EC One

Alex Monroe Gardener Collection Launch Party!

2010-03-30T03:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we held a special evening at our Ledbury Road store, for the launch of Alex Monroe's new Gardener Collection. Being the popular designer that he is - and who can refuse his gorgeous, nature-inspired jewellery?! - we had a lovely, buzzing evening (excuse the pun!), with Alex himself coming by to chat and talk jewellery with some of his fans.

With lots of one-off designs for sale on the night (and in-store at Ledbury Road for the next week) there were lots of happy shoppers! Keep an eye on our Facebook fan page for invites to future designer events, but for now here's some snaps from the evening. Find more here, or click on the photos for larger versions.

Alex chatting with some fans!

Cute tree trunks, with pieces from the Gardener Collection

Trying to decide which is their favourite!

Fondant Fancies and Pear Cordial anyone?

Pear Bellinis, summery jewellery... Roll on sunshine!

A mix of Alex's one-off designs, and pieces from the Gardener Collection. We love!

Some photos from our trip to Paris!

2010-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

So Paris Fashion Week was a few weeks ago now, and since returning we've been crazy sorting out new orders for autumn/winter, organising out Alex Monroe evening and upcoming press days. It's surprising just how busy our little office can be! But with it being Friday we thought we'd upload some of the photos from Paris. Sadly we can't blog all of the gorgeous designers we saw, so instead feast your eyes upon these yummy treats...!

Fun way to display your bags, at Tranoi

Cakes! Yummy!

Floor tiles which looked like newspapers!

Shourouk necklaces and handbags (keep an eye out, we'll have some FABULOUS necklaces later this year)

Sequinned bag - it was electric coral pink! - photo sadly doesn't do it justice!

Place Vendome

EC One chats with Alex Monroe

2010-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

With just under a week until our Alex Monroe evening, where we'll be unveiling his new Gardener Collection alongside a hive of other one-off goodies, EC One catches up with Alex to find out what inspires him, his favourite London spot, and the essentail jewellery item every woman should own...

EC One: Hi Alex! Now, we know you're a bit of a gardener yourself; was this the inspiration behind the new Gardener Collection?

Alex Monroe: This new collection was a real challenge for me. I've been designing jewellery for about 25 years now and I've seen too many fellow designers get a bit stale. I felt it was time to shake up what I do and how I do it, and the Gardener Collection was my chance. I decided to write a story about a girl who inherits an allotment, and a friend of mine illustrated it. The book was called The Gardener and from there the collection was born. As a result each piece of jewellery has meaning, a little story behind it. I liked the challenge of writing the book, and hope that it's kept my collection fresh and exciting!

EC One: It's definitely a job well done! Of all the pieces in the collection, what's your favourite, and why?
AM: Oh I never really have a favourite. That would be like having a favourite child! But I must admit there are some key pieces I'm fond of. The Pea Pod necklace does the job pretty well!

EC One: We have to agree, Rainy here at EC One has that very necklace, as do her two sisters! So, any favourite or recommended gardens that Alex Monroe lovers should visit?
AM: Kew Gardens of course. I designed a collection for them for their 250th anniversary, with little palm leaves and orchids. But I really love Chelsea Physic Garden as well. Very secret and tucked away.

EC One: Thanks for the tips! We must say, your jewellery has an ever-growing fan base here at EC One. What do you think people love about your jewellery?
AM: I hope it's because it's so wearable. It's pretty but not too sugary, it has a twist and a depth that others may not, and a sense of humour, too! It's almost like our fans are a kind of little family, they check our blog, come to our events... It's great!

EC One: We have a question from one of our Facebook fans, Lynn Doe. She asks: 'What made you decide to get into designing jewellery, and what is it about nature that inspires you?'
AM: It's one of those things.... I didn't really decide! I was 17 and needed to leave home and a place came up on a course in London. Luckily, it's just the way things turned out, and I guess I stuck with it because I loved it so much! Nature.... Hmmm. I guess I never really got in to anything else. I like it because I use it as a metaphor for lots of other subjects, and perhaps it's a bit nostalgic. I grew up totally wild in the middle of nowhere in Suffolk so I'm stuck with being a nature boy forever!

EC One: We can imagine you now, running free! So, to round up, what classic piece of jewellery should every woman own?
AM: Oooh I guess a super simple necklace that they can wear to work then out to a party. One they forget to take off. A classic piece that they wouldn't change for the world. I try to make pieces like that!

Alex Monroe in a Flash!

Bees or Butterflies?     Bees any day!

Night bus or Black Cab?     Yeugh. Cab I'm afraid.

Favourite London spot?     Home, or on top of One Tree Hill in Honor Oak with the kids and the dog.

Gold or Silver?     Still Gold right now.

London or the Countryside?     Countryside, not sure why I don't live there! Suffolk. By the river.

Favourite Holiday Destination?     Not so good at holidays... But there is a (secret) place in Suffolk I go to every year!

Guilty Pleasure?     Food, drink, music, films. All of the above.

Best advice you've ever been given?     You only get out of life what you put in.

Recent Press Coverage

2010-03-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Phew! What a busy few weeks! Having trawled London Fashion Week for inspiration and of potential new designers for Autumn/Winter, we've now just returned from a brisk weekend in Paris, at the annual Tranoi jewellery show. And what a great thing to come back to? Some fabulous press coverage from the past few weeks... Happy bunnies here at EC One!

Alex Monroe Bumblebee Necklace, as seen in The Observer
SOLD OUT, but back in soon

Holly Willoughby wearing one of our own 'H' Carnival Necklaces on Cosmo's cover!

Become a Fan of EC One on Facebook... and win £500 of EC One Jewellery!

2010-03-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

As a little treat to all of our current - and future! - EC One Facebook Fans, we're offering you the chance to win £500 of EC One jewellery. Those who are already fans are of course included, but you can only be in it to win it by becoming an EC One Facebook Fan before the end of March. The winner will be announced in early April, so watch this space - and watch Facebook even closer!

Good Luck!

Go on - click here and become a fan!

Coming Up at EC One...

2010-03-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

This coming month we've got some great things scheduled here at EC One. Along with celebrating Mother's Day (we all love Mum, eh?), we've got an exciting designer event at the end of the month featuring springtime's favourite jeweller, Alex Monroe! There will be one-off, exclusive designs, as well as our new summer collection from Alex. Look out for tiny dragonflies, watering cans and little pea pods! Gorgeous!

Sign up to our mailing list via our website to receive your invite, and come by for champagne, a chance to meet Alex and take home something special!

Alex Monroe - who will be in attendance on the night

The lovely Butterfly Charm necklace, with clover and pink tourmaline gemstones

How to wear it! Nicholas King & Alexis Bittar

2010-02-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

Recently we've noticed that our lovely Basia is always brilliantly colour coordinated. Whether teaming soft blush coloured bangles with a sheer Whistles shirt, or her plum coloured boots with dark denims, she always looks fabulous. So we had to grab the EC One camera and take a photo when Basia wore a dashing tan leather skirt, teamed rather perfectly with her Bronze and Soft Grey Alexis Bittar bangles. What a look! And keen to get in on the act was Michele, with her oversized checked shirt and gunmetal 4-Row Stud Bangle, by Nicholas King. Great winter outfits (even if we are pining for spring!)

Michele (left) and Basia, showing us how to wear it!

Alexis Bittar bangles and Nicholas King, below

EC One Goldsmith Ross makes fabulous New Young Pony Club jewellery

2010-02-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! This week we were super impressed when one of our in-house Goldsmiths, Ross, told us about a special arm-plate he's made for New Young Pony Club singer Tahita Bulmer. Featured in their new video for their song Chaos, the arm-plate - which is called a Vambrace, part of the armour once favoured by Roman swordsmen - is a gorgeous, long silver cuff or sorts, with a rather Grecian feel due to its hammered surface. See more on Jana Reinhardt's blog, Ross' talented jewellery design partner.

Still shot of Tahita wearing the 'Vambrace' in the Chaos video

The Vambrace up close. Photo courtesy of Jana Reinhardt's blog

The Chaos video

New in: Adore Hawaii

2010-02-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

How cute are these little heart necklace? Brand new for Spring, we have Adore Hawaii. Designed by Asia Leong (born and raised in Hawaii) these super-sweet necklaces started out as little keepsakes to give to her daughter. Her designs grew, and decorated with loving sayings or pretty floral decorations, today exist as playful keepsakes to suit any lifestyle whether beach babe, City girl, or country lass. We Adore!

Shop here for these lovely little necklaces!

More gorgeous SALE reductions!

2010-01-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

We're in the last week of our sale here at EC One, with more bargains to be had! Our Monica Vinader rings have moved down to 50% off, so you can treat yourself to a guilt-free cocktail ring... just in time for the weekend!

Gold Plated Round Facet Ring, set with Aventurine

Of course, the sale means that we're looking forward to launching our new spring/summer ranges... So here's a sneak-peek of our new Alexis Bittar bangles - coming to a wrist near you soon!

Alexis Bittar: delectable!

See you soon!

EC One x

Our SALE favourites!

2010-01-13T03:08:00.000-08:00

The EC One SALE is in full-swing, and with so many gorgeous items to choose from, we've decided to give you the run-down of our favourites. Read on for more on how to wear the pieces, and why we love them...!

Lucy - Missoma Shaka Hoop Earrings

"I love these Missoma hoops because they're so big and bold. They look great with pixie hairstyles (like mine!), and though I won't be wearing them with my winter scarf , I know they'll look gorgeous in summer"

Basia - Alexis Bittar slim Lucite Bangles

"I love to mix'n'match these Alexis Bittar bangles to suit what I'm wearing. I'd recommend wearing two for impact - the vivid green and darker red look great against the more muted silver and softer grey colours. Plus, Alexis brings out new colours each season, so I know that come spring, I can add a few more!"

Kathryn - Wishes Upon Stitches Gold Perspex Bird Necklace

"Aside from loving the detail in Wishes Upon Stitches' work, I know that this necklace will look fabulous well into summer, especially with the upcoming "tribal luxe" trend. The metallic gold colour and sequined detail also makes it the perfect statement necklace for nights out"

Lindsay P - MIX Extra Long Wood & Onyx Necklace

"I wear a lot of black, so love this long wrap-around necklace by MIX. As one super-long strand of wood and Onyx beads, it looks great wrapped round and around, and layered up. It's perfect for day wear, but I know that I could dress it up and get loads of compliments"

Rainy - Monica Vinader Amethyst Medina Ring

"My collection of Monica Vinader rings is getting scarily large, but I can't resist this Amethyst Medina ring. The deep purple colour makes it perfect for brightening up my wintry outfits. There's something a little bit Grecian about the design too - so elegant!"

Happy New Year... and guess what? It's SALE time!

2010-01-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Here at EC One we're really excited about 2010 and all it may hold. We've got some great new designers lined up for SS10, so watch this space for all the news and hot new designs we'll have online and in-store. But of course, why wait? Our fabulous stock and sample sale has just started, and there are some absolute gems to be had!

Joanna Cave Silver and Neon Thread Bangle - NOW £57

Melissa McArthur Smokey Quartz and Dyed Pearl Necklace - NOW £31

Nicholas King Sample 4-Row Black Resin Bangle - NOW £90

Exmouth Market & Ledbury Road Christmas Shopping Evenings

2009-12-01T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hello!

A little reminder that this week EC One is involved in two special shopping nights - the Westbourne & Ledbury Christmas Shopping Event in Notting Hill, and the Late Night Christmas Shopping Extravaganza along Exmouth Market, home of the first EC One store.

So come by, marvel at the dazzling Christmassy pieces (think sequinned bangles, glittery earrings, diamonds..!) and take home some gorgeous jewellery ahead of the Christmas rush - whether for you, or for a gift, you're bound to find something irresistable! There will be a special discount at both shopping evenings; for more details see our Facebook page, or the flyers below

See you there!

Stephen Webster 'Jewels Verne' collection launch - a few snaps!

2009-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Last night saw EC One in Notting Hill transformed into an underwater paradise, as we celebrated the launch of Stephen Webster's new silver 'Jewels Verne' collection - a marine-themed treasure trove of jewellery, inspired by the classic novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'.

With champagne, sushi and those pink shrimp sweets we all remember from our childhoods, the evening was a perfect mix of fun and fabulous; the new collection dazzled both us and our (we must say, discerning) attendees, while punk poet John Cooper Clarke, and upcoming poetry talent Olivia Cole entertained the crowds with thier writings. Roll on the next event - we can't wait!

See more photos on our Facebook page

18ct white gold Crab ring

John Cooper Clarke, Olivia Cole & Stephen Webster

The book behind the collection, with silver Octopus Pendant and Earrings

Quite a crowd!

John Cooper Clarke with EC One's Jos Skeates

Jewels Verne silver collection on display

Come Fly With Me!

2009-11-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Pretty jewellery with tiny stones, charms and details has always been a favourite here at EC One. Right now, jewellery with birds, bees and butterflies seems to be popular, and we're noticing more and more people falling for these sweet little feathered friends and beautiful beasties.

Below: Silver Butterfly Hoops by Alex Monroe, 18ct Gold Hummingbird and Pearl Hoops by Carolina Barbieri, 18ct White Gold Diamond-set Butterfly Necklace by Mira.

The Alex Monroe Bumblebee necklace has become one of his signature pieces, and an absolute favourite in-store here, amongst staff and customers alike. But new designers, including Helene Turbe and David Aubrey, have been upping the stakes in the 'Oooh it's so gorgeous!' ranks. Let us know what you think... Because we're going to need a menagerie to house them all!

Below: Gold Plated Bird Stencil Earrings by David Aubrey, Gold Plated Bird and Pearl Bracelet by Helene Turbe, Sterling Silver Dove Ring by Becca.

Stephen Webster 'Jewels Verne' collection launch

2009-11-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

So down here at EC One we've been positively swooning while preparing for our exciting launch of Stephen Webster's brand new Jewels Verne silver collection. This exciting collection has wowed us; Webster's unmistakeable audacity is ever-present with gemstones, creatures and designs that seem an impossible mix, but result in eye-catching, oh-so-collectable pieces.

This new collection, based on the classic novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', features an ocean's worth of quirky sea creatures (from shrimps to octopi), mother-of-pearl gemstones, chains and a pretty mix of rose-gold, silver and oxidised silver. Watch this space for some exclusive snaps!

In other exciting Webster news, the back office here at EC One is currently overrun with giant insects! But don't worry, it is in fact the arrival of Webster's Bug Balls; chunky faceted crystals, decorated with Swarovski-encrusted creepy crawlies. The Wasp is a bit of a favourite, but the Scorpion and Beetle are definitely raising a few smiles. You heard it here first - insects just got a dazzling makeover!

Meet the Bug Balls! (L-R Scorpion, Wasp, Spider, Beetle and Batmoth)

A handful of bugs! (Clockwise, from bottom, Beetle, Scorpion, Spider, Wasp and Batmoth)

Basia, Liza and Ali with thier favourites!

Our New Website!

2009-10-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post! Today, after months of hard work here in the office, lots of hours spent designing, re-designing and tweaking we can proudly announce the launch of our BRAND NEW WEBSITE!

New EC One hompage, with rotating images. Here, bangle by Nicholas King

Larger photos and text, and simpler wishlist facility. Ring by Lena Skadegard

With a clearer layout and simpler categories, the new site allows you EC One lovers an easy shopping experience, with fewer clicks from the start to finish. We hope you love it! If you have any comments, please let us know by commenting here!

EC One x

New Designer - Mitos

2009-10-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

New season, new designers! Let us introduce Mitos - the Spanish word for 'myths' - an exciting new collection by Columbian jewellery designer Miryam Stenderup. With an organic, raw-yet-refined feel, the Mitos' collection is solid, playful and with a dash of colour from pale blue and pink gemstones, is suitably feminine.

Gold-plated Grecian Teardrop Chandelier earrings

Sterling Silver Hammered-finished wide Cuff

Gold-plated Pink Opal Cocktail Ring

Mixing chunky hammered cuffs with fine chains and rich gold plating, the collection is perfect for the autumn/winter seasons. There are gorgeous statement pieces for those nights out - think chandelier earrings and stackable silver and gold bangles - alongside easy-to-wear pieces for the day, such as simple stone-set rings, dainty charm bracelets and chic multi-chain necklaces. We love!

Gold -plated Blue-green Opal cabachon Stud Earrings

Chunky Sterling Silver hammered Ring with Brown Diamond

Gold-plated Disc Drop Necklace

A Yummy Selection of Greens and Blues

2009-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

The trees have been turning gorgeous hues of yellow and orange for a good few weeks now, but our love for all things green and blue (daydreams about Mediterrenean holidays..!) has had us all a little excited about the new additions to our collections.

As well as new designers - including Wishes Upon Stitches and Eleanor Ford - we've also got a great selection from our established designers, including Stephen Webster and Missoma. The need for that splash of colour now the days are getting a little grey is remedied perfectly by the new pieces, below.

Oxidised silver chain, pearl and onyx Deco-inspired bracelet, by Eleanor Ford

Us EC One girls are loving Nicholas King's bangles, not least for their chunky wow factor but their use of sequins - so on-trend for the party season. His other pieces include diamante knots incased in resin, wicker bangles and slimline neon perspex bangles, great for stacking up and hitting the dancefloor!

Teal green sequin bangle, encased in clear resin, by Nicholas King

Mira's beautifully crafted, feminine jewellery is made using 18ct gold and an array of semi-precious gemstones. This fresh sea-green chalcedony ring is absolutely delicious; a little Grecian and a little statement, it's a ring you'll wear for life!

18ct yellow gold ring, set with oval cabachon-cut chalcedony, by Mira

Wishes Upon Stitches is a fabulous new jewellery designer, fresh out of Central St.Martins. Her pieces are intricately beaded, and feature laser-cut acrylic patterns and shimmering perspex and glass beads. This Nest necklace, below, has a quirky black sequinned bird, surrounded by iridescent green and blue beads.

Nest necklace, featuring tiny glass seed beads, sequins and acrylic bird, by Wishes Upon Stitches

Stephen Webster's jewellery has long been synonymous with luxury and a little ostentation... But that's never a bad thing! The classic Crystal Haze and Jellybean rings, below, are available in our Ledbury Road store and feature chryophrase, turquoise and green onyx gemstones, surrounded by a sprinkle of white diamonds. Tough but chic!

Classic Crystal Haze and Jellybean rings, in 18ct white gold, by Stephen Webster

Last but not least, following the Elements collection launch almost a fornight ago, we have Missoma's classic Hot Rox stone-studded earrings. These striking hoops are a fun way to add colour, while suiting a range of styles - they can be a little rock'n'roll, pretty and dressy all in one. Just irresistable!

Gold vermeil medium Hot Rox hoops, set with turquoise, chryophrase and kyanite, by Missoma

New Designer - Jodie Hook

2009-10-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

We love this time of year at EC One - lots of new designers on our shelves, and lots of gorgeous work to ooh and ahh at! So let us introduce Jodie Hook, a Welsh jewellery designer whose pieces speak only simplicity. But of course - like any EC One designer - it's simplicity with a little twist. Jodie's structured pieces have an altogether softer edge; they're based on the shapes and curves found in ribbons and bows.

The smooth strips of silver she uses are gently curved, and the resulting designs have a feminine yet edgy look. The earrings are the perfect way to complete an easy-going daytime look, while we've tried and tested the knot-inspired bracelet on a night out, and it looks brilliant - if not 'tough' - with jeans and heels! See more of her pieces in-store, or a small selection online now!

Sterling silver Ribbon hoop earrings - medium - by Jodie Hook

Sterling silver Ribbon loop necklace, by Jodie Hook

Sterling silver Ribbon knot-inspired bracelet, by Jodie Hook

Sterling silver Ribbon loop studs by Jodie Hook

Missoma's Elements Collection launch at EC One

2009-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

So here we are with our first ever blog post! And what a way to start - with news and snaps from our exclusive Missoma Elements collection, which took place on Thursday 8th October.

The night was a fabulous success, with the Missoma girls being absolute gems - no pun intended! - providing us with dazzling designs and, of course, the exciting new Elements collection, which had attendees playful and laughing as they mixed and matched designs across chains, hoop earrings and bracelets.

Below is just a selection of the photos from the night - find more on our Facebook fanpage!

EC One x

Inquisitive shoppers!

Some of the gorgeous Elements bracelets, showing the different styles of elements, stones and designs

EC One Notting Hill shopfront

Nicholas King with EC One's Michele

Fabulous Elements necklaces - shown on long and short chains with different ranges of element charms

Basia and Rainy

Jos, Ash Allabhai and Frances Murch

Missoma's Marisa with Frances Murch and Sarah Carpin