Luxury jewellery and goods in auction

EXPENSIVE jewellery made by the designer of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's wedding rings is to go under the hammer at a Scunthorpe firm.

Town-based auctioneers CJM Asset Management will to put an extraordinary cache of designer jewellery, sculptures, furnishings and luxury goods up for sale following the bankruptcy of the two partners at a collapsed York-based property firm.

The jewellery includes a number of pieces by Stephen Webster, arguably Britain's foremost jewellery designer of the moment, who made the wedding rings for Madonna and Guy Ritchie.

Items ranging from wristwatches costing up to £30,000 and jewellery by the most exclusive modern designers to limited edition fountain pens which retailed for thousands of pounds are to be sold off in the auction at Oaklands Hotel, Laceby, on Tuesday evening.

It has been estimated the retail value of the 180 lots being put under the hammer is close to £250,000.

There will be three Rolexes, including an 18 carat white gold ladies' watch with diamonds for numerals.

For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.

Source: thisisscunthorpe.co.uk

burdened diamond dealers welcome supply cut

The head of a diamond trading group said a downturn in the United States, the world's top consumer, may compound his members debt burden, and as such he welcomed a move by De Beers to trim supply in the coming months. Avi Paz, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday he was concerned about the debt burden in the diamond industry.
"The banks are nervous, the banks are looking at every diamond dealer, and looking at the debt and how they are covered," he said by telephone from Israel.
"I call on my colleagues to be careful, to have liquidity."
A rough estimate of total debt in the diamond industry was $12 billion to $15 billion, but so far there had been only isolated problems, he added.
The Belgium-based federation is an umbrella organisation representing 26 member bourses that trade in rough and polished diamonds and precious stones.
Paz issued a statement last week asking diamond producers to reduce supply during the current economic turmoil to stabilise the sector.
He welcomed a move by diamond giant De Beers, which controls around 40 percent of the market, to reduce the amount of unpolished gems at its next two sales due to reduced demand.
"This is a very important statement, it will assure the diamond industry worldwide."
"BE CAREFUL"
He said De Beers "sightholders" -- tightly screened clients -- had an obligation to buy the unpolished diamonds on offer at periodic sales.
In the current economic climate, however, they might find it difficult to sell all the processed material to jewellery makers and end up with increased debt burdens.
Diamond prices, which have surged in recent years on tight supply and buoyant demand, have recently been hit by the global credit crisis.
Until now mass-market jewellery using small diamonds have been hardest hit by the downturn in the United States, the biggest consumer of diamond jewellery, accounting for half of the total market.
But recently, even prices of large, high-quality stones that appeal to the very wealthy have declined.
A lot of diamonds were still being sold in the United States and the product should appeal to people wanting a safe haven investment, Paz said.
But he urged those in the industry to be cautious about developments in the future. "I'm worried, I think people should be careful about next year... they should take steps to be liquid and not over-buy in polished and in rough (diamonds)."
De Beers, 45 percent owned by mining group Anglo American Plc, said in August it had boosted rough diamond prices by around 16 percent so far in 2008 due to strong demand.
But it said in July it was cautious about developments in the second half due to a downturn in the United States.

Inspired by the classical

MODERN creations with an old world aura - that's how best to describe Temple St Clair jewellery. Inspired by European Renaissance aesthetics, they may be old world but they're certainly the hot rocks of this age - recognised as timeless modern classics.

Temple St Clair jewellery made its debut in Barneys New York in the late 1980s, setting the tone for the iconic department store's fine jewellery section. From there, a hobby and a means to support an interest in travel and research became a business for American designer Temple St Clair Carr who has crafted it further ever since.

Ms Carr's eponymous jewellery is now distributed through over 100 retailers in the US, and leading stores in a few countries, such as Harrods in London as well as Isetan in Japan. There are plans to roll out more points of sale in Asia by late next year, but the American designer was in town a couple of weeks ago to present her jewellery in an exclusive jewellery showcase, Zenith Affair, held at the Raffles Hotel.

Making jewellery is something she 'fell into', she explains, when studying Italian Renaissance art and history in Florence. 'I was very deep into 14th and 15th century Italy and looking at all the art and architectural details and then reading the great literature of the centuries, and I wanted a piece of jewellery (that reflected that). Italy is famous for its jewellery but nothing appealed to me. It was all quite commercial.'

So she decided to design her own, seeking out Florentine goldsmiths. 'The goldsmith guild in Florence has been and largely remains a man's world, so it was quite something for them to be approached by a woman,' records Ms Carr, in a new coffeetable book on her jewellery, published by Harper Collins.

One piece she sketched that was made by the goldsmith led to another, and yet another, and Ms Carr ended up staying in Florence for close to 12 years, designing jewellery that she would sell in small, private shows in America whenever she returned. The jewellery was spotted by a Barneys' scout in Italy and the rest is history.

'My early collection of jewellery designs were very historically-based inspirations then,' she says, as she studied goldwork of ancient Etruscans and early Greeks, and had incorporated a lot of tiny gold beading and granulation work into her 22-karat gold designs, featuring coloured cabuchon gemstones.

These days, her jewellery is much more contemporary, made with 18-karat gold, for example. Besides designs which still hint at ancient and classical worlds, egg-shaped rock crystals are another signature Temple St Clair design. Her latest Fall/Winter collection features serpents and dragonflies; while butterflies featured in the Spring collection.

For Spring 2009, the mermaid will be the central theme - what mermaids might wear, such as a crystal amulet with a 'netting' of royal blue moonstones and blue sapphires and diamond-studded starfish. She's already designing the Spring 2010 collection, disclosing that it'll be Matisse-inspired.

Asked to describe the Temple St Clair brand, Ms Carr says it's a young heritage brand, much like Bulgari and Cartier when they first started out, with individual designers at the helm. And yes, she already has fans who buy her jewellery as collectibles.

'People are looking for unique, special things, not only stylish, but made in fine way' - that, she reckons, is the appeal of her jewellery.

For the accidental designer, jewellery gives her the luxury of being both an artist and an academic, says Ms Carr, because she is constantly researching themes and ideas. Many factors have coincided to bring her interests and passions together in a career in jewellery, she notes in her book's foreword; but then again, it's a rare artist who is able to make art - in her case jewellery - that is collected as timeless pieces.

Italian Jewellery Awards to take place in Amalfi

The Italian Jewellery Awards, taking place 15 November 2008 in Amalfi, Italy announces the following five finalists to its selected judges:

• Sarah Ho; the devoted founder of SHO Fine Jewellery, aged 29 and qualified as Goldsmith & Gemmologist from the HRD Institute of Gemmology in Antwerp, Belgium. Sarah has integrated fashion into her jewellery by carrying seasonal trends, ensuring SHO designs stays fresh and exciting.

• Marisa Hodern, is one of the three jewellery designers behind Missoma; a mother and daughter team, all sharing a passion for modern and contemporary jewellery design. Specialising in 18ct gold vermeil jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones, Missoma has become known for its unique designs and instantly recognisable vibrant colours! Loved by style icons such as Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johanssen, Missoma has attracted a loyal and ever-growing fan-base in the UK and abroad, and is stocked in over 15 countries worldwide including department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Liberty.

• Anthony Roussel, graduated as jewellery designer from London Metropolitan University in 2007. Although he is trained in metalwork, his real love for materials is found in wood. By combining an ancient organic material with new digital design tools, he has caught the attention of key international galleries and collectors.

• Ornella Iannuzzi, Ornella established her business after graduating from the Royal College of Art in June 2007. Ornella pays homage to nature through the jewellery using only materials from sustainable sources, exploring vulnerability and the impact of that man has had on the environment.

Today she is working with different online galleries such as “Things we love” or “Object Fetish”- based in the USA. Her latest collections were featured in the press both nationally and internationally such as in the Retail Jeweller, Jewellery Focus, Jewellery In Britain, J-Dex, Goldsmith or Dreams magazine. Furthermore, she was shortlisted last July for the UK Jewellery Award, in both categories “Young Designer of the Year” & “Jewellery Designer of the Year”.

• Zinzi Coetzee 27 & Ursula Horton 26; founders and designers of Francesca Sibylla Augusta. Zinzi and Ursula graduated together at Central St Martin in 2005 and from London College of Fashion in 2007. Working with fine and precious materials, mixing traditional hand craftsmanship with modern technology, Francesca Sibylla Augusta offers pieces that are perfect and unique.

To uphold the multidimensional standards, The Italian Jewellery Awards has chosen Italian and British judges, all with significant field expertise, to evaluate the jewellery and design presented.

Captivating Swarovski crystal jewellery

Swarovski once again welcomes the festive season with its wonderful collection of crystals! Butterflies, flowers and birds in dazzling colours accented with special effects and patterns, in a price range of Rs 5700 to 46,500 are on display. Crystalline tea lights, candleholders, treasure boxes, crystal bowls and picture Frames come in the range of Rs 13,400- 25,000 Tinkerbell from the Disney collection for sale only in 2008 is available for Rs 17,600. The Bridal Collection of jewellery and bridal gifts deserves special mention for its elegance and uniqueness. Swarovski crystal jewellery is of international classy designs with either gold or rhodium finish, set with clear or coloured crystals or in a combination of both, in exclusive patterns. You can take your pick from a large collection of pendants, earrings, necklaces, finger rings, hair pins, broaches, bracelets and cuff links in affordable prices. Each and every piece comes with a universal warranty of 2 years and impeccable after - sales service.

This old bling? Why the seriously stylish are snubbing new jewellery designs in favour of re-vamping vintage

So, how are fashion lovers achieving this? One word: vintage.

Vintage jewellery is piping hot, be it rare costume pieces from yesteryear, or family heirlooms. It's become the ultimate way to avoid fashion-snap at parties while also hanging on to, or buying into history.

'Women tell me that they're on a quest to find something unique - something customised or personalised - and vintage holds the solution,' says Marigay McKee, fashion director at Harrods.

Indeed, now more than ever, there is something a bit tasteless about flashing something that everyone knows cost a fortune.

Vintage is more subtle. And you won't bump into anyone else wearing the same piece.

'I really love the costume jewellery from the Eighties and Nineties, the really bold stuff by Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel,' says Cameron Silver, owner of the hip LA vintage store Decades.

The shop counts Julia Roberts and Renee Zellweger among its fans, and has opened a concession at London's Dover Street Market.

He adds: 'Vintage pieces are also often cheaper than the new designer costume pieces and it's less disposable - more of an investment.'

Vintage pieces are timeless and created in an era when designs were meant to last beyond one season and coordinate with multiple outfits.

But, for those looking for a more updated look, there are also a host of labels putting a twist on vintage jewels.

Tom Binns, for one, is a favourite among celebrities (not least Michelle Obama, who wore a necklace to meet Vogue editor Anna Wintour) and has pioneered the nouveau- vintage look in costume jewellery, incorporating bits of old diamante with jewels and different clasps.

The pieces are instant hits each season at every upscale stores from Harrods and Harvey Nichols to Net-a-Porter.com. (His stockist list reads like a who's who of fashion retailer power players

Damas brings Brazilian jewellery by Vancox

Damas is celebrating the rare charm of Brazilian jewels with the debut of Vancox in the UAE.

Founded over two decades ago in Brazil, the jewellery house won over New York’s fashion set and soon after made waves in other parts of the globe.

To mark the launch, an exclusive reception was held at the Jewellery Court, Saks Fifth Avenue in Burjuman Centre. Models wearing Vancox jewels sashayed to the beat of soothing Brazilian music.

Inspired by feminine mystique and sensuality, the latest collection spreads exquisite rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets featuring aquamarines, tourmalines, amethysts, diamonds, rubies, turquoises, citrines, topazes, pearls and other unique stones set in 18 carat gold.

“Vancox proposes unique jewels to stylish women around the world. When I started the brand over two decades ago, my main objective was to create jewels that reflect nature’s beauty and the wearers’ joie de vivre. It is in the same breath that we offer you our latest collection,” stated Ricardo Bronfen, the creative mind behind the brand.

“We are pleased to add another highly-acclaimed name to our roster of international brands. Vancox emphasises outstanding design and creative application of exotic gems, which are sure to appeal to our sophisticated clientele,” said Tamjid Abdullah, deputy managing director of Damas, the exclusive partner of Vancox in the UAE.

The Vancox workshop is located near the famed mines of Minas Gerais, one of the most important and diversified gemological spots in the world. B

Collection to look out for at the special promotion include the Lotus collection, the Pastilha Collection, the Nautilus collection, the Renascença collection and the Morro Velho.

“Vancox is a jewellery design studio that manufactures jewellery, and not a jewellery manufacturing company with a design department,” Bronfen added.

Fatlip to unveil new jewellery directions next year

Costume jeweller Fatlip is poised to unveil some new collections in spring. Featuring in the latest collections will be chunky amethyst, tiger eye and agate beads, and a resin range. Fatlip will be taking its latest ranges to Spring Fair, Torquay Gift Fair and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring at the beginning of next year. As well as showcasing its new collections, the supplier will also be exhibiting with its classic lines. Fatlip is also launching a new range of jewellery display products comprising busts and stands made from paper, wood, metal and acrylic. Stands for long and short necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings will all be available. Making up the more traditional Fatlip lines will be jewellery featuring shell, stone, pearl, acrylic, glass, and resin and metal. Fatlip said that colour will continue to play a major role in its collections, sitting alongside its black and silver Midnight collection.

Pearl show at Dubai Jewellery Week

Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008 is all set to celebrate the humble pearl that gave the city its first taste of prosperity. Scheduled between November 11 and 15, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will showcase a new range of chocolate-coloured Tahiti pearl ornaments, including bracelets, necklaces and pendants, embedded with diamonds, gems and jade. Europearls – a leading pearl company and the Chinese-based Fine Pearl Jewellery Co. Ltd. will display their products at the exhibition. Last year, Dubai saw gold and diamond jewellery sales rise by 15 and 47 per cent respectively. In fact, with transactions worth 14 per cent of the world’s total jewellery sales, Dubai is often known as the ‘The City of Gold’. But interestingly, the desert city was never built on gold. Pearling was the main source of income for people of the Arabian Gulf in 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the industry received a major blow with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl. Pearling ceased after the Second World War, when independent India imposed heavy tax on pearls imported from the Gulf. Today however, the pearl has witnessed a resurgence, shedding its old-fashioned image and has become bolder than ever. Pearl jewellery does not merely represent the traditional white pearl necklace. In fact, its popularity stems from its versatility in colours, shapes and textures. The Dubai International Jewellery Week is all set to delight pearl lovers and win over sceptics who think pearls are only worn by grandmothers.

Festival of Gold 2008 being held in New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct.15 (ANI): If you also happen to be one of those who have taken to artificially jewellery and forgotten the joy of wearing ‘Gold’, there is something mesmerizing waiting for you at the ‘Festival of Gold 2008′ in New Delhi. The 22nd edition of India’s largest gold and jewellery show, which is being held here in New Delhi’s Ashoka Hotel from October 13 to 21, has put on display the best jewellery designs by 40 famous jewellers from across the country. The exhibition provides an exclusive opportunity for customers to choose and buy jewellery, medallions, and silverware of a wide variety. It has over 70,000 designed and studded pieces showcased by the top jewelers of the country. Bollywood actress Kajol Devgan inaugurated the ‘Festival of Gold 2008′ show here on Monday. “I think gold is always very special. Whenever you think of gold on any occasion, you feel special. It’s something that has religious meaning as well as special meaning to everybody and it is very expensive. Well, who doesn’t like gold? You love everything that is beautiful and gold is one of those beautiful things,” said Kajol Devgan. The exhibition is a part of MMTC’s efforts to provide quality, hallmarked gold jewellery to customers. Sanjeev Batra, the Chairman and Managing Director of MMTC, described gold as the safest mode of investment in the current global meltdown. “People are more interested in gold because the stock market is very volatile. You can see what has happened on Friday (October 10). So people want to balance their portfolio. Fund managers advise at least 10 per cent of the investment should be in gold so that they have very balanced portfolio. Stock market falls and at such times people run to gold and… gold prices go up, the property prices fall…people go to gold because they consider it has an edge over other investments,” said Sanjeev Batra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, MMTC. Exquisite and trendy designs in gold, diamond and semi precious stones have left the visitors quite enchanted and dazzled. Prospective buyers are making a beeline to the venue of Gold show here. “Anyway gold is a good investment because the gold prices always go high and during Diwali season especially, as it is considered auspicious to buy gold,” said Anjali, a customer. Besides, a unique feature of exhibition is the exclusive stall named ‘Bridal Collection - the Saubhagya Range’ and ‘The Heritage Collection’ displaying special pieces of jewellery. The different styles and patterns of jewellery worn by brides reflecting traditions of different parts of the country have been put up on sale. MMTC is also selling its ‘Sanchi’ brand of silverware in the exhibition. This brand is known for its exclusive designs, purity, quality and spectacular craftsmanship. The gems and jewellery sector is today a fast growing industry in the country which occupies an important position in the Indian economy and accounts for nearly 13.05 per cent of the country’s total exports. By Damanjit Kohli (ANI)

Heavenly gems in Hatton Garden

Nestled on an inconspicuous street corner deep in the heart of London’s historic diamond trading district, Star Jewellers is a highly regarded vendor of precious gemstone jewellery with an expertise in diamonds. Established in 1997, Star Jewellers have quietly spent the last decade establishing themselves as one of the leading retailers in Hatton Garden and enjoy a hard earned reputation for quality, value and service. With over 40 years collective experience in the diamond trade, the company’s staff are well versed in advising clients on the purchase of wedding and engagement rings, in addition to the full range of special occasion gift and high end contemporary fashion pieces. Celebrity clientele include Sir Paul McCartney, John Carew, Sarah Cox, James Nesbitt and Katie Dearham. The luxury brand stocks an inspiring and delectable range of rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, engagement and wedding bands for men and women of discerning taste. Supplementing the classic styles is an eye-catching line of more dramatic, stylish jewellery featuring delightfully colourful precious stones such as amythest, topaz, rubies, coral, pearls, citrine and peridot. A covetable array of fancy diamonds, sapphires and tourmaline are also on the menu. “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” sang Marilyn Monroe back in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - and how right she was! The name diamond derives from the ancient Greek ἀäÜìáò (adamas) meaning "invincible" or "untamed". The clear carbon deposits are the world’s hardest naturally occurring minerals, and have been treasured as gemstones through the ages. The earliest records of human history describe use of the gems as religious icons in ancient India and engraving tools in the western world. The mass popularity of diamonds has increased during the 19th century due to increased supply, improved production techniques and general growth in the world economy. The fiery stones have stood the test of time to prevail as the ultimate symbol of love and an iconic hallmark of timeless elegance. In the face of the credit crunch, Star Jewellers have devised a generous and practical offer to incentivise customers in the wedding jewellery market. Individuals spending over a nominated amount at the store will be rewarded with complementary items of diamond jewellery for their bridesmaids; a beautiful selection of earrings and pendants are available. For City Workers grappling with the volatile markets of late, the store is hosting Champagne events after the markets close on Friday afternoons. Traders can celebrate the start of the weekend and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of bubbly, while perusing the brand’s key pieces of jewellery with no obligation to buy. Adrian Demondez, Head of Retail at Star Jewellers, commented: “We are very proud to trade in Hatton Garden, a historic area with a long standing tradition of excellence in jewellery production. At Star Jewellers we pride ourselves on unparalleled levels of customer service; our consultants are attentive, knowledgeable and above all, approachable. Our specialism is in diamonds and particularly rings, but we also commission bespoke items for our clients and work with a wide variety of precious gems. We hope that our current offers will appeal to the public and a warm welcome is always available in our store at 70 Hatton Garden.”

Diamond trade feels the heat of worldwide financial crisis

The global diamond trade is bracing for a slowdown due to the on-going worldwide credit crunch, with diamond cutting centres and merchants around the world expecting sharp declines in business even in the normally buoyant Christmas season.

People in the diamond industry say signs of a slowdown are already visible in the global diamond industry. Youri Stevenrlynck, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), said: "During any financial turmoil investors resort to parking their money in gold as a safe haven. While gold prices have gone up substantially, the same perception does not prevail in the diamond market. Diamond sales are down in the US, the largest diamond market in the world."

According to him, diamond merchants, traders and exchanges all over the world are cautiously watching the financial turmoil.

"All eyes are on the year-end diamond sales. A large chunk of the total annual diamond sales figure is formed by the last quarter sales. The current financial crisis may cause a decline in the annual diamond sales," Stevenrlynck said, adding that even 9/11 failed to dampen diamond sales as much as the present situation is expected to do.

"After 9/11, everybody thought annual diamond sales would come down. However, diamond consumption was not affected. So far diamond sales in Dubai are not affected but if the US sales come down, the cutting centres in India will feel the impact."

It is a tense period for diamond merchants and companies, who have offices and shops in the US, Antwerp and India. During critical times and high inflation, only some big investors may buy big carat diamonds as an alternative investment. Unlike large-scale gold purchases as a safe haven, diamonds are not popular among retail investors for the same purpose. Investing in big diamonds is also limited by the liquidity factor, which is running very low at present.

ABN Amro, a leading financier of the diamond trade, was acquired by a consortium of Fortis, RBS and Santander in October 2007. In the first week of October this year, the Dutch government purchased Fortis' stake in ABN Amro, which included ABN Amro Netherlands, the International Diamond and Jewellery Group and ABN Amro Private Banking Belgium. Fortis and RBS are reportedly victims of the financial crisis. ABN Amro has been closely related to the global diamond and jewellery industry for about a century.

"The financial crisis has not affected the local banks operating in the DDE," Stevenrlynck said.

The exchange, an emerging hub for diamond trade, had recently recorded remarkable growth in the diamond business due to high oil price that created ample liquidity in the region. But diamond traders are keenly watching the oil price movements. Stevenrlynck said the assurance given by the UAE government about the safety of bank deposits will boost investor confidence in the UAE banking system.

Rajesh Rathod, Manager, Arpee Gems DMCC, exporter and importer of loose diamonds, said. "The diamond trade is in turmoil because nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Consumers who want to buy diamonds are waiting for prices to come down because they see prices of other commodities such as gold and oil coming down. In the case of diamonds, raw material costs cannot come down and therefore there cannot be a fall in prices."

According to Rathod, many diamond firms in the UAE and India have offices in the USA where the Christmas diamond sales generate the maximum business for small polished diamonds. In an atmosphere of economic recession and growing unemployment, spending on luxury products is the first thing to be slashed by consumers.

Sajith Kumar, Vice President, JRG Commodities, said that unlike gold, which investors consider a safe haven during crises, diamonds are not actively traded commodities. "Due to differences in standardisation, diamonds are not actively traded in the UAE or other commodity markets."

In India, a major manufacturing centre of the diamond and jewellery industry, diamond workers in Surat, Ahmedabad and other cutting centres went on strike recently demanding wage hikes to compensate for high inflation, which was agreed upon by their employers. Also, share prices of jewellery and diamond companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange fell sharply. Indian diamond exporters who have taken dollar loans now have a tough time because of the rupee's rapid depreciation.

An industry source said: "About 50 per cent of the world's polished diamond sales is in the US market. The volume of jewellery and diamond exports from the export units in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is down by almost 50 per cent because of the global recession. The volume may come down further if the problems continue. Indian diamond cutting units, which expanded capacity in anticipation of a big growth in US market, have started cutting down expenses by retrenching excess staff."

Rs 4.5 lakh jewellery stolen from house

Burglars gained entry into a house at Hyderguda under the Rajendranagar police station limits and decamped with Rs 4.5 lakh worth jewellery on Thu rsday night. Deepak Pathak, an employee of an NGO, lives in an independent house at New Friends Colony phase-II at Hyderguda. At 8.15 pm on Thursday, Pathak, along with his family members, went to his relative’s house. When he returned home at 12.15 am, he found the door lock broken open. About 40 tolas of gold jewellery were stolen. On receipt of news, police rushed to the spot and took up investigation, said Rajendrangar SI (crime) Md Hussain.

Ancient High House in Stafford Holds First Jewellery Fair

(Source: Sentinel, The (Stoke-on-Trent UK))Crown Jewels: An historic house in Stafford is to host a jewellery fair this weekend.

Visitors to the Ancient High House will be able to browse dozens of stalls at the fair today.

This is the first time the Stafford Borough Council run museum has hosted the event. A large range of jewels, gems, gold, silver and handcrafted jewellery will be on display. There will also be jewellery workshops - for those who like to have a go themselves.

Mark Hartwell, heritage sites manager for the borough council, said: "This is a great opportunity for Christmas shoppers to buy that special gift for their friends and loved ones - or, of course, to treat themselves to some of the beautiful items on display."