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Five spring fashion trends – and how to pair your Creatiste jewellery

Nothing perhaps epitomizes your sense of style quite like a luxury jewellery piece. Where jeans, T-shirts and blazers might form the staple on which your everyday ensemble is built, it’s pieces such as bracelets, rings, and earrings that bring a sense of personality to your lifestyle. 

As a result, many of us choose our jewellery with great care and consideration, especially when choosing fine, luxury items which you fall in love with as a fashion statement. Thankfully, jewellery trends tend to stick around longer than those of other fashion items – that’s if they ever dip out of favour at all – so the most important thing you can do is to invest in jewellery you truly love wearing.

So without further ado, here are some of the ‘must have’ pieces and styles with spring fast approaching. Here at Creatiste, let us help you to remain ‘on trend’ with our take on these stunning additions to your collection.

1. Maxi denim skirts

Mini skirts may have had their day, but maxi skirts have risen to prominence and we have the perfect pairing – bangles are very ‘on trend’ this year – edgy, creative, chic and ideal to show off your personality and style. Even if you decide to keep things relatively simple, the winning combination of both maxi skirts and Creatiste’s ‘bangle’ bracelets are a fashion statement to serve the test of time. Bangles really catch the eye with their acrylic beauty, perfect geometric shapes and animal print patterns. 

2. Drop waists

Inspired by the smash hit Netflix drama Bridgerton, Regencycore catapulted to prominence in 2022 with its throwback, regal inspired designs and all things pearl. The trend has metamorphosed into what essentially is it’s ‘younger sibling’: drop waists. With a corset like effect, the long, flowing waistband makes you look ultra elegant and, when paired with our stunning ‘peardrop’ style earrings, it is a match made in heaven. Our inter links earrings could provide a trendier alternative. 

3. Sheer is clear

Ethereal, dreamy and the epitome of femininity, sheer has gone from red carpet niche to number one street fashion accessory. Rihanna and Cher have championed the trend for years – think of it like a cellophane-style dress: a thin, semi transparent cloth in tandem with something denim and in tandem with a whole range of Creatiste products from our rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces. Nothing would look out of place with sheer added to your wardrobe but we would recommend our Trio Stack and Emerald Cut rings. 

4. Utilitarian

Utilitarian style was already gaining traction in 2022, and in 2023 we expect to see it even bigger and better than before. The trend will have a special focus on clothes and accessories made for heightened comfort and functionality. If simple but stylish is what you’re after this spring, then the practicality of the returning utilitarian trend is for you. Drawing inspiration from military wartime fashion, hence the name, and post-apocalyptic styles, think cargo pants, buckles, straps, Carhatt jackets and belts. Utilitarian is popular because it’s reasonably priced, well made, fashionable, functional and versatile. Our range of link, chain, and medallion necklaces would pair superbly with anything of a utilitarian nature.

5. Ballet Flats

The balletcore look couldn’t be more on trend right now. So if you’re looking to buy a brand new pair of shoes, ballet flats are the right choice. Timeless and versatile for comfortable weekend wear, a stint in the office or a date night, the new ways they’re being styled will make them feel brand new. You absolutely can wear the minimalist shoe in a chic and modern way without harking back to the dark days of early aughts fashion.  Perfect with long, wide leg jeans layered with chunky white socks and a mini or maxi skirt: the footwear is relaxed, effortless, affordable, and a sensible swap for your trusty trainers. None of our jewellery products would look out of place with your new balletcore, but may we suggest our Diamond Herringbone necklace, Padlock chains, or Diamond Eternity ring as the best fit. 

We hope we have helped to inspire you when it comes to choosing, or adding to, your fashion collection this spring. Don’t forget to check out our full product range.

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is the name given to the process by which pieces of jewellery made from silver, gold, platinum or palladium are independently verified and stamped. Precious metals are rarely used in their purest form but are usually alloyed with other metals for workability, durability and wearability.

It’s not possible to detect an article’s precious metal content simply by sight or touch. Therefore, it is a legal requirement for an Assay Office to hallmark precious metals if they are described as such. Hallmarks are marks applied to precious metals to indicate the amount of pure metal in the alloy and it is a legal requirement for silver over 7.78g, gold over and palladium over 1g and platinum over 0.5g to have a UK recognized hallmark. A complete hallmark consists of three compulsory marks, if an item has not been stamped or marked with all three then it has not been hallmarked correctly.

At Creatiste, we are proud to say that all of our demi-fine jewellery products are hallmarked. We understand the importance of providing our customers with high-quality, genuine jewellery that they can trust. By choosing Creatiste, customers can be assured that they are getting the best quality jewellery at an affordable price. Our guarantee for authenticity is provided by the UK Hallmarking authority, The Goldsmiths Company, Assay Office, which certifies that pieces conform to all legal standards of purity (fineness). All of our gold vermeil pieces are hallmarked by the Assay Office as required by law. The hallmark offers a guarantee of authenticity that the sterling silver we use is 925.

Hallmarking is important for an precious metal

Hallmarking also gives customers peace of mind when it comes to buying jewellery as a gift. It can be difficult to know what to look for when buying precious metal jewellery, but a hallmark is a simple and easy way to ensure that you are getting a quality product. With our demi-fine jewellery, customers can be sure that they are buying a product that is of a certain quality and fineness, making it the perfect gift for any occasion. Hallmarking goes hand in hand with our core values here at Creatiste.

Additionally, hallmarking also protects consumers from fraud. There are many counterfeit precious metals in the market, and hallmarking helps to ensure that you are getting a genuine product. By purchasing from Creatiste, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product that is hallmarked and guaranteed to be authentic.

Overall, hallmarking is an important aspect of the jewellery industry that ensures that customers are getting high-quality, genuine products. At Creatiste, we take great pride in our hallmarked demi-fine jewellery and strive to provide our customers with the best quality products. We are confident that by choosing our products, you will be getting a piece of jewellery that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Gold Vermeil: The Timeless Jewellery Choice

When it comes to purchasing fine jewellery, there are endless options to choose from. From solid gold to gold plating, the options can be overwhelming. However, one option that is often overlooked is gold vermeil. But what exactly is gold vermeil and why should you consider it over other options? In this blog post, we will explore the origins and benefits of gold vermeil and why it’s the perfect choice for your next jewellery purchase from Creatiste.

The origins of gold vermeil can be traced back to the 18th century in France. At the time, the French monarchy was looking for a way to create affordable jewellery that still had the look and feel of solid gold. The solution was gold vermeil. It allowed them to create beautiful and luxurious jewellery without the high cost of solid gold. Today, gold vermeil is still a popular choice for fine jewellery and is used by many luxury brands.

Gold Vermeil Vs. Gold Plating

Whilst similar to gold plating, gold vermeil has some key differences which make it distinctive. Gold vermeil is also made through the gold plating technique but requires a thicker layer of gold. To be classified as true gold vermeil, the gold layer must be above 2.5 microns. It is usually five times thicker than standard plating, giving the jewellery greater durability and hardness and also making it far most affordable.

The three main differences to gold plating are:

  • Base metal: Whilst gold plating can take on any metal, from copper to brass, gold vermeil has to be on sterling silver.
  • Gold thickness: The second key difference is in the thickness of the metal layer. Gold plated has a minimum thickness of 0.5 microns, whilst vermeil has to be a thickness of at least 2.5 microns. When it comes to gold vermeil vs gold plated, gold vermeil is a minimum five times thicker than gold plating.
  • Durability: Due to its added thickness, gold vermeil is far more durable than gold plating. The base metal is stronger too. By having to replace your jewellery less often, simply because gold vermeil is stronger, means you can be kinder to the environment and more sustainable which complements our created diamonds.

Gold vermeil is also a great option for those with sensitive skin. Many people have allergic reactions to the metals used in traditional gold plating, such as nickel. However, gold vermeil is made with sterling silver, which is a hypoallergenic metal. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Gold vermeil has a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns

Both gold vermeil and gold plated jewellery have their own unique advantages. If you want a higher quality, but still affordable piece which will endure frequent wear for years, gold vermeil is the ideal choice. It is an excellent affordable option for gold jewellery and, in the rankings of demi fine jewellery, gold vermeil certainly is the highest quality and most affordable option. It would be a more cost effective option than a solid gold ring, for example. Vermeil is real, genuine gold (18 carats). Creatiste’s gold vermeil pieces are designed to last a lifetime but if you prefer to change your style more often, gold plated jewellery may be a better option.

At Creatiste, we understand the importance of choosing the perfect jewellery for any occasion. That’s why we are proud to offer a wide selection of gold vermeil jewellery. Our collection includes everything from elegant necklaces to chic earrings. All of our gold vermeil jewellery is made with the highest quality materials and is designed to last.

When you shop with Creatiste, you can be sure that you are getting the best quality gold vermeil jewellery available. We take pride in the fact that our gold vermeil jewellery is not just beautiful but also affordable and long lasting.

In conclusion, gold vermeil is a beautiful, affordable and durable alternative to solid gold and gold plating. Its origins in 18th century France make it a timeless choice for those looking to purchase fine jewellery. Its thicker layer of gold makes it more resistant to wear and tear than traditional gold plating. And its use of sterling silver makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Creatiste offers a wide range of gold vermeil jewellery to choose from, all designed to last a lifetime. Shop with us today and experience the beauty of gold vermeil for yourself.

Our Story

2020 may have been a dreadful year for British business, but for sisters Mehreen and Maha it was the start of a journey. A journey to change the face of the jewellery industry and the way in which it is viewed.

Co-founder Mehreen Arshad takes up the story:

“It all started back when gold prices were going up and good pieces of jewellery were hard to find. So we thought, okay if we can’t find anything we’ll create something. It came from an idea jewellery should be affordable and sustainable, we found a gap in the market which was you couldn’t find high quality created diamonds and gemstones. So we got to work. Jewellery is in my blood so my sister and I were really into this. We wanted to come into the niche of demi fine jewellery, which is actually a new niche that’s emerging now. And essentially, that’s the gap we found. So that’s how it started.”

What was your main inspiration?

“I think it was a little bit of frustration about not being able to find the high quality jewellery at an affordable price that you wanted. And the fact that there’s so many people that are going to be feeling in the same position when I think during that time, and this is a very technical point, but gold prices because of clothing and other things went up higher than platinum, which is never the case. “One of the things that we really wanted to get across was that we wanted an affordable, luxurious brand. So it needed to be something that people could cherish for a long time, but also affordable. And I think that’s where this came from. A lot of brands out there, you could probably get one or two pieces and that’s it. But we wanted to bring in that same luxury feel of these jewellery pieces, but for it to be affordable and so people can feel empowered by jewellery.”

What makes Creatiste unique/special?

“We’re challenging the status quo in that we’re bringing unique designs and making them affordable and opening up a whole new market for demi fine jewellery with created diamonds and gemstones. I think the fact that Creatiste pairs gold Vermeil with created diamonds and gemstones is a unique space, which I don’t think a lot of brands have even explored. We’re exploring a different diamond cut within our stones and then bringing that into a base. Metal silver, which is our jewellery, is mainly sort of weighty. So on a per gram basis there’s a lot of silver we use and then we use a thicker placing of gold vermeil, at least two and a half microns, but we can go up to as much as three or five microns and essentially that is a layer plating. The design process takes up to six months from sketching out what our collection should look like, then going to the technical designers who will then look at every facet such as the dimensions etc. It then goes on to the craftsmen to tweak the design, prepare and hand craft the pieces so you’re looking at a jewellery item which undergoes a quality and lengthy process to bring it to market.”

What does sustainability mean to you?

“It’s being more ethically conscious as a consumer and as a brand. I want to look at practices – not just for diamonds and gemstones but also precious metals too. We use sustainable gold vermeil and plating methods and this is essentially what sustainability means, there’s so much about looking into practices we can implement in our daily lives.”

Where do you see Creatiste in five years?

“Creatiste has got a lot of potential. I wouldn’t work this hard if I didn’t believe in it. If customers are happy with our jewellery items and cherish it every day and they keep coming back and saying they’re a sustainable and ethical brand then that is quite an achievement for Creatiste. We want to build as much awareness as much possible into created diamonds and gemstones and having jewellery that is ethical, luxury but reasonably priced as well. The sky is the limit for Creatiste, the main goal for us is to ensure every customer is completely satisfied and happy with their jewellery. The experience for them matters to us. We don’t just want to be a company that wants to sell, sell, sell, you need to look at what’s behind the brand and we’re consistent in what we stand for. This is our niche and this is what it’s going to be for us. We want to appeal to every customer across the board from all walks of life.”

What is demi-fine jewellery?

In the world of jewellery, there are three main types: statement, fashion and ‘fine’ jewellery. But now a new category is slowly emerging; one which looks set to take the industry by storm.

Enter, demi-fine jewellery. So what is it and why is this relatively new niche so championed?

If you’re looking to get in on the growing trend and wondering if it’s right for you, then read on.

Background

Demi-fine jewellery dominates in a league of its own in a crowded market. It’s a comfortable ground between high-end luxury and fashion jewellery; consider it as bridging the gap between cheap costume jewellery and expensive fine jewellery.

Demi-fine jewellery pieces are crafted beautifully offering a minimalistic and understated look and yet giving off the look and feel of solid gold jewellery without the hefty price. The main difference between demi fine jewellery and ‘costume’ jewellery is the way in which it is made: the latter is made with base metal, the cheapest way to manufacture fast fashion pieces. Base metal is an unspecified mix of metals often flash plated with a thin layer of gold or silver: this is prone to discolouring very quickly and may contain metals such as nickel which irritate the skin.

For those seeking a luxurious yet affordable heirloom piece, demi-fine jewellery is their “go-to”. Demi-fine is a term used to describe jewellery crafted using precious metals and techniques such as gold vermeil plating. It’s the perfect marriage of fashion and luxury so you can wear contemporary jewellery designs crafted from high quality materials at an affordable price. It really does give you the best of both worlds.

Creatiste - Shop The Look - Created diamonds and gemstones

Looking after your demi-fine piece

As with anything in life, the better you look after your beautiful jewellery, the longer it will last. The main issue concerning most costume jewellery pieces is the plating will wear off or the piece will discolour. But a few simple steps will help to keep your jewellery intact.

It’s important to avoid using perfumes and lotions that may contain chemicals as this can be harmful to your jewellery. In turn, this can cause the colour to dull and the plating to wear. If this happens, you can gently clean it with a specialized polishing cloth.

Creatiste stands out in the jewellery market due to our hardened, thicker gold vermeil making our demi-fine jewellery stronger than standard costume pieces. This, in turn, ensure our products have strong longevity and are less likely to fade over time or suffer the effects of wear and tear.

How to pair your piece

Demi-fine pieces can be stacked or worn solo; whether it’s necklaces or rings, the world’s your oyster. All of our products are demi-fine, but if you’re after added ‘chic’, opt for a minimal look keeping things elegant and light with our specific product range – we have our Oval Diamond Bracelet or our dainty Inter Links earrings.

Demi fine is the jewel in the industry’s crown so why not let Creatiste make this Valentine’s Day memorable for that special someone in your life with a lovingly crafted, beautifully finished and long lasting piece to cherish forever.