Bradley’s Jewellers unveils Christmas Wreath collection

Independent jewellery business Bradley’s Jewellers York has launched its new Christmas Wreath collection, exclusively designed and made in Britain. The range of brooches, stud earrings and pendants draws inspiration from York Minster’s decorations for the traditional religious period of Advent, taking place across the four Sundays up to 25 December, and the secular meaning of the Christmas Wreath as a form of winter decoration. To distinguish its designs, Bradley’s opted for a decorative bow around a circle of gemstones to “evoke the idea of a Christmas present waiting to be opened”. According to Bradley’s, this looping detail required “numerous tweaks” to ensure the correct size and proportions for the wearer, but also to allow for polishing and finishing at the manufacturing level. The entire collection has been cast and manufactured with the support of Birmingham-based supplier Weston Beamor, providing the conditions for each Christmas Wreath piece to be stamped with the ‘Created in the UK’ hallmark. The collection has launched with an initial product drop crafted in 9ct yellow gold with natural diamonds, rubies and emeralds. However, Bradley’s Jewellers will continue to add to the collection with 9ct white and rose gold versions, plus 18ct gold, silver and platinum options in response to customer demand and bespoke requests. An “anticipated” variation of Bradleys’ design features alternating rubies and emeralds to capture the combination of Christmas colours. Prices in the Christmas Wreath collection start from RRP £1,950 for pendants set with rubies or emeralds and rise to RRP £3,650 for the Christmas Wreath stud earrings set with one carat of natural diamonds. Kay Bradley, owner of Bradley’s Jewellers York, said: “We have always placed a wreath above our front door on Low Petergate to symbolise a warm welcome during the holiday season. It is an important part of our exterior Christmas decorations, which we have become known for throughout the city. This year, our decorations are matched with the new Christmas Wreath collection, set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. “Christmas is our busiest and most exciting time as an independent retailer. Plus, we opened our store at Christmas, so this time of year holds real significance for the entire team. Personally, I have attended York Minster’s Advent services every year since the store opened, and they are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers in the city. This is what inspired me to create my own homage to the traditional Christmas wreath and all that it stands for.” Owen Lee, jewellery designer at Weston Beamor, added: “Our passion is to help our customers bring their designs to life. When Kay and her team approached us about this exciting project, we couldn’t wait to help! From drawing to finished piece, we have helped to weave Kay’s vision into beautiful, finished pieces. The bold Christmas colours of white diamonds, rubies and emeralds make the pieces really evocative of Christmas treasure. “The finishing touch is the ‘Created in the UK’ hallmark - Kay’s passion for creating collections based around British heritage and tradition whilst working with and supporting UK jewellery manufacturers only enhances its meaning. The whole team have loved working with Kay and her team to create the wreath collection and look forward to working with them on many collections to come.”