How excited were we this weekend to be invited to the unveiling of the British Fashion Council's long overdue jewellery showcase, The Rock Vault. Created to support and promote Britain's most innovative fine jewellery talent, curated by jewel don Stephen Webster and sponsored by the International Palladium Board, the BFC Rock Vault is a standalone space filled to brimming with fantastic jewellery collections from 10 of the UK's hottest jewellery talents who have received business mentoring and support towards creating their own unique installation outside Somerset House.

From Melanie Georgacopoulos' subversive approach to classic pearl jewellery and Husam el Odeh's miniature creations accompanied by their sketchbook inspirations, to Jordan Askill's sculptural displays and Fernando Jorge's multi-hued Brazilian gemstones, the talent on show demonstrates that the British jewellery scene is in fine fettle.

And the icing on the cake? Bumping into Because's very own Caroline Issa sporting a pair of tiger paw earrings from the St Kilda 'Bengali' collection we wrote about here.

Maia Adams

Bionda Castana design the sort of shoes that women can't help but swoon over. With precision cuts and clever twists on classic designs the London-based label, which translates as 'Blond Brunette', are the go-to for getting your footwear kicks. Their SS12 collection with a zip-trimmed stacked pair, burnt orange mesh booties and sky blue leopard printed heels had the label firmly on the feet of shoe lovers everywhere.

But the design duo behind the heels, Natalia Barbieri (the brunette) and Jennifer Portman (the blonde), have bigger plans afoot for their label. This AW12 will see the launch of a range of bags to join their impressive collection of shoes. We were given a sneak peek illustration of what to expect at their LFW presentation this weekend and exciting things are in store.

For their first offering the pair have created an oversized clutch to 'hug and hold'. Made in soft nappa it features an exaggerated 3D cone clasp and detachable strap.

"We decided to introduce handbags to our collection as we honestly felt it was the right time to extend our accessories offering. The bag is a huge compliment to our footwear collection, although it isn't matchy matchy," explains Barbieri, "Jennifer in particular is a handbag freak so we have been desperate to launch them for a while."

So keep a look out for the full collection as they'll soon be swinging from fashionable arms.

Naomi Bikis

If you fancy a jewellery-induced mood boost and happen to find yourself in the vicinity of London's New Bond Street, may we recommend popping into Boucheron's newly refurbished store at No. 164.

Reflecting the light-filled style of its sister store in Paris' Place Vendôme, the boutique's update starts on the outside with a re-surfaced marble façade and windows framed with structures made from woven gold flowers, French lace and Arabic wooden lattice named moucharabieh.

The fabulouseness continues inside where the two-level space is furnished with large mirrors, golden walls, aubergine linen settings, a purpose-designed lighting system and enough sparkle to justify wearing sunglasses indoors.

Maia Adams