We have recently completed a new photoshoot for the Island Collection with our new model Sophie. Seen here wearing our newest must-have, super versatile addition to the Trader Collection, Sterling Silver Beaded Wrap Around Bracelet, Necklace or Anklet. Look out for more of her here… coming soon! Or on our geronimojonesgj Instagram feed.
When Mr GJ’s grandmother died he had the task of going through her home. Not ever an easy job especially as her possessions had been accumulated over her 98 years.
One of Mr GJ’s many discoveries was an ancient and well-used sewing box in which he found another smaller box full of odd buttons in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Some particularly caught his eye; a small number of Victorian or Edwardian shirt buttons made in mother-of-pearl. Too beautiful and irreplaceable to be discarded he kept them awaiting a perfect use.
When he started designing the Geronimo Jones range he knew exactly what to do with them. He took a selection of the finest of them to Hatton Garden where he had them cast in Sterling silver and they now feature as the elegant finishing details on many of Geronimo Jones’s Beaded Bracelets.
The history of buttons
Buttons are as old as clothing itself; but not only as a way of securing our clothes but also to add a touch of individuality and personal style to the wearer’s attire. Buttons have been made of an almost endless list of natural materials before the now seemingly ubiquitous plastic that we wear today; stone, pottery, jade, jet, bone, wood, shell, flint, horn from deer or stag, ivory, bronze, argent and gold. Although used for practical reasons buttons can indeed be beautiful and decorative.
We all have a memory of a button box
For children growing up buttons would have had a multitude of other uses. As counters and pretend money … and before the gadget age, a box of colourful buttons would have entertained children for many hours, sorting through colours, sizes, shapes or type. Today perhaps the snipping of buttons from clothing and recycling them has been lost but they can certainly still be used to add a touch of something fabulous to decorate our garments.
Mr GJ had his own ideas. He created the fasteners for his beaded bracelets following the discovery of his grandmother’s sewing box and has now created a range of Sterling silver buttons of his own to give that personal touch to a dress shirt or anything you like. A replacement for studs these make a wonderful and re-usable touch of glamour to a gentleman’s evening shirt or a special blouse or shirt.
Each of the Trader Collection pieces are hand-created in very limited quantities. Almost all of the precious metal bead work is done by the master-beaders of the Sanata Group in East Africa. This original, ethical and highly wearable collection is, as ever, unique to Geronimo Jones who work with the Sanata Group of the charity Restart Africa – an organisation that provides fair wages and essential employment to the many local Kenyan women in the group.
The best thing you don’t know about yet; we are the secret you just haven’t heard about.
Designed with the absolute joy of giving in mind to celebrate love, family and friendship the GJ collections are designed with you in mind. Whether you are looking for something a little different, that extra special gift or want to celebrate … the solution is here.
Proud of our roots, the story behind the company and that Mr GJ remains the only designer you will not find anything like us anywhere else. Jewellery designed with beauty in mind, and hand finished in Hatton Garden especially for you.
The Geronimo Jones Jewellery Tag
An ethical company, the GJ tag is our symbol of excellence and hallmark of originality. While we may be ‘small’ our ambitions are big – offering exceptional customer service to ensure you choose the right piece for you or for giving. Always happy to answer your questions by email or telephone, we guide you through the buying process or support you in creating that extra special gift with our bespoke service.
Geronimo Jones … taking the very best that nature has to offer and gives it the GJ mark. Which collection will become your favourite?
