Nigel Milne: Kate Middleton will dictate jewellery fashions
In the heart of London’s St James’s, home to some of the world’s wealthiest hedge funders and most prestigious businesses and, of course, St. James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, the elaborate preparations for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29 are in full swing. 
No-where more so than in the most exclusive of arcades, Piccadilly Arcade. Here, situated between the world famous store, Fortnum & Mason and London’s famous Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly Arcade boasts several leading bespoke wedding outfitters and tailors including Royal Warrant Holders to HRH The Prince of Wales, Benson & Clegg and Prince William’s famous school outfitters, New & Lingwood.
In their midst, is a highly exclusive and sought after society jeweller, Nigel Milne, who, since the wedding was announced, has been enjoying a flurry of activity with his well-established client base of aristocratic and well-connected customers, many of whom will be attending the Royal Wedding.
Nigel Milne in an exclusive interview:
Tell us about your brand legacy.
We started our business in 1979, specialising in antique and Edwardian jewellery. Over the years, our style has evolved with our customers’ tastes for vintage jewellery of the 40s, 50s and 60s as well as contemporary jewellery by today’s leading designers. Over this period we have remained loyal to our core ethos of superb quality and the influences of the great jewellery designs of the past and this is particularly evident in the ‘bespoke’ side of our business, which covers a variety of jewellery specialising in engagement rings.
What is your signature style/piece?
That it is our Carnival collection – a delightful array of pastel-colour cushion cut gems with diamond surrounds, available as rings, earrings or pendants – an ultra-feminine but modern and classic. The lovely Helen Mirren chose two of my Carnival rings which feature on the front cover of her autobiography.
Which other brands do you represent?
Vhernier a bold, chic and luxurious brand, Marco Bicego and Tamara Comolli, both playful and sexy, and Villa (Milano), who create breath-taking jewels of the highest standards. All our pearls come from the internationally renowned company, Schoeffel. We are very lucky to have been chosen to represent the majority of our brands exclusively.
How do you select pieces for your vintage collection?
As I mentioned, we are enjoying a vogue for the jewellery of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Pieces signed by any of the great European and American jewellery houses such as Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef and Arpels, Bulgari, Tiffany, Flato, etc. are especially sought after and becoming increasingly rare and expensive. So I am constantly trying to find them at favourable prices. I was particularly satisfied to see that two pieces by Paul Flato that I have owned in the last few years are now featured in Elizabeth Irving Bray’s new book - Paul Flato Jeweler To The Stars.
What is the most exquisite piece of jewellery that you have ever seen/had in your collection?
Probably a most superb Edwardian tiara made by Cartier. This was a “real find” as it was extremely rare, exquisitely made and utterly beautiful. Needless to say it was not in our possession for very long before being added to the collection of one of England’s most noble families.
What jewellery are women wearing at weddings today?
I have noticed women are becoming bolder in their choice of jewellery. We have had great interest in our contemporary Italian brands, Vhernier and Marco Bicego which introduce colour and flair to any outfit. Vintage jewellery is, of course, still popular, and recently long elegant rows of pearls seem to be coming back into fashion among younger women too.
And the future?
Princess Diana was an icon for many people all over the world and her unique sense of style was universally admired and copied. I am quite certain that Prince William’s beautiful new wife will very quickly become an enormous influence on jewellery trends, too!
Nigel Milne
