I do have a love of antique jewellery, and as I get older I appreciate it more and more. There are so many reasons to buy antique and vintage jewellery. The history and heritage of a beautiful antique jewellery piece are incredibly interesting and the workmanship is often outstanding. So when Kit Clayton Jewellery approached me to review their website I was excited to see what delights I would come across. This post is in conjunction with Kit Clayton Jewellery, but as ever my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kit Clayton Jewellery is run by Abigail Haslett and named after her grandmother Kit.

Abigail found that when she started working in the jewellery industry in 2014 that she had a real passion for gemstones, vintage and antique jewellery and thus Kit Clayton Jewellery was born. Since starting the company, which is now a family affair, Abigail has increased her knowledge of gems studying for various jewellery qualifications. She sources her jewellery far and wide and runs the jewellery company between Hatton Garden in London and Cheltenham in Gloucestershire.

She also strongly feels that buying pre-owned antique and vintage jewellery is an ethical choice and the packing is also sourced from recycled materials wherever possible. 

So now we know about the company, let's have a look at some of the beautiful jewellery they sell.

 Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Lozenge Ring, £1,325.00

My first choice from the Kit Clayton website is this stunning and unusual platinum, sapphire and diamond ring. Although not antique, the ring is made in the Art Deco style and is very striking with an emerald cut sapphire approx 1 carat in weight as the centre stone. 

Set in a platinum shank and surrounded with small round brilliant cut diamonds approx 0.2 ct in weight, this ring really is a show stopper.

Art Deco 14ct Gold & Old Cut Diamond Shield Ring £575.00

My second choice is this Art Deco 14 ct diamond and gold ring, most likely dating from the 1920s or 1930s.  What is special about this ring is the unique design, set in white gold with a detailed precious mill grain finish. It also has an old European cut diamond at the centre of the ring with an approx weight of 0.15 ct and two small rose-cut diamonds at opposite corners.

This ring is different from everything you will see on the high street and you know that you will probably never see a design like this again. A statement ring you can cherish forever.

Vintage 9ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bangle £1,495.00

As you can see, Kit Clayton Jewellery have some very special antique and vintage jewellery items. With free UK delivery via Royal Mail special delivery, you know that your item is insured in the post and will get to you quickly too, and they also have free returns as well.

Check out the antique diamond engagement rings at Kit Clayton Jewellery for more treasure for your very eyes, and read more about my reasons to buy antique and vintage jewellery here. 

Let me know, what do you think of the exquisite jewellery? Do you have a favourite precious item from Kit Clayton Jewellery?

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Stylish and fashionable ideas to inspire this autumn season

If you are a skier or snowboarded or even if you love chilly winter destinations with a light dusting of snow or perhaps you a good Christmas market, you know the importance of having warm, cosy clothing to keep the cold out.  So let you tell you about a quality brand that recently contacted me - Protest. This is an advertorial for Protest.

Protest is a design-led sportswear company based in Holland, founded by a group of snowboarders, and yes you heard that right, snowboard enthusiasts from Holland! The clothes are made of the best functional materials that keep you warm and dry, both on the slopes and off.  

#AD. In the interest of disclosure and transparency, the syndication of this article has been provided and paid for by FBD Insurance. 

You’ve popped the champagne, toasted with family and friends and you can’t stop staring at your left hand. You’re engaged! The next step – before you even say yes to the dress – is to make sure you protect that glittering diamond and keep it safe for many happy years to come.

For most people, an engagement ring is the single most valuable piece of jewellery they own. So, like your home and car, it’s vital to make sure it’s insured and stored safely. Not sure where to start? We’ve outlined a couple of simple steps to help you on your way.

Call your insurer

Have you been considering whether to have blinds, curtains or shutters on your windows? It can be tough to decide exactly which one is best for your needs. This is as Ad.

I’ve put together a guide to help you choose which is best. There are various reasons why you should choose any of the three options depending on your window style, so hopefully, this guide will help you make up your mind.

Blinds

On my blog and in life I try to be non-judgemental. Liposuction isn't something I would have personally but I know some of my readers may consider it. So let's have a look at what you should consider if you are thinking of having this procedure. This post is not to offer medical advice, just some general guidelines for you. This is an ad.

Whenever you have a procedure done, make sure it is scheduled at a reasonable time. The time that liposuction should be performed depends on a few variables and considering them will help you make the right decision.

One of the largest factors to consider is recovery time. Talking to your doctor about the precise amount of recovery time you can assign is pivotal. Bear in mind that it is generally an estimated recovery time and cannot be specified down to exactly the number of days or weeks. It will take longer than 6 weeks to recover.

While you’re recovering, you are likely to need some assistance and care, especially in the first few days. You do not need supervision around the clock, but at certain points of the day, you will certainly need assistance and you also need lots of rest. If your partner is your primary caregiver, you do not want to plan the procedure for when he or she is at work during the busy season.

When you are recovering from the liposuction, you might feel some discomfort. You may need to wear a compression garment for example and these will help with the swelling. Clothes should be lose and unrestrictive.  If you are suffering from allergies, the worst time of the year is probably not the best time to have the surgery for you; if you are already very uncomfortable in the sun, you might want to avoid liposuction in the summer.

You might have a wedding coming up soon, or maybe you're planning a big holiday. Allow plenty of time to recover before a big event like this or you might have some regrets in the long term. Instead, pick a time when your calendar isn't as busy.

A decision you should make with advice from your doctor is to determine when to get liposuction. Also always pick a doctor who is certified to carry this procedure out.

Hello Fresh is a popular recipe box scheme. You've probably heard of it. So when I was contacted by Hello Fresh recently to work on a collaboration I said yes. Why? I can wholeheartedly say I've tried them in the past paying for the boxes myself and really enjoyed them. So let us find out more about Hello Fresh. This is an ad.

Hello Fresh, provide recipe boxes with fresh ingredients delivered to your doorstep. Everything is measured out for you, so there is no waste and they come with step by step instructions to make a tasty meal. Hello Fresh always have a variety of discounts as well if you are trying the service for the first time so it's worth looking out for that.

It's been a while since I tried the recipes but I was looking forward to recreating one for my readers.

Office romance has been a staple of British society for a long time, but how many people actually date a work colleague and what are the rules?

Most of you will have either dated a work colleague or know someone who has. Some of these office romances turn into lifelong relationships, and others end in misery and resignation. With this in mind and the power relations that can sometimes come into play, it can be a tricky tightrope to navigate.

Due to the boundaries that must be put in place with these sorts of situations, speaking to an employment solicitor is probably a good place to begin. They can help you to resolve any queries you may have, and any issues you may face with your employer.

Starting with the rules we’ve laid out here, however, might be a quicker port of call. Today, I'm going to share some office romance statistics, and give you our rules around dating a work colleague. Then, I’ll offer some brief insights on whether office romances will die off in the COVID-19 era.

How Many People Get into Office Romances with a Work Colleague?

Something that isn't spoken of enough these days is the benefit of reading. Arguably, most of us don't have time to read or we don't have the space. Many people might think they need to create a space in their home to read, and others may be lucky enough to have a spare room but don't know what to do with it. 

Travel can mean different things for different people. New parents may wince at the idea of bringing the little ones away for the first time as there is so much to plan and so much to prepare, but, this is actually not the case at all. Not only is travel a good time for the family to bond, but it can also monumentally benefit the child!

There are many choices of floor covering you can have in your home. If you are looking for the advantages and disadvantages of each type of floor covering from wood flooring, to vinyl to carpet and more then you've come to the right place. 

Firstly choosing a floor covering isn't simple. There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing the floor covering for your home, including the look, the ease of cleaning, the cost, and more. Let's have a look at which type of floor covering is best for each room in your home.

Carpet

A plush carpet is soft and cosy. There is nothing like feeling carpet underfoot and therefore it is a good choice for a lounge or bedroom. Carpet can also muffle noise so is perfect if you live in a flat. That's another reason to choose carpet for the stairs as the noise will be limited. I would avoid using carpet in a bathroom or kitchen where it could get damp and would be harder to clean. Carpet is available in a variety of prices depending on the quality and materials used. Carpet does gather dust and dirt, so think twice if you have pets, young children or allergies.

Wood flooring

Wood flooring has a luxurious look that is hard to beat and is often used for hallways and lounges. Solid wood flooring especially is hard-wearing. It can fit into a traditionally styled home or a modern minimalist look with ease, depending on the wood chosen and the finish. Wood flooring is generally a mid to high price point but the original outlay can be balanced with the longevity. Wood flooring lasts longer than carpet if looked after well and is easy to clean with a brush or dry mop. It can be a little noisy if you have a wood floor in a flat or an upstairs room.

Vinyl 

Vinyl is a good choice for a cost-effective flooring when you are on a tight budget. It can resemble other types of flooring including wood, tiles and slate, so it's very versatile. Modern vinyl flooring does last a while however it can get damaged easily, so may need to be replaced every ten years or so. It is easy to keep clean, easier than carpet and is good if you have children around and pets, a light mop is all it needs. This means it is good if you have allergies. 

Natural stone flooring

Natural stone flooring is hard-wearing and tough as well as upmarket and luxurious and is a popular choice for kitchens. It can also be used for bathrooms as it's moisture resistant but can be cold underfoot. Natural stone flooring comes in a variety of materials from marble to slate, limestone to granite and has longevity although the initial cost can be high. Some stones need to be sealed but then they are impervious to moisture and are easy to keep clean. 

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer type of flooring fused together often with a wood finish. It replicates the look of real wood as a much cheaper cost. Laminate flooring is not the best flooring for areas which can get wet or moist like kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms. It's easy to install and relatively durable.  

So here is a description of flooring that is suitable for your home. What flooring do you have in your home?

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