When I stepped out of the lift at Paramount onto the 32nd floor, I was a little apprehensive about what this collection was going to include. I couldn’t picture how Links of London were going to create a collection for the Olympic Games that would be just as much about great jewellery as it would be about sport (even the name of the collection cleverly omits any mention of the upcoming Games in 2012). However, I was pleasantly surprised by the preliminary collection that was on display.
The collection includes two diffusion lines, Play and Medley. Play incorporates the colours of the 2012 Games into wearable sterling silver pieces that do not obviously hint at their sporting roots, while the Medley collection features more affordable pieces in stainless steel, with round disc charms which can be mixed and matched to ‘tell a story’. Imagery includes London landmarks, sporting events, and various slogans.
My favourite part of the collection, though, was a collection of Links’ trademark charms featuring Olympic motifs and cheeky trinkets – think boxing gloves, doves and trainers. My favourite pieces were a laurel wreath charm (very Fred Perry), and a (working!) miniature whistle. All of these charms (and there are more to come) can be added to existing collections, making them interchangeable with Links’ longstanding collections.
Boys are also not left out, with dumbbell shaped cufflinks and a souvenir collection featuring pens, business card holders and a silver ‘postcard’ engraved with London’s skyline, which can personalised on the back, just like the real deal. Though I wouldn’t try posting it via Royal Mail! A mobile phone charm is the cheapest piece in the collection, at £20.
The collection launches October 4th, with more lines being added in the run up to the Games.
Words and photos by Catherine Sprunt