JINGLE BELLES
Jingle Belles
A mini guide to jewellery shopping
words Kerry Thomson
A
merican comedienne Rita Rudner said men with a pierced ear are better
prepared for marriage – they’ve experienced pain and bought jewellery.
Joking aside, buying jewellery as a gift or simply to accessorise, is a fun way
to splash the cash. We open the doors to five ‘wee gems’ and speak to the talent
behind the trinkets…
The modeRn clAssics
drinking a cappuccino surrounded by some of the most beautiful diamonds, silver
and watches, it doesn’t get much better than this. “i want our customers to really
enjoy looking as well as buying and not to feel rushed. Buying jewellery should be an
experience,” says michael laing.
laing Boutique, just a few doors along from the flagship store on Frederick street
is just that. With some of the world’s most covetable brands including Gucci, dior,
mont Blanc, Baccarat crystal and laing’s own diamond range, it would be easy
for the boutique to feel snooty and inaccessible. it’s completely the opposite.
michael explains: “We wanted to create a boutique which was browse-able, where
customers would feel inspired and genuinely excited about jewellery. And why
shouldn’t they?”
The inspiration behind the boutique is simple, says michael. “contemporary urban
chic. We showcase jewellery people really want to wear. it isn’t the sort of jewellery
you’ll see anywhere else in the city and there’s a real sense of uniqueness. These
are pieces you could wear for a long time, they aren’t ‘throw away’ fashion and each
piece has an elegance and quality which is definitely timeless.”
i ask michael about his favourites. “mont Blanc silver is stunning and so exquisitely
made,” he says, pointing to a necklace which looks like a shower of tiny silver chains.
it’s delicate and feminine, yet substantial looking and definitely a statement piece.
“Another favourite is the Baccarat crystal range – they’re so tactile and colourful.”
With its French boudoir styling touches, sumptuous upholstery and champagne bar,
the Boutique is as funky as it is decadent. “21st century jewellery is no longer about
age, it’s about lifestyle – the pieces here would look as stunning on a 65 year old as
on a 25 year old.”
Laing Boutique, 25 Frederick st, Tel: 0131 243 9930,
www.laingboutique.co.uk
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