Pretty Jewellery
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Eagle-eyed viewers of Only Connect will, I’m sure, have noticed that I was wearing a particularly delightful necklace on this week’s episode. It was made by the makeup designer on the show, Juliet Ireland. Juliet makes necklaces out of little Victorian keys that she picks up on her travels.
Wait, wait, that sounds like she steals them.
What I mean is, Juliet scours markets for these antique keys, then turns them into jewellery (in gold over brass, pure brass or silver). They are all different lengths, some have one key and some have several (I went for two), or she can make them bespoke. I made a mental note at the recording that I’d put Juliet’s details up here in the week that I wore the keys, since I was sure other women would love them (and some have already asked on Twitter). Note to gentleman readers: they’d make very good presents, I can’t think what sort of a girl WOULDN’T want antique Victorian keys on a chain. They’re interesting and beautiful, I think, and Christmas is not too far away…
The prices all vary, but I bought that one for… I can’t remember now but I think it was about £60. Something like that. Somewhere between £50 and £80, anyway. (Poker players, eh. We know the price of nothing and the value of nothing.)
If you’re interested in buying one or commissioning one, email Juliet at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Comments
The Tim at 11:15 pm on September 22nd, 2010
I’d take the key to your door anytime.
RebeccaAnn at 12:57 am on September 23rd, 2010
Ahh, i have to say, during the wall round i noticed that beautiful necklace (albeit because i was completely lost in connections & red herrings galore) & i also made a mental note to try & find out where it was from, does Juliet have a website to peruse at all?
Also, one other minor thing, love the new hieroglyphics - enjoy saying ‘Eye of Horus’ at the television x
Victoria Coren at 1:47 am on September 23rd, 2010
Hi Rebecca. I don’t think Juliet does have a website, because professionally she’s a makeup artist and the jewellery-making is just a hobby really. But if you drop her a line at that email address I’m sure she can send you some pictures - or at the very least have a chat and swap some descriptions, she can make key-necklaces pretty much to order.
mike at 8:49 am on September 23rd, 2010
Hi Vicky,
I have not watched the 2nd part of Only Connect yet. I have it waiting for my attention on my PVR. But now you have mentioned the Victorian necklace you are wearing on the show I will have the info about it already. The necklace looks very nice and thank you for letting us know about the maker.
Clyde at 11:39 am on September 23rd, 2010
Just to point out that I’m sure there are men out there, such as myself, who would love to wear these necklaces just as much as women would.
Victoria Coren at 12:46 pm on September 23rd, 2010
Fair point, Clyde! Absolutely men could wear it as well.
Ooh err! at 12:47 pm on September 23rd, 2010
Just to point out to Clyde..
I’m not one of them! ;-)
What a shameless plug! Take it easy on the fags’n booze there VC!
Victoria Coren at 2:48 pm on September 23rd, 2010
Hmm. There’s something between the lines of that last post that I’m sensing but not quite getting. If you boys are a couple, then for heavens’ sake BUY CLYDE THE NECKLACE or you are a rubbish boyfriend.
Err.. no! at 10:24 pm on September 23rd, 2010
‘Oh Behave!’ VC you’re a MissChief and no mistake! I’ve ‘got your number’ but know better than to ever call!
cicerosam at 11:03 pm on September 27th, 2010
Do you know, I didn’t notice. I thought it was only connect, not the Krypton Factor, sorry V! But sweet and subtle plug tho nonetheless…smooth tim , velvet tongued wit. (-:
I don't want to watch Asterix, I WANT TO BE HEATHC at 11:09 pm on September 28th, 2010
Nice necklace! Keys to unlock…secrets…*repressed memory flashback*:
“Now then young man, what would you like for your 4th birthday?
How about this pirate book? you like pirates don’t you, or this Spiderman costume?” “Yes, they’re all very nice” casting the catalogue to one side, “but what I really want is…well…mother, I wonder if you would be kind enough to…systematically abuse me so I can become a tortured Byronic hero and seduce all the ladies with my brooding magnetic charm, “you are an arrogant brute” they will say, whilst going all tingly under their petticoats - but then I will fall into their arms, talk of my horrific past & their hearts will melt and… “oh stop being a dramatic little sausage & go & watch Superted.”
Deny me my tortured genius will you mother! Oh you’ll pay…
Man at 9:23 pm on September 29th, 2010
I find you attractive
dg at 11:25 pm on September 29th, 2010
Stewie?
Doctor Frinkelstein at 9:14 am on October 3rd, 2010
These are very nice, however, I was quite taken with your teacup necklace I noticed in one of the Only Connect repeats a few weeks ago. Where do you get one of those? My other half would rather like one!
Victoria Coren at 1:49 am on October 4th, 2010
Ah, well that lovely teacup necklace was a present - bought, I believe, from a stall in Borough Market in Hackney.
Doctor Frinkelstein at 10:21 pm on October 6th, 2010
Ta love! I’ll keep an eye out next time I’m in that London.
Gary Brooks at 3:39 am on October 7th, 2010
Vicky, it’s absolutely lovely of you to support your friend with this plug. Hopefully she’ll get more orders than a naughty soldier and get to turn her hobby into something more financially tangible. I’m going to buy one when pay day hits.