Cuff links make the perfect present for gents and as the festive season approaches; here at D J Massey we stock a very broad ranging selection.

From the classic oval chain cuff links in sterling silver or gold, we also Designer collections from Georg Jensen, antique rose gold, diamond set as well as a very diverse range of hand enameled silver designs by Birmingham based Deakin & Francis.

These come in all shapes and sizes meaning you are bound to find something to suit that special person who is hard to shop for.  We have all kinds of animals from hermit crabs to gorillas; some even have gem set eyes or moving parts such as our pigs and koi carp.  There are sports related themes such as snowboarding, skittles and rugby, musical instruments including drums, bass guitar and grand pianos.

For the person who has everything – we offer really quirky pieces like deep sea divers, chili peppers, gnomes – even gas masks and sweeties!  All this in addition to Deakin and Francis’ trademark skull design which we carry in at least ten different variations.  There are even penguins and Santas for the ‘Humbugs’ out there!

All are supplied ready gift boxed and we will gift wrap for you at no charge – we welcome you to come and browse!

We all open drawers from time to time and think: ‘Oh I’d forgotten I even had that!’  With gold commanding such superb rates at present; now is the perfect time to have a clear out and transform unwanted items of jewellery, broken or worn pieces, single earrings, gold coins etc into handy cash!  We are also especially interested in purchasing quality brand watches, unusual antiques or curios.  We can pay you cash in hand or via bank transfer instantly and you won’t lose out on any pricey commissions!  Appraisal for sale is completely free of charge and involves no obligation to sell.  Our private apartment is available if you prefer some discretion.

The German designer Constantin Wortmann who studied in Munich collaborated with Georg Jensen to create a range of simply beautiful objects for the home – part of their ‘Living’ range.  Cobra has become a modern design icon and features in a range of objects such as carafes, pitchers, glasses and bowls with perhaps the most popular being the range of candleholders produced in brushed steel or skillfully plated in yellow or rose gold.  Bold, organic  – even sensual shapes- the Cobra designs reflect the functionality of the piece – its intended practical use or purpose outweighing any unnecessary ornamentation.  This is a fundamental of the C20th design movement known as Functionalism which appeared towards the end of WW2 and focused on the clarity and simplicity of design,  its unobtrusiveness and its utilitarian application.  Wortmann is an exponent of this ideal and his Cobra designs embody this elemental lack of complexity.  The candleholders are available in 3 sizes; they can be mix and matched or can be placed together as a graduated group. The floor standing size looks magnificent on a hearth whereas the smaller sizes suit the dinner table and add an elegance typical of Georg Jensen.  Prices start from £58.00

With St Valentine’s Day fast approaching; thoughts turn to romantically themed gifts for our loved ones.  The loveheart is a symbol of devotion and passion and has been used for centuries to express feelings of romantic or eternal love.

Long before the more familiar image we see today on Valentine’s Day Cards and shaped chocolate boxes;  red hearts featured on playing cards as far back as the the Fifteenth Century and early Medieval depictions include  heart shaped leaves such as Ivy and Fig and roughly heart shaped objects such as pine cones and pears!   It’s all a long way from the modern day ideograph and emoji we know today!

The Sacred  Heart in religious images symbolizes everlasting love and a pierced heart has associations with Cupid and the lover’s dart – the spell cast over smitten lovers.

As a design motif in jewellery; the heart is ever popular and has a pleasing symmetry as well as conveying this special symbolic meaning.  At D J Massey we have heart shaped lockets in silver or gold, heart shaped Designer silver pendants, diamond set pendants and earrings, cuff links, hearts shaped gemstones (ruby and garnet) and even a heart cut diamond solitaire ring set in platinum – what better way to say I Love You?

Is it about time to have a bit of a sort out at home and make yourself some money in the process?  You could unwittingly be sitting on a little fortune with current gold prices reaching close to the dizzy heights of a few years ago.   Why not check through your drawers and boxes and select any unloved, forgotten or even broken jewellery items to dispose of – then bring these into us for a free appraisal and turn these into cash on the spot with no commissions to pay!  Just mention this blog and receive the top rates for your gold, silver and coins.

We are always pleased to appraise quality and luxury brand watches  – for which we always offer a premium -as well as vintage gold watches, Sovereigns, silverware, antique diamond and gemstone jewellery.  Why not call in today to find out how much cash you could raise?

A dazzling array of coloured enamels evoking the Art Nouveau movement feature in our jewellery from Designer Nicole Barr.  Specially commissioned for D J Massey in 18ct gold, our range of delightful pendants and shimmering earrings include a flying bat with a precious dark Tahitian Pearl body, tremulous dragonfly pendants and earrings in a multitude of greens and blues, ephemeral butterflies in oranges and golds, a golden bumble bee set with Citrines cabochons and a South Sea Pearl, a Seahorse with his tail wrapped delicately around a precious pearl and many other fanciful designs.

The Art of vitreous enameling  – essentially the application of  coloured glass to precious metals – goes back as far as Ancient Egypt and has been practised over the centuries.  The highly skilled superior technique of enameling known as Plique a Jour which translates as  a ‘glimpse of daylight’; comprises layers of enamel artfully suspended between gold wires in a process not unlike stained glass.  This lends a translucent quality to the colours and adds particular appeal to these delicate exquisite jewels.

San Valentino di Terni  – the 3rd Century Roman Saint – is associated with the medieval concept of courtly love – often demonstrated by nobles and knights who performed brave and chivalrous acts in order to win the approval of their ladylove.

Centuries later:  Nothing much has changed!   On St Valentine’s Day  lovers and couples celebrate their devotion to each other with tokens of esteem.  Happily these days that does not involve the slaying of dragons and suchlike; much simpler to pop into D J Massey and pick out something sparkly!

Danish Jewellery Designer Georg Jensen offer a range of love heart shaped pendants in sterling silver – perfect for such an occasion- with prices starting at just £125.00.  One design features 2 equal sized hearts which slide together to form a single heart-ideal for the romantically inclined.

For an extra special treat; why not browse our extensive range of diamond set eternity rings? – a symbol of unending love and commitment between two people – a hugely popular choice for this time of the year.

Deakin and Francis  have introduced new sterling silver cuff link designs for 2018 featuring love hearts, two peas in a pod and many other individual novelty designs – come and take a look!

Macclesfield’s ‘Treacle Market takes place once again this Sunday 29th with an array of stalls to visit in and around the Market Place.  D J Massey & Son will be open 10.30-3.30pm to allow shoppers a chance to browse – perhaps you are looking for that perfect piece of jewellery for someone special in your life or thinking ahead of gifts for the festive season! Come and visit our showrooms at 34 Market Place to view the widest range of jewellery and giftware  on sale locally.  Take a look at our certificated diamond rings: solitaires, halo and eternity designs, we offer platinum, 18ct white, yellow & rose gold settings – both new and pre owned.  We have an extensive range of gem set rings – pearls, opals, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, gold chains and bracelets, diamond stud earrings, sterling silver jewellery from Danish designer Georg Jensen, crystal by Lalique and a huge range of enameled cuff links by UK Designers Deakin & Francis.

Services on offer include cash sale appraisals, all types of written valuations, jewellery repairs, ring remodelling, ring cleaning, rhodium plating, watch batteries and ear piercing.  Phone us on 01625 422094 for more information or to arrange a private appointment.

Macclesfield is also known as Treacle Town and every last Sunday of the month; D. J. Massey & son holds its monthly antique and collectibles stall with vintage jewellery and tableware items.

Our premises are open for sales and jewellery related services such as ring polishing, 1 hr rhodium plating and free appraisal for items you may wish to sell. Come and enjoy a glass of champagne with us at the next Treacle Market!

Find out when the next Treacle Market is taking place. Visit: https://www.treaclemarket.co.uk/

May’s birthstone by tradition is the Emerald – the green variety of precious Beryl.

Emeralds have been prized for centuries and have been extensively mined in Colombia – even the Inca people discovered their beauty as far back as the 1400s. Nowadays African stones from Zambia are beginning to rival Colombia; producing beautiful gems and now supply around a quarter of present day worldwide production.

Don’t forget Pater – or as we call him: Dad – on the 18^th day of June when we celebrate all aspects of Fatherhood.

Chose your extra special gift this year from our extensive range of cuff links by designers such as UK made Deakin & Francis and Danish designer Georg Jensen. Other suitable gifts include our exclusive collection of leather wallets and silver pens by Georg Jensen as well as signet rings, money clips and keyrings.