All that glitters

I have spent a long time walking up and down Hatton Garden admiring the wonderful displays of sparkling diamonds and fabulous jewellery but find that it is rare that I am able to afford such trinkets. Plus you always wonder about the lives of people who wear rocks with the approximate value of Peru...

So it was with some delight that I strolled around the numerous stalls at the Desire jewellery and silversmithing fair at Parkshot in Richmond (which runs from 6-8th March)last evening.

Whilst there are some pieces that are clearly designed (and priced) for Russian oligarchs and retired bankers with their bonuses and pensions in tact there were many, many gorgeous items that remained within the reach of mere mortals like me.

Last year I had dallied so long at the Irish Alan Ardiff stand exploring all those beautiful pieces of "interactive" jewellery (they move as you wear them) on quirky themes that I purchased a heart containing a key that moved to show "open" and "closed". This year I resisted temptation.

The delightful cat creations at Saba bought a smile to everyone's face - but on what occasion would I wear a monkey necklace with matching banana ear rings? Or a pendant with a naughty cat cathing a fish?

I nearly caved in at the Tine Bladjerg stall where the pieces are all inspired by fairytales and song lyrics - delicate and funny little wearable sculptures - especially when she explained that I could commission a piece using my own favourite song lyrics.

There were even jewellers using modern day chain mail for some awesome pieces for a night out with your knight in shining armour.

For those who need to know, the new trends (last year it was wire-like cages containing hearts or birds)were brushed gold, oxidised silver and huge chunky chains - with or without gem stones or beads.