RIP Lee Alexander McQueen

“We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueens influence was astonishing from street style, to music culture and the worlds museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

Anna Wintour, February 11th 2010



Commission: Book Charm Pendant

Recently I was asked to create a gift for a customer’s friend; who loves reading. The result was this sweet little silver book charm, hung simply from a contemporary snake chain. (Charm measures aprx 14x12mm)

Like this?

If you would like to commission something similar, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Simply send an email to info@mirandahughesjewellery.com

Miranda x

Spotlight on…Retro Treasures

Each of my jewellery collections have their own identity and unique qualities, so I thought I’d shed some light on each range individually. First up – it’s ‘Retro Treasures‘.

Overview…
Found objects including antique typewriter keys, buttons, shells, freshwater pearls & semi-precious stone beads are hung like precious charms from a combination of handmade silver chain & findings.

Inspiration…
Trinkets and treasures…charm clusters…vintage ‘jingly jangly’ jewellery…typography…lucky numbers…re-cycling and reinvention…old meets new…striking colour combinations.

It’s special because…
Many pieces in the range include a genuine key from an antique typewriter. These broken/out of use machines are sourced from all over the land! I then lovingly take each key off by hand, saw & file the back, then drill through the centre to create a perfect charm. Also, the distinctive colour combination of amazonite, coral and smokey quartz proves ever popular… (as pictured)

A little something you didn’t know…
I only dismantle typewriters that are in a very poor condition and pretty much always beyond repair. I feel it’s better that the keys can be turned into something to treasure rather than the whole thing being thrown away in an attic somewhere gathering decades of dust. However, once I purchased an out of use typewriter (from the second-hand e-marketplace we all know and love…) To my surprise it was in such beautiful condition I could not bear to use its keys. So, it now takes pride of place on my desk, I would love to get it working one day!

Tailor made treasures…
Many customers like to choose their own special key; e.g. to an initial or lucky number. I keep a fair amount of keys in stock so please do not hesitate to get in touch. Designs can always be slightly altered too, in the first picture above a cluster necklace includes two keys (instead of one) to represent two initials. This makes the pendant a little longer but makes it that little bit more special.

Miranda x

Newsletter Jan/Feb 2010

The January/February edition of the Miranda Hughes Jewellery newsletter is available now, click on the image below for a sneak peak:

Miranda x