This is a big one...

Well August 2015 turned out to be just about the best month, ever. After months of nervous waiting, Dave and I bought a very own house together. If that wasn't enough to start the 'Jeez this is exciting and scary all at the same time' brain cogs turning, that lovely boy got down on one knee the second we stepped foot over our very own threshold! My first words were, of course, "I'm gonna puke". Seemingly unsatisfied with this, he asked the question again to which I planted a big smacker on him and shouted "Of course!".

Now. I'd always reassured him that should the day come where the mood took him  - we'd go shopping for the ring together. I'm picky. I'm happy with that. He gets sweaty at the just thought of present buying. I'm less happy with that. An engagement ring situation would end badly for both of us if left to him, surely? I'll refer you to a selection of previous 'presents': opaque white nail varnish, a second-hand basket of bath salts, the unauthorised Michael Bublé autobiography, and who could forget my 30th birthday when I received an ASOS voucher and a chess board. Case and point.

So, imagine my horror, once having said yes, as he reaches up at me with a ring box. Shit.

WELLSLAPMYASSAND BLOWMESIDEWAYSHEFUCKINGPULLEDITOUTOFTHEBAG.

Check this out. Dave is the best. And I never doubted him for a second...

 

The ring is from AC Silver in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne. I've admired it for some time now. It's bursting with beautifully unusual vintage and antique jewellery and the staff are truly lovely. If you have a passion for antique jewellery and you're in the North East, it's a must visit.

This French Art Deco style ring has been crafted in 18 carat yellow gold with a platinum setting. The feature emerald cut diamond is collet set to the centre of the design and flanked with two brilliant round cut diamonds, also colet set in platinum. The subtly elevated ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the plain 18ct yellow gold, hallmarked ring shank. The French owl hallmark (indicating a combination of gold and platinum) struck to the exterior of the ring shank is very clear.

In short - it's an absolute BEAUT and I love, love, love it. I really couldn't have chosen better myself.

Note to self: you can never berate Dave again for being terrible at buying presents. Now what to buy him for his birthday tomorrow...?!

Summer lovin'

 

 

Jeez, where did the Summer go?? Let's see, there was my 30th birthday, an Italian wedding, a graduation, campervanning in the Scottish highlands, a long weekend in Krakow, the otherhalves' 30th...i'm knackered!

 

Lot's seen and done, and most excellently, lots of stories and treasures gained along the way! First things first, I thought I'd share some pieces I've acquired in the last few months...

 

 

Firstly, a custom-made ring from my parents for my 30th. A chunky but everyday ring that I absolutely love:



 

 

 

Now for something I treated myself with. I love a statement necklace and American label JCrew come up trumps. I saw this and just had to have it. For a 'highstreet' store they ain't cheap but the products speak for themselves. Let it be said that I'm not normally a bling type of gal but this is too good to be true. I've worn it teamed with a plain, block coloured shift dress and also to spangle up a high neck t-shirt, jeans and heels. J'adore...

 

 

 

Here's another 30th bday pressie. Now, I admit I did choose this myself but mainly because I wanted something that I knew I would LOVE seeing as I'd be wearing it everyday. I have teeny tiny wrists and the majority of the watches out on the market right now, well, basically look the same. Mahoosive round faces, big on branding. Not for me thanks. French watch label Nixon are fabulously me. Their numerous collections really stand out from the crowd. Simple, classic, and 'champagne' coloured...what's not to love?

 



 

 

A belated present from the boyf next, bought in the north of Italy whilst we were there attending a friend's wedding. OK, so it's obvious that I'm not a dainty accessoriser, but no one wants to look OTT. I absolutely adore this sterling silver and blue stone ring. It's big, yet beautifully delicate and detailed because of the filigree sides and multifaceted shape of the stone. I had to get it resized back in the UK but so worth it:

 

 

 

 

Finally, an absolutely stunning 1920's antique, mother of pearl centred pendant. This was given to me by six of my best girlfriends for my birthday, along with flowers, balloons, the works. The day itself didn't exactly go as planned (more on that later) so receiving this just blew me away. I wear it most days on a long chain and receive no end of compliments and questions about it. My friends are like my family and looking at this pendant makes me smile every time. Gotta love your girls!