Surrey’s finest. Paul James Jewellers showcases AG jewellery

Surrey’s finest. Paul James Jewellers showcases AG jewellery

There are times when I think particular AG retailers need a special mention on the blog. This time, I wanted to focus on a particularly great retailer and friend of AG, Paul James jewellers in Oxted, Surrey.

As my only retailer in this area, Paul James is truly a shining example of how an independent, family-owned jewellery shop should be managed. Hand selecting the very best brands and products to sell (AG included of course!) Paul James Jewellers prides itself on selecting the finest quality jewellery and watches for local clientele – integrating itself into the community through consistently brilliant, friendly customer service and a highly experienced team who offer honest and impartial advice. More

AG at the Basel Jewellery Exhibition ‘Baselworld’

AG at the Basel Jewellery Exhibition ‘Baselworld’

A quick blog to welcome in the weekend – lets hope this sunny spell continues! I’m pretty excited at the moment as on Sunday I jet off to the Basel Jewellery Exhibition ‘Baselworld’ in Switzerland for a couple of days. Believe it or not this is my first time so as you can expect I am dribbling in anticipation. Each spring, some 1800 companies from the watch, jewellery and precious-stone industries, together with related sectors, showcase their latest developments and innovations in Basel – I’m chomping at the bit to get there and chat to some of the best folk in the industry.

In my mind it’s the best jewellery trade fair in the world and the greatest chance to see what the best companies and design houses are creating and look at what new technology is available. You know me, I’m always on the lookout for new techniques which can push my next wave of designs to an even higher standard. I’ll take some snaps and report back any particular beauties that catch my attention!

Until next time,

Andy.

AG Announced as ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ Finalist 2013

AG Announced as ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ Finalist 2013

It’s with a huge sense of delight that I can announce I’ve been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ category in the UK Jewellery Awards 2013.

To tell you the truth I’m bowled over by the news – 2013 has been something of a whirlwind, and already ranks as one of the busiest ever for the AG brand. I really feel like my desire to create is stronger that ever, and the inspiration for new designs appears to be coming thick and fast.

Perhaps it’s the birth of baby Arthur that has opened my mind to the vast untapped potential of my designs, or maybe it’s the fact I’ve been taking a long hard look at the AG brand as a whole. Whatever it might be, the speed and ferocity of evolution is a little unnerving at times, but I’m so grateful for the positive feedback that I’m sure I’m doing the right thing and designing from the heart (or somewhere a little deeper perhaps?)

Now more than ever I feel sure I’m designing uncompromising works of art that instigate that wonderful feeling which comes from marveling at something of true beauty.

Keep everything crossed for me AG friends and huge thanks for all your support so far.

Andy.

Revealed. The beautiful Cannelé.

Revealed. The beautiful Cannelé.

Lighter and finer than the usual AG piece, I believe the Cannelé is one of the most impeccable pieces I’ve ever designed. I’m seriously excited about this one (as you might have gathered). It’s not that this beautiful platinum diamond ring is in any way better than my past designs, just that it has tapped into a very different style for me – perhaps brought on by my son Arthur’s birth. More

Revealed. The Creation Pendant Diamond and Sapphire.

Revealed. The Creation Pendant Diamond and Sapphire.

Last year, we asked AG customers what they’d like to see more of. The answer was a resounding, ‘more statement pieces such as pendants and earrings’. As you know, we are all about aiming to delight – so inspired by the growing bump, which was soon to become the splendid little Arthur, I designed the Creation Pendant Diamond and Sapphire, something I hope you’ll agree has turned out rather well…

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Revealed: The Satellite Castelle, AG’s colourful and bespoke cocktail rings

Revealed: The Satellite Castelle, AG’s colourful and bespoke cocktail rings

Get a good look at these amazing pieces. The new Satellite Castelle designs are currently a couple of my most prized possessions. ‘Castelle’ refers to the method by which the surround diamonds are set. You can choose which gemstones you want using different shades of the same colour, complimentary colours or completely discordant colours. More

Going for Gold at AG HQ.

Going for Gold at AG HQ.

Wow! Still can’t believe it’s April already. I’ve barely had a chance to breathe this year as business at AG HQ has been so full on. We’re looking at expanding the business (there’s a lot of soul searching going on at the moment), launching the first of our incredible new AG pieces (coming this week!) and keeping up with all our brilliant existing and new retailer orders. More

Paying Homage to the Classics

Paying Homage to the Classics

You would think that when approaching twenty years in business, I must be showing signs of apathy or desire for a change. I can hand on heart tell you that this is simply not the case. In fact, totally the opposite! I am enjoying business more than ever and my creativity seems to be equally stimulated and inspired. I am aware of a shift though which is in itself creating a very exciting development with the AG collection. More

Art update! Getting creative with sweet potatoes & fashion…

Art update! Getting creative with sweet potatoes & fashion…

Five months old and what a cracker! Arthur is turning out to be a splendid little fella – very alert and pretty much giggles at every opportunity. As you can see from one of the images, we are trying him with some food and Wilbur has learnt instantly that this is a good thing as he loiters around the high chair!

I was particularly impressed the way he managed to craft a cravat out of sweet potato! By the way, the yellow beret used to be mine and I doubt I looked any better in it. The word ‘sleep’ has changed in importance over the last few months as Arthur seems to be one who needs or wants little! Wish us luck as we explore the ways of encouraging this precious necessity.

Loving being a Dad!

Andy.

2013. A Year of Luxury Design Magic for the AG Brand.

2013. A Year of Luxury Design Magic for the AG Brand.

Now I realise that a holiday is supposed to be about getting away from work but… I have to admit that whilst I was in France I was a designing demon! More than ever before it was clear that I am totally passionate about designing jewellery – this passion appears to be getting stronger and stronger as I get older and more knowledgeable about my craft. I wouldn’t say that my passion is overly obsessive, but just as some people may choose cooking, painting or even singing as a way to express themselves, this is definitely the way I satisfy and express my creativity.

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