Westwood Rocks - beautiful bespoke jewellery

After receiving a Tiffany bracelet for my 21st birthday last year, I've become a bit of a jewellery snob. As much as I still adore high street ranges such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, and Accessorize, mostly because they're always completely on trend and complement that store's fashion ranges perfectly, I've started to look out for pieces that are that extra bit special - either better quality or materials, unique design, or personalisation. Any of these make me love that item of jewellery that little bit more.

That's why I feel like smug insider when I come across little known brands that deliver that elusive jewellery je ne sais quoi. So, when I won a competition recently through LOOK magazine in conjunction with Westwood Rocks, I was more than curious about this company I'd never heard of. Some savvy research informed me that:

'Westwood Rocks was founded in 2000 by Lauren Westwood and specialises in limited edition handmade gemstone and freshwater pearl jewellery, complimented by an in-house bespoke design service.



Lauren’s designs are often based on the organic shapes and dramatic colour combinations that can be found in nature. She says, ‘When I travel to Mexico, India or the Far East to buy pearls and gemstones I am always seeing beautiful shapes and colours. Important memories can throw up some good ideas and glamorous women, such as Jane Birkin and Talitha Getty, who both wore a lot of bold and colourful jewellery, have also inspired some of my designs.’


All of the designs are unique to our brand and we still personally travel to the source to handpick our materials.


We have branches located in Cambridge, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford and Wimbledon Village.'


Interesting...
 
Frustratingly, I couldn't go to the party that was the competition prize as I was ill (Grrr!!!), but the lovely staff at Westwood Rocks sent me a goody bag in the post to make up for it. And it's what I spent my £5 voucher on that I really want to shout about. I just had to go for something covered in pearls, as I'm an unashamed adictee, and those used by Westwood Rocks are freshwater pearls in more colours than you could dream of. I opted for the Round Pearl Bracelet, £8 (£3 to me!) in Fairydust, a pale lilac shade.
 
The first nice surprise was that, even though a small company, they don't charge delivery - very rare! Secondly, my bracelet arrived THE DAY AFTER I ordered it, by 1st Class post inside a cute pink bag. Super speedy! Then for the bracelet itself...STUNNING. I like to think I know a fair bit about jewellery, but what I definitely do know is that I LOVE my new bracelet. The shimmery lilac pearls are gorgeous and will go with many a summer and autumn outfit. I think I'll be taking their advice to stack them by buying some more very soon! Take a look at their website or follow them on Facebook / Twitter for more info. Oh, and if you're feeling flush or have your own special birthday coming up, click here and drool...
 
Lou xxx