DIAMONDS ARE A MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend. In these uncertain economic times, top rocks represent a good investment, seeing their value more than double over the past four years as investors look for safe havens for their money.

Bonhams expert, Jean Ghika, reports that many investors are turning away from stocks and shares to tangible commodities, such as high quality jewellery.

The world gold price is at an all-time high and Bonhams has seen growing interest in its jewellery auctions in London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney.  An emerald-cut diamond ring is expected to fetch between £260,000 and £320,000 at the London auction on September 25. A single-stone diamond ring, weighing in a 14.14 carat, sold for a stunning £264,000 at their May sale in Hong Kong.  For details go to www.bonhams.com/jewellery

The ring above is from Hamilton & Inches, a stunning yellow diamond. A similar design, with 2.01 carats, is priced at £34,000. On the right is a necklace dotted with diamond heart, in a waterfall design, by Boodles price £67,000. See their full collections on www.hamiltonandinches.com and www.boodles.com

And to emphasise London's preeminence as a world jewellery centre, this summer saw the first London Jewellery Week take place, hosted by top bank Coutts.

Jewellers and designers across London participated, showing off the very best of jewellery - including the unrivalled riches of the Royal jewels at the Tower of London. Schools, colleges, galleries, retailers and jewellery designers, makers and manufacturers united for the first time to stage over 200 events to educate and entertain the public.

A glittering party at London's iconic Gherkin building set the style for a week that included a hectic round of parties, with some very serious rocks on display.

The necklace here is by Henn of London , with diamonds in the settings, price £100,000. www.hennoflondon.co.uk

CITY'S GOLD ATTRACTION

And London's jewelfest continues with the forthcoming Goldsmiths’ Fair at the Goldsmiths’ Hall. This is the place to go for all who appreciate craftsmanship, and it attracts capacity visitors from around the world. Over 26 years, it has built up a reputation as the leading showcase for contemporary works by top designers, including first collections as well as works by established names.

In addition to jewellery, there are also candlesticks, bowls, vases and other examples of the most intricate of silversmith work, modern and traditional. Novel contemporary design, right, by Olivia Lowe.

The exhibiton has a suitably opulent setting, in the Goldsmiths’ Hall, just behind St Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the great livery halls of the City, the earliest version on this site dating back to 1339, and has been responsible for the testing and hallmarking of gold since 15th.

The Fair is over two weeks – Monday, September 22 to Sunday 28, and Tuesday, September 30 to Sunday, October 5. Go to www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

VAULTS STUFFED WITH TREASURE

Another fantastic treasure house of silversmiths work is to be found in the London Silver Vaults. A wander round this underground warren of tiny shops should solve present-buying problems for Christmas or any time.

As from October 6, it will be featuring a selling exhibition of the sculptor’s art in silver, reflecting English tastes from Queen Victoria’s day to the present.  English passions for horses, hunting, wildlife and fast cars will be evident, along with classical female figures, military miniatures and jewellery. This continues through to the end of January 2009. Splendid silver Ferrari from J. Surtees at the Vaults, price £700.

The Vaults started life in 1876 as a place where London’s wealthy might safely store their valuables. Gradually, dealers took over the premises and it now houses the world’s largest  retail collection of silver, plate, jewellery and sculpture. Further information on www.thesilvervaults.com 

HANDWRITING REVIVAL?

Could handwriting make a comeback? Other hand crafts are enjoying a new lease of life and though texting and emails may be convenient, there is something special about getting a handwritten letter - especially for those young ones who have never had one!

A quality pen is still a welcome gift and more suited to a Savile Row outfit. And fine pen maker Cross has just launched a new collection, Cross Sauvage, that brings a fashionable animal-inspired styling to their practical quality. In moonstone, above, onyx, brown tourmaline and ivory finishes, with engraving on the cap to suggest animal prints, they start at £55 for the ball point and go up to £115 for the 18 carat gold nib tourmaline fountain pen. All Cross pens have a lifetime mechanical guarantee. www.crosspens.com