Moments In Life - An Interview with Vicky Chizlett

Prestons are delighted to announce the official opening of their relocated Guildford showroom. The redesigned store, which is now located on the opposite side of the high street, was designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it now occupies and includes a series of new dedicated spaces.

Prestons Guildford is based in the heart of Guildford High Street and has been for over six years, it holds a special place in the heart of Prestons – why is this?

I love Guildford, I grew up here and it is a truly incredible place so we are incredibly lucky - I suppose we are even luckier that our recently relocated showroom is just on the other side of the High Street. I joined Prestons in 2015 when we first opened in Guildford and I have felt so grateful to welcome so many clients, many of whom are now close friends, to this new showroom. For the team and me to see the excitement from each person who visits us, I think says a lot about the relationship our showroom has built in Guildford, as well as the surrounding areas, over the last six years.

In your opinion, what is considered to be one of the most classic pieces of jewellery?

A I think every jewellery collection should contain a few classic pieces that you can wear alongside more statement designs or even fashion jewellery. The jewellery often considered to be the most classic are pieces like a diamond pendant, a pair ofdiamond stud earrings or perhaps a line or tennis bracelet. In most cases these are round brilliant cut white diamonds but for a more contemporary style, many of our clients consider a sparkling diamond surround or perhaps a fancy cut of diamond, adding that subtle twist to these classics.

If a client is looking to purchase an engagement ring, where should they start?

A I know that choosing an engagement ring can be an overwhelming experience but it is also incredibly exciting. There is not one engagement ring style that is universally the most popular option, it is however about choosing a ring that suits yourself or partner’s style perfectly. I like to ask questions such as, what metal or colour jewellery do you wear usually? Is your style more classic or more contemporary? There are so many questions that we can ask to delve into what the right choice could possibly be. The next step is often to talk through key ring styles: solitaire, trilogy or three stone and halo, each of which can be set with or without diamond shoulders. It may be also that we discuss the idea of a bespoke design or combining elements from multiple designs to create something truly unique – we love this process and can work with our jewellery designer to create your perfect ring.

In the new showroom, do you have a favourite space or a favourite element?

A It is almost impossible to choose - the centrepiece of our Guildford showroom continues to be its unique spiral staircase. The spiral features an American walnut trunk supporting individually etched green glass leaves which act as stair treads. As you approach the first floor the staircase is surrounded by a glass canopy decorated with iridescent insects which reflect and sparkle in sunlight. It isn’t pictured on our website or on our social media channels, simply as we like it to be a surprise to our clients, but we also have a beautiful new private loungeupstairs. Decorated with hand-made, hand-painted wall coverings, the velvet texture and bronze detail really bring this space to life. The finishing touches are the Edwardian inspired columns and the planished copper pendant which perfectly compliment the details of the ground floor.

This new lounge is perfect environment to discover the engagement, wedding and bridal collections that Prestons have always been famous for. It is a space where our clients can celebrate a moment in their life, perhaps a promotion or an anniversary, a milestone or a birthday and the experience of purchasing that cherished item becomes a memory in itself.