I was chuffed when I stumbled across Stone and Metal a few days ago. The beautiful store off James…read moreStreet sells a wide range of beautiful bespoke jewellery which you can't find anywhere else. When I went into the store there was a husband trying to choose a special piece for his wife for Christmas. Not wanting to steal his thunder, I browsed quietly and ogled endlessly at all of the beautiful items in the cabinets while the shop attendant helped him (it was obvious he needed special attention). The majority of the items in store are sterling silver, with whatever is gold in appearance being gold plated. A number a international designers house their jewellery in Stone and Metal, with the owner of the store also selling her pieces. There are amazing things like earrings with small bird cages hanging from them, rings with miniature silver houses and beaded necklaces which would make a statement coupled with any outfit. I never normally purchase jewellery for myself, but Stone and Metal might just be an exception in the future. I'll also keep it in mind for birthday presents as well, as the items are usually one off and not easily replicated. A gem of a store!

From the owner: Imagine this. Raw…read morepolished concrete floors, exposed piping and brick walls, specimens of raw gems, lavish chandeliers and a slab of green polished onyx from Pakistan; a gorgeous 'cow lounge' in the corner and simple glass cabinets showcasing luxurious jewellery inside. This haven is the Stone and Metal Gallery that houses the seasonal collections by Brisbane metalsmith Samantha Anderson, the Stone and Metal exclusive label, a collection of emerging designer ranges and an assortment of internationally sourced jewellery. Credit to Brisbane Threads (we couldn't have said it better ourselves) The Gallery is located in the upmarket hub of James Street in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane where there is a strong presence of other Australian designer fashion. On display is contemporary jewellery from around the world as well as hand crafted pieces from Australian designers.

Rock collecting is something I've done since I was a pup. I used to collect rocks that looked like…read morehearts, miniature grave stones, or just ones with cool patterns in them. The Rock Shop on Adelaide Street is home to many semi precious stones. Some are for sale, but most of them are actually just on display. It's more like a small museum than a shop. Any person with a minor interest in geology would like to go in here. They've got your unpolished and polished versions of most stones. The malachite and lapis lazuli are particularly enchanting. There's a stone called 'Ribbon Rock' which while not sounding very scientific does represent the rock well. There's rocks that have patterns that make one think of outer space and star dust. Then there's the psychedelic ones. Trippy, star burst kind of stones of all sorts of colours. The staff in store know their stones. They can explain to you why a particular rock will have red in the centre and then change into yellow, and then to green. They'll blind you with their science. They spend most of their time selling rock ornaments and jewellery to people, but they are more than happy to talk rocks with anyone who is interested. If you're like me, you'll just go in to ogle the pretty colours and patterns in the rocks.

When I was but a wee thing I made my mother buy the (now…read moredefunct) fossicker weekly. Each week a new semi-precious gem would be added and before I knew it I was hooked on those mineraloids. Fill of gems and jewels this store would make any fellow rockhead whoop for joy. From garnets and amethysts to tigers eyes, crystals and pearls. The rock shop has you covered. This place also boasts some of the best range of Opals I've seen (Be sure to check out the QLD boulder opal displays) as well as offering up some beautiful jewellery to display them in. So the next time you have an itch for some unpolished gems (or some apology pearls) I highly recommend you pay these guys a visit.

Fallow is hidden in Cameron House, one level about the street on Brunswick Street in the Valley. On…read morewalking in, it feels like you are walking into some sort of secret society with its dark decor and taxidermy at the door. If wearing black is your thing, then Fallow is the place to shop. There was literally no colour, aside from a few white items, in the whole store. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. Fallow isn't like a General Pants experience. The clothes are beautifully designed and made and quite unique to most other things on the market. I am particularly a fan of the men's leather wallets and the unisex jewelry in cases in the middle of the store. On Fallow's website is states to "never compromise quality for price" and I completely agree. However it's only fair that I let you all know that you aren't going to fin a bargain here. Most womenswear items range between $250-$500 so be prepared to drop a penny or two when you shop here. An amazing space full of great local and international fashion.

Only store of its kind in Queensland, Fallow is a haven for Avant Garde clothing. Carefully…read moreselected garments are showcased in their amazing store. They stock a few more well known brands such as Song For The Mute and Silent Damir Doma and a many lesser known ones. If I had the cash to burn and wanted to look like an urban ninja then I would be in this store daily.

The start of my bespoke process was great. The team, especially Kat, were really helpful and…read moreresponsive to all of my questions and my hesitation with what it might turn out like at the end. She eased my mind and seemed happy enough to walk me through at my pace. The responsiveness and helpfulness dissipated after the item was made. Communication ceased and had to get Office of Fair Trade involved to help rectify the issue. Excuses made and no resolutions offered even though the trust had been broken at this point. I relented and offered a solution which no response has been received. So they have my gold swap which is in excess of $6000 and my bespoke ring and I have nothing.

Shiny pretty things…read more If you've been paying attention to Brisbane fashion and lifestyle brands over the past few years, you've probably already heard of Molten Store. Chances are you've probably experienced the retail experience local lass Jessy Cameron has created through the online portal of Molten Store. And until last week, with the exception of a few pop-up troves (as the Molten Store physical retail spaces are graciously named), that was the only way to introduce yourself to the collection of jewellery, fragrances and stationery that Jessy sells, or as she describes them; "Otherworldly jewellery and curious gifts." But now comes the biggest trove of them all. Molten Store's very first permanent retail space on James Street. The space itself was once upon a time the Domino's Pizza take-away store but walking into the serene, sophisticated and ethereal space that Jessy and her team have created it would seem a crime that the space was ever used for slinging pizzas. The range is ever changing with Jessy taking buying trips to source pieces from the furtherest corners of the globe. Her intrepid adventures no doubt set to influence the look and feel of the store as it settles into it's new home. I'd often walked past the previous Molten Store troves and found myself thinking, "Oh that is stunning but a) It'll be too expensive and b) that's way to cool for a Liz Lemon like me." And yet walking into the new store I realised both a and b were entirely incorrect assumptions. The prices are incredibly reasonable in my opinion with earrings, for example, ranging from $29-$39 and as for feeling like it was too cool for a Liz Lemon like me. I've discovered that's perhaps the most endearing thing about Molten Store. It's for everyone. Not just the fashionistas that have stepped straight from the pages of Vogue but also for the young professional who wants a little bit of their own edge to an outfit or a bride looking for a set of unique jewels to adorn her ears on her big day or the capsule wardrobe devotee who loves nothing more than a simple silver necklace to compliment her crisp white shirt. Fun Fact: Molten Store have their own signature Demeter fragrance that you can also purchase.

Dazzling, designer, and distinctive come to mind when I think of Chelsea De Luca. Even peering in…read morethrough its front windows you're faced with bejewelled stands and some of the most flashy and impressive accessory pieces. Their glamorous, sparkly, and very beautiful, and some of their displays showcase the jewellery in encased settings that remind me far too much of the rose situation in Beauty and the Beast. Chelsea De Luca's jewellery does more than just hang there and look pretty; it dazzles and enchants simply because it is presented in such a feminine and delicate way. Rings, necklaces, bangles, bracelets, hairpieces, it's all here. The shop reminds me of a rose garden and summons feelings I'd associate with a whimsical and magical place. For the girl who likes to feel like a princess, I have found your place. Glamorous jewels await you in all their delicate and intricate glory at Chelsea De Luca.

Chelsea De Luca, how you tease me with all your sparkly and tempting jewellery. This store is…read moreenough to break any young woman's budget. The locally designed pieces incorporate lots of silver and black, perfect to brighten up a simple outfit or add some glam to a formal occasion. When I popped in I found 5 or 6 things in the store that I would happily have in my jewellery box, and usually I'm quite a fussy person when it comes to jewellary. The designs are so chic, yet so unlike everything else available at the moment, and the gorgeous store makes it hard when it's time to leave. I will definitely be keeping Chelsea De Luca in mind if I have a special event or if I'm looking for a perfect piece of jewellery as a gift for a friend. This is Princess material, people!

Mimco is ordinarily not my cup of Tea, but I was recently…read morewon over by their charming boutique on James St. Initially I stepped inside because I was drawn in by their beautiful and elaborate christmas window display. (Think an artfully arranged plethora of good looking handbags.) The decor is fresh and modern and the space really lets the products speak for themselves. The sales staff are super friendly and knowledgable, and I am suitably impressed with the range of sweet totes, bags and wallets. (The wilderness collection is my pick.) Next time you're in a bag rut or in need of impossibly cute shoes (Tinkerbell platforms I'm looking at you!) I recommend giving Mimco a go.

Very poor customer service upon exchanging an item. They could not find my digital footprint even…read morethough l had spent over half an hour at the time of purchase giving them my details. Angelina my consultant argued with me over this. They are happy to take your money but not provide after service care.

Disappointed in Tiffany's Aftercare Service - Style Over Substance…read more I visited the Tiffany store on 26th June in the afternoon --not during lunch time, not peak hours, not weekends. Everyone knows it's EOFY sale season, so the store was very quiet. No customers in sight. It makes you wonder--if they don't want to do the business, why even keep the store open? I had made an appointment for a simple repair, but it was accidentally booked on the wrong day. I explained the situation and was told, "We're fully booked and short-staffed." Yet I was standing in an empty store. One staff even walked out, overheard it was a repair, and turned around. They offered me a new appointment two hours later, which I was okay with. But then I watched my friend--who had no appointment--get helped immediately and made a purchase. So clearly, if you're buying, they'll make time. But if you need aftercare? You're invisible. I told them my request was simple: just one form to send an item for repair. I was happy to pay for it. Still, they refused. And just check their website--plenty of next-day or same-day appointments for purchases. But for cleaning or repair? Nothing for a month What really hurts is the attitude. I bought my first 18k gold bracelet and white gold and yellow gold ring and set of gold earrings at Tiffany when I was early 20s. Why assume a client coming in for aftercare isn't going to buy again? This was not the service you expect from a so-called luxury brand. Tiffany clearly prioritises selling over loyalty--and treats past clients like they don't matter.