Many of our regular customers will have noticed that our website has been down for the past few weeks.  This was due to a change of ownership of the Argenteus brand along with a refresh of our website and product offering.

But we're glad to say that we're now back and better than ever with many new designs added to the site, and more to come!

Argenteus Jewellery is now owned by Vegamoda Ltd, a small but growing ethical fashion retailer.  As a result we will soon be offering some more varied jewellery and accessories including some great non-leather handbags.  We've also removed some items such as pearls which don't fit with the Vegamoda ethos of avoiding any animal products in their offering.

Other than that, the company will continue to offer the same great cutting edge design jewellery as it's done for the past 25 years and counting along with our legendary customer service standards.  Nothing will change and all outstanding orders, gift vouchers and discount codes will remain valid and will be honoured as will any points accrued through our loyalty scheme.

We hope you'll like the new direction we're taking and will continue to shop with us as well as spreading the word amongst your friends.  It would also be great if you could take the time to join our mailing list and loyalty scheme.  The latter will earn you a £5 voucher just for signing up!

Thanks for bearing with us during the transition and we all look forward to continuing to serve you for another 25 years!

The Argenteus Team

Click here to see our Vibrant Blue Edit for yourself or simply search for Blue or Turquoise using our online store search facility

The first decision is whether the floral focal point is going to be an accessory such a bag, scarf or shoes, or a larger item such as a dress or skirt. If the floral is an accessory then the jewellery choice will also depend on the colours of the rest of the outfit.

If the floral is a large item such as a dress, we would recommend keeping the jewellery simple and as an example this fabric swatch lends itself really well to cream-coloured pearls (picking out the white in the design) or going for a bold plain silver bangle or necklace. The fabric design is busy so a perfect foil are statement pieces which rely on shape and shine but not colour.

If the floral item is a smaller accessory then you could pick one of the bolder colours in the pattern. Most floral patterns have at least four or more colours so picking out the contrasting accent colour is a good start and work from there.

The above fabric example has a bright orange-red which stands out well and is perfect to catch the eye and draw attention.  We'd recommend earrings with a hint of the accent colour that will help bring the whole outfit together. We wouldn't recommend blue or turquoise as they are more dominant and could start to look too co-ordinated.

These are general guidelines but at the end of the day keep it fun and enjoy wearing the new florals. Create your own style which is what fashion is all about! 

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

Cream-coloured pearls are the classic jewellery items worn with wedding dresses and modern pearl necklaces and earrings can come in a a variety of designs which mix the soft sheen of a pearl with a more interesting style in a rose gold or a sterling silver setting. 

Rose gold is a fashionable colour and creates a new and vibrant contrast to a white pearl.  Rose gold also has a much warmer feel than yellow gold and complements skin tones beautifully.

Swarovski crystals come in all shapes, sizes and shades to add a flash of colour which can complement a bridal bouquet,  the bridesmaids' dresses or even the bridegroom's tie or waistcoat.  Use a toning colour colour to create a focal point, for example a dark purple against a light purple dress for bridesmaids dresses.

Then it's time to decide on dress necklines for necklace length and style.  A high neckline can get away with a longer necklace which will sit over the top of the dress or a lower neckline can have a short necklace - 40cm sits around the collar bones and 45cm is a timeless length which sits between the collar bones and mid chest.

Last, but not least, is bridal head wear and the style of earrings that are to be worn.

Do you want long drops or delicate stud earrings and what suits your face shape?  If an ornate tiara, floral headband or veil is to be worn then it's important to make sure the earrings won't get caught or end up looking too 'busy'.  But if you are going for a simple, upswept hairstyle then dramatic long earrings can look fantastic but keep the necklace really simple or have a bold bracelet instead and do away with any jewellery around the neck.

For even more inspiration and more ideas see our full range of wedding and commitment jewellery or contact us to discuss your special requirements, including bespoke and personalised items

Every piece in the Narrate Collection is engraved in beautiful scripted lettering with a carefully chosen word you may want to convey to a special person, or to mark an occasion such as a wedding, 21st birthday, the birth of a baby, a new job, or just simply to let someone know that you are thinking of them.  Also perfect for Valentine's Day and Christmas.

You can choose from  'Love' for the love in your life, 'Awesome' for someone who needs a reminder that they are great, 'Happiness' for those who have had some sadness in their lives or 'Luck' for those who are about to have an exam or life changing experience.  But these are just a few of the sentiments available in this inspirational and personal range. 

Bangles, bracelets and necklaces are available to mix and match or stack together to create a unique message or reminder. Each piece of jewellery is made in polished sterling silver and comes with a choice of either classic yellow gold-plate or lusciously warm rose gold plate.  The 3 different finishes together look amazing stacked up on a wrist or around the neck

Take a look at Narrate and find inspiration and a beautiful gift for that 'special someone' in your life.

You may need to have a ring resized or repaired, or you may be buying a surprise ring for a loved one.  Either way you need to be able to have an accurate measurement before you start.

Measuring fingers for rings can be a bit of an art which takes experience and some practice as each finger is unique.  Here we will try to take some of the guesswork out of measuring fingers for rings (or rings for fingers!). 

Measuring A finger 

This is the most accurate way of getting your ring size.  Call in to any reputable jeweller and ask them to measure your finger. Often fingers are measured using a thin band Wheatsheaf finger measurer which is fine if the intended ring shank is quite thin.



Make sure the selected ring band Wheatsheaf measurer snugly slides over your finger, especially your knuckle. There needs to be a bit of resistance getting the band off, especially if your hands are warm. The letter/number quoted will be unique to that finger only.  Your left hand and right hand (and also fingers) are often slightly different sizes (unless you are ambidextrous!). Many gauges have half sizes which are more important for thinner fingers.  

Measuring A Ring  

Rings can come in varying widths and for a thin band ring there is no problem, it’s when a wide band ring is required then it becomes a bit more tricky. Wider bands are often measured to the MIDDLE of the ring on a ring stick, or to the LEADING EDGE. Make sure the ring is round and not misshapen as this will give a false reading.

Measuring standards

Measuring rings and fingers is further complicated by there being two different traditional methods of measure. Some jewellers and manufacturers measure to the centre of the ring and others to the 'leading edge'.  It important to know which measurement you are supplying when ordering a ring and to say which method of measurement was used so both you and the workshop are working from the the same information. 

Measuring to the MIDDLE of the ring
For example, if you come in at a size M for a thin band and you want a wide 8mm band ring, measure so the middle of the ring (halfway at the 4mm mark) will rest on the M on the ring stick.  The leading edge will be further down the rings stick towards the N mark. 

Measuring to the LEADING EDGE of the ring
This is usually preferred when you have a really wide band or an unusual finger shape.  It simply means measuring to the highest point the ring reaches on the ring measuring stick.  This can also be reversed when measuring a finger.

Again any reputable jeweller should be able to advise you on this and measure your ring or your finger accurately. You need to make a note of how the ring has been measured and also the measurements.

DIY Measurement

You can order a mini ring sizer from us for £2.99.  The cost of this will be refunded against any subsequent order made within 30 days of ordering.  Please note that they only size up to Z+3 so if you have particularly large fingers (especially men) then you may not be able to use these. 

Please ensure you follow the instructions carefully on the ring sizer and feel free to contact us if you need any help. Click here to purchase your ring sizer now.

The final option is to download and print out our ring sizing guide.  Follow the instructions carefully, especially those concerning the print size setting on your printer.  The level of accuracy obtained with this method can be variable though.  It's fine to get a rough idea of your size, but for real accuracy you'd be better off with one of the other methods described above Click here to download the guide.

Ring Size Conversion

Argenteus uses the UK sizing system or letters (A – Z+6).  If you know your size in any other country you can download our conversion chart to find your UK ring size.

It’s always better to measure your finger later in the day as finger size can vary depending on how warm your hands are and any manual work you've been doing.  For this reason rings can often feel looser in the winter than in the summer.

If you are dieting or losing weight for some other reason you may want to order a slightly snug fit in order to allow for any further reduction in your finger size.  The reverse applies if you feel you are likely to gain weight in the near future.

Most of rings are available in a limited range of sizes only, please see the item description before ordering. 

In most cases rings from our British designer collections can be ordered in any size but the price may vary, but depending on the materials used.  This is especially the case when ordering a ring made from gold or platinum.

We are happy to re-size some rings if they are ordered in an incorrect size, but there will be a small charge for this service.  This is dependent on the type of ring and the complexity of the work.  Sometimes it may simply be an additional delivery charge.  Please contact us to discuss options if you find your new ring doesn't fit.  We'll always do our best to help!

In all cases, If you require any one to one advice about how best to ensure you are ordering the correct size ring, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

If the set doesn't fit correctly it doesn't matter about the caratage difference, as damage will be caused on one of the rings, either by scratching or rubbing.  Ask advice when deciding on the engagement ring so you will know what to expect when it comes to buying a wedding ring.  

The above query was also about white gold rings which raises another issue.  Most white gold jewellery has been rhodium-plated to give it a silvery shiny finish.  White gold alloys can come in many 'colours' but is often a yellowish-grey colour with the whiteness coming from metals such as silver or palladium.  Hence white gold is usually more expensive than yellow gold. 

Rhodium-plating gives a white gold collection a uniform look, whether it is 9ct white gold or 18ct white gold.  Especially with wedding rings, the rhodium-plating will eventually wear away and the underneath metal will show through, which can look like a stain or a mark on the ring. 

Trying to clean it off will just wear away more of the rhodium-plate and will make it look worse.  Once this starts then it's time to get both rings re-plated and checked over to make sure all the stones are secure, as well as polishing out any scratches.  If a resize is needed due to a change in the size of your finger, then this is the time to get it done.

Ask your jeweller for a quote and also bear in mind that a thicker plating of rhodium will be more expensive but in the long run maybe cheaper as it will last longer.

Lastly the customer mentioned the diamond setting.  Most diamonds are claw set as that is the safest method to show a diamond off as it allows light to refract through the sides of the diamond giving it that extra sparkle and fire. 

Often the claw tips are made from platinum as this is a harder metal and so not easily damaged. 

If you think one of the claws is damaged then don't wait to get it repaired! We've had customers who knew their ring was damaged go on to lose a stone because they didn't get it repaired in time.  This is often extremely costly as a new stone has to be sourced and may not be the exact size and shape as the original.

So to summarise, regularly check both your rings for wear and tear, especially as wedding rings are worn constantly.  If you have any concerns, take them to a jeweller and ask for advice.  

It's always better (and usually cheaper) to sort out a problem earlier than later. And don't forget, these rings are meant to be worn.  Wear and tear are life's footprints on your journey togther!

We have a huge selection of gorgeous rings in our online store, many which are specifically designed to be worn stacked together.  You can see all our rings here

1. Silver is the most efficient conductor of heat out of all the metals which is why the best tea pots are made from sterling silver.  The downside is never wear silver jewellery into a sauna – it gets hot really quickly and can burn the skin.        

2. In the UK all silver items weighing over 7.78 grams must have a British hallmark to be described as 'sterling silver'.  Why 7.78grams?  It’s the equivalent weight of 5 old pennies and was introduced back in the 1300's by Edward 1st.

3. Silver has been used to prevent the infection of injuries for hundreds of years. Silver doesn't kill microbes in its metallic form, in which it is unreactive. The metal works against bacteria only in ion form as it must lose an electron to become positively charged. The positively charged silver ion interferes with bacterial cell walls and disrupts other microbial processes. That's why silver is now used in so many medical dressings and you can now even buy plasters with a special silver coating.

4.

5

Here's an interesting video showing some of the workings of a modern silver mine 

If you have any questions about silver or jewellery you can contact us via our jewellery advice page.  If there's an amazing fact about silver you think we've missed, leave us a comment below and we might add it!

If you are worried, then always check the weight before buying. Most shops will not allow you to try them on for hygiene reasons, but sometimes you can hook them over your own earring to check the weight. 

Where you may want a substantial heaviness in a bangle or necklace, to give it that feel, it's usually the opposite for earrings, whatever the size. 

If your clip earrings feel very tight, they can be slightly adjusted by very carefully bending the clip fitting outwards a tiny bit to loosen up the clip.  Be careful though as some clips are made of quite brittle material.

Likewise if they are loose then rubber fixings can be bought to cushion the clip against the ear.  Check with any reputable jeweller if you're nervous about making adjustments yourself.

Clip-on earrings are great for the larger styles.  Also for some flat shapes, where they can tip forward, a clip will keep the earring correctly positioned. 

The big problem is when the clip fixture is tighter than it should be.  A plastic surgeon explained that the tissue inside the lobe will eventually get softer due to the constant pressure from a clip-on and lose its structure and elasticity. 

If you swap between clip-ons and pierced earrings the tissue within the lobes is a lot softer and more liable to tear.  

Prolonged wearing of heavy pierced earrings can also lead to damage of the lobe and even a complete split in the tissue.  This can also happen if an earring is inadvertently caught or pulled.

All's not lost though!  Split lobes can be repaired by a plastic surgeon and we've seen the results which look incredibly neat.  Earlobe surgery has become a lot more common due to over-stretched flesh tunnels and changes in fashion and lifestyle.  

We are often asked about the availability of sterling silver (or 9ct gold) clip-on earrings.  Due to UK hallmarking laws, all of an earring has to be made of the metal described which greatly adds to the cost of the item.  Silver is a soft metal and the 'springiness' needed for a clip doesn't last as long, which is why most clip-ons tend to be made in non-precious metals.  There is the option of screw type fittings which can be more secure, but they can also become quite uncomfortable if worn for long periods.

However we can convert some of our drop earrings on request, and have some items in our designer ranges made specially with clip-on fittings, although there will be an additional charge for this work.

As always, if you need any advice on the suitability or weight of any of our earrings, simply contact us and we'll be happy to help.  If you're having problems with some earrings you already own and would like some more information on the options for converting them to clip-on or vice versa we may also be able to help with that.

We've recently had a flurry of enquires through our online customer advice service who have had jewellery repairs which have gone wrong. Although very occasionally things can go awry, this is quite unusual. Most situations can be remedied and steps can be put in place beforehand to ensure a repair goes smoothly.

Not all jewellers will do repairs as it can be expensive and time consuming, but it's always worth checking out a couple to find out the potential costs and also how knowledgeable the staff seem.

Record all the details

Jewellers will need some personal details such as contact telephone number, email address and home address. Make sure you are quickly and easily contactable by phone and also email – this can be important if an unforeseen problem arises and needs to be checked before proceeding.

A written description of the item is essential for you and the jeweller doing the work. Point out the hallmark (if the item has one), any missing stones, scratches or dents. It's also advisable to take a photo of your jewellery with some point of reference to show when it was taken. You can also show this to the jeweller at the time.

Small stones have been known to go missing during works and if you have it written down that all stones were present then it clarifies the situation later on. Clear photographs are also back this sort of thing up.

Finally a written comprehensive and easily understandable description of the work which needs to be carried out should be completed and agreed between you and the jeweller.

Common problems during repairs

There are problems that can arise during any works requiring heat. Firstly, most stones are susceptible to heat damage. Amber, pearls, mother-of-pearl, turquoise can scorch when subjected to high temperatures and they don't have to be close to the damage site which is being worked on.

A knowledgeable jeweller will point out if a stone needs to be removed during the repair process. They should also make you aware that a stone may break as well when being removed, especially with certain types of settings. You need to be clear on if you are happy to take this risk.

Sometimes stones have hairline fractures which are not noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen using a magnifying loupe or by carefully running a fingernail over the stone surface. It is worth asking to double check the stone state using these methods as prior discussion can save arguments (and shocks) later on.

Special finishes

Sometimes oxidisation is a deliberate part of the overall design of the item and this can be lost during some repair processes. We've had jewellery which hasn't been cleaned thoroughly that has become oxidised over time and the customer has forgotten the original item was actually quite shiny! This is most important when an earring needs repairing as they won't match after repair. If only one earring is being repaired give the other one to the workshop as well so that they can ensure they still match after the work has been completed.




Sizes and lengths

If a ring needs resizing, make sure to know which finger is to be sized and which hand – left or right. Each finger can vary and the dominant hand is usually slightly larger than the other. It's advisable the jeweller makes a note of which finger has been measured and also which hand.

Chains, bracelets and necklaces that are broken in several pieces need fitting together to see if any parts are missing and a reference drawing made if the design is complex.

An accurate measurement of the length should be made and agreed by both parties. If a piece is missing now is the time to discuss the problem and decide how and if it can be resolved. Likewise if you want the length to be altered this is the time to discuss this work with jeweller to see what can be done and how the work will affect the overall look of the necklace.

Restringing necklaces

It's always a good idea to regularly inspect pearl necklaces which have frayed strings to see if they need to be restrung. Bear in mind that the silk thread used, over time, will stretch, fray and eventually and break.

If you have a 50 piece pearl necklace it will have stretched by a few centimetres over the years. If it's to be restrung it will come back shorter as the restringing will be quite tight. Check with the jeweller about length and ask if an extender chain can be purchased to adjust the necklace to the length you are happy with. Bear in mind that mixing old pearls with new pearls will be very difficult due to the difference in colour and shape.

Costs

People are often shocked by the cost of some repairs these days compared to the price of the jewellery when purchased. Efficient manufacturing costs have driven down the price of jewellery but nearly all repairs have to be undertaken by hand, in off-site workshops and by experienced jewellers.
Repairing jewellery is often fiddly and time consuming. Sometimes a repair goes wrong when no one is to blame. A hidden air bubble in the metal can suddenly explode, a stone fractures, or there is an area of damage which wasn't spotted beforehand and only became obvious once work has commenced.

Working on gold jewellery is usually easier as there is not so much to clean up afterwards, and silver is more time-consuming due to it needing more polishing after being repaired. Silver is also an excellent conductor so more care is needed during any process involving heat.

Lastly, you have to balance up the cost of repair with the cost of the item needing work. Silver isn't an expensive metal compared with gold but sentimentality is another issue. An inherited piece of jewellery from a loved one has no price tag and this also needs to be discussed with the workshop.

Old jewellery can be a lot more fragile due to wear and tear and the potential for damage and the extra care needed has to be factored into the cost. Only you, the customer, can make the final decision as to an item's worth to you. Take your time and listen to the jeweller, they have the experience and knowledge, and if you're not happy always get a second opinion.

If you follow some simple rules and ensure you use a reputable jeweller you should soon be able to enjoy wearing the repaired item again!

Last year we had Masala which was a deep red-brown spice colour usually found in autumn collections but it was teamed with some interesting and unusual palette combinations that took it through all four seasons and made it so exciting.

For 2016 Pantone have introduced two colours for the very first time. They chose Rose Quartz (pale pink) and also Serenity (pale blue).

At first I wasn't enamoured by the choice as both seem to me to be a bit 'wishy-washy' but then seeing them together, combined with other colours they started to make sense and it seemed like they would really capture the Zeitgeist for this year.

Rose quartz is a stone which has been in and out of fashion more times than I've had hot dinners. It can vary from the palest pink-grey (dull and drab) to a much deeper and richer, vibrant pink. It is often found in jewellery made in India.

Deposits of the stone are found in Brazil, Madagascar, India and the USA. It's also known as the 'Love Stone' and opens the heart chakra,  so symbolises all love from platonic love, family love and also self-love (not THAT sort of self love!)

With the strength of the love energy comes inner warmth, peace and calm. So it’s a happy, fulfilling and loving symbol.

Finding stones to match Serenity was much more difficult as this colour is a blue with a hint of lilac which makes it very warm and soft, like a late summer evening sky.

Pale blue stones such a blue topaz tend to be more vibrant with a sharper and cleaner tonal blue, whilst popular stones such a turquoise have green overtones.

Chalcedony is a type of agate comes close but still has more of a grey tone and can vary quite a bit from one piece to another. We then have to look at man made stones which can match up the Serenity colour perfectly, and why not? 

The colour Serenity is an airy colour and reminiscent of balmy summer days playing on the beach, having fun. It’s a colour to bring respite and relaxation even in these fraught times and it's the symbolism, and how it makes us feel which is important.

We've chosen a few pieces of jewellery to reflect these coming trends and some especially for those who don't want to embrace this whole new colour combination.

It's great to pick a few accent colours with either earrings or a necklace, which can then pull in other colours. It's also good to re-evaluate next season's wardrobe and see what is already there and come up with new ways of colour combining. 

Choose one item of jewellery in serenity and add a dash of rose quartz nail colour or lip gloss. Or a pair of rose quartz earrings teamed with a granite grey top.

Our rose quartz jewellery has been set in sterling silver which has been rose gold-plated. This has brought rose quartz bang up-to-date and also added a strong contrast colour which makes it a really warm and inviting piece of jewellery.

Adding a strong colour next to a soft colour also brings a bit of fun.  Accent colours with clear and lilac crystals have added a subtle touch. Rose quartz is usually found as a cabochon which means a smooth and rounded surface. Faceting rose quartz has made it look modern and more opulent.

Serenity needs a cooler metal colour and looks perfect with silver, gold would fight it and overwhelm the calming effect.

https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2016

Browsing through the internet, there is some fabulous and inspirational nail art ranging from simple to really complicated, from subtle to 'in your face' designs. So where does that leave your favourite rings? 

If you have rings with stones, think of a contrasting colour nail varnish to enhance and clash.  Dark purple amethyst with day-glo green nail varnish, sky blue topaz with a peachy-orange, or a sparkly pink cubic zirconia with matt black nail varnish. 

A new nail fashion can make old rings look up to date. 




Play with how you wear your rings.  Dig out the rings which don't fit any more and try them higher up your finger. Make sure they are comfortable and fitting well. 

This style dates back to the 15th century when jewellery was too valuable to be thrown away and it was difficult to resize rings. 

Wearing several rings makes a statement and whilst having some fun.

The depth of the plating depends on the item, the cost and also anticipated wear and tear.  The thicker the plating the longer lasting the finish will be. Most of our rose gold jewellery has been plated between 1 micron to 3 microns deep.  The thicker plating is used for items such as rings which get the most wear and tear, whereas drop earrings will get the least wear. 



To keep your plated jewellery looking its best, keep it in a soft cloth bag when in storage and if necessary give it a gentle wash with warm, soapy water (washing up liquid) and rinse thoroughly.  Dry carefully in a warm room away from direct heat.  Buff and polish any silver sections using a silver cloth as necessary.  Lightly polish the plated sections if needed but be gentle. Avoid snagging any tiny stones with the cloth.

Enjoy wearing your jewellery and if re-plating is needed, contact your local jeweller for advice or cost.

This was a hard decision to take, but was partly driven by the reality that many of our online rivals were out-competing us on price and choice.

The massive overhead costs of the stores we ran meant that we could no longer remain competitive and so we struggled to provide both the real world and online experience we really wanted to offer to our customers.

Well now everything has changed!

As an online only retailer (for the time being anyway) we've been able to vastly increase our range of jewellery whilst at the same time reduce our retail prices.

As part of this process we've also completely re-imagined our web presence and you see before you our all new website. We hope you'll love it!

Do take some time to browse our collections, both old and new and let us know what you think.

You can sign up to our newsletter by entering you email address in the box at the foot of the page. We have a strict no spam policy so you'll only hear from us around once a month with lots of exciting new designs and special offers for our subscribers.

Our new site also works brilliantly on mobile phones and tablets, so you can browse on the go and on the sofa.

We'll also be adding a new online loyalty scheme that will replace our popular TLC scheme as well as options for wish-lists, online gift vouchers, customer reviews and much more!

Stay tuned to this - our new blog page - as well. We'll be featuring guest appearances from some of our best loved UK designers as well as offering news, insights and advice about jewellery and how to wear it.

This is a brand new chapter for Argenteus and we hope you'll help us to write it.  We look forward to building as strong a relationship with all our online customers as we did with our high street patrons.

Thanks for reading and we'd love to hear your feedback on the new site