As a country, we waste so many valuable materials, whether it be food, expensive materials or ‘old’ clothes. Even as a luxury lifestyle blogger, I definitely feel that some things can be reused and made into something even better. Therefore, when Smart Energy GB wanted to collaborate with their old meters, I was all up for it.
The task was to design a piece of jewellery using parts from old meters. At first, I thought the task was impossible and almost not doable. I sat down, took some time to really think about it. How could I make these parts elegant and desirable? I altered the scenario and then thought… How would I make my ‘old’ clothes into something elegant and chic? Bingo! Use parts of it, mix it up with newer more elegant stuff to balance it and work into a retro chic look.
Searching through the parts we were provided from the meters, I picked out the most elegant looking and delicate parts. I picked up two washers and two screws, so the parts were sorted. Now, what would I actually wear or do currently wear? Rings and bangles. There was no way these parts could be incorporated into a ring, so bangle it was.
I found myself sitting on the couch on a Saturday morning, with a pencil and plain paper to hand. Sketching out random prototypes and screwing them into a ball which were heading for the bin. I started again, just drawing out a bangle. Plain and simple. It then striked me, the design I was longing for. How about letting the washers slide along the bangle, which would give it a nice effect and sound too?! Also, if I flattened the ends and added the screw heads on top – that would look pretty cool!
When I got a call from the jeweller, Laura from Tomfloolery, she absolutely loved the design and was ready to bring it to life. Whilst it being a little different design to my usual ‘plain and elegant’, Laura talked through various ways I could keep it on brand whilst making it look good. As an experienced jeweller, she she suggested adding some 9ct gold to the detailing to make it stand out. I was torn between yellow gold and rose gold, but the yellow gold won.
I put all my faith in Laura to bring my design to life and boy oh boy, she did a fantastic job. I’m also really glad I went for the yellow gold in the end because it really makes it pop!
Isn’t it just so stunning? I love the way the light hits the 9ct gold and the solid silver bangle has got a fine brush silver finish. I absolutely love the designs Taislany and Kat put together.
A precious necklace pendant made by Kat, including a washer and a really awesome E-like looking part. Kat also incorporated a stunning blue stone to her pendant to complete the finishing touches. Taislany made a chocker from the parts of the old meters and I think it looks absolutely gorgeous. I mean, take a look for yourselves…
Behind this project is a serious message about the rollout of smart meters. Smart meters are replacing the old analogue meters most of us have in our homes. Every household in Great Britain will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier by 2020, at no extra cost.
Smart meters are available to all homes. If you are a renter you can still get a smart meter. If your name is on the bill you can just contact your energy supplier. If your landlord pays the bill they will need to speak to the energy supplier.
What are the benefits of smart meters?
- Having smart meters installed means an end to estimated bills and no more phoning in manual meter readings
- Smart meters come with a handy in-home display
- The smart meter in home display showshow much energy you are using and the cost in pounds and pence
- If you are a prepayment customer you will be able to top up your credit online, over the phone or as you do now by visiting your local shop
So while I have been given the chance to create some stunning pieces of jewellery from the inner workings of an old analogue meter, by 2020 we can all be part of the smart meter revolution sweeping the country.
To upgrade to smart meters you should contact your energy supplier to find out when they will be able to fit them in your home.
Now, I have a little something for my readers. Don’t say I don’t ever treat you guys! My jewellery piece has been made in five more pieces, that’s it. It’s pretty exclusive and i’m sharing them with you! All you have to do is enter my giveaway below, answering the mandatory question (hint: answer is in this post), following and tweeting for more entries to increase your chances of winning. It’s as simple as that!
- The promoter is: Smart Metering Communications Body Limited (trading as Smart Energy GB), company no. 8455995 whose registered office is at 1 Alfred Mews, London W1T 7AA.
- Employees of Smart Energy GB or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
- The competition is open to residents of England, Scotland and Wales only.
- There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
- Closing date for entry will be midnight on 18 December 2016. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
- No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
- The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
- The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
- No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable.
- Winners will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter software.
- The winner will be notified by email within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
- The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
- The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law.
- The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
- The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the promoters registered address.
- If aged under 16 please ensure that you have parental permission for your data name and e-mail address to be supplied to the promoter.
- Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Until next time…
