When all is not right with the world (and holy heck is there a lot going wrong right now), there are certain nostalgic things that are a total – albeit brief – antidote.
And – if you didn’t clock this during the resurgence of every 20s flapper dress/70s shoulder pad/90s choker necklace – the fashion world has undoubtedly mastered the art of nostalgia.
This season’s sartorial reminiscence? Colourful, beaded jewellery.
But unlike other brief flirtations with the trend via high street stores, this time its the world of fine, high-end jewellery that’s embracing the fun side of the industry.
We caught up with one of our favourite jewellery designers right now, Roxanne First, to delve into the revival.
Q Why do you think nostalgic beaded jewellery is having such a moment right now?
A I think we all want to have a bit more ‘fun’ with our jewellery right now, we’ve started mixing and matching with colours and textures and beads are a brilliant way to do this! I think also, this type of jewellery is reminiscent of when we were younger and used to put everything we found on our necks and wrists, from a piece of string to a shell bracelet. They were happy memories!
Q Your brand is bursting with beautiful gold and diamond jewellery, what made you decide to bring in fun beaded pieces?
A This collection actually began many moons ago I went to Murano (region in Venice) with my Venetian Grandparents to pick coloured glass beads which I used to make friendship bracelets with. 20 years later, after a trip to south Africa I picked up a different kind of bead; bright south African versions and I began to add letters to personalise bracelets. Following on from the demands from friends (and friends of friends), it became obvious that I needed to start introducing beads into my designs, I sought out elevated materials that work alongside our current fine jewellery offering. We use sapphires and semi-precious beads with mother of pearl letters as well as 14ct solid gold fixings. So as much as they are fun, they are still fine and sit really well next to our finer pieces.
Q Are you noticing any difference in the customer that heads for each style, or does your customer like to mix and match?
A I’ve seen that clients like to mix and match, and are happy to try new combinations! We are all experimenting I think and gone are the days of matching golds and stones, we are happy to wear rose and yellow gold as well as pink sapphires and diamonds with a smattering of pearls maybe? Jewellery is all about expression, telling your personal story and I think it’s brilliant we are being more bold!
Sold? Stupid question. We’ll see you at the checkout/on a Mallorcan beach circa 1996.