All I want for Christmas is…
When you work surrounded by such exquisite things, it would be very easy to have a very lengthy wishlist! However, I have my eye especially on one of our beautiful emerald rings… If that made its way into my stocking I would be a very happy lady indeed.
How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
With my family. I vividly remember how magical Christmas was when I was a child and I love to relive this with my own children. Their excitement makes the day even more special.
Your favourite Christmas tradition?
I just love the whole day and the preparing of our family Christmas lunch, sipping champagne and soaking up the magical atmosphere. It’s such a wonderful time of year and a chance for my parents, brothers and our children to all be together.
Favourite festive film or song?
It has to be ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! – it was the first record I ever bought!
Best place to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere?
Edinburgh has a magical atmosphere at Christmas time and embracing Christmas is key to the festive experience at Hamilton & Inches. Being located in the heart of the city on George Street puts us central to the city’s festivities and clients love the contrast between the twinkling lights and chilly air outside, and the warmth of our blazing fire, glasses of champagne, mulled wine and mince pies. We have a pianist playing in-store throughout December and a train, filled with sweets, in the window display and through the store. All of this, plus our celebrated client customer parties, makes for a truly special experience.
Top tip for surviving the festive season in style?
Whatever the weather, I like to go for lots of walks and runs in the fresh air, to keep the over-indulgence in check!
In 2019, we unveiled the world’s first-ever collection of Scottish Gold jewellery. Ethically extracted, and boasting Single Mine Origin (SMO) status, the gold is exceptionally rare and pure, and is refined and crafted without coming into contact with any other gold. A piece from this collection would make the most treasured of gifts, whether a dramatic statement piece like the Holyrood Cuff, or a delicate pair of earrings, featuring brilliant-cut diamond and Goldmine Quartz, the gold’s host rock from the Cononish Mine.
Gifts that can immediately be shared and put to use are always a popular choice and who could fail to enjoy a festive tipple poured from one our beautiful crystal decanters?
At Hamilton and Inches, we believe that Christmas is a time for reflection and gratitude, for giving as well as receiving and, with this in mind, we will be making a donation to our chosen charity, the Make a Wish foundation. To celebrate this, our skilled in-house artisans have crafted an exquisite silver star decoration. Crafted from sterling silver in the Hamilton & Inches workshop and hung with a ribbon in Hamilton & Inches’ distinctive purple, the ornament will add a delicate touch to the tree and is bound to become a treasured heirloom within any family.
Festive events
We are building on our long relationship with The Balmoral Hotel to further support the Make a Wish Foundation with the hotel’s Wishing Tree installation in its Palm Court. Over the course of the festive season, the trees will blossom with tags on which guests have written their wishes for the coming year; gold tags, created in celebration of our Scottish Gold collection, may also be purchased, with a donation from each one made to Make a Wish.
Winter style advice? The elegance of a pair of sparkling diamond stud earrings or a pendant never goes out of style and will take you from a family gathering to a festive cocktail party with ease. Our new Duke collection, featuring hammered gold and white gold in a series of rings, necklaces, earrings and cuffs, are superbly elegant, with a hint of drama that will elevate the most simple of outfits.
