They say diamonds are forever, and what better symbol of enduring love than a dazzling diamond piece? Whether it's a classic solitaire ring, a pair of elegant diamond studs, or a breathtaking diamond pendant, our selection of diamond jewellery is sure to captivate your beloved's heart. Let the brilliance of diamonds illuminate your love story this Valentine's Day. Above is a solitaire granulated pendant by Hannah Bedford, one of our many diamond pendants in store!
Timeless Elegance with Gemstone Jewellery
Add a pop of colour and charm to your Valentine's Day gift with our exquisite gemstone jewellery collection. From vibrant ruby necklaces to serene sapphire bracelets, each piece tells a unique story and reflects the beauty of your special bond. Choose their favourite gemstone or select a piece that resonates with your shared memories for a truly personalised gift they'll cherish forever. Above is an Emily Nixon Teal Porth Ring - who could resist!!!
Delicate Charms and Bracelets for Sentimental Souls
For those who appreciate sentimental gestures, our collection of charms and bracelets offers a heartfelt way to express your love. Create a customised charm bracelet adorned with meaningful symbols and charms that represent your journey together. Each charm tells a story, making it a beautiful reminder of your love and connection. Above is a Sophie Harley charm necklace absolutely gorgeous for any charm lover!
Personalised Jewellery: A Token of Affection
Make this Valentine's Day truly memorable with a personalised piece of jewellery that speaks directly to their heart. From engraved necklaces with initials to customised birthstone rings, our personalised jewellery collection allows you to add a personal touch to your gift, creating a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. Above is a start to finish personalised remodel of heirloom jewellery. Come and have a chat with us to see what we can do to help create that special piece.
Don't forget all of those men out there!!
Men like gifts too and we have plenty in store, from bracelets to chains and sand cast rings to Diamond Signets. Don't forget about those wonderful chaps!
At Polka Dot, we understand that every love story is unique, and we're dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift to celebrate your one-of-a-kind bond. Visit our store today and let our knowledgeable staff guide you in selecting the ideal Valentine's Day gift for your beloved. Because when it comes to love, nothing shines brighter than a heartfelt gesture captured in a timeless piece of jewellery. Happy Valentine's Day from the team at Polka Dot!
As we step into the year 2024, the world of engagement rings continues to evolve, offering a plethora of options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a momentous decision, symbolising the beginning of a lifelong journey with your partner. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the latest trends, timeless classics, and innovative choices that will help you make an informed decision when choosing an engagement ring in 2024.
The first step in choosing an engagement ring is understanding your partner's personal style. Consider their fashion choices, the jewellery they already wear, and whether they lean towards traditional, modern, or eclectic aesthetics. Pay attention to their preferences in terms of metal colour, stone shape, and overall design to guide you in the right direction.
In 2024, engagement rings come in a variety of metals, each offering a unique aesthetic. Traditional choices like platinum and gold remain popular, but emerging trends include rose gold, white gold, and even alternative metals like titanium and palladium. Consider the durability, hypoallergenic properties, and maintenance requirements of each metal before making a decision.
Additionally, explore different setting styles such as rub over, bezel, and halo settings. The setting not only influences the ring's appearance but also affects how the diamond or gemstone is showcased.
While diamonds are a timeless choice for engagement rings, the trend towards alternative gemstones is gaining momentum in 2024. Sapphires, emeralds, and morganites are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique colours and symbolism. Consider the significance and symbolism of both diamonds and gemstones when making your choice.
In 2024, the emphasis on unique, personalised rings is stronger than ever. Many couples are opting for custom-designed engagement rings to create a one-of-a-kind symbol of their love. Consider incorporating meaningful details such as birthstones, engravings, or unique design elements that reflect your relationship.
With a growing awareness of environmental and ethical concerns, many individuals are seeking engagement rings that align with their values. Look for jewellery makers that prioritise ethical sourcing and sustainable practices.
Setting a realistic budget is crucial when choosing an engagement ring. In 2024, there is a wide range of options available to suit different budgets, from affordable and stylish options to luxurious and extravagant designs. Focus on finding a ring that not only fits your financial constraints but also holds sentimental value.
Choosing an engagement ring in 2024 is an exciting endeavor, filled with endless possibilities. By considering your partner's style, exploring various metals and settings, deciding between diamonds and gemstones, embracing customisation, and prioritising ethical choices, you can ensure that the ring you choose is a true reflection of your love and commitment. Remember, the perfect engagement ring is not just a piece of jewellery but a symbol of the unique bond you share with your partner as you embark on this extraordinary journey together.
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Statement Earrings: Make Heads Turn
Statement earrings are an excellent choice for those who want to draw attention to their face and add a touch of drama to their look. Consider bold, oversized earrings with intricate designs or vibrant gemstones. Whether you prefer chandelier earrings, hoops, or geometric shapes, choose a pair that complements your outfit and adds a festive flair to your New Year's ensemble.
Try: Sophie Harley or Ayala Bar
Layered Necklaces: Effortlessly Chic
Layered necklaces continue to be a fashion staple, offering a versatile and chic way to accessorise. Mix and match different lengths and styles to create a unique and personalised look. Consider combining delicate chains with meaningful charms or pendants to tell your story. This trend allows you to express your individuality while staying on-trend.
Try: Adele Taylor or Cindy Ashbridge
Stackable Bangles: Arm Candy Extravaganza
Stackable bangles are a fun and playful way to express your style. Mix metals, textures, and colours to create an arm party that suits your taste. Whether you choose beaded bracelets, bangles, or cuffs, the key is to layer with intention. Stackable bracelets are not only stylish but also allow you to curate a collection that evolves with your experiences and memories.
Try: Emily Nixon or Nicola Starks
Vintage-Inspired Pieces: Timeless Elegance
Vintage-inspired jewellery continues to capture hearts with its timeless elegance and charm. Consider investing in pieces that evoke the glamour of bygone eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian styles. Vintage-inspired rings, necklaces, and brooches can add a touch of sophistication to your New Year's look, allowing you to step into the future with a nod to the past.
Try: Scott Millar or Ruth Tomlinson
Personalised Jewellery: A Touch of You
Incorporate a personal touch into your New Year's jewellery choices with personalised pieces. Engraved initials, birthstones, or custom-made designs add a sentimental element to your ensemble. Whether it's a bracelet, necklace, or ring, personalised jewellery is a thoughtful way to start the new year with a reminder of what matters most to you.
Try: Lionel Wiffen
As you step into the new year, let your jewellery choices reflect your aspirations, personality, and unique style. Whether you opt for statement earrings, layered necklaces, stackable bracelets, vintage-inspired pieces, or personalized jewellery, make sure each piece resonates with you and adds a touch of glamour to your celebrations. Here's to a year filled with sparkle, joy, and stylish self-expression!
A geometric collection derived from the architecture of our urban surroundings. There is so much to inspire ubiquitously, from bricks, tiles and railings to the beauty of light and reflections through glass. Patterns made up of simple repeated shapes can be the most striking of all.
We continue to sell Cara's other collections, Demeter, Icarus, Paillette & Selene
You can find Cara's jewellery in our Exeter jewellery store and online
]]>Cindy works from her studio/shop in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.
Her jewellery combines hand pierced floral shapes alongside stunning gem stones to create unique one off pieces of jewellery.
Prices from £75
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We've updated our gift vouchers with a hand illustrated image of our Exeter shop front. Gift vouchers are available to buy online or in our Exeter or Taunton stores.
Why not club together with a friend to buy a loved one a gift voucher or if you're looking for a leaving present for a colleague, look no further.
]]>Malcolm works with silver, 18ct gold and a mixture of stones. He has a fantastic eye for detail and creates beautiful and delicate pieces.
Malcolm has been interested in making jewellery since he was a schoolboy. Encouraged by his metal work teacher he pursued his career to become a Goldsmith.
He trained at the Birmingham School of Jewellery and later took a degree in Jewellery Design at Middlesex University, London.
Forward 40 years and Malcolm is still making wonderful jewellery.
You may have seen his Tiaras in the films 'Shakespeare in Love' or 'The Wedding Date'
See a full range of Malcom's jewellery in our Exeter and Taunton shops or online here.
]]>Learn more about the colourful jewellery made by Emily Kidson. We stock Emily's work in both our Exeter and taunton shops, as well as selling a variety of pieces online. See here.
Emily is known for her use of wood and laminate with precious metals. Sensitive use of colour is central to her work and is the backdrop to a minimal, modern aesthetic with areas of intricate detail.
Old industrial cities and canal sides are particular influences, from tapered chimneys and pottery kilns to barges and water towers.
Emily has come back to making after a career as an art librarian. Her use of laminate started when she discovered it as samples in the Materials Collection at Central Saint Martins library in 2013.
Yellow and grey laminate and silver earrings. £99
Laminate is paper and resin formed under extremely high pressure. Emily uses the brand Formica which you may be used to seeing on table tops and kitchens. It can have quite a mid-century modern feel and the colour doesn’t fade.
The wood Emily uses is walnut, the silver is sterling (925) and larger pieces are hallmarked at the London Assay Office. Emily also uses resin, paint and Keum Boo in some pieces to add extra areas of colour and detail.
Emily at her work bench.
Emily cuts the wood and laminate to manageable sizes, glues them together with an epoxy glue, leaves them to dry overnight and then hand cuts it into her signature shapes with a jewellers piercing saw. Each piece is then finished by hand.
Emily uses traditional jewellery and silversmithing techniques when working with the silver. It starts as sheet or wire and is rolled, pierced, textured and polished. The findings (ear wires/hooks etc.) are all handmade. Some pieces include inlaid silver dots into wood and laminate.
Yellow and oxidised silver dot stud earrings £73
At Polka we love the combinations of colour and shape Emily uses, the perfect way to add a bit of colour to any outfit.
]]>We're busy here at Polka Dot gift wrapping your special Christmas gifts.
Here's a round up of some Christmas gift ideas under £150. The items shown are in stock and ready to post direct to you or to purchase from our Exeter and Taunton stores. We stock a vast range of jewellery made from a variety of materials and to suit any budget. Why not pop in and see if we have what your looking for.
Icarus Align gold plated earrings by Cara Tonkin. £105
Yellow dot stud earrings by Emily Kidson £73
Silver and Citrine rock ring by Caroline Stokesbury-Lee £110
Silver and Hematite necklace, by Mim Best, £100
Round yellow and oxidised silver necklace, by Claire Lowe, £130
Anodised aluminium cufflinks, by Jane Adam £69
]]>Learn more about one of our newest jewellers, Mim Best. We have Mim's jewellery in both our Exeter and Taunton stores as well as our online shop.
Mim Best is a contemporary jewellery designer who specialises in making unique one-off pieces.
Mim graduated in 1998 with a degree in Applied Arts where she experimented with all aspects of 3D design and developed a broad knowledge, working with materials such as concrete, wood and perspex, alongside precious metals.
Shortly after graduating she began working for award winning designer Diana Porter and has worked in the industry for the past 20 years. Through her experience Mim has become a highly skilled jewellery designer in her own right, undertaking private commissions from her Bristol studio and developing her own silver and fine jewellery collections.
Mim takes much of her inspiration from simple shapes, pattern, print and surface textures; always seeking to find interesting details and beauty in the banal. She is also fascinated with ancient and antique jewellery across all cultures from all over the world and finds this to be a continual source of inspiration.
Over the years Mim’s work has become ever more refined. Her current collection includes accessible fashion-led statement pieces that sit alongside more delicate timeless classics, appealing to a wide audience. Working primarily with silver and gold, she uses traditional making techniques and often stamps the metal to create different surface textures. Much of her work is embellished with coloured gemstones and intricate wire-wrapped beads. Exploring ideas of preciousness and delicacy, this collection demonstrates her meticulous attention to detail as well as a lifelong obsession with her craft, resulting in original, elegant and beautifully executed designs.
Stamped crescent hoop earrings, in gold plated silver.
Arc earrings, gold plated silver.
See more of Mim's jewellery here
]]>Decembers birthstone is Tanzanite, learn a little more about the stone, and see a selection of tanzanite pieces we stock.
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It is named after Tanzania, where it was discovered. It stands out because of its “trichroism”, which means it appears to change colour from blue to violet when turned in the light.
Found in 1967 at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is a relatively new stone and is the purplish blue variety of zoisite. Zoisite is a species of gemstones which share the same chemical composition; zoisite’s composition is calcium aluminium silicate with hydroxyl.
Tanzanite gains its distinctive purplish blue colour from the trace elements of vanadium and chromium present within its structure. Tanzanite shows very strong pleochroism, which is an optical property and a term used by gemmologists to describe different colours seen in the same material when viewed from different directions.
Tanzanite & Diamond 22ct Yellow Gold Ring by Malcom Betts
A silver ring containing a rose cut tanzanite set in 18ct gold with three clear diamonds by Adele Taylor.
Silver, Tanzanite, diamond and 18ct ring by Margoni.
]]>Independent shops, galleries and creative businesses are celebrating this week by sharing information about them and their businesses on social media.
The campaign was set up to encourage people to support small independent creative businesses by buying 'just a card'. The campaign was set up by Sarah Hamilton..
There has been a real push in recent times to encourage shoppers to support their local shops. Small business Saturday is another event which is really positive in its approach to remind shoppers to shop locally and independently. Small business Saturday is on 7th December.
We are really lucky at Polka Dot to be able to showcase so many independent jewellers. We sell the work of over 60 jewellers, from those who have recently graduated to more established makers who we have worked with your years. By buying through Polka dot you are supporting two businesses, our gallery and the maker. You can browse our selection of jewellery online here
You can visit our store in Exeter or Taunton, details of our shops can be seen here
Learn more about the Just a card campaign here
Necklace by Caroline Finlay
Bangle by Jane Adam
Earrings by Emily Kidson
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The design team of Maria Margoni and Yannis Mandilakis started working together in 1989 in Thessaloniki, Greece through a journey of living and learning as a couple.
Today at their workshop the two artists are engaged in the design and creation of unique handmade jewels. Combining harmoniously gold, silver and precious or semi-precious gemstones they end up with beautiful and innovative forms of colourful pieces. Gemstones are sometimes faceted and sometimes left in their natural rough form. The Margoni line offers a bold, colourful and dramatic look while at the same time being very wearable.
Their pieces are extremely striking with their use of interestingly cut stones, colour combinations and setting styles. They combine silver and gold alongside colourful stones in a really beautiful way.
We stock a selection of Margoni jewellery at both our Exeter and Taunton stores.
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Granulation is a jewellery manufacturing technique whereby a surface is covered in granules of precious metal.
There are three basic techniques that may be used to attach granules to a metal surface: hard soldering, fusing and colloidal soldering. The metals used in granulation are usually gold and/or silver alloys of high purity.
With each technique the process begins with the making of the granules themselves. The granules are usually made from the same material as the base to which they will be affixed.
Hard soldering- soldering metal items together, extremely small pieces of solder are positioned close to the point of contact between the granule and the metal and then heated to melting point.
Fusing- joins metals composed of the same alloy by the use of heat alone, the granules are positioned using a diluted flux and fine brush, at melting temperature the granules and sheet metal fuse, leaving no flux or solder.
Colloidal soldering- a colloidal mixture of tragacanth gum and copper salts. The mixture lowers the melting points of both granules and base, and causes the copper to diffuse into both at the point of contact, creating a strong metallic bond.
A variety of the jewellers we work with use granulation in their jewellery. A few examples below.
A beautiful deep green tourmaline ring with white diamonds and granules of yellow gold, on a lightly textured band, made by Ruth Tomlinson
Oxidised silver circle earrings encrusted with 18ct gold clusters made by Hannah Bedford
White gold ring, Three contrasting cuts of white diamond fit together to form a striking and elegant engagement ring by Ruth Tomlinson with plenty of sparkle, in white gold.
We have a greater selection of jewellery with granulation in our Exeter and Taunton stores.
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The most common colours of untreated Topaz are pale yellow, brown and grey. Pastel shades of light-green, violet and pink can also be found. Since these colours are rarely vivid, they are often treated to produce more exciting and intense hues. The most popular Topaz colour is blue.
In mineralogical terms, Topaz is a hydrous aluminum fluorosilicate with a unique crystal structure that makes it a hard and dense gemstone. One of the world's hardest minerals, Topaz is actually the hardest silicate mineral, making it a good choice for everyday jewellery. It also has an excellent clarity with a beautiful, soft velvety brilliance due to its high refraction and transparency.
Topaz can be found with fluorite and cassiterite in various areas including the Ural and Ilmen mountains of Russia, in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Pakistan, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Brazil, Mexico; Flinders Island, Australia; Nigeria and the United States.
Here are a few of the pieces we currently stock which contain Topaz.
Jeweller Caroline Stokesberry-Lee has created a central focus to these silver and gold rings with gorgeous blue topaz. See more of Caroline's jewellery here.
Raised silver pebble earrings set with Topaz, made by Emily Nixon. Emily lives and works in Penzance, Cornwall.
]]>We are thrilled to announce that Emily Nixon will be in our Exeter gallery on Wednesday 20th November from 3pm. This will be a chance for you to view Emily's latest pieces, have an informal chat about the artist's work and discuss possible commissions. You will also have a chance to win Emily's Silver Rock Fine Bangle worth £125 in our free prize draw!
Please telephone 01392 276500 for more details.
]]>When and how did your business begin?
I started making jewellery after I graduated Middlesex University in 2008 with a first class BA Hons in jewellery design. I Initially traded under the name Emma Palmer and in 2015 I rebranded as Olive Rose after having my two Daughters Molly ‘Olive’ and Bonnie ‘Rose’.
Can you explain your processes?
I use traditional silversmithing techniques, manipulating and soldering silver wire and texturising with hammer blows. I then make lace using a Victorian technique called tatting and add it to the silver pieces. The lace is formed using a small shuttle and your hands, passing one line of thread over another, creating a row of tiny knots. I stay true to the technique but use contemporary threads and colours.
Which other jewellers work do you admire?
I have admired Ruth Tomlinson’s jewellery since I came across her work whilst at university. I love how she has developed her style over the years and the way each piece clusters together to make beautifully contemporary heirlooms of the future. I met Ruth at New designers the year I graduated and was lucky enough to be able to do a swap with her! I have since bought more pieces and they are my absolute favourite. You can view Ruths work here
Do you have any news/plans for the coming year?
I am currently working on my website and lots of the ‘behind the scenes’ things. There is a wonderful community of makers in the south west and I am hoping to get more involved with events so watch this space!
See Olive Rose jewellery collection here
Adele Taylor studied three dimensional design, silversmithing and jewellery at Sheffield Polytechnic and established her jewellery business soon after with a grant from the princess trust.
The interplay of different colours of metal, both naturally occurring and chemically altered, has always interested Adele. Consequently she continually experiments with the use of different metals such as silver, gold, copper and pewter. The working properties of the media have significant and creative influence on the final outcome of the work. “I like the way you can draw on the surface by stamping and embossing. I have always been interested in surface pattern texture and I find acid etching a wonderful way of drawing directly onto the metal”.
Adele is showing her jewellery at Crafted by hand in Masham, Yorkshire on 2nd & 3rd November.
We stock a selection of Adele’s jewellery in both our Exeter and Taunton stores as well as selling a variety of pieces in our online shop here. Prices from £37.
On Instagram there are a number of hashtags you can follow to get an insight into jewellers' working environments and see their workbenches or benchpegs. These inlcude #benchpegselfie and #benchpegwednesday.
Here you can see the benchpeg of Exmouth jeweller, Claire Lowe:
Left is a work in progress shot of her pull through earrings and right is a shot of the finished pieces. Her jewellery is stocked in both Exeter and Taunton stores.
You can view Claire's collection here.
]]>Megan comes from a Yorkshire family of worsted weavers and goldsmiths. Inspiring designs that mimic the flow of fabric, each piece is created by hand using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
She is constantly inspired by the world around her, with her most recent work influenced by the architectural form of the Foundation Louis Vuitton building in Paris. The sculptural forms of her designs are contrasted by the delicate texture of freshwater pearls and precious gemstones that are hand threaded onto each piece.
Her passion for traditional jewellery techniques has inspired many of her collections. Including the time-honoured technique of hand engraving which allows her to blur the line between art and jewellery, using the sculptural forms as a canvas for her hand drawn designs. It is her appreciation for tradition and the precious nature and subtle elegance of ancient jewellery that gives her work its timeless quality - future heirlooms to be treasured.
You can view Megan's collection here.
Our Designer of the Month is Alex Monroe and to celebrate, we're offering 20% of his entire collection! Alex Monroe established his London studios in 1987 and celebrity fans include Holly Willoughby, Emma Watson, Sienna Miller, Carey Mulligan and Emilia Fox.
Explore the collection here - the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
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Daria Earrings, £232
Cosmic Cluster Bracelet, £207
Silver Peacock Feather Necklace, £114
Doublet Chrysocolla, Tiger's Eye & Quartz Ring, £487
Cross Necklace, £65
Sun Disc Earrings, £85
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Polkadot Jewellery Gallery catches up with Devon-based maker Alexandra Aurum.
What initially appealed to you about making jewellery and how did you learn your craft?
I feel most at ease when I can build something with my hands. I enjoy the challenge of working through design ideas and construction of pieces at the workbench, stone setting is one of my favourite tasks. After I achieved a First Hons in Jewellery and Silversmithing in 2008 this is when I decided I wanted to push myself and create a business selling unique fine jewellery.
Your style is very distinctive, with texture, fusion and form the reoccurring themes – how has your developed since you became a maker?
I have two collections Wire and Edge inspired by natural shapes I have encountered in the environment and often referring to gemmology as a reference to inspire my work. The Wire collection has a textural flow of running lines which are fused together while the Edge collection displays an angular textural edge on the metal which mirrors the facets of the stones I set. Rings feature heavily throughout both collections, often boulder settings are platforms for setting stones and building texture within a piece. My work can be personalised and adapted over time; I often add in extra stones to celebrate memorable moments or sentiment in the wearer’s life.
What are your favourite metals and stones to work with and why?
Gold fascinates me, the richness of its yellow colour which does not tarnish over time is beautiful and a joy to work with. I love setting diamonds but have a soft spot for deep blue tanzanites and green emeralds; they are stunning.
Are all of your pieces one-offs?
Yes - I enjoy designing, making and seeing the finished outcome of each piece. The ability to stone set has opened up options for me, along with technical challenges.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on my Edge Boulder Collection making bracelets and earrings to match my rings, this collection will launch in the summer.
What are your views on recycling old jewellery into something more contemporary?
I enjoy working with clients and creating individual pieces. It is one way which we can limit the impact on the environment is by repurposing family heirlooms into jewellery that reflects the client's personality, history and style. Recycling the metal and precious stones from an inherited piece is a perfect way to update and hold onto sentimental jewellery while treasuring the earth precious resources.
Tell us about how your work – What time of the day are you most creative, do you listen to music while you’re making?
I usually get my soldering done in the morning followed by stone setting later on in the day after the pieces have polished. Music or a documentary really helps me relax and concentrate on my work as I’m not a great fan of silence.
Alexandra Aurum is one of out in-house jewellers – meet her in person in our Exeter gallery and buy her work in both our Exeter and Taunton shops and online here.
]]>You've bought the dress and the shoes but now it's time for the finishing touches to your wedding day outfit - the jewellery! Whatever your style and personality, we've got it covered. From traditional to boho, browse our bridal jewellery picks below...
FOR TRADITIONAL BRIDES
Pique Dame Silver Stud Earrings, £141
Silver Pearl Drop Pendant, £141
FOR VINTAGE BRIDES
Silver Lace Cuff, £703
Silver Lace Necklace, £347
FOR COOL BRIDES
Five Tusk Silver Necklace, £109
Red Cherry & Pearl Necklace, £104
FOR BOHEMIAN BRIDES
Luna Drop Necklace, £216
Naples Earrings, £50
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If you're looking for something unique with a slight bohemian-chic twist for the new season, you'll love the new Summer 2019 Collection! Shop these gorgeous new pieces here.
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