WITH the credit crunch in full swing and the majority of us feeling the pinch, indulging in a little bit of retail therapy should be the last thing on our minds.
After all, what is the point in frittering away much-needed cash on highly-disposable fashion that can only be worn a handful of times and will be out of date within a matter of months?
However, it seems we are still getting our feel-good shop
ping fix – but by-passing the clothing racks and deciding to start spoiling ourselves with investment jewellery pieces.
Forget parting with £6 for a pair of Topshop earrings or £9 for an Accessorize chain that every other person on the high street is already sporting, because going unique and splurging on quality is now where it's at.
"With the current economic uncertainty and the world gold price at a record high, many investors are turning away from stocks and shares to more tangible commodities, such as high-quality jewellery," says Jean Ghika, UK director of jewellery for Bonhams auctioneers on Queen Street.
Diamonds, pearls and fine contemporary jewellery are fast becoming the ultimate accessories, as Edinburgh jewellery boutique, Pebbles, on Jeffrey Street, has found.
"We are finding that people are coming in looking for something that's different, unique and of good quality," explains Val Trotter, of Pebbles.
"The initial reaction is always 'wow', and having the selection of top-quality jewellery that is bang on-trend is a real draw.
"Quality is definitely an issue now, and people are looking for investment pieces.
"After all, jewellery is something that's going to make people stand out. You don't need to spend a lot on clothes as it's really the accessories – namely jewellery – that make it."
And Val is reaping the rewards of this new trend, having witnessed soaring growth and a 130 per cent increase in turnover since the boutique gallery opened just a year ago.
Val puts this down to a backlash against fast fashion and her passion for showcasing emerging talent and stocking modern and innovative designs that increase in value. Which is why she chose to launch the Jewellery At The Edge exhibition, which features the work of Scottish designers whose work "pushes the boundaries in their choice of designs and materials".
"It just made sense for us," explains Val.
"It's a great opportunity for young designers to showcase their avant garde jewellery and highlight the fact that jewellery can be a bit out there and different."
According to Jamie Fraser, managing director of Hamilton and Inches, versatility is now key when it comes to jewellery selection. "Consumers are much more conscious now about design, quality and how their pieces are made," says Jamie.
"Rather than buying on a whim, there will be more thought. Versatility is key in investment jewellery and items such as diamonds, gold bracelets and necklaces are increasingly popular.
"We are seeing a change in consumer tastes."
According to Jamie, people are now focusing on these tangible commodities, and good value for money is key.
Which is exactly why 30-year-old self-confessed shopaholic Samantha Miller, a beauty therapist from Granton, has ditched her love of clothes for jewellery.
"It's definitely the magpie effect, and women just can't resist a bit of bling," she says.
"But I think we're all a lot more aware of what we spend and it's become almost uncool to buy fast disposable fashion. And the same is true of jewellery.
"The stuff that's available on the high street is rarely long-lasting, is mass produced and discolours quickly.
In July I avoided the sales and treated myself to a Cartier watch, a diamond pendant and a fine gold bangle.
"I get the same buzz wearing these items time after time, rather than the one-off high from a new outfit.
"Now, I'm getting my shopping fix through good quality jewellery that is that little bit different.
"Carefully chosen accessories can transform an outfit and you can easily survive on a capsule wardrobe, courtesy of accessories.
"Plus, I am guaranteed through investing in silvers, golds and precious stones that my purchases won't lose value like clothes do."
So how should we shop?
"Jewellery says a lot about a woman and stamps her own style on the individual," says Edinburgh stylist, Laura Wilton. "How you wear it too is not about fashion, but about style. A plain, understated outfit is instantly transformed through these accessories and it makes sense that when money is tight, spends can be stretched through versatile accessories.
"Think quality, think craftsmanship and think style. And always go to a reputable jewellers, as these experts can assess your look and advise on the best items which will give you value for money."
Jewellery At the Edge is showcased within Pebbles, 9 Jeffrey Street, and is on until the end of the Festival. Admission is free.
The full article contains 821 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
