep your items organised and free from tangles and scratching.

Another method is using pill boxes. Daily pill boxes used to manage weekly medication doses are the perfect size for storing earrings, rings and even smaller bracelets and necklaces. By putting just one item in a box, everything stays tangle-free and organised and you have all your jewellery in one place.

Another great tip is to use a straw to avoid tangling. Slipping the end of your necklaces through one end of a drinking straw and closing the clasp, will keep it safe and tangle free. For chunky necklaces, follow the same process using a toilet-paper tube or something similar.

If you’re flying, pack jewellery in your hand-luggage, as checked bags have a much greater chance of getting lost.

You’re taking a vacation to relax and unwind and to get away from your daily routine. Keep your jewellery picks simple and leave the really expensive pieces as home, or you may struggle to relax.

Layering Necklaces – Easy Tips To Perfect This Look

The latest trend at the moment is necklace layering, and we absolutely love it! To help you master this, here we have the key rules to the necklace layering look…

The graduated look…

Go for a graduated effect by layering delicate shorter necklaces or chokers with slightly chunkier, longer necklaces. For example, we would team this Thomas Sabo Purple Satin Cord Necklace, with this Thomas Sabo Twisted Blackened Silver Necklace, for an edgy look.

Thomas Sabo Twisted Blackened Silver Necklace

Thomas Sabo Purple Satin Cord Necklace

Or, if you want a more delicate finish, this Hot Diamonds Silver Intermittent Bead Chain is perfect. The long length is perfect for layering and it’s got a very pretty finish. Team it with this Georg Jensen Gold Artist Heart Necklace for a chic, two-tone finish!

Georg Jensen Gold Artist Heart Necklace

Hot Diamonds Silver Intermittent Bead Chain

Fake it…

Instead of buying two necklaces, you can simply buy one that looks like it’s layered. This Michael Kors Rose Tone Grey Pearl Crystal Necklace creates this illusion and is unique in its own special way. Alternatively, you could try the Thomas Sabo Love Bridge Heart Necklace, which features two different styles of delicate chains, one in sterling silver and one in 18ct rose gold plated sterling silver.

Thomas Sabo Love Bridge Heart Necklace

Michael Kors Rose Tone Grey Pearl Crystal Necklace

Other necklaces perfect for layering include this triangle-shaped necklace from Thomas Sabo. Made from sterling silver, the Africa Triangle Necklace is a homage to the artful plait patterns of the African continent. Interpreted in a graphic design language, this item of jewellery looks beautiful on it’s own, but is even better when layered with a collection of pretty necklaces.

Thomas Sabo Sterling Silver Africa Triangle Necklace

Summary…

Have fun and try blending pieces you’ve never worn together before. Dig out some old chains you’ve given up on and layer them with your fresh pieces. Layering necklaces is a chance to create a look that’s distinct and unique, so play around with what you’ve got and when you’re out shopping, think about how necklaces might work with your current pieces.

May Birthstone Jewellery for Those Late-Spring and Early-Summer Ladies

Looking to highlight a special month in your loved one’s life? The birthstone for May is the beautiful Emerald – and it’s one of our favourites. If you’re looking for a special gift this month, you have come to the right place. Let us wow you with our extensive collection of Emerald Jewellery!

Hot Diamonds Anais Rose Gold Plated Heart And May Emerald Charm

Rose gold is in right now, so this beautiful set makes a perfect gift. The beautiful May Heart Charm set features a smooth sterling silver heart plated in stylish rose gold complete with two captivating, cut emerald green stones.

White Gold Emerald & Diamond Earrings

If you want to push the boat out, you can’t go wrong with these 9ct White Gold Emerald & Diamond Earrings which are stunning. With a simple delicate rectangular shape, these wonderful earrings are perfect set with these precious stones. A single emerald takes center stage and is surrounded by a plethora of sparkling round diamonds to highlight it’s beauty.

Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Set Half Hoop Earrings

If the woman in your life prefers yellow gold, these Emerald & Diamond set half hoop earrings could be perfect. The stylish half hoop earring is very in at the moment, and each earring is adorned with a collection of stunning, princess cut emeralds adding just the right amount of sparkle. The perfect gift for someone special that can be worn alone or combined with a matching emerald pendant or ring to complete the look.

Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Set Bangle

This beautiful 9ct Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond set bangle really stands out. With a shiny gold finish, this stylish bangle is set with perfectly formed brilliant cut round diamonds and emeralds and will make a great addition to your loved one’s collection.

Things to consider before buying a watch as a gift

A watch makes a great gift, but there are certain things you need to consider when choosing a watch for your recipient.

We are passionate about helping our customers in every way we can here at Peter Jackson the Jeweller, so we have written this guide to help you find the perfect watch for your lucky giftee!

Who is the watch for?

This may go without saying, but the intended recipient will determine a number of factors in your search for the perfect watch. It will almost certainly affect the size of both the strap and the face of the watch purchased, as well as the style and designer.

What is the occasion?

Not all watches are necessarily gifted for a birthday or at Christmas. A watch may be given as a gift to a child for an achievement at school or a religious event, or something as anniversary or retirement present.

It’s always nice to try and add a personal touch. For example, a set of watches for a couple as a wedding gift could potentially bear straps in corresponding colours or the colours chosen as part of a wedding theme.

Shop for their style

Think about what style your recipient has. What do they wear, where do they shop etc. A watch should reflect your style, so you should really try and buy one based on the style of your recipient, rather than focusing on the designer or price alone.

What watch do they wear at the moment?

This is important because while it will give you a good idea on the style of watch they like, you also don’t what to buy them a watch that is too similar to the one they currently wear. Most people who collect watches will have a particular brand, strap type, face size or mechanism type that they prefer. However, if you have only ever seen your recipient wear one watch, you can probably branch out with one of these elements.

What sort of lifestyle do they have?

Watches, like most things in 2017, have well and truly entered the digital age. A traditional analogue watch might not prove the ideal gift for everybody, especially if they love technology. Decide on whether they will benefit from a smartwatch, or whether they would prefer a traditional timepiece.

If you would like any more advice on gift buying, please feel free to give our helpful team a call.

Festival Season Jewellery Looks

Festival season is a great time to experiment and be a bit out there with your jewellery picks. Coachella has inspired us all here at Peter Jackson to take a look at our favourite looks this season, and select our best festival inspired pieces….

Thomas Sabo Rings

Thomas Sabo was made for the festival fields. Their chunky, decorative rings are just what you need to complete any boho-chic outfit. The three pictured below are but a few of our absolute favourites, whether you’re into rose gold or silver, gothic or classic, there is a ring from Thomas Sabo for you.

In addition to their large range of pretty festival rings, the pendants and necklaces from Thomas Sabo are also made for the festival fields! The Glam & Soul collections are all very festival themed, with extravagantly designed earrings, dazzling necklaces and beaded bracelets.

Links of London

Another fab brand for the ideal festival look is Links of London. Famous chiefly for their chained charm bracelets, this brand offers simple and elegant pieces with an edgy and interesting twist. Whether it’s with a pop of colour, a double chain, or some a bit of effervescence, Links of London have plenty to offer this to keep you looking chic this festival season.

Theo Fennell

If you’ve got a bit more budget to play with, you really can’t go wrong with something from Theo Fennell’s stunning collections. Ranging from simple bracelets to intricate pendants, Fennell’s range utilises silver and gold to their full potential, creating some truly amazing pieces that will stand out from the crowd.

These three ‘palm tree’ pieces are ideal if you are heading to a festival in the sun this summer. Teamed this a simple dress, they’ll make any ordinary outfit stand out from the masses.