If you are a real lover of jewellery, and like to support British designers, then you will be pleased to learn that in September a new celebration will honour retailers, jewellers and designers of the British Isles. Professional Jeweller Hot 100 plans to highlight certain members of the jewellery community who have made outstanding contributions to the industry this year.

This comes amid news that silver and jewellery remain the most popular sectors within the arts and antiques sectors, proving both old and new are equally popular. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the art and antiques market has remained buoyant despite the recession.

But we all know that good quality jewellery that is environmentally and morally sound is usually expensive. You need to check where the piece has come from; some African countries in particular are still exporting blood diamonds, or diamonds for arms, and other places, such as India and China are using child labour. This has led to more and more jewellery addicts seeking local designers, producing quality pieces themselves using natural, sustainable and ethical materials. This is why costs are increasing. But the proof is in the pudding. A few extra pounds is well spent if it means you can be sure your jewellery is ethical, made from high quality metals and jewels and helps support your local community.

So if you need to satiate your jewellery addiction, maybe a special occasion is on the horizon and you need to buy a statement piece for a present or even to wear yourself. If you are worried about cost, then take out a loan.

Right now, the interest rate set by the Bank of England is at an unprecedented low of just 0.5%, which although doesn't translate into 0.5% offered by banks, the incentive to borrow instead of save is far greater. However, make sure you get a fixed rate deal, as it is possible the Bank is going to raise the interest rate before the end of the year to deal with rising inflation.

Check out Santander for some of the best rates on loans on the market. It currently offers a rate of 8.9% which easily wipes the competition off the board. Remember though that as a result of the recession, banks are imposing greater restrictions and conditions on lending, so when you go into your local branch to ask for a loan have all your T's crossed and I's dotted.