This Is A Token with Alex Monroe

Alex kicks off Season 4 with a conversation with the lovely and super stylish Tasha Ghouri.

Alex and Tasha discuss her journey before and after her experience on the popular reality show ‘Love Island’, where she not only found love but also became the first preloved eBay ambassador after being on the show. They dive into her lifelong passion for dance, how she’s embraced her challenges with hearing and becoming a key spokeswoman for the deaf and hard of hearing community within the UK and beyond.

Her jewellery choices, classic and timeless in their design, are so well loved by Tasha that she never takes them off. In fact one piece, gifted by her close group of friends, became a signal to communicate with her loved ones whilst she was participating on ‘Love Island’.

Be sure to listen out for Tasha’s upcoming podcast series, ‘Superpowers’, where Tasha and her guests discuss their personal ‘superpowers’ and how they’ve embraced their challenges to become the people they are today.

Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Tasha:

You can follow Tasha on:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tashaghouri/

TikTok - @tashaghouri1

YouTube - @tashaghouri9868

For information on the charity Deaf Kidz: https://deafkidzinternational.org/

For information about Royal National Institute for Death People (RNID) who Tasha is an ambassador of: https://rnid.org.uk/

illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alex talks to the wonderful author Jessie Burton, to take you on a bejewelled and imaginative literary journey. 

Jessie shares the most treasured items from her collection, from antique rings to the sentimental pieces which thankfully have survived both a home robbery and a fire, and an incredibly striking cocktail ring which once belonged to Jackie Collins!  

Alex and Jessie discuss the similarities in their art forms, the joy of connecting with people through jewellery and writing, and how wearing pieces close to the skin, can make the wearer feel even closer to loved ones.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Jessie’s latest book, The House of Fortune, it is the follow up to The Miniaturist and an absolute must for your reading list!

Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex and Jessie:

Jessie’s Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jessieburton/?hl=en

Jessie’s Website- http://jessieburton.co.uk/index.html

The Lost Children by Valeria Luiselli- https://www.waterstones.com/book/lost-children-archive/valeria-luiselli/9780008290054

Picador Publishing- https://www.instagram.com/picadorbooks/?hl=en

Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode we talk to Hazel, who among other talents is the founder of her own floral studio. Alex and Hazel discuss the serenity that can be found in spending time in the garden and surrounded by the natural world. Hazel shares her interest and importance in education, understanding the flowers she works with and the art in bringing the outside world indoors.

They talk about the growing need for a connection with nature particularly in light of the past couple of years. Hazel shares her chosen pieces of jewellery from school time brooches to her statement earrings and the power jewellery holds to carry sentiment and change how you feel about yourself.

The episode celebrates the natural world, the strength in individually and being exactly who you are!

Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex and Hazel:

People can follow adventures on Instagram including the journey to Chelsea - www.instagram.com/hazelgardinerdesign/

Hazel's next Daylesford workshop is on the 6th of September - www.daylesford.com/6th-sep-autumn-floral-styling-workshop-with-hazel-gardiner

People can also book directly with Hazel for a 1:1 session - www.hazelgardinerdesign.com/classes

Hazel is taking part in the Strawberry Hill Flower Festival in Sept - www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/flower-festival/

Here is a link to Hazel's collab with Meri Meri - www.hazelgardinerdesign.com/store

Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode takes the listener into the heart of the magical world of ballet with the incredibly talented Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, Mayara Magri. 

Hear about her dedication and passion for dance and the inspiring people she has both met and shared this journey with. A fitting theme of feathers comes through in her chosen jewellery with the delicate motifs featuring necklaces, earrings and rings.  Mayara shares her favourite pieces she has been gifted over the years from the special people in her life (including her partner, Matthew Ball, also a Principal Dancer and Choreographer) often to mark momentous achievements in her career including her Swan Lake debut.

We were also delighted to hear our very own Feather and Bumblebee necklace make an appearance and especially the meaning they hold in marking such special memories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alex talks to Mother & Daughter duo Delia Folk and Alison Bruhn, founders of The Style That Binds Us, a fashion focused lifestyle platform on a mission to ensure their audience lives their most stylish and fearless life.   

Alex delves into their shared love of jewellery, exploring the stories behind their favourite pieces, both vintage treasures and contemporary finds. Delia and Alison discuss their love of travel, the sentiment of jewellery shared across generations and the extra special pieces that carry these memories through time.

Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex, Delia & Alison:

You can follow Delia and Alison on:

Their Youtube Channel: The Style That Binds Us

Their Website: www.thestylethatbindsus.com

Their Instagram @thestylethatbindsus

Their Podcast: The Style That Binds Us

You can subscribe to their newsletter: Join The Style That Binds Us Email Newsletter

CVC Stones

https://cvc-stones.com

https://cvc-stones.com/collections/zodiac-new/products/aries

Spinelli Kilcollin

www.spinellikilcollin.com

Aurélie Bidermann

www.aureliebidermann.com

Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This is a Token, Alex takes a look at the watch collection of his good friend and neighbour, Jeremy Bowen.

Jeremy describes the importance of timing to the absolute second in his job as War Correspondent, and talks of the privilege he feels in witnessing and reporting on history first hand - however upsetting it may be.

Hear how a Breitling watch that had survived conflict in Iraq was lost to an elderly watchmaker, and how his BBC-issued ‘Wristlet Stopwatch’ has often garnered the interest of watch enthusiasts on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Not on the High Street, Holly Tucker is an entrepreneur, ambassador and all-round flag-flyer for creative small businesses everywhere.  Holly’s book, ‘Do what you love, Love what you do’ is her guide on how to take your passions to the next level, and lead a happier, more fulfilled life.

In our latest episode of ‘This is a Token’, we dip into self-confessed fanatical jewellery lover Holly’s collection, and discover celebratory purchases, and how Holly went from meeting the Queen to negotiating with French riot police in 24 hours!

Along the way, Alex is delighted to hear a noisy charm bracelet inherited from an incredibly glamorous, and like-minded Grandmother, and how her 18ct Gold Alex Monroe Bumblebee symbolises the importance of storytelling.

For more information on issues discussed by Alex and Holly:

For Holly & Co small business advice and inspiration hub:

https://holly.co

For Holly’s Conversations of Inspiration podcast with Alex:

https://holly.co/podcast/alex-monroe-jewellery/

For Holly’s independent business awards:

https://holly.co/campaign-christmas-2021/independent-awards/

For Holly’s book, go to:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-What-You-Love-Empowering/dp/0753558025

For Holly’s Alex Monroe Bumblebee:

https://www.alexmonroe.com/bumblebee-necklace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are absolutely delighted to introduce our latest ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode, where Alex is joined by the wonderful Josie Fear @josieldn.

The brilliantly engaging Content Creator and Influencer founded the globally influential blog ‘Fashion Mumblr’ in 2019, and continues to share her love of all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle (as well as her 700 year old Cotswolds home!) with her circa 785k followers.

Listen in, as Josie and Alex discuss the highs and lows of sharing life online, tips on kitchen gardening, and navigating a childhood bursting with creativity. Plus, how Josie combined her love for her late Father’s old fashioned sweet shop, wearing jewellery and determination to make money into a candy jewellery business of her own!

Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Josie.

You can follow Josie on:

Her blog www.fashionmumblr.com

Instagram @JosieLdn

Her home Instagram @OldHouseOurHome

Youtube @Josie

Discover pieces from Josie’ previous fictional candy jewellery business here! http://www.fashionmumblr.com/2014/02/valentines-gift-guide-introducing.html

Amongst Josie’s everyday jewellery collection, she wears the Bark Huggie Hoops with Baroque Pearls https://www.alexmonroe.com/bark-huggie-hoops-with-baroque-pearl-drops and the Strawberry Flower Inspired Posy Twist Ring https://www.alexmonroe.com/posy-twist-ring.

Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so excited to kick off Season 3 of ‘This is a Token’, in conversation with the wonderful and talented Jodie Whittaker. Alongside many brilliant productions, Jodie is perhaps most well known for being the fabulously kooky 13th Doctor in the BBC Doctor Who.

Listen in, as friends Jodie and Alex talk us through her most meaningful ’tokens’. From a sneaky ruse that led to a cherished eternity ring, to what it meant for Jodie when she worked with us on her jewellery for the Doctor. Plus, how the two stories entwined when Jodie got into character and temporarily lost one her most precious pieces in a wardrobe!

You can find more about Jodie’s filmography here

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2092886/

Alex was delighted to be asked by the BBC’s costume team to create the official Earring worn on screen by Jodie, the first female Doctor. Our Doctor Who Capsule Collection features the exact replica of this iconic Ear Cuff worn by the 13th Doctor, as well as it's perfect galactic accompaniments. The collection can be found here

https://www.alexmonroe.com/collections/doctorwho

Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe

Edited by Emily Sandford

Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.