Laura Ashley Jewellery Explained
In brief: Laura Ashley jewellery is a collection of accessories extending the iconic British brand's romantic, floral aesthetic. It primarily features gold-plated or silver-plated brass fashion jewellery and stainless steel quartz watches. Designs draw heavily from the brand's famous textile archive, offering an accessible way to wear a piece of British design heritage.
What is Laura Ashley Jewellery?
Laura Ashley jewellery translates the quintessentially British charm of the renowned lifestyle brand into a wearable format. Originating from the Welsh designer's iconic floral prints in the 1950s, the Laura Ashley brand grew to encompass home furnishings, fashion, and eventually, accessories. The jewellery collection is a natural extension of this legacy, embodying the same romantic, feminine, and nature-inspired ethos. The range consists of two main categories: fashion jewellery and timepieces. The fashion pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, are typically crafted from a brass base metal which is then plated with a layer of gold or silver. This allows for intricate, delicate designs at an accessible price point. The watches combine reliable Japanese quartz movements with durable stainless steel cases, often featuring elegant details like mother-of-pearl dials or subtle floral motifs on the face, all protected by mineral crystal glass. The entire collection serves as an homage to the brand's rich design archive, making classic British style available to a modern audience.
How Laura Ashley Jewellery works
The creation of Laura Ashley jewellery is a process rooted in design translation and modern manufacturing. It begins with the brand's vast archive of textile prints. Designers select iconic floral, leaf, and filigree patterns, reinterpreting these two-dimensional designs into three-dimensional forms suitable for jewellery. For the fashion pieces, a base model is created and then cast in brass, a metal chosen for its malleability and cost-effectiveness. This brass core is then meticulously cleaned and prepared for electroplating, where it is submerged in a chemical bath and an electric current is used to fuse a thin, durable layer of gold or silver onto its surface. Any crystals or decorative stones are set afterwards. For the watches, the process is one of precision assembly. A reliable and accurate Japanese quartz movement is housed within a robust stainless steel case. The dial, often adorned with mother-of-pearl or a signature print, is fitted, and a protective mineral crystal glass is sealed in place to ensure durability.
Key characteristics
Laura Ashley jewellery is defined by its delicate, feminine aesthetic, frequently featuring floral and nature-inspired motifs drawn from the brand's heritage. The pieces are typically lightweight due to their plated brass construction, offering a comfortable feel for daily wear. As it is fashion jewellery, the plating's durability depends on care; it is not as robust as solid precious metals. You will not find precious metal hallmarks like '925' or '375'. Instead, look for the official Laura Ashley branding as a sign of authenticity. The watches are more durable, with stainless steel cases and good water resistance for everyday situations.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Laura Ashley Jewellery | Sterling Silver Jewellery | 9ct Gold Jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Gold or silver-plated brass base | 92.5% pure silver, 7.5% alloy metals | 37.5% pure gold, with alloy metals |
| Price Bracket | Accessible | Mid-range | Premium / Investment |
| Durability | Plating can wear over time with use | Durable but can tarnish; prone to scratches | Very durable, resistant to tarnish and rust |
| Care | Avoid moisture and chemicals; wipe with a dry cloth | Requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish | Low maintenance; clean with soap and water |
| Best For | Affordable style, gifting, trend-led pieces | Everyday wear, for those with metal allergies | Heirloom pieces, special occasions, investment |
Who is Laura Ashley Jewellery best for?
Laura Ashley jewellery is ideal for the admirer of classic British design and the brand's signature romantic style. It appeals to those seeking decorative, feminine accessories to complement specific outfits or for special, light-wear occasions. Its accessible price point makes it an excellent choice for gifting or for individuals who enjoy refreshing their accessory collection without a significant financial commitment. The range is perfect for fans of the main Laura Ashley fashion and home lines who wish to carry that aesthetic with them. While not intended for those seeking investment-grade fine jewellery, the watches are a great option for someone wanting a reliable, elegant, and fashion-conscious timepiece with a story and heritage behind its design.
Care and longevity
To ensure the longevity of your Laura Ashley fashion jewellery, proper care is essential. The gold or silver plating is a surface layer and can be worn away by friction, moisture, and chemicals. Always remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising. It is also best practice to apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your pieces. After each wear, gently wipe the jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove skin oils. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratching and reduce exposure to air. Re-plating is generally not a cost-effective option for this type of jewellery, so preventative care is the best way to maintain its appearance.
Common questions
Is Laura Ashley Jewellery hypoallergenic?
The core of Laura Ashley fashion jewellery is typically brass, an alloy which may contain nickel. While the gold or silver plating creates a barrier, this layer can wear down over time, potentially exposing the skin to the base metal. Therefore, individuals with sensitive skin or known nickel allergies may experience a reaction. For a guaranteed hypoallergenic option, it is better to choose pieces made from solid sterling silver, gold, or titanium.
How do you clean Laura Ashley Jewellery?
The best way to clean Laura Ashley jewellery is to gently wipe it with a soft, dry, microfibre cloth. This removes fingerprints and oils without damaging the finish. Avoid using chemical jewellery dips, abrasive polishes, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these harsh methods can easily strip the thin plated layer. For watches, the case can be wiped with a similar dry cloth. Never submerge the jewellery in water, as moisture can seep into settings and accelerate tarnishing.
Is Laura Ashley Jewellery worth the money?
The value of Laura Ashley jewellery is found in its design, brand identity, and accessibility. It allows wearers to own a piece of a beloved British heritage brand at a very reasonable price. It is priced as fashion jewellery, where the cost reflects the design work and brand name rather than the intrinsic value of the materials. For those who appreciate the romantic aesthetic and want a beautiful accessory for occasional wear, it represents excellent value for money.
Laura Ashley Jewellery at OD's Jewellers
At OD's Jewellers, we stock a curated selection of Laura Ashley jewellery and watches that capture the brand's timeless, feminine charm. From delicate floral pendants to elegant timepieces, each piece offers a touch of classic British style. Explore our hand-picked collection in our St Helens store or view our full range online.