#ESPspotlight REVIEW: 'CATCH A FIRE', ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL SOUTHBANK CENTRE, 13 JULY

Mr Marley Sir, We Jammed in your honour.

Brinsley Forde and the 'Catch A Fire' Project

I had no intention of blogging about 'Catch A Fire'; the orchestral interpretation of the 1973, Bob Marley and the Wailers film, that saw Brinsley Forde of ASWAD fame, lead the Jazz Jamaica brass band, the Urban Soul Orchestra string section, and the VoiceLab choir, in a unique reggae and jazz fusion that literally raised the roof. But what was supposed to be a rare evening off for a family outing, turned into a display of such original and innovative beauty, that I've been left with no choice but to tell you about it.

Being the Royal Festival Hall, it goes without saying that the acoustic friendly venue was the absolute perfect setting for an event of this nature. Even if there weren't solos showcasing the borderline ethereal abilities of almost every member of the rhythmic and brass sections, the natural sound meant there wasn't a note from any that went unheard...

Playing 6 tracks per show half; the arrangements by a sorely missed Jason Yarde, gave a brilliant introspective into some of the most beautiful moments in Jamaican musical history. From the Concrete Jungle opener, the amazing Mr Forde echoed the great Tuff Gong so closely, that this here music lover was not the only one to comment on the repeated chills experienced throughout.  In 30+ degree heat, rest assured, the air conditioning didn't have a thing to do with it. 'Slave Driver' followed, before 'Stop That Train'; the first of two tracks paying homage to the incomparable Peter Tosh. With the audience slowly but surely, stirring from the sun-induced stupor; 'Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby)', set the mood to 'Fully Engrossed' with the swift speed of a switch being flipped. 'Midnight Ravers' led to a little touch of 'Kinky Reggae'; and before you knew it, the first set was over and done with.

To say the second opened with a 'pulling no punches' rendition of 'Stir It Up', would be an understatement of EPIC proportions, as Forde's Marley-esque moves coaxed even the shyest of spectators out of their seats. The 240-strong VoiceLab most certainly made their welcome presence known for 'No More Trouble' and Tosh's second tribute, '400 Years'; by which time, almost the entire auditorium were on their feet. Band / Merriment Leader Gary Crosby left Brinsley Forde to lead VoiceLab and the Urban Soul Orchestra in a rendition of 'Redemption Song' so eerily captivating, that an awful lot of Souls in the room got seriously touched up...

In true Lolita fashion, Forde gave the musical equivalent of flashing a bit of thigh - teasing with snippets of 'Waiting In Vain' and 'I Shot The Sheriff', before Crosby returned, and resumed some semblance of order. 'One Love' took the crown for 'Biggest Sing-A-Long'; before the roof erupted for 'Lively Up Yourself'.

If Robert Nestor Marley himself had been in attendance, I firmly believe he would have loved the 'Catch A Fire' Project. More than just honouring him musically; the vibe and camaraderie from audience members - previously strangers, sharing stories in between the music; dancing together, as though they had known each other all of their lives - was the very essence of what we have come to learn the man behind the music was all about. For a few short hours, in the Royal Festival Hall's Southbank Centre, everyone shared One Love.

Were you in the building? Have you caught the live show? What was your take on the night? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

Until the next...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK, 7-16 JUNE

I broke my own rule prior to London Jewellery Week 2013. I adopted pre-conceived notions of what I thought the whole thing was going to be about, which is something I rarely, if ever, do. Now that the doors have closed for another year; I'm a big enough girl to admit that I was oh so very wrong. The sheer variety of event types that made up this 10-day shine fest was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best thing about it, whilst simultaneously being the most valuable lesson learned. For every pretentious jeweller, not interested in wasting time with a blogger outside of their usual respected publication list, there were 10 more, far more down-to-earth, genuine people, ready to share their creative inspirations and experience at their respective event; in other words - my kind of people! From jewellery making to exhibitions, to utter catwalk beauty; here's my rundown of London Jewellery Week 2013...

As you'll know from my first-day round up, Jewel East at Old Spitalfields Market was my first stop. The opportunity to speak with designers like Ayako Kanari and Michelle Oh directly was brilliant - particularly since I kept seeing their works pop up at different events throughout the week! A really enjoyable opener, I'm glad I picked the 3-day event as my first stop on the tour.

Made In Morley was my second. The chance to go behind the scenes and get a climpse at what actually goes into making the wonderful pieces I would go on to see throughout the various events actually gave me a greater appreciation of what I was looking at. I even got the opportunity to make my own - judge for yourself whether or not it was any good!

The Cold Lillies AW13 Private Press Launch at the Aldwych Hotel, was definitely a highlight of the entire event. Irish Company Co-Directors and Founders Kim Knowles and Ciara McKenna absolutely floored me by being such wonderfully warm and friendly hosts; making what could have been quite an uber-stuffy event, all the more enjoyable. The collections they showcased from 30+ designers were beautifully delicate. The chance to enjoy them in that quiet, intimate setting, afforded time to take in their sumptuous details, and also meet some of the designers on a one-to-one, informal footing; thus providing a brilliant setup for the The Watch Salon and Jewellery Show London taking place just around the corner.

After my first stint at Fashion Week in February, it seemed only fitting to return to Somerset House for my beginner's foray into our Capital's Jewellery and accessory equivalent. There was just far too much beauty to take in at The Watch Salon and Jewellery Show London in one day, so I had no choice but to attend both. Tough as that was; aside from meeting even more hugely talented people, it provided my biggest highpoint of the week - The Catwalk Show. From head-to-toe, every model's attire was positively stunning. It takes the crown for best all-round presentation to-date.

JeDeCo High Street Gems at the Oxo Tower Wharf exhibited an entirely unique collection of designers. What set them apart, was that the boutique was also taking part in the UK Shop Window Competition. It was great to see the creativity brought to life according to the competition brief, and lovely to meet Emma Beane, one of the designers behind the boutique entry's vision.

The Treasure VIP Opening Evening & Press Preview was the last event I attended, and it left me desperate for more than my annoyingly pressing diary would allow. The flagship event of Jewellery Week 2013 - also at Somerset House - was every bit the splendour that I expected; stopping just short of choruses of Marilyn singing about diamonds and the striking resemblance they bore to her best friend...No...wait...Yep, that was definitely her that I heard in my head. From the champagne reception to the jawdropping Swaroski Trail, it was a wonderful opportunity to speak with some of the designers that I read about during the lead up.

Alas, now that it's all done and literally dusted; I must thank LJW Managing Director, Della Tinsley and Comms and Events Manager, Nell Monck for having me along to their absolutely brilliant event. Thank the Heavens above I took a year's worth of photos (all on the ESP Facebook Page) to tide me over until the next; as I now find myself in serious withdrawal. I need shiny, pretty accessories, with fascinating backstories to accompany them...International Jewellery London in September, anyone?!

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: JEDECO HIGH STREET GEMS EXHIBITION, OXO TOWER WHARF, 13 JUNE

The thing that made the JeDeCo High Street Gems showcase stand out the most, was the relaxing, ambient feel, engineered to encourage each buyer's 1:1 personal shopping experience.

JeDeCo Boutique at OXO Tower Wharf, on London's Southbank

30 designers make up JeDeCo - the Jewellery Designers Collective. Luckily for me, the viewing also offered the opportunity to size up a contender for the High Street Gems Competition firsthand. The latest instalment of the 'Challenge Erica Chronicles' - in which I spent over 35 minutes in search of the place, due to inadequate (non-existent) signage and directions, either at the Oxo Tower Wharf location, or on the Jewellery Week website - actually ended up working in my favour. The end of day lull, meant that I had the place to myself and as such; could quietly take in everything on show, and consider the creative inspiration of each artist - my favourite topic once released from the familiar involuntary hypnosis caused by all the sparkly, pretty things on display...

JeDeCo's High Street Gems entry: 'Putting OXO on the Map'

Offering a fresh variety I had yet to see in each of the events up to that point, The print designs from Debbie Carlton Jewellery's brought a unique, colourful, 'carnival', sometimes gritty vibe to the competition centrepiece; entitled 'Putting Oxo on the Map'.

Annika Burman's 'Kaliedo' collection was pure attention-grabbing beauty

Annika Burman led the display case pack, with showpieces from her 'Rain', and 'Kaliedo' collections, making you question how these artists leave vision behind, and turn their imaginations into reality.

Anna Loucah's Fine Jewellery display was a visual tease...

Anna Loucah Fine Jewellery added some serious fire to the bunch, with regal designs that lived up to the name. I fell prey to the pretty as soon as my eyes landed on a bewitching pair of long, gold drop earrings with matching necklace set, that you could imagine being equally at home in Carey Mulligan's Gatsby wardrobe, as well as Patricia Velasquez' saucy get up for any one of The Mummy trilogy. Come to think of it, the gorgeous pair wouldn't look too bad in my own little trinket collection...

Siân Bostwick's 'Springtime' collection

Sian Bostwick's blue butterflies were made purely to tempt me. Shining brightly under those display case lights; the simple pieces were the perfect mix of vibrance through colour, while elegantly understated in design.

All Quarter Angel pieces are inspired by the London outdoors

Quarter Angel's tribute to the London skyline was another fascinating favourite. Like Annette Allen's watch strap at The Watch Salon only a few days prior, there is something unquestionably cool about recreating such intricate detail in a small, confined space.

Mangan is also one half of high-end wedding jewellers, Dennis & Lavery

Art is all about personal interpretation from a piece, and for me personally, I saw something medieval, even a smidgeon Celtic, in Cindy Dennis Mangan's collections. Actually inspired by female mythology. The Princess and the Python and Cleopatra's Curtain have, according to the JeDeCo Chairperson and Founder's website, 'taken the world by storm'. It's wasn't at all hard to see why.

Doreth Jones' variety covers teen style through to 'Mature Couture'

The Shining Star chain rings, and One Love earrings and bracelets by Doreth Jones Jewellery were another understated favourite. Full of youthful vitality, the designs would add that versatile final touch to the wardrobe of a mature teen, or even a stylish twenty-something. Don't think her variety stops there though; the more imaginative Shark Tooth rings, or adaptable silver, gold and green jade petal earrings, mean the teenyboppers aren't the only ones who are covered.

For more works from the JeDeCo boutique, including pieces from Catherine Marche, Dennis & Lavery Platinum, Kareece Peters, Katerina Damilos, Rosemary Lucas, and more; as well as extras from the designers featured above, visit the JeDeCo High Street Gems photo album on the ESP Ltd. Facebook page, and exercise your opinions in the form of that 'Like' button; or even the Comment Boxes on your favourite images.

Until the next folks!
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: TREASURE VIP OPENING & PRESS PREVIEW, SOMERSET HOUSE, 13 JUNE

In the final instalment of my 10-part, London Jewellery Week special fashion, style and elegance reigned supreme, as the finest Jewellers from across the world showed up to provide exactly the kind of regalia that I had been expecting at every stop during the event to date.

What I hadn't been expecting however, was how comfortably warm, and welcome (almost) all the exhibitors made a lowly blogger feel, and how unforgettable the night would be as a result. Everywhere you turned, gems, smiles, or both sparkled in return. Presented with my complimentary gift bag and champagne flute on entry; the usual question of Where To Begin(?) arose. As I mentally replied in my usual, Julie Andrews-esque fashion, I was greeted by Jewellery Week MD, Della Tinsley, and Comms and Events Manager, Nell Monck.

(l-r) Della Tinsley and Nell Monck

My gracious hosts welcomed me even more wholeheartedly than at the beginning of my Jewel East foray and, despite being in high demand with other guests, were genuinely keen to hear about my experiences since I had seen them last. If all organisers were as open to feedback as these ladies, I can promise you that there would never be another event hiccup again.

As well as introducing me to an entirely new set of designers, the event provided an opportunity to see a different wing of the lavish Somerset House estate. Prior to the Catwalk Show at Jewellery Show London the previous day, I had yet to visit the Embankment Galleries. Overlooking the murky River Thames; the contrast to the rest of the South Wing was just as enjoyable a surprise - it's brown brick tunnels, chrome accents, white walls and recessed galleries, fitting the bedazzling night's theme to a T.

HopSkip & Flutter

Separated into trails, I started with the lovely hall we were being ushered into, by super-friendly and helpful staff. HopSkip & Flutter had some beautiful porcelain pieces, that made you want to hop aboard the nearest carousel - a refreshing discovery, since I had yet to come across any designers competing with that particular material choice. It was the Vittorio Ceccoli stand however, who were the first to bring my eager feet to a standstill - mainly because crystal-embellished or not; they were rooted to the spot in eerie discomfort, at the sight of some far too real reptile reproductions.

Vittorio Ceccoli

Poppy Porter

Poppy Porter was my first favourite of the night; not just for her unusual shapes and designs, but also for her unique, inspirational starting point. A Grand Prix fanatic; Poppy uses mostly titanium, silver, and pearls, to create works that marry the sleekness of Formula 1 car designs with the vibrance of flowing Japanese-style kimonos, in the most unexpected of unions. 

My second favourite of the night, and strong contender for most compelling designer of London Jewellery Week, was Jessica de Lotz. From her personal fashion sense to the layout of her exhibition stand, everything about her screamed effortlessly interesting; her display showcasing some of the most interesting and unorthodox pieces I had witnessed to date. 1940's glamour draped Lotz' imaginative collection, which ranged from rings with eyes to apple core necklaces.

Jessica de Lotz

Chatting about her inspirations and methods did nothing to dispel her charm - instead making the creations all the more fascinating. A story behind everything the eye fell upon, I could quite happily have spent the rest of the evening immersing myself in the detail of each piece but alas, there were five other trails to see, not including the Men's collection...

Jessica de Lotz

Onward to the Swarovski trail and, unfortunately for those others, that beautiful stretch of space held this willing victim captive in the throes of crystal beauty for the rest of the party. Past winners and entrants were celebrated at the I-Beads and Crystal Glam 2013 stands, with breathtaking works like Océanie Créations' 'La Marquise de Pompadour', and Aria Campbell-Kelly's 'Two Forty-Five' offering the opportunity to get completely lost in indulgence.

'La Marquise de Pompadour' by Océanie Créations, 3rd Place Winner, Swarovski's 2010 European Design Contest

'Two Forty-Five' by Aria Campbell-Kelly
2nd Place Winner, Swarovski 2010 European Design Contest

In the far too short moments that followed, building security announced the end of my reverie and with it, the final chapter of an experience so far removed from what I was expecting when I began this series, that I couldn't possibly fathom taking any more information away from it. The Treasure trails launch was the perfect close to my Jewellery Week exploits. The celebration of talent, beauty, creative innovation, skill and most importantly, education, was an unmissable eye-opener to an unfamiliar world, that I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about fashion. London Jewellery Week was a brilliant introduction to, and timely reminder of, the credible position of accessories as a separate faction under the massive expanse covered by the fashion industry.

Thanks for having me #JW13!

For the Treasure VIP Opening Evening and Press Preview photo album all snapped by Yours Truly, you know exactly where to head - straight over to the ESP Ltd. Facebook Page. Don't forget to share your lovely 'Likes' and comments on anything that catches your eye. Your feedback and opinions are always welcome!




Until next time...
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: THE JEWELLERY SHOW LONDON - CATWALK SHOW, 12 JUNE

From the moment I received the London Jewellery Week press kit and examined the 'What's On' guide; the catwalk show was 'The Main Event', that I could barely contain my excitement for. Scheduled during the latter half of the 10-day extravaganza; I was anxious not to set the rest of the show up to fail, by allowing my eagerness to pale the other 'goings on' by comparison and so, I did as I was taught from a very young age - saw everything else first, and saved the best until last. Essentially, I made it the meat to look forward to, on a plate of brussel sprouts and broccoli. Vanessa Williams had nothing on the rules of my family dinner table!

A staggering 48 Watch, Jewellery and Fashion combinations from exhibiting designers at #JW13 showcased pieces across 6 different themes; 'Minimal Elegance', 'Heritage', 'Timeless', 'Sublime Nature', 'Living Embellishment', and 'Fragmented'.

Within minutes of the show starting, I realised two crucial things:

1. The styling was jawdroppingly magnificent. The handiwork of fashion stylist Siouxsie; clothing by designers such as Hellen Van Rees, Carlotta Actis Barone, Shubham Jain, Rebecca Street, Natasha Zinko and many (many) more, somehow managed to strike the perfect balance between controversial and attention-grabbing; without overshadowing, or detracting from, the accessories on show - instead enhancing the drama and regalia all-round.

2. To properly soak up, interpret and appreciate the deluge of information presented once the initial 'WOW Factor' has calmed; you really need to indulge in the show a good 2-3 times, blowing my silly intentions all the way to style purgatory.

Alas, I did my best to bring you as many of the works as my camera trigger finger would allow...If you're following me on Instagram, then you've already had a sneak peek; but if not, then revel in the nostalgic beauty posted in the photo album on the ESP Facebook Page. I know I'm still reliving them!

Did you attend the Jewellery Show London's Catwalk Show? What were your thoughts? Any favourite looks? You know where to go - your Comment Box below is extra warm and inviting...

The penultimate instalment of my London Jewellery Week series is on the way - Stay Tuned!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENTS: CUTTING EDGE FASHION SHOWCASE, THE HAC ARMOURY HOUSE, 20 JULY

Saturday, 20 July will see the Cutting Edge showcase take over The HAC Armoury House on City Road; where an exclusive array of emerging designers will première new products and brands to a select audience.

With accompanying entertainment from spoken word artists, singers, musicians and more, like the superbly talented Hip-Hop MC Laughta; this show is set to seal it's position amongst the iconic show brands best known for celebrating all that British contemporary talent has to offer.

Exhibitors to include:

AKIRFA

SUPERIOR LABEL

ANGELA AMANKWAH 

SO FAMOUS 

INDIGO PINK CLOTHING with more names to be announced on the night.

This free event requires you to register for your ticket via Eventbrite beforehand, and is the only means of entry.

Running from 17-21:00, the show will take place at:

THE HAC Armoury House 

City Road 

London EC1Y 2BQ

(Location Map)

See you there!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENTS: @LAUGHTA1 TO PERFORM AT TAKE THE STAGE, CAMDEN ROCK, 14 JULY

DARKROOM PROMOTIONS 

Presents 

THE LAST 'TAKE THE STAGE EVENTS' @ CAMDEN ROCK

BIRTHDAY FREENESS CALL NOW 

It's DJ MAGIC-JAY 31st Birthday on 15th July so come and celebrate with him and if it's your Birthday we will sing Happy Birthday to you.

Date: 14th July 2013

Camden Rock 

18 KENTISH TOWN ROAD, 

CAMDEN TOWN, NW1 9NX

(1 MIN WALK FROM CAMDEN TOWN TUBE STATION)

Tel: 0207 284 2131 

www.camdenrock.co.uk 

Doors Open : 19:00pm - 2.00am

(After Party 12am till late)

Admission:

£8 all night with a FREE DRINK ON ENTRY 

Free if you was born between 'June 22nd - July 23rd' {Bring ID}

Who lives in and around London City an the UK, and birthday is between 'JUNE 22nd - JULY 23rd' as it's going to be 'TAKE THE STAGE EVENTS' last show at Camden Rock. 

So we have got a wonderful treat for you Ladies get your nails done by YOU LOVE NAILS (Twitter).

Food supplied by: CHICKEN KING OF CAMDEN 

Host: MAGIC-JAY 

Taking The Stage:

C BLOCK 

TUGGAWAR 

SHANTI FORCE 

M DOT R 

DRAY DELTA & CLENCHA 

G RANGE 

RUINZ ASON 

LAUGHTA 

KAI 

ZEPH 

SMILA 

And also there will be a 'TAKE THE STAGE OPEN MIC SHOW' for any other artists that would like to perform you can do one song or a freestyle. 

Take The Stage DJs : 

STRICKLY VYBZ

DJ RICHIE FEELINGS

DJ DEFENCE

DJ COBRA

Photography by

Mr Ripz Photography

ST Photography 

Filmed by 

Triple S Media 

Photography by

Freeze Frame Media 

Sponsored By: 

UK One Media 

Triple S Brand 

Geek Star World 

Urban Got Talent 

Check us out: 

Website / Twitter / Twitter TV / Instagram

WHATSAPP / CALL US:

Call or send me your name and number plus Blackberry Pin ASAP 

MAGIC-JAY

07508161440

BBM Pin:210A9097

BUBBA 

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HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKE TO TAKE THE STAGE ?

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: JEWELLERY SHOW LONDON (PART TWO), 11-12 JUNE

The Jewellery Show London misled me.

I arrived at Somerset House on Day One, sized up my surroundings, and thought: "Well finally! An event at #JW13 that's living up to my expectations - a bunch of sparklies in a price bracket the normal person cannot even begin to contemplate, and sellers not too shy to let them know it." I soon learned the folly in my rash judgement would be revisited upon me several times more before Jewellery Week's end.

My experience began before I even made it to the first floor of the Embankment Galleries; where the uber-stylish Rock Fest was already in full swing. Whilst I was busy asking one of the many, very friendly and helpful staff on the ground floor to point me in the direction of The Stones - Gems, not Rolling - I was stopped by the Marketing Manager from the Violet Darkling, who personally escorted me up to their stand and introduced me to the team, and designer behind the name.

Louisa's designs focus on the beauty of night

Intrigued by that name before I even set eyes on the pieces; I was less impressed by the brand's celebrity following - apparently a certain famous Baijan Boo...I mean Beauty is a big fan - and far more interested in the 'things that go bump in the night' design inspirations by New Zealand native, creator Louisa Richwhite. Driven by all things nocturnal; hearing how Richwhite brings her visions to life was almost as mystically captivating as the designs she creates. The intricacy in her detailing made you want to hear the stories behind each piece. Knowing how susceptible I am to themes and concepts, and aware that the clock was ticking dangerously close to closing time, I tore myself away before I completely forgot how many rooms I counted on the floor plan.

Borderline ritualistic in how I break down my time at events and exhibitions; I started back at the very beginning of the jewellery exhibition, with Von Trappe-esque precision and methodology. Taking it from the top landed me in the Di Perle Room or, as it should rightly have been entitled - 'Perle Heaven'. Never in my life have I seen so many pearls, in so many colours, shapes and varieties in such a confined space! The only way one could have enjoyed the moment more, was if they were literally frolicking in a paddle pool full of the things, until they ended up in places best known for a different kind of hidden treasure...

Pearl Heaven...

Exiting stage left before I ended up lost in my darkside, I made my way to the next room, housing collections from Ralph Masri, Meditteraneo, Anticoa, LipPlus Flower Jewellery From Italy and the International Gemological Institute, where I met Claudia, one half of the Anticoa design team, and her very shy daughter. Along with husband Aldo, Claudia has been hand-crafting jewellery for the past 20 years, and is currently showcasing their latest collection on the worldwide jewellery fair circuit. With pieces as gorgeous as these (as well as those in the album on the ESP Facebook Page), it's no wonder that their designs have had such longevity, or that the brand has found a place with every cultural audience.

A genuine family business - Aldo and Claudia began 20 years ago, and have training their daughter in all aspects...

Closing time was nigh, leaving only a few minutes to visit the Amaro and Maree London stands in the room next door, alongside the Violet Darkling team I met to begin with. Whilst Amaro had one of my favourite collections of the day, it was with Maree London owner and designer Maria Thompson that I had one of my favourite encounters throughout Jewellery Week's entirety. Not just in love with her beautifully delicate silver and gold designs; Maria was the welcoming type of down-to-earth personality that gave this event strength and credibility. Equally repellent of the heirs and graces that were unavoidable with the representatives of certain brands; it was the genuine, relatable approach of a business savvy woman who knows her brand, who her markets are, and why she has a place with them, that made me linger and talk more than one should when they're on a timer, with so much ground still to cover. Fortunately, it didn't take 10 minutes of conversation to discover that more than the best gift basket from Revlon themselves, the Maree London collection and designer were worth it...

Maree London's Silver, Gold and Rose Gold collection were a beautiful variety based on one original idea

Returning for Day Two with fresh vigour and enthusiasm, a different entry point to the first floor meant that my bearings from the previous night were slightly off and so, the new day started with a visit to an entirely new group room.

Magnetic Jewellers.com, Mantis 7, Ai Jade, and Nota Bene Jewellery, and Elisa & Janna all provided equally stopworthy stands, with collections hotter than the small room's boiling interior. Mantis 7 probably took the crown for the most unique collection in the room; which is probably just as well, considering the line housed a varied selection of skulls to actually sit a crown on top of...

Roger Canevari's showpiece, now 7 years old, a silver buckle cast in wax

I have to say, I never before considered the circumstances under which I might describe miniature decorated craniums as 'fashion'...or even remotely interesting; not being a crossbones-loving kinda gal. Designer Roger Canevari described his childhood fascination with the structure that houses our noggins with such a passion however, that even I saw them with new mystical eyes, no blood, gore, or matter involved.

The quartz and copper designs by Elisa Tummillo and Johanna Curti, better known as Elisa & Janna, were just the kind of stuff to take your breath away. Environmentally aware, the jewellery maker (Tummillo) and gemologist (Curti) brand the pieces they make with recycled copper tubing, textiles, wires and other materials that our society discards, as 'Sculpture Jewellery', proving that there really is beauty in everything.

Ai Jade Jewellery was full of beautiful butterflies in a variety of gorgeous gemstones - some of which I couldn't even name, and the designs by stand neighbours Nota Bene were so delicately chic, that you couldn't help but feel taken back in time, to the jewellery boxes of Hayworth, Crawford and Bergman.

Just about time for one more room, before the catwalk show I had been looking forward to since I first saw the Jewellery Week timetable; I definitely left my most lavish stop for last. Retail Jeweller UK Finalist, Ornella Ianuzzi drew similar inspirations from nature as Michelle Oh; whose collections were on show at Jewel East the previous week, and the Coldlilies Private Viewing the previous day, making it near impossible not to draw a comparison between the two. Not to detract from the complexity of Ianuzzi's pieces, equally exquisite in their own right.

It was at the next stand that I experienced another highlight of my entire #JW13 visit. The collection on show by Noga Jewellery Design absolutely blew me away; not just with it's beauty, but also the degree of detail that artist - and I mean that in every sense of the word - Noga Goldstein, puts into each piece that she creates. Using various kinds of natural seeds that she collects on walks with her children as her guide; Goldstein recreates them so literally, that you wouldn't be alone in assuming she must have dipped the natural elements in gold fondue, tenderly set a precious stone, and left both to dry with love. You'd be wrong, but you wouldn't be alone. Talking with Noga made you want to visit her Italian atelier in the Galilee Hills, sit in a rocking chair, and just watch her work, while you sip on a chilled glass of Moscato, her story was that fascinating.

Noga collects pieces of nature, and uses them to fashion her designs...

It was just as well I'd set several countdown alarms on my phone to keep me on target, otherwise I may have ended up too far lost in a reverie where Noga adopted me (sorry Mum), to be found again. Tearing myself from my new found happy place to advance to the next stand took a momentous effort, made only somewhat easier by the simple, but pretty, Shiny Wish collection. R. E. Morrish earned the award for biggest gemstones on the block, with designs reminiscent of red carpet loans sanctioned by the E! Channel's Style Police. There was no way you were going to walk past Jeff Hoopman's Jewels and not pay attention. Where Violet Darkling's nocturnal creations were mystical and mysterious; Hoopman's species ran the gamut between whimsical and creepy (if you're a fellow arachnophobic). It took every fibre of my being - and a lot of inner pep-talking and focus - not to be distracted (terrified) by the all too realistic creepy-crawly strategically perched on his shoulder throughout out entire conversation; but manage it I did, with the help of a golden octopus, it's gem of a heart and a really interesting conversation about the subtle elements infused within each of his handmade creations, immediately noticeable, if you just stop and take a really good look.

Jeff Hoopman's 'Octopus with Pearls'

The Viva Emotion stand, with their precious stones in Sterling Silver settings was the last to command my attention before the final buzzer sounded, and I hotfooted it to the basement just in time to be seated. Down went the lights, up went my excitement and anticipation - my biggest highlight was about to begin...

Stay tuned - the third and final instalment of my Jewellery Show London special is on the way!

Until the next...

ES ;)

For the Jewellery Show photo album in full, with collections by each of the designers mentioned and more, including London Road, CARAT*, Lalique, fei Liu, Divine Gems BVBA, Lundajoia, and Eleuterio, visit the ESP Facebook Page.