Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was willing to move to left field if it meant bringing back longtime teammate Alex Bregman, but those days are done in Houston. He was non-tendered at the end of last season, when he hit .267 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 135 games. He’s taking fly balls with outfielders and working at his typical spot, second base. Astros manager Joe Espada said it was premature to disclose any plans for the season and he doesn’t want to make Altuve’s spot in the field a matter of daily discourse. Rodgers played only second base in Colorado the past three seasons but has 36 career games played at shortstop. History is on the Astros’ side, having once moved Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio to the outfield to make room for Jeff Kent. Paredes was used at first, second and shortstop in 2022 and 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays but didn’t make an appearance at the middle infield positions in 2024 with the Rays and Cubs. Houston did reach agreement on a minor league deal with second baseman Brendan Rodgers, the player selected third overall and one spot behind Bregman in the 2015 MLB Draft. A defensive whiz at second who won a Gold Glove with the Rockies in 2022, Rodgers is a former top prospect in the Colorado system. Red Sox manager Alex Cora downplayed reports that tensions were simmering between the two, sparked when Devers said he wasn’t moving to a new position on Monday. Altuve, 34, has spent his entire career with Houston since making his major league debut in July 2011 at age 21. A Gold Glove winner in 2015, he is the active major league leader with 1,765 games at second base, including 1,749 starts. Espada said prior to spring training that Altuve is capable of playing outfield. Houston added third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade in December. Without Bregman, the Astros are moving forward with a spring training trial of Altuve in left field. Bregman signed a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox and is working through a perceived tug-of-war at third base with All-Star Rafael Devers. He has played in two games at shortstop for a total of six innings. If Altuve is used in the outfield or as a designated hitter on a given day, utility infielder Mauricio Dubon could be in the mix at second along with Luis Guillorme, who signed with the Astros last week, and Rodgers.

Sterling Silver Signet Rings

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style.

Sterling Silver Wire

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. So she decided to make her own. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK.

The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading.

Sterling Silver Tags Bracelet Necklace

Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points.