Glenda is adding a bit more sparkle to the jewellery world
IT WAS a Sunday night to remember in London when I was whizzed through the empty streets to the Dorchester Hotel in a blacked-out limo. As a guest of Louis Walsh, he brought Glenda Gilson and I to China Tang,
quite possibly the most expensive Chinese restaurant I have ever been in.
We were joining Sharon Osbourne for dinner and an X Factor post mortem. At the next table Catherine Zeta Jones sat and ate with a gaggle of close friends and family and both parties went about their business.
As our starters arrived, the bill hit the Welsh beauty’s table and they broke into song, singing happy birthday to a member of their party. At the end of the song Sharon and Louis turned around and waved to the actress.
‘It’s a yes from me,’ joked Louis. And it’s definitely a yes from me,’ chimed in Mrs O. The restaurant erupted in laughter and Catherine Zeta waved over with a big grin.
It was one of those brilliant nights where the conversation flowed; the jokes came thick and fast and there was also a quick Skype call with Ozzy.
There was a landmark moment for Xpose presenter Glenda Gilson too. For the first time in her career, the model-turned-TV star has gone into business for herself, launching her own range of pendants and rings in partnership with Field’s Jewellers.
THERE are five designs in the collection and Glenda’s always been a lover of tiny jewellery, so delicate, elegant jewellery was the perfect collection to create. When Sharon Osbourne lifted up Glenda’s hand and asked about her signature range, it was the first time I ever saw Glenda blush.
‘It was a great coup for me because what was really cool was that she spotted it,’ Glenda told me. ‘It isn’t as if I was shoving it in her face and hoping for a compliment. Sharon’s a woman who loves her bling and I was commenting on her ring and how beautiful it was so I was chuffed when she spotted mine and asked where it came from. I’m sending her over a couple of pieces. It’s a lovely endorsement for me to get because jewellery is a very personal thing, so for her to like it meant the world to me.’
According to the website, the ‘G by Glenda Gilson’ range features five gorgeous designs: a star, a fairy, a butterfly, an infinity symbol and a circle. Each piece can be purchased as a necklace or bracelet and they come in three different tones — silver, gold and rose gold, as well as being hallmarked at Dublin Castle Assay Office.
Glenda is keen to point out that she designed each piece personally. ‘Natasha Obernick (of Field’s Jewellers) approached me to see if I’d be interested in doing something and I said, absolutely,’ Glenda added.
‘Jewellery is always something I’ve liked and because I’m on Xpose, I try to have something different to wear each show. I suppose I’ve developed a bit of an eye for it and we decided to do a collection together. The two of us sat down and I sketched up a few ideas. She knows how to source the metals, but I designed them.’
Glenda and Natasha travelled to Germany to meet the blacksmith who was making her designs a reality and was thrilled when she was handed the prototypes.
Even so, Glenda admits she kept things small for her first venture.
‘It’s small because I’m nervous about it,’ she said. ‘It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this. I’m so glad it’s off the ground and we’ve started on the second collection, which is kind of cool.’
It’s been a busy few months for the Gilson household. Her husband, Rob McNaughton, was made divisional manager for Liebherr construction for Ireland.
Glenda has also landed a new presenting role at TV3, which she’ll do on top of her Xpose duties.
‘I have something big coming up for TV3, but can’t say anything for now,I’m really excited,’ she said.
‘Xpose is going so well. Three days a week suits us and the public seem to love it.Lots of people were writing us off, so it’s great to prove them wrong.’ G by Glenda Gilson is available online at gbyglendagilson.com from tomorrow.