WILL THE REAL THOMAS SABO PLEASE STAND UP?
Unfortunately, as with many luxury products, Thomas Sabo is frequently copied and the counterfeit goods sold as authentic Thomas Sabo charms and jewellery. This is particularly true on the internet where there are many dubious websites selling counterfeit goods. Whilst this is a cause for great concern to authorized stockists like Nicholsons Jewellers, it is all the more worrying for Thomas Sabo fans who wish to wear and enjoy genuine Thomas Sabo charms and jewellery that has been well made and subjected to stringent quality checks. Thomas Sabo takes the illegal activity very seriously and, working closley with international customs, fights to expose and prosecute counterfeit websites. These fake Thomas Sabo websites go out of their way to replicate the look and feel of a genuine stockist using images to which they have no rights. There are, however, several steps you can take to make sure that you are buying only genuine Thomas Sabo and avoid the inevitable disappointment that comes with inferior goods.
Check the web address.
Although Thomas Sabo does not permit the use of its name in ANY website address, except its own, you will see many websites that use the phrase "Thomas Sabo" in their web address, for eg. "www.thomassabojewellery.net". This is the first give away as NO official stockist uses the brand name as a web address. By using "Thomas Sabo" in a web address, these fake sites can usually be found on page 1 of a Google search which makes them seem more trustworthy but only further misleads the customer.
Check The Price:
It’s the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". Thomas Sabo use only quality Sterling Silver and Thomas Sabo official stockists all sell at the same price without discounts. This means that you pay the same price for the same charm whereever you decide to shop. Because of this you have the reassurance of reliable and trustworthy customer service.
Check the website:
Of course, canny counterfeiters will learn not to use "Thomas Sabo" in its web address, but the unsuspecting customer might still be lured into a fake site. Once you’re on the site there are other steps you can take to keep yourself safe:
Where Are They? Is there a physical address and ‘phone number (not a mobile) on the "Contact Us" page? If not, why not? If you wish to return goods you need to know where the company is based. By the way, it’s a legal requirement to display both an address and refund policy (you are entitled to a refunds on website purchases and you don’t have to give a reason for wanting a refund).
Is there a Newsletter/Subscriber Sign Up: No subscriber sign-up would set my alarm bells ringing. Most genuine websites and shops want to stay in touch with you to let you know about new stock or special offers.
Who Are They?:Google the company name. If, for instance you type Nicholsons Jewellers into a search engine you get plenty of results. We’re on Twitter and Facebook, we have a Google Profile and we’re on lots of directories.
Finally, if you think you have been sold counterfeit goods, you can get further advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
I Like to Get Around
Not content with just a “bricks & mortar” shop, we also have a website (http://bit.ly/ql8RQ) and, being a chatty sort of 
, a Twitter account (http://bit.ly/fx8jDL) and Facebook Page (http://on.fb.me/dN4KNu) and we also sell on Ebay (you can read the Nicholson’s profile here http://bit.ly/g0EipC ).
The sun is sparkling and so are Nicholso
The sun is sparkling and so are Nicholsons Jewellers Ilkley http://ht.ly/47UUy
Amethyst, February;s birthstone, symboli
Amethyst, February;s birthstone, symbolizing luck, wit and health,
New Year Greetings
Well, what a year! I’m just writing my first post of 2011 and here we are approaching the end of January already. What can I say; we had quite a busy year here in Ilkley. We started with the mini-refit and ended with a new look Nicholson’s Jewellers website which we hope you think is elegant and stylish. You can buy online using our secure integrated shopping basket or with PayPal. Of course, not all of our jewellery is on the website and many customers use our website to browse as well as buy. We’re adding more jewellery on a regular basis and there’s a very handy “Sign Up for Newsletter” option to keep in touch with us.
We’re well-known for our antique and second hand jewellery and diamonds but many items sell in our Ilkley shop before they can reach the website. So, one feature we have added is a Portfolio of some of the antique jewellery and second hand diamond rings that we have already sold. 
We hope that this gives antique jewellery lovers a flavour of the quality of the antique jewellery that we sell – and also that we’re interested in buying. That’s right, we buy (photo ID will be required) and we also offer a part-exchange. We don’t mind the condition: odd earrings, broken chains they all have a value to us. And the jewellery that one person dislikes is another jewellery-wearer’s must-have piece. So, if you have something you wish to sell or there’s a must-have of your own you’d like us to source, let us know.
Nicholson’s Jewellers also became the new home of Thomas Sabo Charm Club and it’s now one of most popular choices for the fashion conscious jewellery collector.
The Thomas Sabo Charm Club is a fantastic range of over Thomas Sabo Silver Charms; some decorated with sparkling cubic zirconia, some coloured with enamel and extra special silver charms set with a real diamond. With so many charms to choose from you can theme your charm bracelet with shoes, bags, hearts, famous sights from around the world, animals and so on.
There are choices to be made in the charm bracelet also: silver, pearl, turquoise, obsidian or leather?
With so much choice, not to mention two collections every year, you might see another Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet but you won’t see one like yours – it’s personal.
So, fashion jewellery or antique jewellery, whatever your taste take a wander through www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
So, you’ve popped the question, she said “Yes” and you drank the champagne. That’s the hard bit over then, you think. Wrong! The hard work starts now; you have to choose “The Ring” and, if you thought shopping on Saturday for a pair of shoes to go with the new dress was bad enough, you ain’t seen nothing yet! First of all, what sort of metal. Well, white seems to have been a universal choice for jewellery for many years now but white gold or platinum? Then, will your fiancee want a diamond solitaire, a diamond three-stone (or trilogy) engagement ring? A brilliant cut diamond, an emerald cut diamond a princess cut diamond or pear or marquise shape? And what are your thoughts? Don’t have any? Well, you’d better start thinking because your opinion will be asked, but only out of politness you understand.
Decisions, decisions. Not to mention the bit no-one likes to mention – how much to spend. Lots of people mention one month’s salary as a guideline but, really, this isn’t a hard and fast rule and you should spend whatever amount with which you feel comfortable. One word of advice: compare the cost of the wedding dress, flowers, etc., and bear in mind that these are costs for one day, with the cost of an engagement ring and remember how often it will be worn and how long it will last. The old adage of “the quality will be remembered long after the price has been forgotten” is really apt when pricing your engagement ring.
A little research before you visit your jewellery really help and take some magazine photos of the sort of styles you both like. If you don’t want to discuss the price when your fiancee is present, give your jeweller a call before hand to let them know the ball-park figure you’d like to spend.
Check your jeweller can talk you through the 4C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat).
For all you contemporary engagement couples out there, how about this design by Andrew Geoghegan? Andrew has used a sharp, good looking geometric desing on this modern twist on a classic style, with the square cross section of the band and matching wedding ring echoing the square shape of the princess cut diamond. Designed to stand the test of time - and with its matching diamond set wedding ring, Andrew has created the perfect marriage of design and beauty. Andrew works with fine quality diamonds and these rings are available in either platinum or 18ct white gold.
Of course, contemporary designs aren’t for everyone and many couples prefer the nostalgia and romance that they associate with a vintage or antique diamond engagement ring. Well, at least you’re not likely to see another couple with the exact ring and you can contribute to the history of an antique ring with your own life story. And, you’re not like to see the exact ring on someone else’s finger.
Christmas Proposal Ideas
Everyone gets a bit romantic at Christmas so it’s no (snow) wonder that the magic of season leads to more than a few marriage proposals; well it’s either magic or one too many. But, if you’re going to take this momentous step then it’s worth making it memorable , too. So, how do you propose to propose? No idea? Don’t worry you’re not alone and, in the Christmas spirit of giving, let me help you out. We’ve heard quite a few good ones in our time at Nicholson’s Jewellers and I’ve asked around a few friends so, here they are. One word of warning though, I take no responsibility for the replies!
Pop the diamond ring into a champagne glass, top up with champagne and just before she takes a sip, draw her attention to “something in your glass”, after all you wouldn’t want her to choke before she said “Yes”.
Hang the engagement ring box on the Christmas tree; you might have to point her in the direction of an “extra gift”, it’s also best to do this before your guests arrive otherwise you might find yourself engaged to someone else!
Take her out to your favourite restaurant but tell the waiter you plan to propose. They can help you recycle the champagne glass idea above or you could arrange for the diamond engagement ring to be delivered with the dessert trolley.
If she has an inkling that she might be getting an engagement ring, then put the ring box into gradually increasing bigger boxes as a camouflage.
Buy your fiancee a box of her favourite chocolates and put the diamond ring inside. I know it’s been done before, but this is my favourite.
Give her a cute soft toy with the engagement ring hanging from a ribbon around its neck.
Of course, many women prefer to choose their own engagement ring and it’s not necessary to have the ring with any of these proposal ideas. Simply ask your question with a little note or poem written on beautiful handmade paper. A few more proposals without the ring are:
Take her to her favourite jewellers and ask her to choose. It might be wise to collaborate with your jeweller so that they can have a selection to suit your budget ready to display. We have had a proposal made in our shop on New Year’s Eve. They’d been together 10 years and had 3 kids but, hey, it’s never too late!
Propose somewhere beautiful and/or meaningful to you both. For instance, your first date, your first holiday. One client whisked his intended away to the shores of Lake Garda (sigh!).
A friend took his now wife to their favourite restaurant and over coffee produced a ring that he’d fashoned from the silver mint wrapper to propose. NB. This was followed up by the real thing!
Jewellery Care
Now You’ve Got It, Look After It!
Jewellery is a very important gift, often given or received with precious memories. Jewellery is frequently given as a gift to commemorate signicant occasionssuch as 18th or 21st birthdays, wedding days, anniversaries or birth of a child.
So, now we’ve got it, how do we take care of it? First and foremost – get it insured with a good, all-risks policy giving world-wide cover. Then, at least if the worst happens you won’t lose out financially and will be able to replace your jewellery. Of course, no-one can replace the sentimental value.
Rings
Of course, not all jewellery is received as a gift. More and more women are buying jewellery for themselves, especially a diamond ring, often to mark a promotion in their career, or to celebrate a milestone birthday, or even just because we want to. And this marquise diamond ring by Paul Spurgeon would be a fantastic reward for all your hard work. Keep a check on claws to make sure they haven’t worn and avoid wearing rings when doing sport/housework/gardening.Claw-Set Jewellery This can be cleaned with a very soft toothbrush – an old baby’s toothbrush is ideal – dipped it mild soapy water. Take care to brush gently and avoid catching the bristles under the claws of settings. Be careful with emeralds and opals as they are very fragile. As far as turquoise, coral and pearls are concerned, trying wiping with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid this “toothbrush and soapy water” method if the gems have been “glued” into the settings.
Pearl Jewellery
With pearls it’s definitely a case of prevention is better than cure, so apply your perfume and hairspray and make sure they have dried before putting on your pearl jewellery. Wipe your pearls with a soft, very slightly damp cloth after wearing, taking care not to get the string wet. Your pearls should be stored separately in your jewellery box, perhaps in a cloth bag, as they can be scratched by the rest of your jewellery. How often pearls will need re-threading will depend on several factors but once a year would be adviseable.
Silver Jewellery
Silver is a beautiful metal and a perfect foil for brunettes and darker skin tones. It does, however have a drawback: it tarnishes. For day-to-day care wipe silver jewellery with a silver polishing cloth. If it has become quite tarnished then a proprietory silver cleaner can be used. Don’t leave your silver jewellery in the solution, there’s a reason it’s called “silver dip”, as it can turn black. Remember to rinse well in clean water and dry thoroughly. Tip: when rinsing your jewellery remember to put the plug in the sink; there’s many a diamond that’s gone down the U bend!
Necklaces
Necklaces and especially fine chains have an awful habit of becoming all knotted and it really does try the patience of a saint (not to mention your local jeweller!) to separate them. To avoid losing your temper, or to continue to be welcomed by your jeweller, keep each chain in a separate pouch. Don’t make like Miss Piggy either, flicking your hair all over the place. You’ll just get your hair caught in the chain and it could break with a sharp pull. The same is true of a fine chain worn too long, they catch on everything and longer chains really do need to be of a heavier gauge.
So, insure your jewellery, wear it and care for it and to enjoy it for some time.
If the Shoe Fits
A Dainty Shoe for Dainty Feet
Whilst our dress size may yo-yo to put a bungee jumper to shame, our shoes stay the same; that extra chocolate biscuit doesn’t go anywhere near altering our shoe size. And that’s why we all love buying shoes because, unlike the rest of our bodies, our feet don’t grow in size. Well, are you sure? Have you never requested your shoe size with more than a hint of pride in your dainty porkers only to find that when the shop assistant brings the shoe, your dainty feet will go nowhere near? Sounds familiar? Well, that’s because although our feet haven’t changed in size, the size of the shoe we need changes with the style. And it’s the same when we buy rings. Actually, it’s even worse with rings; eat too many of those chocolate biscuits and the weight will go to our fingers! But back to the style of rings.
In the UK we use an alphabetical system but, like shoe sizes, the US and Europe have a numerical system – although not the same numbers, just like shoes again. This table attempts to show the differences between the UK, US and European systems and gives approximate diameter and circumference measurements, but there is no substitute for having your finger measured at a jewellers – and to have some idea of the kind of ring you want.
Although we might be forgiven for thinking that ring sizing is difficult, it used to be much worse. In the past, each manufacturer just made rings in sizes he thought he might be able to sell. In Victorian times jewellers used a tapered pole with markings spaced along the length of the pole. However, the markings on the ring stick were quite arbitrary and it was not until 1939-1940 that a British Standard was proposed with the diameter of each finger size increasing by 0.0155 inches. The proposal was officially accepted in 1945 and this is the standard still in use in the UK today for measuring ring sizes.
What A Fabulous Scarf
or, The Importance of Accessories
Isn’t it true that when we wear a fabulous outfit – stylish, great colour, exact fit – we have the wind taken out of our sails by the number of people who admire the scarf we’ve added almost as an afterthought. Well, maybe that just goes to show how important accessories can be in the making or breaking of an outfit. And the same goes for a fabulous piece of jewellery. If you want to make an impression say, at an interview or business meeting, a piece of statement jewellery can be an important part of your armoury. We all go to social events where we hardly know anyone at all and a well chosen piece of jewellery can be a great ice-breaker. For me, that means either my large stainless steel collar that has not failed to draw comments and requests to try it on!
Necklaces
Those blessed with a long neck can usually get away with any sort of necklace, a chunky choker or a long dangly chain. The secret is to keep it bold as long necks can look a bit “unbalanced” with anything delicate, so really go for it with something eye-catching – bearing in mind the neckline of the top. And be careful of a bold necklace and earrings worn together; we want to be remembered in a “good way”. Short necks, on the other hand, suit the delicate choker style of necklace as they don’t take up too much space between chin and chest!
Earrings and Brooches
Earrings, something I can’t do without. I’ve been wearing earrings so long I feel naked without them – star shaped diamond studs since you ask. Chandelier or stud styles are ideal for long faces but, if you have a short neck, avoid earrings that dangle towards the shoulders. And don’t wear dangly earrings if wanting to look professional, go instead for a marvellous bracelet or, if you wear a suit for work or interviews, a stunning brooch and keep the dangly earrings for a night out. Yes, I know few people wear brooches these days but that’s the point! We want our jewellery to make an impression for us and say something about our style – and a brooch doesn’t have to mean fuddy-duddy. This one is a beautiful Edwardian brooch set with square cut sapphires and seed pearls. Very elegant.
Rings
Big hands, big rings. It’s true. A small dainty ring on a large hand just gets lost whereas something big and bold looks fabulous. How many rings to wear? Well, one great ring is worth more than 3-4 mediocre ones.
This is certainly chunky; it’s a large faceted quartz and silver ring from Luxenter – a new collection at Nicholson’s Jewellers.
Bracelets
Small, delicate wrists are for small delicate bracelets; big wrists, big bracelets. A bracelet worn with a watch? Well just be careful as one will damage the other. A bracelet constantly moving over the watch face will scratch the glass, wear a leather strap and scratch a metal strap. A bracelet on each wrist? Victorian women used to wear a bracelet or cuff on each wrist (and, admittedly, it does still look stunning today) but Victorian ladies didn’t wear wristwatches! So, if you must wear a bracelet or bracelets on each wrist – lose the watch, or do as the Victorians did and wear a pretty pocket watch. They don’t have to be kept in a pocket, they can be worn on a chain around the neck or on a pin as a brooch.
Watches
Small, delicate and feminine or chunky and modern. With styles by Breil and Ted Baker you can have both and make different impressions for different occasions. If you want to get noticed or be remembered (like at the important interview) an on-trend chunky watch is just the thing. And for a dinner date, something delicate, perhaps with a mother-of-pearl face, would be the right choice.
