Blackburn-based jewellery expert Helen Dimmick shares some of the secrets of her wardrobe
How did you get into jewellery?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always known I would work in jewellery and surround myself with gemstones and anything else that sparkles. I think that’s also why I love bridal couture so much too as it blends my passion for statement jewellery with statement gowns. It doesn’t feel like going to work to me, it’s simply my passion. I love people and I love jewellery, my role is to bring the two together.
Describe your look:
I think that has to be timeless classic with a nod to vintage chic. I love the notion of the past, present and future and how they are all intertwined, whether we recognise that or not. I love to celebrate the glamour of a bygone age and by modernising a look with gemstones and bejewelled decoration. I think my era should have been the jazz age.
Favourite brand or designer:
Can I have two? Christian Dior without doubt, but Diane Von Furstenberg has to be up there too. She is perhaps not as well-known as some other designers but her iconic wrap dress paved the way for a luxury fashion brand celebrated for its elegance, glamour, and distinctive vocabulary of print and colour which I just love.
My style icon:
Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn are all icons, but looking a bit more current and Lady Gaga also ticks the style icon box for me.
Favourite fashion item:
I think a hat really completes any look. Whether that’s more of a hair piece, fascinator or wide brim of all shapes and sizes, I just love how creative milliners can be.
What I wear to impress:
Statement jewellery! Whether that is a bold ring with coloured gemstone to match the outfit or a pair of eye-catching earrings, I think any look finished with the right jewellery can’t fail to impress.
What I wear to relax:
Dressing down to me is more of a change in style of jewellery – opting for a more subtle but still eye-catching climber earring. They decorate the lobe as opposed to hanging down and are often more lightweight, hugging the ear comfortably and securely for day to day relaxing.
Everything about growing up in the 80s! Plastic earrings, RaRa skirts, white stilettos, lace gloves and leg warmers. They looked so good on Irene Cara in Fame but less so on me!
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
Windmill deeley boppers! My love of headwear started at an early age.
What's the best style advice you've ever received?
Good design is key. It’s also quality not quantity. I would rather invest in a few key capsule pieces than jump on every fast fashion trend.
What will never go out of style?
Wide leg trousers – well I hope they won’t anyway as they are a staple in my wardrobe. They are so flattering and suit all body shapes.
Who are the most stylish male and female celebrities?
Amal Clooney oozes style effortlessly and Owain Wyn Evans really impresses too, especially with his love of brooches.
The look I wish would come back:
It’s back to headwear for me again! I love tiaras. The epitome of style. Understated and demure, tiaras were elegant and sophisticated and this has to be the style trend I would love to see come back.
And what item do you think has had its day and should be confined to the back of the wardrobe?
One word: Crocs.
What's next?
Within jewellery, I would say pearls are set to be the next big thing once again. They are likened to being a legacy from the late Queen Elizabeth yet will be reinvented in more contemporary style.
Helen Dimmick has a degree in Art History, awards for gemmology and diamond grading, experience with leading auction houses, a senior role at iconic jewellers, Tiffanys and ownership of award-winning brand, Green + Benz. She also lectures around the world, is an ambassador for the National Association of Jewellers and has appeared as an expert on Gok Wan’s jewellery show, ‘Bling’.
Helen – who traces her love of jewellery back to her grandmother, Annie – is married to Phil Ainsworth, MD of Ainsworths family jewellers who have been in Blackburn for more than 150 years. Helen also owns the Inspired Bridal Boutique and she says: ‘I am fascinated by the stories jewellery tells and every piece has a tale to share.’
ainsworthjewellers.com, inspiredbridal.co.uk
