Hello folks, and how are you today? It's been a lovely couple of weeks in unaccustomed sunshine - the UK hasn't seen anything like it in years and years. If this is global warming, let's enjoy it as World War three might have just been started last night in Iran. 
I took this picture of our beautiful amaryllis lily. It originally came to me as a Christmas gift five years ago – just a bulb, wrapped in plastic and the beautiful little red pot. Of course, I was far too lazy to pot it up at the time, so it ended up forgotten, languishing in the garage. Months later, in June, my husband found it and kindly planted it for me. Ever since then, the amaryllis has made its own rules – it flowers faithfully every June, completely ignoring the traditional Christmas schedule. I quite like that rebellious streak!

I picked out a beautiful dragonfly pendant from my stash for this weeks necklace – there’s something about dragonflies that instantly evokes summer for me. Their delicate symmetry is perfect for jewellery, and given the choice between butterflies and dragonflies, the dragonfly wins every time. They are so ethereal and captivating, with their gauzy wings and slender, almost weightless bodies. There’s a quiet magic about them that never fails to draw me in.

​Picture this: it’s a golden afternoon, the kind that seems to stretch lazily forever. The sun is warm but not bossy, the sky is a soft powder blue with just the occasional fluffy cloud, and you’re gliding barefoot through a wildflower meadow. There’s a gentle breeze teasing the hem of your floaty white dress, the scent of honeysuckle in the air, and – because no fantasy is complete without a little extra flourish – you’re leading a beautiful, well-behaved horse by its reins. (Unlike your last boyfriend, this one actually listens.) Somewhere nearby, an invisible guitarist strums a gentle melody just for you. You’re not rushing anywhere. Why would you? You’ve got nowhere to be but right here, soaking in the sunshine and living your best slow-motion moment.

​And then there’s the dragonfly. Oh, the dragonfly! A golden, glittering centrepiece, studded with tiny coloured crystals and poised delicately at your throat, as though it’s just paused there to say hello before flitting away on the breeze. Dragonflies are often said to symbolise transformation, self-realisation, and the joy of living in the moment. In this necklace, though, it’s just as much about playful elegance – a little wink from Mother Nature that says, “Go on, have some fun.”

But let’s not forget the tiny details that make Meadow Dance sing. The clasp isn’t just a necessary nuisance. It’s a sweet little peridot-inlaid box clasp, a perfectly-formed gem in its own right, and frankly, it’s so pretty you might wish you could wear it slightly off-centre to show it off. 

​Meadow Dance is light, easy to wear, and has a carefree, boho vibe that’s made for women who aren’t afraid to channel their inner meadow goddess. It’s perfect for summer festivals, garden parties, and picnics in the park – or, frankly, for those days when you want to bring a bit of that meadow magic into your everyday life (yes, even if you’re just popping to the shops).

​Pair it with a gauzy maxi dress, strappy sandals, and maybe some flowers tucked into your hair for the full effect. Or wear it with jeans and a crisp white shirt to add a splash of whimsy to a regular Tuesday. There are no rules here. Just joyful, romantic, unapologetic beauty.

So, whether you’re dancing in the daisies, dreaming of sun-soaked afternoons, or simply looking to add a little lightness to your day, Meadow Dance is ready to lead the way – no horse required.

That's me for this week, folks. I'm off to enjoy the sunshine. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you soon, 

Until then,
​xx
​

Hello folks, how are you today. At last summer is here and the weekend diary is now chock full with invitations to summer parties, weddings, days at the races, and sleepovers. When I looked at my calendar an instant ago it was empty and suddenly I'm having to book days off work to recover from weekends spent partying. It's a nice problem to have, though, so I'm not complaining. 
The onset of summer is heralded by foxgloves - here are some from my garden, waiting for Mrs Fox to pick them up on her way to a dinner dance in high heels, pearl earrings and bright pink lipstick.

​Sometimes, you just need a piece of jewellery that shouts joy from the rooftops. Enter this fabulous, one-of-a-kind statement necklace: a vibrant explosion of colour, playful movement, and summer sparkle, designed to lift your spirits and brighten your wardrobe in one fell swoop.

Some pieces just refuse to behave. You start out with a plan, a sketch, a neat little idea in your head—and the next thing you know, the materials have staged a coup, your fingertips are in tatters, and you’re wondering why on earth you didn’t take up knitting instead.
This necklace is one of those pieces.

Crafted from non-tarnish silver-plated wire (because nobody has time for polishing, thank you very much), I thought it would be a breezy little afternoon project. I imagined sitting there, the picture of serenity, weaving the wire into delicate loops, sipping tea like the jewellery goddess I clearly am.

What actually happened was a pitched battle between me and the wire, which had firm ideas of its own. Non-tarnish silver-plated wire is a bit like a toddler: shiny, beautiful, full of potential—but also wilful, prone to unexpected tangents, and utterly determined to test your patience. Weaving and binding three strands into this gorgeous, colourful arrangement with yet another thinner wire was a challenge worthy of its own Olympic sport. My poor fingertips have yet to forgive me, and I suspect they never will.
But oh, the result was worth it.

The open-ended torc design makes it effortlessly easy to wear and ensures it will fit just about everyone. No fiddly clasps, no sizing dilemmas—just slip it on and you're ready to dazzle.
What really sets this piece apart is its gorgeous cascade of colourful crystals. Each drop glistens with a life of its own, catching the light as you move. The arrangement feels like a wild, summery garden in full bloom, with a delicate dragonfly perched to one side and a sweet little flower nestling among the sparkles. There’s a carefree, celebratory feel to this necklace—it’s as though a carnival just landed on your neckline.

The cascading clusters of colourful crystals are an explosion of summery joy. They glimmer and sparkle with every movement, each one jostling for attention like excited party guests at a garden fete. Nestled among the riot are tiny flowers and a playful dragonfly, because why not throw in a little whimsy while we’re here? It’s a piece that absolutely refuses to take itself too seriously—just the way I like it.

Now, let’s talk about sizing. One of the great wire-working mysteries is that no matter how carefully you measure, somehow the final piece always ends up too big, too small, or just plain odd when you try to wear it. The solution? The glorious torc necklace. Open-ended, flexible, and fabulously forgiving, a torc slips on easily and fits everyone. No clasp-related gymnastics, no panic when you realise you’ve misjudged your neckline—just a simple, stylish, slip-on piece that makes you look like you’ve got your life together (even if, like me, you’re quietly nursing punctured fingertips).

Best of all, this necklace is light and easy to wear. It brings a splash of colour to even the greyest day, whether you’re heading to a summer wedding, strolling along the beach, or just popping to the shops and fancy turning the frozen pea aisle into your personal runway (that might be going just one step too far, but if you feel like being 'extra' that day, whyever not?)

So, if you’re looking for something summery, joyful, and delightfully chaotic (much like its creator), this might just be the perfect piece for you. It’s a little wild, a little whimsical, and utterly unapologetic—just the way jewellery should be.
So go on—add a little riot to your jewellery box. Life’s too short for boring accessories.

That's me for this week, folks. I shall now go and dig up some weeds in the garden. The rest of it is coming along nicely - these are my Hostas from an extremely shady corner of the garden which gets only indirect light - they are coming up a treat and the slugs haven't found them yet!

Have a wonderful week, and I'll catch you soon.
Until then,
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today? I have been awol for a few weeks as I have been out and about with friends and work. This week has seen me relaxing at home and playing in my garden and rummaging in my bead stash, which is when I get my best ideas - or remember ones I had put aside for another day. 

I took a trip to Amsterdam to catch up with one of my oldest friends from medical school. She flew in from the US, jet-lagged and slightly dazed, so we took things easy — pottering about the city, going for long walks, and dipping in and out of quirky little shops whenever something caught our eye.
Most of our time was spent simply enjoying each other’s company, reminiscing about our student days. We arrived at medical school at the grand old age of seventeen — wide-eyed, clueless, and convinced we’d already conquered the world just by getting in. If only we’d known what was ahead!
Still, I’d say we’ve done pretty well. She’s now a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School (yes, that Harvard), and I couldn’t be prouder of her. And while I may not be Ivy League, I’ve carved out a respectable corner of the world for myself as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Warwickshire and Clinical Director of my unit — which, let’s face it, is nothing to sniff at.
Two wide-eyed girls from medical school — a few decades on, a lot of laughs (and some tears) later, and still going strong.

I made up for all the giggling and nostalgia by being thoroughly grown-up the following week, when I travelled to London for the MRCOG Part 3 exams. It was back to serious consultant mode — although I did manage to squeeze in an evening with a lovely young friend (one must maintain balance, after all).
The rest of the time, I was the picture of professionalism — meeting a host of former trainees who’ve since blossomed into respected colleagues all over the UK. It was genuinely heartwarming to be remembered fondly, both for the teaching and support I offered during their time at George Eliot, and — perhaps just as importantly — for the annual barbecue I host as a send-off. Apparently, education and a decent grilled sausage leave equally lasting impressions.

Picture this: you're lounging on the sun deck of a cruise ship, a gentle breeze ruffling your kaftan, a fruity cocktail in one hand, the promise of adventure on the horizon… and around your neck, catching the sunlight with every turn of your head – Caribbean Skies.There’s something about cruise holidays that brings out our inner diva. Maybe it’s the sunshine, maybe it’s the sea breeze, or maybe it’s the fact that you don’t have to cook for a week. Either way, one thing’s for certain: you need jewellery that can keep up with you — from poolside piña coladas to late-night dancing under the stars.

Enter, Caribbean Skies..............

This necklace was made for holidays. The kind where your bikini is under constant pressure to perform, your sandals are bedazzled within an inch of their life, and you carry yourself like you’re starring in a low-budget Bond film – minus the peril and plus a lot more rosé. ​This necklace is pure, portable glamour. A joyful cascade of turquoise, seafoam green, smoky brown and ice-clear sparkle, she’s got all the vibes of a Caribbean escape — without the passport drama.

Let’s talk beads. The smoky quartz nuggets are plump and luxurious, with the kind of moody sophistication that says “yes, I’m on holiday, but I still have impeccable taste.” The pale green agate adds a whisper of freshness, while Czech glass beads bring the shimmer and shine. And then, of course, the show-stealers: those soft blue Peruvian opals.
Ah, Peruvian opals! They’re dreamy little stones, often milky and mysterious, like morning mist over tropical water; or someone bottled the sky after a thunderstorm and turned it into gemstones. But what makes these ones special is the shape — quirky, irregular, angular… they look like they’ve just tumbled out of a mermaid’s treasure chest. Each one is different, each one perfect in its imperfection, held apart by little chunks of iolite. Peruvian opals are said to be stones of love and gentleness, thought to reduce stress and increase confidence – though frankly, once you put this necklace on, you’ll be strutting your stuff without any celestial assistance. 
And just when you thought it couldn’t get more flamboyant – boom! – in come the massive iridescent glass dagger beads. These are the life of the party, catching the light with every move you make, and flashing fire like miniature disco balls. Think Carmen Miranda meets Studio 54, with a bit of mermaid energy thrown in for good measure.

Despite its dramatic flair, Caribbean Skies is surprisingly light and easy to wear. Whether you're sashaying along a sun-drenched deck or lighting up the dance floor at dinner, this necklace brings the good vibes with none of the faff. No clasp-fiddling, no heavy dragging around your neck – just throw it on, feel fabulous, and prepare to turn heads.
At Caprilicious Jewellery, we don’t really do ‘tame’ – and why should we? Life is too short for boring accessories. Caribbean Skies is unapologetically bold, joyfully bright, and designed for women who want to make a splash – with or without the ocean.

And then there's the shape – not your standard round bead affair. There are cylindrical beads, nuggety beads, triangles, little blobby ones that look like someone got overly excited while glassblowing – all jumbled up in the best possible way. The result is movement, texture, and an effortless, “Oh this? I just threw it on” attitude. 
And despite all this richness, Caribbean Skies is light and airy – the fashion equivalent of a sea breeze. You won’t feel weighed down or overheated. She’s breezy with a bikini, elegant with a kaftan, and utterly glamorous with a long dress at dinner. 
An ornate silver-tone bead sits at the centre like a little exclamation mark, and the floral hook clasp ( easy to manage after a couple of glasses of prosecco) keeps things feminine and flirty. It sits close to the neck so the necklace won’t flap about in the wind or tangle in your beachy waves (jewellery should never fight with your hair), and catches the light and the eye!

So if you’re planning to sail off into the sunset (or just manifesting it from your garden lounger), this necklace is your perfect plus-one. She doesn’t answer back, she doesn’t get sunburnt, and she’ll make you look fabulous even when you’re covered in factor 50 and wearing slightly-too-tight flip-flops. She won’t judge your second dessert, and goes brilliantly with SPF and sass. 
If you’re off on a cruise, heading for sunnier climes, or just want to feel like you’re sipping rum on the deck of a yacht (we won’t tell), Caribbean Skies is the necklace for you.

That's me for this week's belated edition of the Caprilicious blog. I'm going to continue the rest of my time off in the manner which I began it - doing very little. My garden is growing like a mad thing this year and it's so much fun looking at the plants coming back into their own. The hostas in particular, are green and beautiful - and haven't yet been attacked by the slugs. 
Have a wonderful week and I'll catch you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today. It's been so lovely and warm recently that I forgot what being cold constantly was like. However we woke this morning and turned the heating on - both of us were frozen stiff. I'm just hoping that it's not the end of summer, but as we live in the UK I may well be correct on that score. 
I love it when the ferns open their new fronds, with the curly, fuzzy tips opening up into leaves. I went out and got some pictures this morning - sadly, I had to put my winter jacket on to do it.

As the chill crept in, my thoughts drifted to warmer climes and sun-drenched holidays of the past. One in particular came to mind — a memorable trip to Morocco, wrapped in the glow of golden light and the warmth of genuinely kind people. I remembered it with a twinge of wistful nostalgia. The gardens left a lasting impression, especially the vibrant Jardin Majorelle, which sparked a lifelong love of cobalt blue. We brought a touch of that magic home with us — cobalt pots sprang up around our garden, and blue gallows brackets now prop up the deep eaves of our roof.
Mike, ever the practical visionary and an ex-builder to boot, decided to have the back of the house painted in a rich sandstone yellow to complement the sea of blue. Twenty years on, the yellow has gently mellowed with time into a softer, more romantic hue — less Marrakech marketplace, perhaps, but still full of sunlit charm.

If you’ve ever been to Marrakesh, you'll know that it’s an assault on the senses – in the best possible way. Spices perfume the air, drums beat from alleyways, snake charmers throw side-eyes at bored cobras, and someone is always trying to sell you a rug you didn’t know you needed. 
​The Djema al Fnaa – the throbbing heart of the medina! Filled with people and smoke from the kebabs being cooked on open fires in the various stalls of the square.
I had a monkey leap off a performer's shoulder and try to make off with my hat while a snake charmer waggled a snake in my face. I looked like a cross between Indiana Jones and a startled pigeon! But that’s Marrakesh for you – full of surprises, drama, colour... and the odd cheeky primate. ​I emerged, hatless and mildly traumatised, with a packet of saffron, two ceramic bowls, and a vague sense of having been hustled—but oh, the colours, the drama, the sheer sensory overload of Marrakesh has stayed with me long after the monkey had gone.

And that, is how Midnight in Marrakesh came into being.
​
This necklace is an ode to the city at twilight. Deep blue lapis lazuli, fiery coral red, shimmering gold-toned beads, and that dramatic midnight-hued rose in carved goldstone all come together in glorious disarray—much like the medina itself. It’s bold, unapologetic, and just a little bit chaotic. I love it.

​Now, you might be thinking, "When would I ever wear such a statement?" The answer is simple: whenever you feel like it. Imagine it peeking out from the collar of a crisp white shirt during a weekday lunch. Your colleague will ask if you’ve taken up art collecting, and you’ll smile mysteriously, as if you’ve just returned from a desert bazaar. Or wear it to the office over a navy blouse or a plain shift dress, and suddenly your quarterly budget update will have a lot more flair. Even on a Teams call, it does all the heavy lifting. ​

What I love most about this necklace is its story. It doesn’t whisper; it sings—perhaps to the beat of a distant Moroccan drum. It’s a piece for those days when you want to carry a little magic with you, a souvenir of adventure and colour—even if the furthest you’ve travelled lately is from your desk to the fridge. 
​Life’s too short for boring jewellery – or boring lunches. Midnight in Marrakesh is for those who like their accessories with a bit of spice, a splash of story, and just the faintest memory of a monkey and a stolen hat.

So, here it is: Midnight in Marrakesh. No camels or monkeys were harmed in its making. But one very cheeky one did steal my hat. That's me for this week folks, and I hope you enjoyed the read. Have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend and I'll catch you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, hope you're all doing well today. I've been busy at work and looking forward to the next Bank Holiday in May when I have some time off and even have a trip to Amsterdam to visit with a friend who is flying in from the USA. The garden is blooming and the peonies are out. The creamy tree peonies come out first and then the yellow ones - I've counted 14 buds on the plant this year. they look so beautiful, reminiscent of Degas ballerinas, and so fragile - one rain shower, and they shed all their petals.

Let me show you what I made this week, while enjoying the spring weather.

Some jewellery is made to be admired politely from a distance.
Solar Symphony has other ideas. This is the kind of necklace that grabs the limelight with both hands, belts out a show-stopping number, singing a full-throated operatic aria, throwing jazz hands and scattering sequins in all directions, takes a deep, theatrical bow for good measure.
Solar Symphony doesn’t just accessorise — it announces.
Wearing it is less about adding a finishing touch and more about starting a whole new conversation — preferably one where you’re the undisputed star.
​

​Crafted with bars of gold and titanium electroplated quartz needles — which catch the light like celestial harp strings — and faceted teardrops of yellow and purple colour-enhanced chalcedony, this necklace doesn't simply accessorise an outfit; it becomes the event.
It’s a standalone piece, and frankly, it wouldn’t have it any other way. Solar Symphony doesn’t do 'shrinking violet.' It strides confidently centre stage, flings open the curtains and demands a spotlight.

​As if that weren’t enough, it’s also dual-sided — because naturally, one face of fabulousness simply wasn’t sufficient. A quick flip and voilà, a whole new perspective, for those evenings when you simply must dazzle from every angle.

​When it comes to styling, subtlety is most definitely not the order of the day. Picture it against a simple, flowing evening gown in a rich jewel tone — black, white, emerald or cobalt would do nicely — and you'll have the makings of a red carpet moment, whether or not there's an actual red carpet involved.
For those jaunting off to a destination wedding, Solar Symphony is light enough to pop into a suitcase without needing a packing manual and important enough to justify bringing its own boarding pass. Imagine it glinting in the sunset, the perfect finishing touch to a floaty maxi dress and a pair of sandy, sun-kissed feet.

Even in the city, it refuses to be relegated to "special occasion only" status. Draped over a sleek jumpsuit with hair swept up and lipstick dialled firmly to 'bold,' it will turn the most mundane of Thursday nights into an event. If you're feeling truly daring, wear it with a crisp white shirt, blue jeans and a devil-may-care attitude — and then sit back and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Despite all this drama, Solar Symphony is featherlight — no danger here of ending the evening with a neck resembling a rsumo wrestler’s. It also packs flat and behaves beautifully in transit, no diva tantrums or elaborate carrying cases required.

Wearing Solar Symphony might cause a few side effects: increased confidence, mild bouts of swishing about, and the occasional person mistaking you for someone extremely important. I recommend accepting all compliments graciously, with the kind of enigmatic smile that suggests you could tell them where you got it — but you simply choose not to. (However, do please share Caprilicious with your friends - I'd certainly appreciate it, but only after the appropriate amount of coaxing, of course).
In short, Solar Symphony is jewellery for women who already know they’re fabulous, and aren’t particularly interested in hiding the fact. If you’re tired of blending into beige and feeling invisible, consider this your official invitation to sparkle outrageously.
​If this sounds like you — then perhaps this necklace has been waiting for you all along.

​Solar Symphony isn’t just a necklace; it’s a mood, an entrance, and a minor power move, all rolled into one. Handle with flair!

That's me for this week, folks. Enjoy your weekend and I'll catch you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today? I've been kept busy ministering to hubbys hay fever - I can't wait till it rains. As I write this, we are forecast a good shower. In fact, I've heard it will be more than a shower as they are expecting a weeks rainfall in twenty four hours.
​I spent my time wisely, beading away between mopping his poor fevered brow. Is there something like 'man hay fever'? I'm sure hubby has that syndrome and I am now suffering from severe compassion fatigue!  
​I took the photograph of the garden from the TV nook through firmly closed French doors, with the Forsythia in full bloom in the garden. So near, yet so far!

​Once upon a time (about three to four weeks ago, give or take a few coffee breaks), I embarked on an artistic journey – not with paint or pen, but with needle, thread, and a cornucopia of beads. The result? The Lady of Shalott, a statement necklace inspired by Tennyson’s evocative poem and Monet’s dreamy waterlilies – two masters of the romantic and the impressionistic, rolled into one wearable artwork.

​You could say this is what happens when poetry meets pointillism meets jewellery… and they all raid the same bead stash.
At school, while others were swooning over Romeo and giggling over limericks, I had eyes only for The Lady of Shalott. There was something about her beautiful, bewitched self, locked away in her lonely tower, forbidden to look directly out of the window, reduced to experiencing life second-hand through a mirror. And all because some wizard with a bad attitude had cursed her. (One assumes he hadn’t had his morning hit of caffeine.)
Then along came Sir Lancelot, singing "Tirra Lirra" – which, let's be honest, sounds more like a brand of herbal tea than a medieval banger – and it was all over. She cracked her mirror, broke the curse, and floated off in a boat to her doom. Our gallant knight noticed her only once she was dead, muttering something along the lines of "She has a lovely face" – which is basically medieval-speak for "Oops."

These are pictures I took in the Musee d Orangerie of the Monet waterlilies and in Giverny, of the real thing at Monet's house. 

This necklace, named in honour of that tragic heroine, is my beaded homage to the Lady of Shalott. It took me 3-4 weeks to complete, and is embroidered using a technique I like to call "painting with beads." Inspired by the impressionist swirls of Monet's Water Lilies, I used Czech and Japanese seed beads to mimic the play of light and shadow, water and flora, reality and illusion. The piece is rich with blues, greens and dusky pinks – all the colours I imagine she would have seen through her enchanted mirror.

At the centre hangs a bronze Vintaj pendant: a face not unlike the Lady herself, framed in cascading curls, surrounded by golden beadwork and finished with a single, dramatic pearl drop. She watches the world with an enigmatic smile – no doubt weighing up whether it’s worth risking another look. A dreamy woman with flowing hair and a gaze full of mystery (possibly wondering where her knight in shining armour went, or whether the Uber Eats order has arrived yet). 

​And while this piece may look opulent, it’s actually surprisingly light and comfortable to wear. No shoulder dislocations required. The back is finished with beautiful glass and Chinese enamelled beads, because of course a lady should look just as good leaving the room as entering it. ​
​Wearing this piece won’t doom you to a watery grave, I promise. In fact, it may inspire poetic tendencies, or simply earn you admiring glances from passing knights (or their modern equivalents from Tinder – perhaps ones with better emotional availability).

A tribute to longing, art, and one woman's doomed but dazzling rebellion, this necklace is my way of saying: sometimes, it’s worth breaking the curse.

That's me for this week, folks. Have a fabulous Easter weekend and I'll catch up with you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, and how are you today? It's been sunny and warm for the last two weeks, but alas and alack, there have been two drawbacks. One is that there's a cool breeze from the North East causing 'chicken skin' if one dares to venture outside without a wrap and the second is the vast quantities of tree pollen drifting down from the blossoms everywhere - hubby is really suffering from hay fever this year, and I can't wait for a good shower of rain to bring those levels down so we can go out into the garden.
OMG, I'm turning into a true Brit! I've just realised that I talk about the weather constantly because it plays such a major part in our lives here in the UK - you don't get dressed for the day without looking out of the window to see what the day is like and even then you could be caught out by a shower of rain if you haven't looked at the weather forecast on the telly or an App. 

This week, I bring you a piece I made earlier - I feel I didn't make enough noise about it at the time.
​At Caprilicious, we have a soft spot for jewellery with a bit of drama. Life’s too short for shrinking violets and plain chains, and Doppelgänger is here to make sure your jewellery does the talking—preferably loudly, colourfully, and with just the right amount of sass.
A showstopper by design and name, Doppelgänger is a necklace that doesn’t just accessorise—it announces your arrival.

At first glance, it’s all about the dangles (isn’t it always?). They swing, they shimmer, they sparkle—and they’re as unapologetic as a cat knocking your mug off the table. Made with colourful embroidery silks and framed around luscious lilac glass cabochons, each piece is finished with intricate beaded bezels that are almost unnecessarily pretty.
The open-ended torque is no slouch either. Crafted from silver-plated non-tarnish wire (because who has time for polishing?), it’s been coated in nylon to keep it looking fresh from the studio for years to come. This isn’t the green-neck-staining costume jewellery of yesteryear—this is Caprilicious. We know you deserve better.

Creating Doppelgänger was less “ta-da!” and more “tea, tension, and tiny tools.” The torque is handwoven with wire weaving—a deceptively serene-sounding technique that actually involves an intense amount of focus, strong reading glasses, and the occasional mild swearing.
Getting the tension right is an art in itself: too loose, and the weave looks like it's had a rough night; too tight, and it curls up like a startled hedgehog. And let’s not forget the ends—every single one must be tucked away neatly so the wearer isn’t accidentally stabbed by their own necklace. Fashion should never be hazardous.

This necklace isn’t shy, and nor should you be. It’s designed to sit proudly front and centre. If you’re going for a classic look, pop it on over a high-neck black or dark dress. Elegant, mysterious, and just a bit intimidating—like a woman who reads Agatha Christie and carries a tiny pepper spray.
But if you really want the magic trick, pair it with an open-collared shirt. Tuck the torque discreetly under the collar, and let the dangles peek out just below the tips. Instant “Oh this? I just threw it on” vibes—when in reality, it took you five minutes of mirror faffing. But we won’t tell.

In a world full of cookie-cutter accessories, Doppelgänger is here to shake things up. It’s bold, it’s different, and most importantly—it won’t require a second mortgage. Whether you’re off to dinner, a gallery opening, or just feeling fabulous on a Tuesday, this necklace will do you proud.
After all, if you’re going to wear jewellery, why not wear something that gets you noticed for all the right reasons?

That's me for this week, folks. I'm still struggling with my embroidered piece - it refuses to grow out of the 'fugly' stage and I'm really having to push myself to persevere. I know the idea is right, the design is right and I'm halfway through it but for some reason, I'm finding it easier to do other things - anything rather than pick it up again and finish it. I have promised myself that I will make inroads into it this week and stop procrastinating.
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today? I've had the week off - it's my birthday at the end of the week and I usually take the week off in the hope that we might find somewhere irresistible to be. It's usually a vain hope because the end of March is just on the cusp of spring, wet, windy and cold. Last year we went to Amsterdam and the weather was awful, the Keukenhof Gardens had just opened and most of the tulips were still in bud. We decided to do short day trips this year, so I took the customary week off, but still had to go in to work on Thursday to a meeting for a couple of hours. 

I found the pendant for my next piece in my stash - I bought it so long ago that I've even forgotten when. The beads have been on my work table for ages as well - I didn't want them in my cupboard as they are so pretty that running the risk of them being covered over by other beads was unthinkable.

Some jewellery is pretty. Some jewellery is bold. And then there are pieces like Desert Mirage—the kind that make people pause mid-sentence just to take another look. This necklace wasn’t made to blend in; it was made to glow, to intrigue, and to quietly, effortlessly, steal the show.
The warmth of golden rutilated citrine, the earthy richness of Tiger’s Eye, the regal depth of amethyst, and the sultry allure of garnet—all set in 0.925 silver, with a final, unexpected flourish: a ruby-clasped fastening, a tiny luxury just for the discerning Caprilicious woman! Every part of this piece tells a story, and together, they create something truly special.

Rutilated citrine is no ordinary gemstone. 
This extraordinary gemstone is citrine (already a stone of prosperity and good vibes), infused with tiny golden threads of 'rutile', a mineral that looks like which looks like it has swallowed an entire sunset and now radiates pure bottled sunshine. 
​A rare variation of citrine, with delicate, hair-like inclusions of rutile, giving it an almost otherworldly glow—like frozen sunlight laced with golden filaments, nature’s own version of spun gold.  These needle-like inclusions are entirely natural, making each bead utterly unique, a tiny piece of Earth's artistry captured in stone, 
Found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia, rutilated citrine has long been associated with clarity, abundance, and positive energy. It’s said to boost confidence, dispel negativity, and encourage a clear, focused mind—though even if you don’t buy into the folklore, one thing is certain: it’s mesmerising. Light catches in every facet, shifting and dancing as you move. It doesn’t just sit against your skin; it becomes part of you, lending its warmth and radiance to your presence.

For centuries, citrine has been linked to prosperity and personal power, often called the "merchant's stone" for its reputation in attracting wealth and success. The presence of rutile amplifies citrine’s energy, adding an element of mental clarity and spiritual insight. Many believe that wearing rutilated citrine:
Boosts confidence – Encouraging self-expression and dispelling self-doubt.
Attracts abundance – Traditionally used to manifest prosperity and good fortune.
Enhances energy flow – Said to cleanse and recharge the aura, helping to release negativity.
Aids decision-making – Thought to sharpen intuition and mental clarity.
Whether or not you believe in crystal energies, there’s no denying that rutilated citrine has an uplifting presence. Its golden hues radiate warmth, making it a perfect choice for those who love bold, earth-inspired jewellery.

These gemstones contain another mineral sheltered inside the strong crystal of citrine. Inclusions which are usually in the form of strands of other material are trapped inside the citrine when it forms.
The striking colors and patterns made by these inclusions bring up visualizations of nature and the galaxy., and the resulting stones have the look of stars, sunsets, and gardens.
The term ‘Rutilated’ is derived from ‘Rutilus’, a Latin word that means glowing red. The rutile element made up of titanium oxide inside the stone is present in the form of hair-like strands or threads known as inclusions that are either red, copper, golden, silver, brown, green, or black. 
Inclusions, if found in exquisite stones such as diamonds tend to reduce value. However, those in rutilated citrine or quartz make the gemstone more valuable as well as desirable. 

Anchoring Desert Mirage is an elegant silver pendant that brings together four powerful gemstones:

• Tiger’s Eye – A stone of quiet strength and unwavering confidence, its golden-brown chatoyancy gleams like liquid fire. It’s long been considered a talisman of focus and determination.
• Amethyst – Deep violet, cool and composed, amethyst has been linked to wisdom, serenity, and intuition. The perfect contrast to Tiger’s Eye, bringing a softness that tempers its fire.
• ​Garnet – Rich, deep red, garnet is the stone of passion and vitality, adding a final flourish of warmth and energy.

Framed in silver, these stones come together in perfect harmony—earthy yet luxurious, bold yet refined.

There’s something deeply satisfying about jewellery that surprises you—details that are just for you, like a secret only the wearer knows. That’s exactly why Desert Mirage is finished with a ruby-set clasp. Tucked away at the back of your neck, it’s a final touch of opulence, a reminder that true luxury is in the details.

Some necklaces sit prettily in a jewellery box, waiting for the perfect occasion. Others--Desert Mirage among them—have a way of making every occasion feel just a little more special. It’s the kind of piece that slips into your life effortlessly, as if it was always meant to be yours.
You’ll feel it the first time you fasten the clasp, the smooth weight of the citrine against your skin, the shimmer of the pendant as it catches the light. You’ll wear it once, then find yourself reaching for it again and again. Not because it demands attention, but because it simply belongs.
And perhaps, in some way, it was always meant to.

That's me for this week, folks. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you soon.
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today? I've been waiting for spring - and now it's here. The days are growing light and bright and green shoots are appearing out of bare ground.  
When we bought the house all those years ago, the frontage resembled a hotel car park - the 'garden' was completely paved over  and I was quite dismayed. We had three semicircular (ish) areas cut out of the paving, filled them with soil and compost and grew ourselves some flower beds. This one will soon resemble what I call my 'English Country Jungle' as I jokingly like to call it - maybe I will take some plants out this year and thin it out a little bit. 

This week, my inspiration comes from the late Queen Elizabeth. I hear you wondering how I can talk about the Queen and Caprilicious Jewellery in the same breath - read on and you'll find out. I am not a royal watcher, but this feed came up on a random scroll through my phone when I had nothing else to do for a few minutes, and I decided to make a pearl necklace for Caprilicious.

Pearls are the timeless, elegant staple of every well-dressed lady from here to eternity. But let’s be honest—when you think of pearls, do you picture your grandma at her bridge club, sipping tea, and clutching her pearls over some particularly scandalous gossip?

Well, my friends, it’s time to shake things up. These are not grandma’s pearls.

Gone are the days when pearls were prim, proper, and strictly reserved for afternoon luncheons. This necklace takes the classic pearl look and gives it a modern, fun, and totally wearable update. 
It has double the drama – Two strands mean double the impact, double the elegance, and double the “Oh wow, where did you get that?”
 Those sleek gold tone spacers with tiny embedded crystals add just the right amount of sparkle, making this necklace feel luxurious without tipping into the “too much” territory.
Whether you’re rocking a power suit, a summer dress, or your favourite jeans and a crisp white shirt, this beauty fits right in. No rules. No restrictions. Just effortless style, versatile and chic!
​Wearing this piece signals that you have an eye for detail. You’re not just throwing on any old accessory—you’re choosing something that reflects your personality: you appreciate quality, but wear it with ease, elegant yet interesting, and fun yet sophisticated – you’re polished, but never boring, refined, but not rigid.
To me, that gives it the Caprilicious vibe.

This necklace is for the person who wants to look polished without looking old-fashioned. It’s for the woman who knows tradition but also knows how to break the rules. It’s classic enough to pair with anything, yet cool enough to make a statement.

​So, if you’re ready to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn (without looking like you just stepped out of a 1950s time capsule), grab this necklace and wear it your way. Grandma might raise an eyebrow… but let’s be real, she’ll probably want to borrow it.

And finally, let’s talk about a detail that often gets overlooked—the clasp. This isn’t some boring, functional afterthought that you fumble with while trying to put your necklace on in a rush. No, this is a statement clasp, and it deserves a moment in the spotlight.

This ornate gold and pearl clasp is a little work of art in itself. It’s rich, detailed, and just the right mix of vintage charm and contemporary elegance. It says, “Yes, I appreciate the finer things in life, but I also like a bit of fun.”
Most people think the magic of a necklace happens at the front, but with this beauty, the back is just as important. Wear your hair up—whether it’s in a sleek bun, a messy ponytail, or a chic chignon—and let the clasp be part of your look. Imagine turning around and catching someone’s eye as they notice that little unexpected flourish at your neckline.
​So, while everyone else is focused on statement earrings or bold rings, you’ll be making a quiet yet powerful impression—from every angle.

That's me for this week, folks. Have a fabulous weekend and I'll catch up with you soon. 
Until then
​xx

Hello folks, how are you today? It's getting warmer out there, inspiring me to think that spring is on it's way. Little green shoots are peeking out of the ground and the wind is distinctly less chilly. Bring it on, I say - I've had enough of being swaddled in a winter coat that resembles a duvet and thick winter tights. Fewer clothes and more jewellery - that's what I aspire to, and the thought that it will soon be here is lifting my spirits. 

There are times when the universe conspires to remind us of the sheer magic of the night sky. Recently, a rare planetary alignment had me standing outside in the cold, staring upwards like a hopeful astronomer, half-expecting some celestial revelation. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars lined up in a dazzling display, while the moon cast its cool glow over everything, painting the world in silver. It was one of those moments that made you feel like a tiny part of something vast and unknowable. You may be familiar with the fact that each full Moon in a year has a name - a practice that dates back to ancient traditions centuries before the Gregorian calendar existed. Full moons were historically named as a way of keeping track of the change of seasons and often influenced the timing of activities like hunting, harvesting and planting, where the bright moonlight could come in handy.
February's full Moon is known as the Snow Moon, after the heavy snowfall often associated with this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, but is also sometimes called the Storm Moon or Hungry Moon. I decided to make a necklace that was a love letter to moonlight, shimmer and celestial beauty.

That same moonlight, reflecting on the water, has captivated poets, lovers, and dreamers for centuries. There’s something about the way it dances over ripples, shifting and shimmering, that feels almost hypnotic. That was the feeling I wanted to capture in Moonlit Serenade.
This necklace is a hymn to moonlight, woven together with strands of kyanite, pale blue blister pearls, and sparkling crystals, all shimmering in that same ghostly, ethereal way. Kyanite, with its silvery-blue glow, is the star of the show—sometimes deep as the night sky, sometimes luminous as the full moon on still water. The pearls add their own soft luminescence, like tiny reflections of distant planets, while faceted blue crystals flicker like stars on the horizon.

At the front, the pendant—smoky topaz and labradorite set in silver—is like a talisman of celestial energy. The labradorite, with its shifting colours and mysterious glow, echoes the kyanite’s schiller, flashing blue, grey, and gold as it catches the light. The topaz, deep and smoky, is the contrast—the reminder that darkness is just as beautiful as light.

And then there’s the clasp. Not just any clasp, but a cameo carved from shell, depicting a lady gazing wistfully into the distance. Was she watching the stars? Or was she a figure from some lost myth, waiting for her lover beneath the moon’s glow? Who knows? What I do know is that getting her to sit upright at the back of the necklace, rather than upside-down or sideways, was an exercise in precision engineering. One wrong move and she could have spent eternity contemplating the wearer’s shoulder instead of the horizon.

Multi-strand necklaces have a mind of their own, so ensuring the pendant stayed at the front was another challenge. The strands needed just enough drape to flow gracefully, but not so much that they tangled into a chaotic mess. And since Moonlit Serenade can be worn two ways—twisted for a structured look or left loose for fluid elegance—everything had to align perfectly.

But the best things in life take time, don’t they? Whether it’s the planets aligning in the sky or the moon casting its glow on the ocean, the magic is in the waiting, the watching, the quiet appreciation of beauty. Moonlit Serenade is my tribute to that kind of beauty—the kind that shimmers, shifts, and enchants, just like moonlight on water.

That's me for this week, folks. Have a wonderful week and I'll catch you soon. 
Until then
​xx