shell pendant

So while men are busy looking and thinking about valentines day gifts for her to bestow on their loved ones, us ladies are planning our outfits for that valentines day dinner date.  Even if you haven't had an invitation there's no harm in being prepared.  See what I mean about expectations?  Lets hope we are not planning in vain.  Keep it simple is what I always say so why not revamp an old number from your wardrobe with some dramatic handmade jewellery or chunky jewellery.   This shell pendant can be just what you need to glamorize that little black dress or that wrap dress.  A very ethnic jewellery piece that comes mounted on a thick silver snake chain, looks absolutely stunning!. Cut by hand, the shell is decoratively arranged on a disc pendant held in place by a polished silver clasp welded to the disc.  Click here to buy shell pendant online.

Chunky bracelets

Accessorizing in winter can seem a bit of a chore especially since we have to cloak ourselves in large winter coats and lots of layers to keep warm. So how do you achieve glamour and warmth? Well chunky jewellery is the perfect jewellery fashion trend for accessorizing in the winter as it only takes one piece of jewellery to glamourize your outfit and have you looking like you belong on the cover of vogue.


Even if you do not go for chunky necklaces, chunky bracelets are an absolute treasure and so easy to wear. Chunky bracelets remind me of Egyptian times with Cleopatra, and the cuff bracelet can certainly be attributed to roman days. Chunky bracelets while big and bold can certainly also be elegant, stately and regal, like this handmade copper cuff bracelet. The ethnic motif of this unique copper bracelet for me is reminiscent of the ornate and decorated jewellery worn by Cleopatra and will make a very unique and unusual jewellery gift.

This funky chunky african beaded bracelet creativley handmade using safety pins in contrasting florescent colours is always a conversational piece. The use of a mundane safety pin to create such a stunning, simple and chic ethnic jewellery piece is simply outstanding and is what statement jewellery is. Not to mention the fantastic use and combination of colours - turquoise and cobalt blue.

The chunky jewellery trend has been ongoing on the fashion scene since 2008 and does not look to be going out of fashion anytime soon. In fact, I cannot remember a time when I did not have a piece of chunky jewellery in my jewellery ensemble. This very versatile jewellery trend is easy to wear trend and a must have jewellery accessory for any meaningful capsule wardrobe.

Chunky Jewellery – a year round fashion accessory

Chunky jewellery is your year round accessory that looks great in the summer with all its bright eclectic colours and styles and is also wearable in the winter to add that accent of colour and statement look to heavier fabric and darker coloured clothing.
You can wear choker chunky necklaces over your roll neck tees and fitted knitwear and long chunky necklaces are ideal for cowl neck knitwear. Some fashionistas go for layers of jewellery to create that chunky necklace look. You may choose to keep it simple and chic with one piece that makes a statement and tells a story.

There is certainly lots to choose from when it comes to chunky jewellery. You can go for colourful african beaded jewellery, big flower jewellery made of leather, copper jewellery, semi precious jewellery and the list is endless.

Big and bold is one criteria for chunky or statement jewellery but for me it should also be unusual chunky jewellery with a quirky shape or style and made from sustainable materials.

Unusual christmas gifts for her

Gift giving occasions can always be a challenge so here are some unusual christmas gift ideas with her in mind. Have a think about the fashion personality of the ladies for whom you are buying. Ask yourself does she like to stand out from a crowd? Is she a romantic at heart or is she a practical no nonsense person? What are her favourite colours? This you can tell by the colour clothes she likes to wear.



To look as if you have put some thought to gift buying, go for handmade original handbags and handmade jewellery, two popular gift ideas for her. Jewellery gifts are always a safe option as a girl just can’t have enough jewellery. Should you get the latest fashion trend in jewellery – chunky jewellery? When it comes to chunky jewellery you can go for a chunky necklace or a chunky bracelet. If unsure about what colour to get then go for neutrals like this chunky bracelet above.


Clothes and handbags are another popular gift for her. Unique clothing like alpaca clothing makes an ideal christmas gift as it is practical for the season in terms of warmth and you cannot go wrong when you choose a unique christmas gift like this alpaca wool wrap . If your budget can afford it, team with the matching suede handbag and your lady would certainly think that she is special. This alpaca wool wrap she will wear for years to come and will always remember who gave her this special and unusual christmas gift.

Jewellery Trends Autumn Winter 09/10

The predition for jewellery trends this autumn winter 09/10 at International Jewellery London 2009 is “big, bold and beautiful”. Or so says Fashion Director, Hilary Alexander who anticipates that the “Statement Necklace” will continue to be a must have accessory followed by the oversized mega bangle. She advises to be on the look out for jewellery inspired by ecletic and global looks including ceramic flowers, jewellery made from horn, crystals, coins and gold.


Beyonce certainly has the look already for autumn/winter 09/10 jewellery trend. See our range of chunky jewellery and statement jewellery at Munique Fashions.
International Jewellery London 2009 takes place from 6-9 September.

Chunky Jewellery

It's amazing how one can change or update a look simply by assessorizing. With chunky jewellery back on the fashion scene assessorizing has never been easier or more fun. This trend for big bold jewellery started in 2008 and has become the new "it" jewellery for spring /summer 2009, a trend which is expected to continue throught the autumn/winter 2009.

Anna Sui, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana team bold jewellery with bright prints. Picture from http://www.fashionising.com/

Although this statement jewellery fashion trend in 2008 was to wear chunky jewellery and statement pieces with simple clothing, the trend for 2009 is eclectic matching up bold jewellery with bright colours. The key bascis for 2009 statement jewellery trend is geometric shaped jewellery, exotic and ethnic jewellery and semi precious jewellery. But eco and recycled jewellery like this handmade clasp necklace available from Munique Fashions can make as much of a statement and will certainly turn heads.

Designer Mana transforms black and light gold metal clasps into a stunning piece of chunky or statement jewellery. This Cleopatra like necklace flattens out on the chest in majestic style. Imagine the conversations you can have about this chunky necklace made from hair clips.

These handmade pyramid earrings made from triangles of hand-beaten brass and white bone are the perfect accompaniment for this clasp necklace and in keeping with the Egyptian theme. For the more retro look go for this deco necklace of two carved geometric pieces on a brass chain hanging in a v-shape. This art deco necklace is smooth, polished and made using recycled bone.


This handmade Coco Necklace made from smooth, concave circles of coconut shell, strung together in a chunky cluster makes for an even more exotic and ethnic jewellery look.

Team up with this Brown Horn Cone Bracelet handmade by skilled artisans in Nairobi. This tribal style bracelet combines polished brown horn, cone shaped beads to make this stylish chunky jewellery bracelet.

Black Tie Dinner Accessories

When sticking to the traditional black for your Christmas Black Tie Dinners accessories need not be boring. The Schenkel semiprecious stones Collection at Munique offers this gorgeously chunky and dazzling bracelet handcrafted from rock crystal and silver pieces. This very abstract and creatively constructed bracelet gives the appearance of frosted ice and can be bought with a matching necklace.