An Interview with Miranda Price, jewellery designer and Mara company owner

Hi Beauties, 

Hope you're having a good week so far. Monday's over so things are looking up already right? :) 

I've got something else to lift your spirits too! The stunning Miranda Price, Jewellery designer and owner of Mara got in contact with me last week to promote her latest jewellery collection 'Charmed Life'. She is a UK-based business owner too, and I do love to support UK business so I took a look at her designs.... Fell in love! 

I was so interested by her 'about us' section of her site www.marajewellery.co.uk and how she got inspiration for her jewellery that I asked to interview her and here's how it went...

So Miranda, how and when did you first realise you wanted to become a jewellery designer?

It was years ago when I was living in Koh Samui, Thailand. It was definitely something I fell into without knowing it would actually become my passion and job years later. We travelled up to Bangkok and whilst looking for clothes in the markets I came across numerous stalls covered from ceiling to floor in strands of semi-precious stones. There were stones of every colour, they all looked amazing. I bought a few strands...I think I bought some coral and agate. I made a few simple necklaces and it started as a hobby first. It wasn't until I came back to the UK in 2012 that I really pursued it as a job and got my first website.

You are very well travelled! How have your travels inspired your work? 

I think it has probably inspired me more than I have realised. I have taken in so much over my years away...different cultures, places and styles. I think it has definitely been a positive thing for my jewellery. 

Can you tell us a bit about the process from conception to the finished product - how does a piece of jewellery get made?

I usually start by deciding what semi-precious stones to use for the collection. Once I know the colour of the stones I'm using I then shop around and find charms and beads that will go well together. I will already have ideas in my head for what I want some of the pieces to look like.  But with some of the stone bracelets and necklaces I just start off beading them together and see where it takes me. It can be quite fiddly because the stones and beads are so small. 

What would you most like to make that you haven't so far?

I would like to make some chunkier pieces of jewellery and perhaps some ankle chains and rings.

Are there any tips you can give readers when choosing jewellery?

I think its nice to have a selection of jewellery....with necklaces I have some long and some short styles. Its always good to have a couple of statement necklaces that you can wear on a night out and to buy jewellery with colour in as well as plain pieces.

And finally, what's your favourite piece of jewellery in your new collection and why?

It would have to be the Carpe Diem bracelet. I like the peach colour leather and the gold plated tube beads used in the design. You can wear it whether you are dressing casual for the day and also for nights out.

The New Collection 'Charmed Life' is on the website now to purchase. Go take a look! 

Or watch my review video of the 'For Keeps' bracelet on LuckyPrettyTV now!

Love

LauraClaire

Christmas Give-away!

Little Christmas GiveAway

As it's Christmas I think it's a great time to do my very first giveaway. Spread a bit of joy to all you lovelies out there and hopefully give a little treat to my readers <3 

I've got 4 sets of super cute pink flower earrings to give away. Each winner will recieve two pairs of earrings and I'm giving you four chances to win!

Rules:
1. You must be a GFC follower of my blog to enter the giveaway
2. Simply comment on this post telling me what's on your wishlist this Christmas

3: Leave your email address or twitter name in the post so I can contact you if you win!

Ends 20th December 2012

Good Luck!

Love 

LC

Ahoy Sailor! Tatty Devine Anchor Necklace

Heya Sweets,

If you've read my Tatty Devine Collection Post you'll know I have a little obession with Tatty Devine's amazing jewellery. Tatty Devine is a home grown London-based company set up in 1999. Their jewellery is hand-made in their workshops.

I treated myself to this gorgeous Anchor necklace a couple of days ago and it's just arrived! I love the cute packaging too- good packaging always makes things extra special. The anchor is made of bright baby blue acrylic and the single loop from tortoiseshell acrylic.

It's arrived at the perfect time as I'm off down to the seaside for a spa weekend with Boyf. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside! yaay!

You can find this necklace at the Tatty Devine website for £12. Bargain!

Love

LC

What does your jewellery says about you?

Last weekend my lovely boyfriend treated me to some Miss Selfridge goodies. The love heart ring and the wish bracelet are both from him. And because they are both from him I haven’t taken them off once. I also have a silver heart bracelet, also from him, which I never take off either.

Despite wishing I was more of a stylish jewellery wearer my style is most definitely vintage, quirky and sentimental. The jewellery I wear most often is nearly always something that means a lot to me. So it raised the question as to what that really meant?

I immediately Googled my little thought and came up with some fun ideas on the subject. (P.S. The following ideas are a mixture of my own and others ideas)

Circles and circular jewellery: The open circle insinuates that you are open to new things since a circle itself is open by its very design. You are perhaps flirtation by nature and have a keen eye for detail.

Pearls: Conveys a message of elegance and style. Like the jewellery that you wear, you are letting others know that you believe in honouring the classics. Choosing a pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelet lets people know that you are classic, elegant, and just a little bit old fashioned. Pearls have a timeless beauty about them, and they reflect an inner purity.

Bling: A bold, shiny piece says that you are a bold person who doesn’t lack in confidence. If you have a strong will and are not afraid to be noticed, a knuckle-to-knuckle design or a ring with a lot of sparkle would be an awesome choice for you.

Vintage pieces: Shows your feminine side, and you may also tend to be sentimental. You enjoy history and find beauty all around you.

Fabric jewellery: You’re probably funky and modern- a person who also appreciate handmade crafts.

Diamonds: Diamond wearers like to feel elegant and sophisticated. They are usually old romantics at heart. There are many convincing diamond replicas, and people that buy the real thing see truthfulness as an important quality in others.

Gold – Gold has been used to symbolise wealth and prosperity for thousands of years. Whether you have a small and subtle piece or layers and layers of bling, underneath it all you value tradition.

Big and bold – Statement jewellery is loud and expressive. Those who wear it rarely shy away from attention. They’re usually confident, outgoing, fun loving, and very sociable. Wearing a bold statement item is the best way to ensure all eyes will be on you when you enter a room.

Functional or Sporty – Sporty jewellery is simple, practical and of course beautiful. Anyone who loves their athletic pursuits, but also likes to feel attractive, knows that their jewellery has to keep up with their fast paced lifestyle. Sporty jewellery is worn most often by people with a modern, independent, and energetic nature.  The thing about sports jewellery is that it needs to be functional-stainless steel or sliver, small and no bling. Stainless steel watches are a perfect example.

Small and understated – A small set of pearls, a fine gold chain, or pretty diamond studs are subtle, classic pieces. Wearers pride themselves self on their good taste and timeless style. They also have respect for the importance of traditional values.

Natural – Eco friendly jewellery like wooden beads, woven bracelets, and anything made from recycled materials are usually worn by people who are smart, outdoorsy, and connected with nature. They look for accessories that are as unique as their personality rather than something mass  produced.

What does your jewellery say about you? What do you always wear?

I’d love to hear from you, so please comment below <3

Have a look at what other jewellery I have in my jewellery box...

 

Love

LC

Style Review: The Ear Cuff

 

In my 'Super Sunday Haul' post I did a little while back I mentioned that I'd bought an ear cuff from Miss Selfridge and that I would do a post explaining it a little more. 

I've seen these around and really love them but didn't buy one as I was a bit hesitant as to how to wear or what to wear it with! I'm always drawn to anything odd or different to the usual same ol' stuff you see on the highstreet. 

So, I thought I would ask the most stylish girlies I know what to wear it with.... you! 

How would you wear it? Do you have one? What do you think would work well with it? Any tips appreciated! 

My initial thoughts are restricted to nights-out part wear. I imagine I'd pair this with a black plain body con dress, high wedges also in black and focus all the attention on the ear cuff and matching sparkly statement jewellery.

You wear it by attaching it to your ear by your lobe piercing and a clip (from a clip-on earing) that clips to the top of your ear. It holds very well and isn't uncomfortable which I was nicely suprised about.

So I've worked out how to put it on now I just need to be brave enough to wear it out! <3

Love LC

My Very First Blog Sale

Inspired by the brilliant blog sales going on at the moment by some lovely bloggers I know I decided to do my very own. Instead of cosmetic and beauty product related sales, I thought I would sell jewellery I've picked up on my travels. Lots of thrifted and vintage one-offs just for you!

Please have a good nosy as that's the fun part :)

<3 A little bit of vintage browsing to cheer your Monday <3

Start Browsing

Love LC

My Tatty Devine Collection

On YouTube I have a little nosey video of the contents of my jewellery box.
Take a look I love having a nosey!

It was when I was videoing this clip that I realised just how many pieces I have from Tatty Devine... It's a growing collection and I've no intention of stopping, so here's a little look at what I've hoarded so far....   

This is my most recent piece. It's from their name necklace collection... sooooo, Jeddars is my nickname at my old work... it's a long story as to how it formed.. it was a mix of jedward and mini cheddars! All the same, I was lucky enough to get my very own nickname necklace for my Birthday last year from my lovely work friends! Thanks guys :)

Swing girl and Purley Kings and Queens. I got beautiful swing girls from my Aunty for my birthday. It's a bit bit of jewellery and I love wearing it if I have a block colour high necked top on.. it looks fab! My little purley king I bought down in the Brighton Lanes as a treat. He's cute and petite.

 

My old work friends spoilt me rotten and new me too well and so bought me this gorgeous glittery autumn leaves on a long chain for my first birthday with them. This is the piece I get the most use out of an is my absolute fav. It's simple, pretty and sparkly.

 

Ahhh, now this was my first ever tatty buy.. I got it at uni and it cost a pretty penny for penniless student so I loved it lots and lots. It's a great piece to wear to work and always gets lots of comments. I just wish I had the matching magpie earrings! It's my only regret... if only I didnt spend my extra student loan on booze instead : /

 

Everyone loves a tash and I got this a while back when the tash theme wasn't so 'cool'. As much as I love this cheeky necklace I don't wear it too much these days... guess i'ma trying to be a growed up lady :) 

So, I know you pretty girlies will have some Tatty Devine in your jewellery boxes! What have you got?

I so want the anchor necklace they've had for a little while. What are you lusting?

Love LC 

What's in my Jewellery box?

Hiya guys! I'm so proud of my jewellery box that I thought I'd share it with you. The jewelley box itself I picked up in House of Fraser. It's a Stacker jewellery box.  This means that you get your starting box which has a lid and then you add other stackable sections to it as and when you need to. It's a 'create your own jewellery box'!. I have 6 stacks but am already needing more space!

My favs in my jewellery box at the moment are:

• magpie necklace and trapeeze artist necklace - Tatty devine
• butterfly necklace and heart pendant necklace - Accessorize 
• the gold and enamel bee earrings - Miss Selfridge
• and my oversized grey bow ring - Next

Can you find them from the photos above? I think some may be a bit tricky to spot, sorry!

What do you think of my Jewellery collection? I'd love to see what gorgeous pieces you have so please share!

Love LauraClaire