Author: Corinne

Shopping with a Conscience

Supporting sustainable brands has a bigger impact than you may think. They have a powerful purpose to reduce environmental impact, giving you the opportunity to put your money towards an ethical cause. Here at A Silver Circle, we love supporting local brands that are keeping things sustainable. We’ve selected a few of our personal favourite responsible brands, giving you an insight to what they’re all about and what we love about them.

Eva Cassis

Eva Cassis Label is an ethical Sydney-based boutique, crafting sustainable considered and timeliness garments and accessories with rich, natural materials. All luxurious linen clothing and accessories are handmade with love, including the sterling silver hooks of their earrings which are custom designed by A Silver Circle. This separates the label from the fast fashion market and throwaway consumer culture that is threatening our world today.

“I have a couple of Eva’s pieces and they are always perfect for the humid Sydney summers. I particularly love my Tie-dye print dress as it’s elegant while being cool and comfortable. You will catch me wearing this at least a couple of times at The Rocks Markets during the summer.”
– Corinne

Website: https://www.evacassis.com.au/
Instagram: @evacassis

Hayden Youlley
Hayden Youlley is a local designer and maker of porcelain tableware and décor. His ceramics are based upon functionality and can be personalised with engravings of your name. Each reusable piece is a beautiful sustainable alternative with a minimal environmental footprint.

“I have known Hayden for many years now and find our design aesthetic very similar so I instantly loved his pieces. The studio is full of his work and we often use different pieces when we photograph our jewellery as well as in our market stall set up so keep an eye out on our social media pages to spot the Hayden Youlley pieces.” – Corinne

Website: http://www.haydenyoulley.com/

Instagram: @haydenyoulley

Lush Cosmetics


Lush is well-known for using fresh ingredients and fighting against animal testing to create handmade products which support a sustainable lifestyle. They help reduce the amount of plastic consumers buy and discard with their innovative shampoo bars and stop microplastics making their way into the ocean with biodegradable glitter. Lush follow a strict ethical buying policy to support small environmentally conscious farms and get the best ingredients for their huge range of cosmetics.

“I love that I can buy products without plastic! I use Lush Shampoo and Conditioner bars that come without packaging and I store them in reusable tins. They last longer and take up less room so for me its a win win win situation” – Corinne



Website: https://au.lush.com

Instagram: @lush_ausnz

Aulieude

‘Au lieu de’ is inspired by the French ‘in place of’ as an alternative to fast fashion. The brand is inspired to create change in the contemporary world of fashion with their effortless, sustainable and 100% Linen clothes. Based out of Sydney, they use only plant-based materials and fabrics for a vegan and plastic-free brand.

“I have just recently discovered this brand and I love my Marnie Pants. They are comfy, they look good and are in natural fabrics so they breathe well.” – Corinne



Website: https://aulieude.com

Instagram: @aulieude 


Ever Eco

Ever Eco provides a wide range of stylish, practical and affordable ecofriendly homewares. They are family owned and operated in Australia. Their reusable solutions replace thousands of single-use products which reduces negative impact upon our environment. Their most popular products include stainless steel straws, organic cotton net bags and their round containers.

“I love my little stack of 3 containers. I use these at every market i do as they hold all my snacks ready to last me through the day. They keep cool and they are super easy to clean” – Corinne

Website: https://evereco.com.au/

Instagram: @ever.eco

The Mister Brand


The Mister Brand is a Sydney-based business focused on natural men’s grooming, creating quality, handcrafted products that are gentle on the skin and easy on the earth. They source top quality ingredients that are 100% natural with numerous benefits. The Mister Brand offers shaving products, skincare, tattoo wax and soaps.

“This is a great local brand! Although most of their products are mens based, i use and love their Tattoo Wax for my new tattoo. It makes it look and feel smooth and shiny.” – Corinne

Website: https://www.themisterbrand.com/

Instagram: @themisterbrand

These sustainable brands are setting important ethical examples within their industries. They need your support to continue their mission of creating an environmentally friendly world. So next time you are looking for something for yourself or a loved one, think about where is came from and how you can help support these local businesses who are taking the right steps for a more sustainable future.

Christmas Made Easy!

That joyous time of year is among us! To make sure you enjoy every moment of Christmas this year we’ve arranged our pieces into an easy to follow Christmas Gift Guide to suit everyone’s budget and style.

This guide is inspired by the tiers of the Christmas tree with easy and thoughtful gifts for all the special people you’re celebrating with this year. We’ve done all the hard work for you… so sit back, relax and tick off that Christmas list quick smart!


Tier One:



Here are some simple and effortless gift ideas for that work for Kris Kringle, Friends or Stocking fillers that won’t hurt your Christmas spirit or your wallet! 


Studs: Textured studs ($55), Resin Square Studs ($55), Islamic Studs ($60)



These studs are gifts that add some extra colour and shine to any outfit. We have the minimalist Textured Studs, vibrant Resin Studs and the detailed Islamic Studs.


 Each of these are staples in the A Silver Circle staffs jewellery collection as they are easy to throw on and get out the door.

Layering rings: Plain Ring ($32), Twisted Rings ($32), Textured Medium Ring ($55)




All our delicate rings are essential for working hands and layering enthusiasts. Choose one or many, your loved one will find it easy to style it their way. Together we have the versatile Plain Ring, the intricate Silver Twisted Ring and the Textured Ring in different sizes.





Necklaces: Curved Bar Necklace ($45), Bar Link Chain ($50), Amethyst Stone Drop Necklace ($60)


These versatile piece are beautiful feature pieces on their own or worn in layers. The Curved Bar and Bar Link Chain add great detail and shine while the Amethyst Stone Drop Necklace adds colour and energy to any look.


Tier Two:



We’ve covered gift ideas for any type of friend, from sophisticated, playful to bohemian! Spoil your friends this Christmas with these more intricate pieces.



Earrings: Domed Pattered Earrings Long ($100), Organics Large Drop Earrings ($90), Textured Small Drop Earrings ($70)


Drop Earrings are an essential for your sophisticated friends! Here we have featured the elegant Domed Patterned Earrings, the unusual Organics Large Drop Earrings and the interesting Textured Small Drop Earrings.



Rings: Amazonite & Rhodonite Rings ($75), Roller Ring ($70), Square & Hexagon Rings ($90)

Here are some obvious choices to reflect the personality of the playful friend! Add a pop of colour with the Amazonite and Rhodonite Rings, the fun Roller Ring or the open shaped rings from our Geometric Collection.

Now do we hear you say ‘But I don’t know what size to order!’ Follow the sizing guide below or come visit us at our upcoming market stalls.



Ring Size Guide:
 There are a few options you have to work out your ring size. The first is to go into your local Jeweller and ask them to measure it for you, otherwise you can find a printable chart below in which you can use an existing ring as a comparison to find the size you require. The second option is the best for gift giving.




Necklace: Islamic Small Pendant ($110), Reversible Small Triangle Pendant ($85), Domed Patterned Pendant ($90)

Here are some thoughtful simple necklace options for those who like simple yet unusual in the family complimenting their existing collection. Including the detailed Islamic Pendant, the versatile Reversible Pendants (for both the silver and gold lover) and the textured Domed Patterned Pendant.




For the Men!: Hammered Ring Band ($110)
 and Thin Hammered Ring Band ($60)


We’ve got the perfect gift option for the guys too! The Hammered Ring Band is a bold and versatile masculine piece or the thinner version is for those who prefer a slimmer look.

Tier Three:



For all the stars at the top of your Christmas tree we’ve got plenty of thoughtful gift ideas for family, friends or that special someone.

Earrings: Geometric Earrings ($120), Islamic Stone Earrings ($135), Navajo Diamond Earrings ($220),

Spoil your sister or girlfriend with these lavish earrings! Choose from the creative Geometric Earrings, the ethnic Islamic earrings or the unusual Diamond Navajo Earrings.




Necklaces; Branch Necklace ($165), Islamic Stone Pendant ($165), Ladder Necklace ($135)

These pendants are made for the bohemian friend to embrace her inner gypsy. We’ve gathered the earthy Branch Pendant, the whimsical Islamic Stone Pendants and the quirky Ladder Necklace.

Rings: Circle Ring with Domes ($180), 9ct Gold Roller Ring ($275), 9ct Gold Thin Hammered Ring Band ($225),

We have some very suited ring gifts for Mum to show her your appreciation! Choose between the modern Oval and Circle Ring With Domes, the stylish 9ct Gold Roller Ring and the sophisticated 9ct Gold Thin Hammered Ring Band.

Hair pins: Small 2 Piece Hair Pin ($135)

The Hair Pins are an effortless and useful gift for family and friends. We have the Large and Small 2 Piece Hair Pin or the Single Hair Pin to accommodate all hair types.
 The Small 2 Piece featured here is our most popular and versatile.


For the Men!: Domed Patterned Cufflinks ($150) , Textured Cufflink ($110)



Cufflinks are an intriguing present for all the dads, brothers or boyfriends out there. The Domed Pattered Cufflinks are a interesting piece while the Textured Cufflinks are a classic.


We hope this Christmas Gift Guide has made Christmas shopping that little bit easier! If these pieces sparked some inspiration make sure you browse all the collections on our website to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. We wish you all a wonderful and joyful Christmas these holidays!



xx A Silver Circle Team

Put some Spring in your step!

This year has flown by us so fast and Spring is well and truly upon us, so we are inspired by the sunshine and longer days and come up with four gorgeous looks to inspire your own outfits for all your Spring activities. So here we go: 4 looks to spice up your outfits and bring the heat this Spring/Summer.



A Picnic by the Lake

What better way to spend the Spring Season than a picnic on the weekend, with a spacious spread and a beautiful view overlooking the lake. For this look we’ve gone with a bohemian feel, with an emphasis on comfort and effortless elegance.

This outfit features two statement piece necklaces, the Navajo Diamond Pendant and the Islamic Stone Pendant, broken up by the minimalistic Curved Bar Necklace to achieve balance. The Navajo Diamond Pendant immediately draws attention with its bright, textured, silver finish and unique combination of geometric shapes. Whilst the Islamic Stone Pendant, featuring a turquoise stone, provides a vibrant pop of colour to match flowy/ patterned Spring skirts. The Curved Bar Necklace is the finishing touch, acting as a perfect complimentary piece and softening out the statement pieces. Our necklaces are perfect to layer on flowy Spring wear to elevate any simple look. 


We’ve also gone with the Geometric Earrings to tie in the strong lines and symmetrical shapes that the Navajo Diamond Pendant provides. These earrings add a trace of complexity to the look with the skilful way the shapes interact and intertwine together.

In order to leave the spotlight on these beautiful pieces, we’ve kept it simple on the hands. The Plain Rings are incredibly versatile. These were paired with the Silver Hexagon Ring, Textured Medium Ring, Amazonite and Rhodonite Rings. These rings bring together the whole outfit, with the brighter colours you’ll be wearing this Spring.

Walk in the Park

For those days that you just want to go outdoors and enjoy the sun, we’ve put together a look that encapsulates a playful, whimsical aura that doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the outdoors.

For this look, we’ve layered more statement rings with simple Hammered Rings and Twisted Rings that draw the eye by reflecting the Spring sunlight beautifully. For some added interest, we’ve included the Bar Ring Single. It adds depth and shine in its textured designs and appears to floats on the hand. Additionally, we’ve included some playful statement pieces, including the Silver Triangle Ring and the Roller Ring to add both style and entertainment to your outfit.

For the centre piece, we’ve chosen the Oval Pendant with Figure. The Pendant swings gracefully at the end of a fine closed cable chain giving the impression of a figure sitting on a swing. This quaint piece adds extra quirkiness to vibrant outdoor outfits.

The Curve Bar Necklace is back at it again but this time using the shorter length. It’s a staple piece that’s perfect for off the shoulder tops, to sublimely contrast against any skin tone. It draws the eye upwards, towards the Islamic Stone Earrings, another statement piece for this look.

The Islamic Stone Earrings are perfect for Spring as they reflect the light, to highlight the embellished decorative patterns. The semi-precious stones hang beautifully at the base of the piece, allowing movement and flow.

For those especially humid days, we’ve added the Small 2 Piece Hair Pin, available in tear drop or diamond, to keep your flowing locks out of your face. This accessory is a perfect addition to any Spring hairstyle, long or short, as it adds texture and thickness to your hair.

A Day at the Office


It’s hard to concentrate when the weather outside is so lovely while you’re stuck in the office. Instead, you can concentrate on your hands typing furiously away or just being hard at work with this gold or silver accessory set up.


Gold

For this look we’ve made the 9ct Gold Roller Ring the statement piece. This fun accessory is your perfect companion when you need to be hard at work but can’t keep still, as the ring will glide back and forth with the movement of your finger. For added interest we’ve included the 9ct Gold Thin Hammered Ring and the Gold Layering Rings to create a sophisticated style that’s convenient for the office.

We’ve layered two simple reversible necklaces to this Spring office look, the Small Diamond Reversible Pendant and the Large Circle Reversible Pendant. The 18ct Yellow Gold side of these pieces are perfect against light neutral tones of office wear. 

To keep it practical in the office we’ve styled this look with two of our gold studs. The Square Gold Studs and the Small Round Gold Studs keep the warm feel of the look consistent, while the domed shapes capture the natural light from your office window. 


Silver

If you’re more of a lover of silver this Spring we’ve created an office look just for you! 

The look shines with statement rings to create a dainty yet elegant feel but won’t get in the way of your productivity in the office. The Rhodonite Ring adds a warm pink tone to compliment the rosier work wear this Spring.

A Night Out

On nights out we’ve created a look that draws attention to your outfit but is practical and light so you can be ready for any spontaneous activities that you’ll embark on through the night.

The statement piece for this look features the Geometric Pendant. With the two different shapes hanging independently on opposite angles, their gentle movement will really catch the eye. Coupled with the Domed Patterned Earrings Long which incorporates great depth to capture and reflect the night light.

On the hands, we’ve kept it simple: Layering Plain Silver Rings, with Thin Hammered Ring Bands to add a lustrous shine and change up the thickness of the bands. Paired with the Oval Ring with Domes which floats effortlessly in an oval frame to complete the modern yet unique look.

And that completes the final look we have for you guys. Feeling inspired? We hope you are! Tag us #asilvercircle so we can see all the incredible looks you’ll be rocking this Spring. To see any more information or snag some of these pieces yourself, head over to our online shop and make these pieces your own.

An Exotic Journey with the Islamic Collection

The Islamic collection takes you on a journey to an exotic place through intricate designs and vibrant colours. However, the collection itself has also been on a journey of experimentation and finding balance in ergonomics, shape and design. Corinne has always loved Islamic architecture, in particular the curves of the archways and the ornamental details which complement each other ceremoniously to create stunning architecture. From mixing different decorative elements, patterns and forms, the Islamic Collection has evolved many times to what it is today.

The Islamic Stone Pendant designs have matured the most. From originally featuring a top archway design to coming full circle to become the enclosed tear drop centred frame, it is today. Whilst the half frame mimicked the Islamic archways more closely, the precious stone could not be suspended as gracefully as Corinne had envisioned it. So extensions to the arch top was added to create structure around the sides. This structure led to a full Recycled Sterling Silver base which could completely encircle and support the revolving stone.

Corinne didn’t just want to draw on Islamic architecture for this collection, but also add a Native American tribal feel to her pieces. This is where the embellished patterns of crescent moons, arrows and dots shine. The design underwent many changes, as Corinne experimented with geometric shapes to create beautiful patterns. It was important to ensure that the detailed patterning, structure and stone harmoniously complimented each other to achieve balance. This mixture of cultural inspiration added an unexpected element to the collection, creating a boho vibe and gypsy style.

The Islamic Studs and the Islamic Small Pendant are the perfect pieces to add a delicate touch for a subtle and elegant look. Or layered with other pieces in this collection to draw attention and add interest to any look.

In this collection you will find 2 semi-precious stones featured. The turquoise stone was chosen to compliment the Native American Indian aesthetic and highlight the geometric shapes and lines. As well as provide protection and healing powers. Whilst the Amethyst stone emanates a softer, warm atmosphere to bring balance to the collection and provide its own unique healing qualities, especially for physical and emotional ailments.

The Islamic Stone Earrings and the Islamic Stone Pendants are the perfect statement pieces to bring a bohemian feel to any look. We love layering the Stone Earrings and the Stone Pendants with the Islamic Small Pendant to create an effortlessly elegant look.

We have loved taking this exotic journey and exploring different patterns and elements from around the world in this collection. We would love to see you embrace your inner gypsy and style these multi cultured pieces in your own way. Tag @asilvercircle on Instagram, wearing these unique jewels!



Into the Workshop for Father’s Day

If you’re struggling to find a unique and memorable gift for your dad this Father’s Day, we have a few ideas up our sleeve. Your dad probably has enough tools in his shed, so why not bring him to our Ring Making Workshop in Spring instead. It may just be the gift you and your dad have been looking for. If you prefer to browse our collection we have a range of cufflinks and rings that will be sure to catch your dads eye.

In this workshop you will create a Ring, which will leave you with not only a sentimental gift but an unforgettable experience as you create your own product.

If you prefer choosing a ready-made piece from our collection, The Thick Hammered Ring Band is simple yet eye catching while the Roller Ring is a unique and fun unisex item.

We have a range of Cufflinks that are perfect for stylish fathers who love texture and colour. The Domed Patterned Cufflinks feature a printed texture that compliment clean cut fabrics and shirts.
Our Resin Cufflinks come in an array of bright and bold hues. From blue to red these are unique pieces your dad will adore.

This month we will take you through the process of creating our Thick Hammered Ring Band, as this will be a taster of what you can experience at our Ring Making Workshop.

The first step is to measure out the size of your ring and then cut the length.

After this, you need to soften the metal through a process called annealing. This involves heating the metal until it’s a dark red colour. Then quench the metal in water and dry.

Then the piece needs to be formed to get the two ends to line up. Here we are using parallel pliers to hold the metal as we move it with our hands. Tension is created by overlapping and pulling back to get the two ends to sit together.

Now it’s time to solder! Here we use flux and a small piece of solder on the join. We then heat the metal until the solder melts and fills in the gap.

The ring is now placed in an acid bath called a pickle (we know, funny name right) to remove all of the flux and oxide from the metal. Once this is done it is rinsed and dried.

Next it’s time to shape the ring. Place it over the mandrel and use a raw hide mallet to move the metal into shape. Once this is done evenly you will file and emery the excess solder off to complete the ring.

For the Hammered Ring Band, the texturing is done after the ring is shaped in order to get a seamless texture.

Polish time! Using a polishing compound with a small polishing wheel, we have brought up the shine to complete this piece.

We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there !