I first noticed Natasha Sherling on Xpose as she shared with all the tv3 viewers jewellery trends, must haves for summer and everything we need to know about jewellery. I was really interested in what Natasha had to say as this girl really knows what she is taking about when it comes to jewellery and diamonds. I got in contact with Natasha and she was more than happy to answer our questions for the beauty dial and to share her expertise with our readers.
- How did you start your career as gemmoligist?
I went to New York, to train with the Gemological Institute of America, and when I finished my exams and graduated, I returned to Dublin, and started appraising jewellery for auction houses.
- Have you always had a keen interest in Jewellery?
Jewellery was always something I was interested in. After over three years of styling mainly jewellery-related shoots for The Gloss (even though I was looking after fashion as a whole!) I realised I should follow my calling.
- What advice would you give people looking for that special diamond?
Don’t try and find everything out yourself from the internet. It’s not a reliable source – by a long shot – and I have heard crazy stories from shoppers who think they know all the ‘facts’. It takes a huge amount of experience to know what makes a diamond look good to the naked eye so trust your jeweller – or call me (I give independent diamond ‘lessons’ for people looking to be equipped when they go on the hunt)!
- I have seen you on Xpose lately, What current trends & advice would you give high street Jewellery buyers?
Know that you get what you pay for with jewellery! High street pieces can be amazing – so fashion forward, and they offer a really strong statement without a huge price tag. I did a piece on Xpose recently about yellow gold – and it’s a trend that will hold true through the summer. But the bargains come from the low-grade materials used. Like comparing a polyester jumper with a cashmere one, plated metal won’t last as long as real gold! That’s not to say the high street should be steered clear of – but take care of your pieces to get the most wear out of them. Keep them away from makeup, perfume and water and try and avoid wearing them in the heat.
- Where is your favourite highstreet haunt?
For jewellery, H&M can’t be beaten – the collections are always priced so well. For something slightly pricier, and with semi precious stones (but still high street), I love Monica Vinader (available online) and Missoma (at Weir and Sons).
- What key jewellery should we all have this summer ’12?!
I’m all about rings and big, gold earrings for the summer. Necklaces seem kind of tired at this stage so I am retiring them for a while.
- Where is your favourite jewellery store in Ireland?
Depends how much money I have in my pocket! Loulerie, on Chatham Street has the most amazing selection of high-fashion, contemporary pieces. ESL in the Powerscourt Centre is where I go for fine and custom pieces. For diamonds, I am my own supplier!
- Where would you recommended picking up some vintage jewellery?
For costume, I actually think eBay can’t be beaten. But for fine pieces, I always go straight to auction houses. O’Reilly’s on Francis Street is one of the only auction houses to hold monthly jewellery auctions, and they always have amazing finds, at really good value.
- Do you get to travel much with your career?
Yes! No matter how big or small the request, I go all over the world to find the right pieces and the perfect stones for my clients, and am lucky to be exclusively invited to preview collections – it means I’m often the only person in Ireland to know exactly what will be appearing in the shops! In the last four months I have been in Dubai, Munich, Amsterdam and London and am heading off to New York in the next few weeks as well.
- What watch is key to have this season?
For a daytime, fun-in-the-sun watch, it doesn’t get better than the double-strap Swatch. I have a pastel green one from last year, and they’ve brought out pop-brights for this summer so will get one of those, too – am so obsessed, they are so comfortable to wear! For getting down to business, I would tend to veer towards the timeless – so anything by Longines or Cartier.
- What is it like working for one of the leading magazine’s Gloss?
It’s wonderful to work with such a dynamic team of editors in such a creative environment – what’s not to love? Working with The Gloss has offered opportunities that continue to bowl me over: attending fashion shows (my first, and still favourite, was Dior in Paris), interviewing icons and bringing what I love doing to the readers.
- What advice would you give anyone trying to become a jewellery advisor?
Know that it’s hard work! Most important is to really know your stuff – jewellery is too precious (both in monetary and sentimental terms) to make mistakes. Clients rely on me to find the perfect piece to celebrate their life’s great milestones – research, experience and intuition is key.
So ladies if your lucky enough to be looking for that perfect diamond or just simply would like some advice check out Natasha Sherling online, twitter and on facebook.
Thanks Natasha for answering all our questions.
Jacqui xoxo
(imagecredits: Natasha Sherling, H&M, swatch watches, gem&jewelleryDoctor)
