Inspiration

I have found here is something about becoming a mother that changes the way you look at jewellery. Before Bonnie, I loved beautiful pieces simply because they were timeless. Now, every piece I wear tells a story. It's no longer just about what looks beautiful; it's about carrying the people you love closest to you. As a relatively new mum myself, I find that so many of the pieces I now design and wear are inspired by Bonnie. They are little reminders of her that I carry with me every single day and I know I'm not alone in that feeling. Whether you're searching for a first Mother's Day gift, a push present, a birthday surprise or simply a thoughtful gift for a new mum, I truly believe the most meaningful jewellery is deeply personal. An Initial That Means Everything For my very first Mother's Day, Jonny surprised me with a solid 9ct gold Initial Charm, hand engraved with a simple 'B'. It's such a small piece, yet it means absolutely everything to me. I haven't taken it off since the day he gave it to me. One day, I know it will belong to Bonnie but until then, I get to carry a little piece of her with me wherever I go. Sometimes the simplest gifts become the most treasured. A Ring That Holds My Greatest Story When we launched our Dream Collection, I designed something that quickly became my favourite piece of jewellery. My Promise Ring is hand engraved with Bonnie's name, her date of birth and a scattering of tiny hearts. I see it countless times every day. It's become part of me. Stacked alongside my other treasured rings, it's a constant reminder of the greatest adventure of my life so far. That is what I love most about personalised jewellery. It doesn't just complement your style it becomes part of your story. Jewellery That Grows With Your Family Over the years, we've become known as a place people return to as their families grow. Many mums begin with one of our hand engraved Scroll Charms or Initial Charms to celebrate the arrival of their first baby. As new little ones arrive, another charm is added. Then another. Slowly, a necklace or bracelet becomes a collection of life's most precious chapters. Each charm represents a child, a memory, a milestone. It's one of my favourite traditions because your jewellery evolves alongside your family. Tiny Hands, Precious Moments One thing customers tell us time and time again always makes me smile. So many mums say that during feeds or cuddles, their babies instinctively reach up to hold their necklace or gently play with the charms. Those tiny little hands wrapped around something that represents them is such a beautiful thought. Long before they understand what the jewellery means, it's already part of those quiet everyday moments together. Begin a Collection They'll Treasure Forever One of my favourite gifting ideas is to start a collection rather than choosing just one piece. Our Initial Charms, Heart Charms and Star Charms can all be engraved with initials or meaningful symbols, allowing a collection to grow over the years. I've gifted these to friends who now wear a different charm for each of their children, creating necklaces that are completely unique to their family. Each charm tells its own little story, yet together they become something incredibly special. A Personalised Bangle Full of Memories Another beautiful way to celebrate motherhood is with one of our Stamped Bangles. Hand stamp the names, birth dates or initials of each child, then continue adding to the story as your family grows. Or perhaps begin with a simple bangle and gradually add engraved charms over the years. The beauty of personalised jewellery is that it never really feels finished. It grows with you. Just like your family. Jewellery That Will One Day Be Theirs Perhaps my favourite thing about sentimental jewellery is knowing that one day it won't be mine anymore. The little 'B' charm I wear every day will eventually belong to Bonnie. My engraved Promise Ring will carry its own memories for her. The scratches, the polished edges, the moments we've shared they'll all become part of its story. Jewellery has a remarkable way of connecting generations. It isn't simply passed down. It's passed on with love. A Gift She'll Wear Every Day Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear. Jewellery becomes part of everyday life. The best gifts for mums aren't always the grandest gestures; they're the thoughtful ones that celebrate the people who matter most. A hand engraved initial. A meaningful date. A tiny heart. A growing collection of charms. Because motherhood is made up of thousands of little moments and sometimes the smallest pieces of jewellery carry the greatest meaning of all. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.

A christening is one of life's most meaningful celebrations. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, godparent or close family friend, finding a gift that feels thoughtful today and treasured for years to come can be surprisingly difficult. While toys are quickly outgrown and clothes soon become too small, a beautifully chosen piece of jewellery has the ability to become part of a family's story. At Renné, we believe the most meaningful gifts are those that can be cherished through every chapter of life. A Children's Christening Bangle Perhaps the most traditional christening gift of all is a sterling silver christening bangle. Our Children's Christening Bangle is handcrafted from solid sterling silver and can be personalised by hand in our workshop with a name, christening date, initials or a meaningful quote. Each bangle also carries its traditional British hallmarks, making it an authentic keepsake to mark such a special occasion. Whilst little wrists inevitably grow, that's part of what makes these bangles so sentimental. They become treasured mementoes, carefully kept long after they've been worn. Sometimes the most precious gifts aren't the ones we wear forever, but the ones that remind us where our story began. A Gift They'll Grow Into If you're looking for something they'll wear well into adulthood, consider one of our Stamped Bangles. Each bangle can be personalised with meaningful words, dates, song lyrics or family mottos, creating a piece that grows with them rather than being outgrown. Some families choose to gift the bangle at the christening and keep it safely tucked away until a milestone birthday, graduation or even their eighteenth birthday. It's a beautiful reminder that some gifts become even more meaningful with time. A Tradition That Lasts a Lifetime One of my own favourite memories came from my godfather. Rather than giving one large gift, he chose a new charm for every significant milestone in my life. Birthdays, achievements and special occasions were all marked with another little addition to my collection. Years later, those charms tell my story. A tiny 9ct gold key, a delicate feather, a horse that reflected something I loved… each one carries its own memory. It's a tradition I've always treasured and one I'd love to see more families begin. Whether you choose sterling silver or solid 9ct gold, a charm collection is something that can continue throughout childhood and beyond, creating a jewellery box full of memories rather than simply possessions. A Gift Mum Can Wear Until They're Ready One of our favourite ideas is gifting something that Mum can wear while baby is still little. Rather than leaving a precious piece tucked away in a box, it becomes part of everyday life. A necklace adorned with their first charm, a bracelet carrying an engraved initial or a meaningful keepsake can be worn and loved for years before eventually being passed down when the child is old enough to truly appreciate its story. It becomes something they've always known. Something they've seen Mum wear throughout their childhood. And one day, something that becomes theirs. A Beautiful Gift for Little Girls For younger girls, our Liberty Wraps make a wonderful first piece of jewellery. They're a thoughtful token for a christening or naming day and from around four or five years old, become something children can genuinely enjoy wearing themselves. They're colourful, comfortable and often become the jewellery they remember wearing first. Christening Gifts for Boys Jewellery isn't only for girls. Our personalised Men's Cufflinks make a wonderfully thoughtful christening gift for a little boy that he'll one day wear with pride. Each cufflink can be hand stamped with up to four characters, making them perfect for engraving initials on one cufflink and a significant date on the other. Imagine gifting them at a christening, only for them to be worn decades later at a graduation, wedding or another milestone occasion. Sometimes the longest journeys begin with the smallest gifts. Choosing a Gift That Tells a Story The most meaningful christening gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive. They're the ones filled with thought. A name. A date. A favourite quote. A charm added year after year. A piece worn by Mum before being passed down. These are the gifts that become part of family traditions and are treasured for generations. At Renné, we believe jewellery should tell a story and perhaps the most beautiful stories are the ones that begin at the very start of life. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.

Finding the perfect ring size is an important part of choosing jewellery you'll love for years to come. Whether you're treating yourself, selecting a meaningful gift or designing a bespoke piece, a well-fitting ring should feel comfortable, secure and effortless to wear. At Renné, we size our rings using the UK alphabetical sizing system (A–Z), which is the standard used by jewellers throughout the UK. The Most Accurate Way to Find Your Ring Size We always recommend visiting your local independent jeweller to have your finger professionally measured. This is the most reliable way to determine your ring size and ensures the best possible fit. Even better, if you're local to us, we'd love to welcome you into our Darlington shop. We'll measure your finger professionally and we can save your ring size to your Renné Wishlist or customer account. This makes future shopping effortless, whether you're treating yourself or someone is choosing a gift for you. Why We Don't Recommend Online Ring Sizers You may have come across printable ring charts, paper measuring strips or apps that promise to tell you your ring size from your phone. Whilst they can seem convenient, we generally don't recommend these methods. Small differences in printer settings, screen sizes or measuring technique can easily result in an incorrect size, often by more than one full letter. A ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that is too loose may be at risk of slipping off. For something designed to be worn every day, it's worth taking a few extra minutes to have your size measured properly. Things That Can Affect Your Ring Size It's perfectly normal for your fingers to change slightly throughout the day. Your ring size can be influenced by: Temperature (warm weather can cause fingers to swell) Time of day Exercise Pregnancy Certain medical conditions For the most accurate measurement, we recommend having your finger sized when your hands are at a comfortable, normal temperature. Buying a Ring as a Surprise? If you're choosing a gift or planning a proposal, don't worry if you don't know their size. A trusted family member or close friend may be able to help, or you could discreetly borrow a ring they already wear on the correct finger. Bringing this to a jeweller can often provide a good indication of size. If you're unsure, we're always happy to offer advice before you order. Need a Different Size? Many of our rings can be made in a range of sizes, and we're always happy to discuss bespoke sizing where possible. If you have any questions before ordering, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Visit Us In Store If you're nearby, pop into our Darlington shop and we'll professionally measure your finger for you. We'll happily save your ring size to your Renné Wishlist or customer account, making it easy to find the perfect fit whenever you're choosing your next piece. Because jewellery should feel just as perfect to wear as it does to give. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.

In recent years, something unusual has been happening with sterling silver prices and it’s not just in the markets: it’s affecting everyday jewellery too. Sterling silver, the metal at the heart of so many of our treasured pieces, has seen a significant rise in its global price, driven by factors far beyond fashion. Below we explain what’s going on, why it’s out of our control as makers and what positive implications this has for customers who already own or are considering a piece of our timeless sterling silver jewellery. How much has the price of silver increased? Globally traded metals markets set the price of silver and in 2025 this price moved sharply higher. According to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the sterling silver prices climbed from roughly $29.41 per troy ounce on 1 January 2025 to as high as $74.84 per ounce by the end of the year an increase of approximately 144.82% over the course of the year. And that trend hasn’t stopped. In early 2026, sterling silver prices continue to trade above $100 per ounce, a level not seen before in many years. In simple terms: the ingredient in your sterling silver jewellery has become significantly more expensive. What is causing the rise in sterling silver prices? There isn’t a single reason, there’s a confluence of global forces: 1. Industrial Demand Is SoaringSterling Silver isn’t just a precious metal for jewellery. It is also a crucial industrial metal used in: Solar panels and renewable energy technologies Electric vehicles and advanced electronics Artificial intelligence data centres and semiconductors These industrial uses have grown strongly and silver is now deeply embedded in future-facing sectors. Because demand from industry competes with jewellery demand, it pushes the sterling silver price upward. 2. Supply Constraints and Structural DeficitsSilver supply has not kept pace. Production increases are modest year-on-year and recycling, while helpful, can’t make up the shortfall. This structural deficit means that demand has outstripped supply, fuelling upward price pressure.  3. Investment Flows and Market DynamicsSilver is also seen by some investors as a store of value, especially in uncertain economic times. There’s been notable interest in silver across global markets, which also adds to its price momentum. Because sterling silver is more thinly traded than gold, its price can be more volatile, sometimes moving faster than gold itself.  Why This Matters for Jewellery Makers As a small jeweller, we buy silver on the global market just like anyone else. When the underlying metal becomes more expensive, the cost of the raw materials we use, sterling silver sheet, wire, chains, findings - also rises. This isn’t about branding or profitability. It’s simply the way precious metals are priced internationally. There’s no mechanism for a jeweller to “lock in” old prices indefinitely, especially during periods of rapid market change. What This Means for You 1. Pieces you already own have risen in intrinsic metal value.As sterling silver’s market price increases, the metal contained in existing pieces becomes more valuable too. That doesn’t mean resale is encouraged but it does mean your sterling silver jewellery has sturdy material backing. 2. We continue to focus on quality.Some brands might respond to higher metal costs by making thinner, lighter, or less durable pieces. We choose not to compromise on materials or workmanship. If prices change, it is in order to maintain standards you can trust. 3. Well made jewellery is longer-lasting and more meaningful.Sterling Silver, when cared for well, can be polished, repaired and restored for decades. In a world of fast fashion, this reliability matters. In Summary Sterling silver prices are currently elevated due to a combination of: Industrial demand growth Supply constraints Investment and market dynamics These forces are global and beyond the control of individual makers like us. What we can control is how we design, construct and support jewellery that is beautiful, durable, and worth owning for years, not just months. Why has sterling silver become so expensive?Sterling silver is priced on global markets. In recent years, demand from industry and investors has increased while supply has struggled to keep pace, pushing prices higher. Will silver jewellery prices go back down?Silver prices can fluctuate, but current levels reflect long-term industrial demand, not a short-term trend. Does this mean silver jewellery is a good investment?Silver jewellery should be bought to wear and enjoy. However, rising silver prices do increase the intrinsic metal value of well-made pieces. If you ever have questions about how your piece is made or about caring for it so it lasts a lifetime, we’re always here to help. Thank you for your support and loyalty, as always.

What you’re really buying and how long it will last Jewellery terminology can be confusing and it’s not always explained clearly. This guide breaks it down simply, so you can make informed choices with confidence. Gold plated jewellery Gold plated jewellery is made by applying a very thin layer of gold over a base metal (often brass or silver). What to know The gold layer is extremely fine Over time, plating will wear away, especially on rings and chains Lifespan depends on wear and care Best for Occasional wear Trend-led pieces Short-term styling Gold plated jewellery is not designed to last a lifetime. Gold vermeil Vermeil uses a thicker layer of gold over sterling silver, rather than brass. What to know More durable than standard plating Still a surface layer, it will wear over time When the gold wears, silver underneath becomes visible Best for Medium-term wear Those wanting gold appearance at a lower price point Gold filled Gold filled jewellery contains a much thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. What to know More durable than plating or vermeil Still not solid gold Less common in UK fine jewellery Best for Everyday wear when solid gold isn’t an option Solid gold (including 9ct) Solid gold jewellery is gold all the way through, not coated. In the UK, 9ct gold is traditional and widely used. What to know Extremely durable Will not wear away or reveal another metal Can be polished, repaired, resized and restored for decades 9 carat gold contains alloys that make it harder-wearing than higher carats Best for Everyday jewellery Heirloom pieces Long term wear A note on “solid gold” Not all solid gold jewellery is equal. Some pieces are hollow or very lightweight, which can affect longevity. Construction matters just as much as material. Our approach We choose materials based on how jewellery is actually worn, not just how it looks online. Our aim is simple: pieces that age beautifully and can be worn for years, not replaced. If you’re ever unsure what’s right for you, we’re always happy to talk it through.  Why We Use 9 Carat Gold In the UK, 9 carat gold is traditional. It has been used in fine jewellery for generations not because it is cheaper but because it is practical, durable, and suited to everyday wear. Strength for real life 9 carat gold contains a higher proportion of alloy metals than higher carat gold. This makes it: Harder and more resistant to knocks Less prone to bending or denting Better suited to jewellery worn daily rather than occasionally For rings, chains and pieces designed to be lived in, this matters. Higher carat golds (such as 18ct) are softer by nature. While beautiful, they can mark and deform more easily when worn every day. A British jewellery standard In the UK, 9ct gold is: Fully recognised as solid gold Hallmarked and regulated Used historically for heirloom and everyday jewellery alike Many pieces passed down through families engagement rings, chains, signet rings are 9ct precisely because they were worn often and needed to last. Longevity over labels We choose materials based on how jewellery behaves over time, not how impressive a number sounds. 9ct gold: Will not wear away Can be polished, resized, repaired and restored repeatedly Ages gracefully rather than deteriorating A well made 9ct piece can last decades  and often generations, with proper care. The right gold for the right purpose There is no “best” carat universally only what is best for how you wear your jewellery. Our designs are intended to be worn often, layered, and lived in. For that reason, 9ct gold offers the balance we value most: beauty, strength, and longevity!

A clear, honest guide from the workshop Is jewellery waterproof? “Waterproof jewellery” is a phrase you’ll see everywhere but it’s rarely explained properly. The truth is, no fine jewellery is completely immune to life. However, well made jewellery can be worn confidently day to day, with a little understanding and care. Here’s what we mean and what we don’t. Is any jewellery truly waterproof? In short: no. Fine jewellery isn’t designed to behave like swimwear or sports equipment. Metals react to moisture, air, chemicals and friction over time. What matters is how well the piece is made, what it’s made from and how it’s worn. When brands say “waterproof”, they usually mean: it won’t immediately tarnish or discolour when exposed to water it can cope with occasional contact with moisture That’s very different from being indestructible. Sterling silver & everyday life Sterling silver is a precious metal made to last a lifetime  but it does naturally react with air and moisture over time. Showering occasionally: generally fine Washing hands: no issue Rain, sea air, daily wear: perfectly normal Swimming regularly (especially in pools or the sea): not recommended Salt water and chlorine are particularly harsh and can dull silver much faster than everyday wear. The good news? Tarnish is surface level and can be gently removed. It does not mean your jewellery is damaged or poor quality. Gold jewellery & water Solid gold (including 9ct) is more resistant than silver but it isn’t immune. Chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time Soaps and shampoos can leave residue that dulls the finish Repeated exposure speeds up wear, especially on finer chains Gold jewellery lasts longest when it’s treated as something to live with, not through everything. What we recommend For jewellery you want to last decades, not seasons: Safe for Daily wear Handwashing Occasional showers Normal life Best removed for Swimming (sea or pool) Gym workouts Sleeping Cleaning with chemicals Perfume, hairspray, fake tan application Putting jewellery on last and taking it off first makes a remarkable difference. Our philosophy We design jewellery to be worn, loved, and lived in, not hidden away. But longevity comes from understanding, not slogans. If you ever have questions about caring for your piece, we’re always happy to advise!

Talking of the weekend and the unpredictable weather we encountered we have put together an easy transitional look to carry you through Spring. The frilled collar of this beautiful denim waistcoat will add extra interest when sat next to a chic pair of earrings like our Mini Hoops & Gold Stars. Roll up your striped sleeves to show off your arm party, preferably with a couple of Open Oolana bangles in tow! Add a personal touch with our best selling Scroll Ring, a great alternative to our Signet Rings. A mix of silver and gold will create interest whilst a pop of colour via our Sweetie Charms will also bring you wonderful life enhancing  properties! Get the look: Washed Candyfloss Waistcoat - Seventy & Mochi, Culotte Jean - Mango, Woven Leather Bag - Dragon Diffusion, Merino Turtle Neck -COS.

Looking for some bank holiday style inspiration? Here we have pulled together a fun look for Easter weekend, I love the denim trench trend, tying the colours in with our Sweetie Bracelets in Apatite and Chrysoprase. A flash of hot pink to encourage the spring sun to make an appearance with the cashmere scarf that pairs perfectly layered with our 9 carat gold star and clear quartz sweetie earrings. Whether you're plans are an Easter egg hunt, bbq with friends or drinks in the city we have you covered!Get the look:Grey Crew Vest - Me&Em, Denim Trench - COS, Cream Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger, Pink Cashmere Scarf - Arch4, Trainers - Autry

A fantastic product placement of our stunning 9 Carat Gold Trace Bracelet in the November issue of Absolutely Yorkshire.