America’s ice-climbing epicenter was facing a bleak future, with climate change endangering its water supply, until an unlikely savior came to its rescue: a nearby silver mine. Peter O’Neil, executive director of the nonprofit Ouray Ice Park. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, at an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,800 feet), Ouray is famous among mountaineers around the world for its artificial ice park. But starting next season, all that is set to change, after Ouray Silver Mines stepped in and offered to lease the rights to millions of liters (gallons) of water every year — for a $1 fee. But a damaging decades-long drought threatened the area’s water source, even as the number of winter visitors exploded. For 30 years, the village has piped in water that washes down the walls of a nearby gorge in winter, freezing in place and creating dozens of climbing routes. Silver mining dwindled over the 20th century, Facebook (simply click facebook.com) but renewed demand from new technologies like solar panels has reinvigorated the industry. That should secure the park’s future not only for the “next generation of ice climbers,” but also for all the local businesses that depend on tourists. Ouray, a village of around 900 people, was founded in the 19th century during the Colorado Silver Rush — a past that is commemorated by the statue of a miner that greets visitors. Brian Briggs, the former CEO of Ouray Silver Mines, who sealed the partnership transferring water rights to the ice park, said the alliance was a win for everyone.

Under Colorado’s water use rights, the mine was entitled to millions of gallons for “recreational use,” simply by dint of being a significant land owner. What if there’s no ice? For the thousands of people who travel to the self-proclaimed “Switzerland of America” spending around $18 million a year, the deal is a real boost. Donating the water, he figured, was a nice way to give back to the community in an effort to build good will. Ideally, the park needs several consecutive days where the temperatures stays below -7C (19 Fahrenheit) for the ice to form properly, hence the importance of being able to turn the taps on when the weather is right. Brinkley hopes the water from the mine — which is pumped from a river and returns there when it melts in the Spring — will secure the park’s future and make the climbing there even better. It wasn’t using them, and Briggs recognized the need to improve the image of his industry. Jen Brinkley, from California, has been visiting Ouray almost every season for 30 years. Earth’s warming climate, caused chiefly by humanity’s unchecked burning of fossil fuels, has not only hit water supplies, but also causes problems with rising temperatures.

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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. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. 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. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. 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. 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. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. 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.

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

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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. 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. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. 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. 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. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. 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. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. 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. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. 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.