Jewellery from Silk & Steel’s new Sentiments collection. Images supplied.
Silk & Steel recently launched the brand’s newest jewellery collection called Sentiments which speaks to the feelings, memories and defining moments that jewellery holds. Designer and founder Sarah Cotterall is known for her love of elegant jewellery and often draws inspiration from her personal collection of jewellery when creating new ranges for Silk & Steel. Each piece of Sentiments is meticulously handmade by artisans and handset with gemstones, making them future heirlooms of everlasting memories.
We caught up with Sarah to find out more about the collection and what her top tips are for looking after jewellery.
Where did the inspiration come from for the collection and what items from your personal collection did you look to when creating it?
Sentiments is a collection inspired by my own personal jewellery and family heirlooms, that hold beautiful memories and nostalgic value. Each piece is close to my heart and the meaning behind the collection focuses on how jewellery captures defining moments, help create stories and relive memories. I love how jewellery can mark special occasions, hold sentimental meaning and evoke memories.
The Nostalgia designs are the heroes in this collection. Inspired by a necklace my husband gifted to me on our first wedding anniversary, which I designed 21 years ago, and still regularly wear. It’s a beautiful solitaire diamond that flows on a snake chain. It’s a classic contemporary design that holds beautiful meaning. The Nostalgia three stone ring is based on a family heirloom that will be passed down to my daughter. I love the symbolism that it holds in our family and the idea of creating a moderating vintage version with a Silk & Steel twist. I chose translucent rose quartz as a beautiful alternative to diamonds – which is the stone of unconditional love. Black spinel is a striking protective gemstone and a signature in all our collections.
Another treasured piece which I have in my jewellery collection is a pave ring, which my husband gave me when our first child was born. This piece inspired a ring which features in our upcoming Christmas capsule collection, called Luminosa. It’s again a ring I regularly wear and love… almost 17 years on.
I’m so excited to be able to share my story and designs behind Sentiments – I hope it gives our wearers the same pleasure and joy my personal items have given to me over the years.
Since your jewellery is designed to be treasured and handed down what are your top general jewellery care tips?
I always take care when wearing and storing my jewellery, especially as jewellery can be delicate. To ensure longevity, I remove my jewellery if I’m cleaning or swimming and never directly spray perfume or hairspray near them. This helps avoid damage to the plating and maintains lustre. For full care guidelines we also have tips on our website.
How best should customers look after and clean the metals you use for your collections? What are the particular tips for caring for gemstones?
A great cleaning tip, which is super quick for cleaning sterling silver, or gold plated jewellery, and is also safe for gemstones, is by electrolytic action – which sounds complicated but it’s simply a chemical reaction between the silver, aluminium and the sulphur, which removes the tarnish from oxidised silver. We have a simple step by step guide on how to clean your Silk & Steel jewellery on our website.
Gemstones are delicate and each stone is one of a kind, and need to be treated with care. Avoid abrasive cleaning techniques, as these could damage softer gemstones. Cleaning your gemstones is best done with warm water and detergent free soap and then thoroughly dry.
How and where should jewellery be stored?
After wearing, I always place my jewellery in a pouch or jewellery box and keep in a dry place. This will help protect and keep pieces pristine.
Images supplied.