Making a Man’s Jewellery That Extra Bit Special

Men’s jewellery is often as wide and varied these days as women’s; in fact, with a surge in new trends, celebrity style and new fashions, there’s never been a more versatile time than 2019 for males to showcase their favourite accessories. From wedding rings for men, right through to earrings, neck chains and bracelets; there’s a huge range to choose from. As a result, one thing that more and more men (and their loved ones) are aspiring to do is to make the jewellery a little more special.

How’s best to do this?

There are a number of ways to purchase an item of jewellery that differs from others on the market and some of these options include:

• Having the jewellery customised with an engraving or with a unique stone
• Employing a jeweller that uses traditional crafting techniques instead of modern ones
• Going for a hand-forged piece, with the precious metal smelted in a forge or furnace
• Modifying an existing piece, such as a family heirloom to introduce a new aesthetic

The options available are as wide as they are varied, so creating a custom piece that a man will cherish for his entire life can be much easier now than it ever was before.

Customised jewellery

If the male in question has a particular gemstone that he’s a fan of, or a specific type of metal – custom pieces could well be the way to go. They are ideal for events such as weddings, but can also be worn around the home and on a day to day basis. Most good jewellers will be happy to work with their clients to create iconic, exclusive designs to suit specific tastes as well, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Traditional jewellery

These days, many jewellers use machines to assist with the design and creation processes. Although this is widely accepted, some people prefer to keep their items more traditional – especially when it comes to a man’s jewellery and accessories. Some jewellers will smelt their precious metals (such as when using gold, silver and platinum), whereas others may forge the shape (like when creating steel, iron, or other carbon-based metals).

Tailoring an heirloom

When a ring has been in a family for decades and sometimes even longer, it might not be ideal to have them modified to reflect newer demands and preferences. But if the item is in need of repair or a general update to its appearance, what better time is there to incorporate a new style? The current owner might want to switch gems, add a new one, or even coat the metal to create a more luxurious finish. Fortunately, most professional jewellers will be able to advise on this front – and if you really couldn’t bear changing the appearance, purchasing a brand new piece from them may be a more ideal solution.

How to Get Started with Landscape Design

When you want to update your outdoor space, there’s often no better way to really get the garden you want than with landscaping. While the entire process of planning and cultivating a perfect space may prove to be difficult without the help of an expert landscape gardener/architect, incorporating the right kind of design doesn’t have to be too difficult.

What to do before you hire a professional landscaping expert

It’s no secret that the installation and overall finish of your design may benefit from being handled by a professional (or professionals), but getting the absolute best from your space can be defined by your personal needs. This is why it can be a good idea to determine exactly what you want before you hire help.

It may be worthwhile to first consider the following factors:

• If you are hoping to regularly entertain guests
• If you want a calming space to relax
• If children or pets will be using the garden
• How much you want to maintain plants and features
• If you want to create a space that fits the local landscape
• If you want a multifunctional space
• If you want style over function

Once you have these things in mind, a professional should be able to help you to realise your ambitions – and advise you in areas where certain elements may not be possible (i.e. if the soil or conditions of your garden won’t cater to specific plants).

Choosing the right design for your landscaping

As with décor and architecture, there are a range of styles that can characterise the overall look and feel of your garden (as well as impact it’s performance), so it may be a good idea to specify your chosen design before beginning the planning phase of your landscape project.

Naturally designed gardens are often created to establish a simpler, more organic space that needs little to no maintenance (or even chemical intervention) to flourish. Homeowners may want to blend their garden into the surrounding scenery for a more native feel.

On the other side of the coin, manicured gardens typically function in the opposite way. Often defined by strict guidelines (think symmetrical patterns and beautifully trimmed greenery), cultivated spaces tend to offer a more uniform, high-maintenance space.

Some homeowners like to incorporate cultural design elements into their spaces to maximise the look or functionality to suit their needs. For example, a typical English garden may feature shrubbery and perennials, as well as stone features like statues and bird baths. These types of gardens can be medium in maintenance and can vary in functionality to suit. Oriental styles tend to be more relaxed in feel and feature more installations than plant-life (such as water features and rock formations) and tropical styles generally integrate drought-resistant plants and gravel for a stylish yet easy to maintain aesthetic.