Nick has fulfilled a personal ambition to bring back the much maligned Sovereign ring. The resulting three pieces are an extraordinarily brave ‘slashed and jewel sprayed’ re-imagining that raises the bar in men’s jewellery with their unashamedly masculine design.

The exciting venture encapsulates a sense of modernity and an element of the unexpected. The Savage Sovereigns represent a radical departure from the understated elegance that informs NJ’s women’s collections.

Exceptionally luxurious, these bespoke designs embody aspects from the mythologies of the East End underworld; from notorious Victorian murderers to present day gangsters… are you ready to meet Tom, Ripper and Slag?

Nick explains the inspiration behind the range: “I’ve been toying with creating extravagant men’s jewellery for quite some time. My intention has been to reinvent the Sovereign ring and produce dramatic statement pieces that mix opulent materials, whilst conveying quite a dark, subversive narrative. The Sovereign has been outlawed to the fashion wastelands for too long and the lowly ‘Sov’ deserves a reassessment. The coins themselves are really quite beautiful with a quintessentially English flavour that should be celebrated. When set amongst detailed engraving and gem stones a transformation takes place which is strangely, almost perversely, beguiling.”

Traditional leather craftsmanship and diamonds create the ultimate gentlemen’s city bike

Nicholas James has joined forces with specialist leather design and interiors company, Harcourt, to show their love for all things two wheeled with an exciting new partnership.

The result of this unlikely collaboration is the ‘Brogue’; an immaculate, hand-stitched leather-clad 1970’s Triumph 531 frame, complete with matching saddle bag and individually woven leather handlebar grips. The handlebar ends are cast in sterling silver and finished with a rim of chocolate brown diamonds that perfectly complement the rich luster of the laser cut Italian vegetable-tanned leather. The saddle bag too features a contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional Conway buckle also cast in Sterling silver.

Commenting on the collaboration Simon explains; “Initially I was approached to produce some bespoke jewellery cases for Nicholas James. It was clear from this that Nick has an absolute passion for perfection and loves an unusual challenge so our mutual interests have made this project a success. I’m over the moon with the end result. It perfectly demonstrates the skill, precision, imagination and creative flair that has been invested in the Brogue.”

Nick Fitch, founder of NJ, adds; “Simon and I are both maniacal when it comes to getting things right. This has been a great opportunity to marry our two arts together. I love the contrast been the materials; the warm supple leather and the metal and diamonds. The finish is immensely tactile.” The Brogue is on display at Nicholas James’ Hatton Garden showroom and has a retail price of £25,000.00.

Leading Contemporary British Jeweller Hailed as Industry ‘Trendsetter’

Nick Fitch founder of Nicholas James, was once again selected as one of the industry’s movers and shakers at the Professional Jeweller’s Hot 100 Awards which took place on the 3rd September 2012 at the magnificent Freemason’s Hall in Covent Garden, London.

The Hot 100 acknowledges key players in five distinct categories and Nick has been selected as a ‘Trendsetter’ for his recent achievements. These include a provocative men’s range of sovereign rings inspired by Jack the Ripper, as well as expanding beyond the world of jewellery into designing the luxury dining diffusion range ‘Foo Fitch’ and a collaboration with leather specialist ‘Harcourt’ to create a unique, diamond set city bike.

Rachael Taylor, editor of Professional Jeweller explains the importance of the list; “This is about recognising those who have pushed forward in the past year and bettered themselves professionally, and this year we have a fantastic selection of people who have done that in a surprisingly diverse number of ways.”

Nick comments; “After 20 years in the trade and reaching certain professional goals it has been extremely important not to stagnate, and to flex the grey matter. It reinvigorates by taking you out of your comfort zone and brings you back to the day job better, more focused with creative juices flowing.”

Nicholas James – an Inspiring Independent

Our award-winning contemporary British jewellery client, Nicholas James, has been selected as one of the top Inspiring Independents in the UK and Ireland for 2012.
Retail Jeweler’s Inspiring Independents 2012 is based upon the opinions of other retailers. ‘We looked to those who do know – the owners of the industry’s independents themselves – to create this list and determine its order.’ – Laura MCreddie, Editor.
Founder Nick is not afraid to do something a little out of the ordinary… even causing a bit of a storm in a teacup with his savage sovs. NJ’s talent for catching people’s attention and for  breaking the mould is certainly what makes this retailer an inspiration.
As one voter succinctly put it: “As the standout contemporary store in old-fashioned Garden, Hatton Nicholas James continues to break ground with its designs, for example [its] Ripper [sovereign rings], customer focus – the addition of the bar – and embraces technology with the NJ app.”

Finger Candy™ – A new era for Nicholas James

We’re celebrating the exciting new launch of the new Finger Candy™ collection of occasion rings.

Working for the very first time in silver, the rings have the hugely appealing sub-£100 entry point. Available in a multitude of wildly differing coloured gems including pink, yellow and orange sapphires, the incredible green tsavorite, as well as white, brown and black diamonds. The bands’ silver base can be specified in a variety of finishes and textures including black rhodium, pink or yellow gold plated, polished, brushed, sandblasted and anodised. When collected over a period of time any combination of multiple rings offers endless possibilities.

Nick explains the inspiration for the range; “Diamond and platinum jewellery remains core to our business, but I felt the time was right to explore a completely new area. Everyone is being cautious with their money and understandably so. However, that’s not to say there aren’t potential opportunities if you’re prepared to diversify your offering. Many premium designer labels run incredibly successful diffusion lines, so it makes sense for us to open the NJ door to a new audience in a similar way. Finger Candy™ is positioned so that people can attain a bespoke product at a really attractive price.”

Characterised as young, fun and spontaneous the Finger Candy™ range retails from £95 through to £295. Visit Nicholas James and create your very own terrifically tasty, finger licking’ tower of Candy!

The ‘Orb’ takes up residence at the Wyndham Grand,
London Chelsea Harbour

Exclusive invitation: press launch on Thursday 6 October

A spectacular creation from the designers of Nicholas James, Hatton Garden’s leading contemporary jeweller, the Orb – a £95,000 handcrafted pendant lamp – can now be admired in the exclusive setting of the Wyndham Grand in elegant Chelsea Harbour. We will officially launch the ‘Orb at Wyndham’ on Thursday 6 October and you are invited.

The Wyndham’s chic new restaurant and bar which has a breath-taking view of the marina provides the perfect backdrop to the Orb, constructed from over 700 Arthur Price of England serving spoons and 150 diamonds weighing a total of 7 carats.

To confirm that you’d like to attend the launch, please get in touch. And if you are interested in exhibiting the Orb in your venue, we’d love to hear from you.

Nicholas James showcases some unusual talents

Nicholas James, Hatton Garden’s leading contemporary jeweller, is demonstrating to the world that gemmology and creating stunning jewellery are not the only things they excel at – with the help of Wonderberry, of course.

Owner and chief designer of Nicholas James, Nick Fitch’s long-held vision for a stunning piece of interior design was realised in ‘The Orb’ – a £95,000 hand-made pendant lamp commissioned for display in Harrods. Magnificent to behold, the spherical lamp is constructed from over 700 Arthur Price of England stainless steel serving spoons and 150 diamonds weighing a total of 7 carats.

And most recently, Nick launched his ‘Foo Fitch’ cutlery range exclusively into Harrods which combines the western cutlery culture with classic oriental chopsticks. These stunning silver plated pieces are hand crafted and finished with pave diamonds and solitaires.

We’re expecting more interesting collaborations over the coming months so watch this space…

A fusion of ‘West meets East’

Exclusive to Harrods, Foo Fitch complements our growing appetite for fusion food by combining the western cutlery culture with classic oriental chopsticks.

Each piece has been hand crafted, silver plated and finished with a series of pavé diamonds in a subtle arc at the base of each handle along with one of Nick’s signature solitaire diamonds even in the cutlery rests. Conceived by Nick Fitch, designer and owner of Nicholas James and Digi Foo-Kune, Foo Fitch is the latest in a series of unusual assignments that transfer Nick’s design philosophy and jeweller’s skills into highly desirable and stylish pieces that both surprise and delight.

‘The collection was inspired by the ever increasing wave of new fusion food that we all enjoy. But now you’ve got just the cutlery to eat it with. I’ve combined the clean lines of the chopsticks with specially selected slender western cutlery pieces, a slim-line serving fork and soup spoon. But no knife as there shouldn’t ever be a need for knives where oriental food is concerned.’ The 5 piece set is completed with two diamond set, sterling silver English cutlery rests, one for the spoon and fork and one for the chopsticks.

Following the creation of the 888 spoons and 150 diamond lamp – ‘The Orb’ last year, this is the next collaboration between these two British companies, Arthur Price of England and Nicholas James.

All diamonds used by Nicholas James are certified conflict free through the
Kimberley Process.

Nicholas James London Jewellery Week 7th – 13th June 2010

To celebrate this year’s London Jewellery Week, award winning jeweller Nicholas James will be getting into the swing of things by hosting a number of events over the seven days. Highlights include…

A Time to Embrace
Nicholas James will be showcasing their new ‘Embrace’ collection during Jewellery Week. Based on their best selling solitaire design and inspired by the overwhelming popularity of their fitted wedding ring designs. On its own, the engagement ring coils deliciously around the finger, but the magic occurs when the wedding band is introduced and the two rings intimately embrace in perfect symmetry and balance.

Wheels of Fortune
Nicholas James is once more joining forces with titanium cycle specialist, Enigma to create a custom built titanium bike with a distinct difference.  Following on from their previous  diamond encrusted ladies ‘Elle’ cycle, unveiled at last year’s cycle show, this latest project is a bespoke creation for a keen cycling enthusiast who will have over 12 carats of rough diamonds set into the frame and be accessorised with 18ct gold plated parts and trim. Jewellery Week provides a rare opportunity to see this unique collaboration in progress, come and see the elements before they are skillfully engineered by these two British design pioneers.

Platinum Wedding Dress Display
On display at Nicholas James, visitors can admire the splendour of an Italian designed bridal gown woven from threads of pure platinum and silk. Valued at £240,000 the dress has been loaned courtesy of Platinum Guild International.

Palladium, the Metal of the Future
Nicholas James proudly launches a stylish range of men’s bands in the exciting white metal, palladium. Nick Fitch, creative force behind Nicholas James, will be available by appointment, to give ‘one to one’ interviews with journalists on his latest precious metal project that’s hitting the headlines.

‘Diamond Tasting Evening’ at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Wednesday 9th JuneGemmologist Miriam Oudy from Nicholas James and Joe McGirr of the SMWS present an insightful evening exploring the synergy between finding excellent whisky and identifying the finest diamonds. The event, priced at £22pp, includes a whisky cocktail and 4 Society drams. Join them for a night certain to put a twinkle in your eye. Please call 020 7831 4447 or email joe.mcgirr@smws.com for more details.

Hatton Garden Festival – Saturday 12th June
For 2010’s festival Nicholas James will be bring together distinctive flavours from the north and east.  With tasty morsels from local Malaysian restaurant ‘54’, who will be serving mouth-watering delicacies outside the store or alternatively call in the showroom for a complimentary dram from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Free Prize Draw

You could win a limited edition sterling silver Nicholas James keyring worth £195 and a year’s free membership to the SMWS worth £100 – simply pop into the showroom to enter.

Exclusive pendant lamp: A triumph of British design and engineering

Award winning jeweller, Nicholas James and the UK’s leading cutlery and silverware company, Arthur Price of England unveil their eagerly anticipated bespoke spherical pendant lamp constructed from 738 serving spoons, 600 LED’s and 150 diamonds. This prestigious commission now on sale in Harrods is a tour de force of British craftsmanship with all the elements produced
by hand.

Conceived by Nick Fitch, design and owner of Nicholas James, this spectacular one-off showcase has been a unique collaboration between highly specialised British companies, responding to the challenge to produce the 600mm diameter, 65kg sphere.

The 738 Arthur Price of England finest quality 18/10 stainless steel serving spoons are formed in 15 concentric layers and secured with over 30,000 precision laser welds all completed by hand. Of the spoons, 150 have been individually set with 7 carats of diamonds. Internally lit by 600 LED bulbs the Orb is a truly magnificent structure that celebrates exceptional design and sublime engineering.

Simon Price, CEO of the family-owned business, Arthur Price, explains the drive behind the partnership; “We’re both bound by our life-long passion for precious metals. I was introduced to Nick’s work a number of years and admire his integrity and pioneering spirit. Our respective companies embrace similar values and we’re stalwart champions of British craftsmanship.”

The Orb lamp is the latest in a series of unusual assignments that transfer Nick’s design philosophy and jeweller’s skills to create highly desirable and stylish pieces that both surprise and delight.

Nick explains; “The principle behind the design was to convey simplicity through the shape of the globe. Yet on closer inspection it’s apparent that the structure has been formed from spoons. The integrity of each piece of cutlery remains and is collectively sculpted to form something entirely new.  This project has been about pushing boundaries and it’s involved some amazing British companies that all really excel in their field. With their technical expertise and dedication we’ve produced an exceptional piece of creative engineering that marries our skills, captures the imagination and challenges convention.”

After months of intensive labour the Orb lamp is on sale in the Arthur Price of England showroom on the Second Floor, Silver Room at Harrods and costs £95,000.  Commissions can also be placed for customised designs finished to your personal specification.