The Bite Magazine Issue 17

bite jewellery her designs incorporate everything from praisiolites and kyanites to tourmalines and fire opals. There’s definitely something more inti- mate about buying your jewellery from a boutique jewellers than say, a store of the chain variety. The pieces are inevi- table more unique, a little more unusual and you’re much less likely to find your most beloved necklace staring at you from across the room at a cocktail party because your good taste is just too damn good and imitable. From a tender age, Goad’s foray into jewellery began at the young age of 13, when she landed a part-time job at an antique jeweller. Discovering a natural talent for all things gemlike, her career led her to become a gemologist and gold- smith before she struck out on her own almost 30 years ago. What began, as a cosy Notting Hill studio has become one of Sloane Street’s most exciting stores, housing a design studio, an in-house workshop and a spacious private room for special commissions spread across four beautiful floors. Goad’s engagement rings are, of course exquisite and whilst all the classic settings and cuts are present in her collection there are also some gorgeous, rare designs; the Flora Sapphire Ring and the Heloise Diamond Rings are especially lovely. The boutique also stocks a range of striking eternity and wedding rings but it’s the cocktail rings that are really fun. The Acai Diamond Ring is a truly stand-out piece: inspired by the Açaí palm, a species of palm tree, it boasts an 18ct yellow gold ring set with diamonds and with an 18ct yellow gold and diamond pave surround. Not only is it super pretty but it’s the sort of piece that will remain striking year after year. And for something a little in for every- day, you can’t miss with one of Goad’s on trend signet rings, in gold set with bold lapis like the Olivier Signet Ring . A standout necklace is always my go-to piece of jewellery, as they effortlessly enhance even the simplest of outfits. Goad’s collection has a great range of more delicate chains and statement pieces. The Volo d’Angelo , a 9ct yellow gold set with sixty lapis lazuli, is a fine and arresting piece and would work as beautifully with a crisp white shirt as with an evening gown. The La Quin- tessenza Pearl Necklace is another favourite and with its quirky setting and contrast of white pearl against gold, proves the perfect way to don pearls without looking at all prim. And let’s not forget about the earrings, the most essential and timeless of all sparkles. I adore the Cushion Boulder Opal Earrings , a dazzling pair of state- ment studs which are the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle to your everyday style without feeling too overdressed. For an elegant yet distinctive pair, the Octavia Pearl Black Diamond Earrings which are gracefully set with black diamond pave and black rhodium plating with very fine freshwater pearls on Astrea Hoops in 18ct white gold rhodium plated pave set with black dia- monds, are a stand-out pair that will serve you well for every occasion. And for a proper heirloom set, the kind that will bring you joy for generations to come the Peacock Octavia Earrings are an opulent celebration of aquamarine, sapphires and diamonds in an original, stunning design. Going beyond her offer of exceptional jewellery, Goad is also one of the few London jewellers left to offer a truly bespoke service, creating unique custom pieces or even reinventing existing pieces, giving the jewels a new lease of life. There’s nothing more exciting than cre- ating a piece of your own, one that might one day become a family heirloom to be cherished for generations. Conversely, it’s quite lovely to take an existing piece and give it new life by repurposing it into something contemporary that melds with your current tastes without losing the sentimentality that jewellery often holds. So go on, indulge yourself and dazzle in some gems. Life is far too short to ever save anything fabulous for special occa- sions only. www.cassandragoad.com