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A Stylish Guest Helen Dimmick brings a winning mixture of


When did your love affair with jewellery first begin?


I was studying for my A Levels, reading a book on Egyptian art and jewellery, when I saw one of the pectorals from Tutankhamun’s tomb. I couldn’t believe that something could be so beautiful and so symbolic. It really ignited an interest in how we use jewellery to represent things about ourselves and significant moments in


our


lives. I knew, then, that I wanted a career


in jewellery and it’s a


passion I’ve pursued ever since. Do you favour silver or gold jewellery? That’s really hard for me… It’s a bit like asking me which is my favourite child! White gold probably looks better with my skin tone but rose gold is really in vogue at the moment. In terms of long-term wear, the optimum is possibly platinum because of its rareness, durability and toughness. But I also love costume jewellery and I love mixing it – even today I’ve got both gold and silver pieces on. Tell us about your favourite piece of jewellery.


My favourite piece at the moment is a Sarah Ho ring which is part of her V-Seal collection. It’s made with rose quartz in an art deco setting – very on trend with The Great Gatsby. A lot of people remark on it as it’s so eye catching. Who are your favourite jewellery designers?


I invest a great deal into jewellery designers so I love all the ones you can see on our website. It’s hard to narrow it down but to mention a few I’d say Shuan Leane, Fei


by Alaka Prodhan


Helen Dimmick is the Managing Director of independent jewellers Green + Benz. A renowned jewellery specialist and diamond expert with over 14 years of experience within the industry, Helen


financial acumen and feminine sensitivity to her life’s work, which is ultimately about bringing together her two passions: people + jewellery.


Liu and Andrew Geoghegan. There’s a wealth of British talent out there and I’m very much about backing and supporting them and making sure they have a route to the public through Green + Benz.


Who are your style icons? I really like vintage glamour and people who are timeless: Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, even Princess Diana. I feel that you have to understand the past to know where you’re going. Where do you like to shop for clothes?


I love Harvey Nichols – the designer I wear most is BCBG Max Azria. I’m styled by Martine Alexander, who is a celebrity stylist but styles me


as well – she’s great fun. There are some lovely independent boutiques in Cheshire. I recently went shopping in Hale and bought a gorgeous blue Hale Bob dress from The Editeur and a fantastic evening dress from Lace. I plan on wearing the Lace dress to this year’s UK Retail Jewellery Awards, where I’ll be judging. What does 2013 hold for you? We’re working on some new champagne bars – little private viewing rooms – in the stores in Sheffield and Chesterfield. We also want to spread the word of Green + Benz and turn it from a regional brand into a national brand. I’m working on a fully transactional website which I hope to launch by the end of the year. Most of all, it’s about being the best we can possibly be.


Visit Helen at Green + Benz at Manchester Corn Exchange greenandbenz.com


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Image: Professional Jeweller/ITP Promedia as shot for the Professional Jeweller Hot 100 2012


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