Issue 11 2024 | 21 Established more than five years ago as an eBay store, Flamingo Gems blossomed into its own online platform 18 months ago, and today houses unique items that adhere to the bold and expensive taste of Founder and Managing Director Nicola Butler, but at a fraction of the price usually associated with premium jewellery. In turning her head away from the high street, Nicola discovered that beautiful, second-hand pieces are available everywhere, and that all they needed was a little TLC. It is in this spirit that Flamingo Gems operates. Nicola’s love of gems began more than 20 years ago, when, as a child, she began collecting sapphires, a hobby she maintains to this day. Describing herself as somewhat of a ‘magpie’ when it comes to spotting the best jewellery, it is this keen eye and deep knowledge that serve as the bases of the fantastic, ever-expanding collection that her business sells. Along with this choice selection of modern and vintage jewellery, Flamingo Gems’ collection sometimes also spans clothes, shoes, and a range of antiques. As this title suggests, the brand’s collection of vintage pieces really caught our attention, with this timeless jewellery exuding luxury whilst remaining deeply rooted in Flamingo Gems’ commitment to selling pieces for cheaper than their equivalencies can be found in high-street stores, often significantly. For example, a beautiful 18ct yellow gold/platinum antique ring complete with sapphires and diamonds that had been certified by the WGI (World Gemological Institute) and estimated at £3500, was recently sold for just £800. It is not only rings where this is the case, as the vintage bracelets, necklaces, and earrings sold on the company’s online store are also afforded the same price-cutting treatment, without any sacrifice whatsoever on quality. This is because Nicola is passionate about not using any gems that are synthetic or grown in a lab. All of the stones in her jewellery are 100% natural, which gives these pieces an authentic and traditional feel, making the antique pieces in particular feel all the more special for the buyer or the final recipient. Since the gems are all natural and the metal encompassing them always of the highest quality, it would be fair to question how Flamingo Gems is able to sell its jewellery at such a discount. Nicola herself explains this process, telling us: “I buy pieces of jewellery from auctions which are normally damaged or in need of some serious love. I either reimagine the item, meaning I remove the stones and turn the parts into new items such as engagement rings, or I bring the original piece back to life via rhodium dip or repair.” This is all made possible thanks to the partnerships Nicola has with both a jewellers and a gem laboratory in Hatton Garden, both of which assist her in the creation, testing, and valuing of her items. All of the relevant information is then curated and listed on a certificate that comes as standard with the item itself, underpinning both Flamingo Gems’ transparency and its commitment to providing quality solutions through sustainable means – something that the recycling and reimagining of gemstones is a perfect example of. With one of the finest pre-loved jewellery collections around, Flamingo Gems Limited offers customers from across the UK and beyond the opportunity to source that unique centrepiece for their own personal wardrobe. Boasting a handpicked selection of quality rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, Flamingo Gems is home to jewellery of all sizes, styles, metals, and gemstones, and prides itself on having something truly remarkable available at every price point for those with discerning taste. Best Luxury Vintage Jewellery Vendor 2024 - UK When it comes to the jewel in the crown of her pre-loved jewellery portfolio, Nicola tells us that her customers love the reimagined diamond solitaire engagement rings that she sells, which usually have entirely sold out by the end of the week that they are listed. Aside from these big one-off purchases such as engagement rings, Flamingo Gems also secures a lot of return business. In the past few weeks alone, one regular spent more than £7,000 – and Nicola even has one client who buys a new piece from her every single week. The final point that is worth a mention about Flamingo Gems Limited is that its customer feedback is stellar. With 96% of its Trustpilot reviews being five stars, the remarkable, personalised customer service provided is what really shines through, and it is this, as much as her exceptional items, that this well-deserved award reflects for Nicola Butler. Contact: Nicola Butler Company: Flamingo Gems Limited Web Address: https://flamingogems.co.uk/
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