Christmas Meyhem..

So it been a busy few months in the run up to Christmas..

Lots going on..
Exhibited at Handmade Chelsea in November, but had disappointing numbers.. met some fabulous people through it though so its not all bad..

The Sterling Silver Nightshade Collection is now officially available for sale on the website and lots of new Juniper Tree recycled vintage jewellery has been uploaded in the last few days.

Had a brilliant Open Studios event this weekend. Thank you to everyone that came along!
If you would like to be informed of any future Open events or exhibitions please join the Rachel Helen Mailing list and you will be the first to hear of all events and sales!

Lots of exciting Christmas commissions on the way.. more news to follow in the new year..

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

PRESS RELEASE: Palladium Jewellery

Palladium jewellery, perfect for a credit crunch Christmas
British designer recommends the newly Hallmarked precious metal

Set to become the latest fashion in jewellery design, Palladium can offer cost-conscious consumers the chance to buy stunning jewellery – at half the cost of Platinum. Palladium looks like Platinum and is currently cheaper than white gold it was awarded its Hallmark in August 2009.

Derbyshire-based jewellery designer Rachel Helen has seen Palladium commissions treble in September alone, and she knows exactly why:

“Palladium has strong and luxurious qualities. Its rarity and brilliant white appearance have made it exceptionally popular this year, particularly since it achieved its official Hallmark. People call me every day to ask about the costs of commissioning individual pieces of jewellery for gifts or weddings and they are so often thrilled when they discover Palladium exists – a precious metal that offers them a high quality, as well as cost effective, end result.

“Although in the trade we have known about Palladium’s potential for many years, this precious metal has suddenly burst into the consumer marketplace. It’s ideal for those people who are looking to buy a stunning gift or commission a unique piece of jewellery, but would rather watch their spending carefully and get the best value for their hard-earned pounds.”
Rachel Helen Designs offers commissions in all precious metals, including the newly recognised Palladium. Rachel also has a variety of other collections offering limited edition or bespoke products.

PRESS RELEASE: Juniper Tree

Visit the land of make believe with British jewellery designer’s Juniper Tree range
The dark side of fairy tales inspires latest collection

Inspired by the darker side of fairy tales, jewellery designer Rachel Helen has created a range of recycled, hand-finished, vintage jewellery. Guaranteed to be one of a kind, these pieces make a perfect gift and a unique statement. More ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ than ‘Cinderella’, when wearing this jewellery, you’ll feel more like a naughty princess than a sleeping beauty!
Designer Rachel Helen comments:
“The Juniper Tree Collection uses recycled vintage jewellery by combining broken and unwanted gems to create new bespoke on-trend pieces. Striking, bold creations ensure a contemporary take on vintage classics and creates jewellery that screams to be worn. These pieces make stunning gifts for friends and relatives, as well as a great treat for you!”
Designed in her Derbyshire-based studios, Rachel Helen offers a range of pieces including rings, brooches, chokers, necklaces and hair accessories, as part of her Juniper Tree Collection. For a more sentimental gift, Rachel will also recycle unworn family costume jewellery in the style of the Juniper Tree Collection enabling you to breathe new life into your existing pieces.

Nightshade Collection now in Sterling Silver!

Just got back from a lovely relaxing holiday to find a very exciting parcel waiting for me!
I've been developing two fabulous necklaces from the Nightshade Collection from stainless steel to Sterling Silver. The silver models are back from the casting offices and are ready to be made into beautiful sparkly pieces! Can't wait to get started.. !

Once they have been tarted up and made to look beautiful they will be available for sale through the website..
The pieces will cost just £118.00 each at RRP.. however I'll be offering some good discounts in a few weeks for special Christmas gifts so keep watching!

If you can't wait that long please feel free to get in touch so one can be specially made.

Recycling Jewellery Classes with Rachel Helen Designs...

..want to learn how to make use of your sentimental, unloved or broken jewellery?

For £25.00 per person Rachel Helen will help you design and make your very own piece of unique vintage recycled jewellery..

The classes are to be held at Shed 2 Studios in Ilkeston, Derbyshire on the following dates:

Wednesday 14th October 6.30pm - 9pm
Sunday 18th October 4pm - 6.30pm
Monday 26th October 6.30pm - 9pm

Light refreshments will be provided along with all tools, equipment and a whole host of little treasures to delve into..
Each guest will be encouraged to dig into the bottom of their own jewellery boxes and bring along any broken, damaged or unwanted pieces of jewellery to be exchanged or revived..
Everyone will receive personal tutoring from Rachel Helen and be shown how to design and make your very own special piece of vintage recycled jewellery.

Places are limited to just 6 people per class.
To secure a place please contact Rachel
for a booking form and return by post or email with your £10 deposit.

Deposits can be paid by cheque to Rachel Helen Designs or by clicking the Buy Now button to submit through PayPal.
When paying by PayPal be sure to indicate your preferred date. 2nd and 3rd choices should be indicated in the booking form.

Preferred Date

Wed 14/10/09 Sun 18/10/09 Mon 26/10/09

Palladium the new Platinum?

Last month saw the long awaited release of the official Palladium hallmark for the UK.

As a great fan of this exciting new jewellery material I thought I would share some basic information to help you make informed choices when deciding if this is the material for your jewellery.

a.) Palladium is from the same group of metals as Platinum.
b.) It looks very similar to Platinum in colour.
c.) Palladium doesn't tarnish or need rhodium plating like white gold and silver.
d.) It wears in a similar way to Platinum. Surface marks can be easily cleaned by a professional jeweller. (We offer free polishing on all precious metal purchases)
e.) Palladium is of a similar weight to white gold which means it can be comfortable to wear even in larger pieces.

.. and the best bit?!
f.) ...at the moment Palladium is cheaper than white gold and almost half the price of Platinum!!

So if you are looking for a fabulous good quality wedding or engagement ring on a budget palladium is the perfect option!

For more information and advice on palladium and to discuss commission options please feel free to get in touch

Two New Sterling Silver Bangles Online

Check out the two new sterling silver bangles listed online today..
Click on the images for more details..

New Ever After Collection

The brand new Ever After Collection offers off the shelf wedding and engagement rings at competitive prices.

In the past we have just designed and made bespoke wedding and engagement rings now this new range offers simple off the shelf designs with high quality diamonds and precious gemstones.

When buying an engagement ring it is always a good idea to have a budget in mind. We will help you keep within your budget and get the best value for your money.

All prices are on application as it is dependent on size of stone, metal and size of ring. All Rachel Helen Jewellery is available in Platinum, Palladium, all Golds & Sterling Silver (unless otherwise stated)..

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your options...

The Nightshade Collection

Rachel Helen Designs recently launched two exciting new product ranges!

The Nightshade collection offers three gorgeous limited edition designs, you simply choose the colours.
The current range listed online is handmade in hypoallergenic stainless steel but we are currently looking into ways of offering the same designs in sterling silver..
One of the three designs is taken from the Rachel Helen Butterfly design..

The other two designs feature a three leaf pendant available in the colours of the four seasons and a fabulous wing hair slide inspired by art nouveau and butterflies..