Could sticking small metal beads to your ear really help ease the crushing symptoms of chronic fatigue condition ME? Meanwhile, Giselle stood by her claims. This, it is claimed, can help treat a wide range of illnesses. That’s the question being asked this week, after an entrepreneur insisted the devices, known as ear seeds, helped her recover from the illness in just a year. Acu Seeds’ website claims the beads, which stay on the ear for five days, can help with fertility, pain, headaches and digestion depending on where they are placed. Advocates – and there are many – claim ear seeds work on the same basis as acupuncture, the Chinese medical practice of inserting hair-fine needles into points around the body. The episode prompted a furious backlash from doctors and ME patients, who accused her of selling ‘snake oil’ preying on the ‘most vulnerable and horribly ill people in society’ with no scientific backing to help ME. ME – which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis – is a disabling, complex illness that affects 250,000 people in the UK. However, rather than actually piercing the skin, the beads exert a tiny amount of pressure. Also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME/CFS, symptoms include pain, brain fog, fatigue and an inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy. Is Giselle just a snake oil salesman? The mother-of-one ultimately accepted £50,000 from Dragon Steven Bartlett, also 31, for 12.5 per cent of the business, which sells packets of gold – or silver-plated ear seeds for £30. So ear seeds have zero benefit for people with ME? While various treatments aim to help patients cope, and some do recover over time, many are unwell for years and there is no cure. The theory is that this opens up invisible energy pathways, or chi, that flow through the ear to the parts of the body that need help healing. Critics were stunned earlier this month when Giselle Boxer, 31, from Sheffield, received offers from all six judges on the BBC show Dragons’ Den, for a stake in her business Acu Seeds. Such was the furore that it sparked complaints to both the BBC and the Advertising Standards Authority. Each seed is roughly 2mm in diameter, attached to a tiny adhesive patch. But she said a mixture of diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and ear seeds led to ‘recovery within 12 months’ and she became pregnant soon afterwards. Giselle said ME left her ‘unable to talk for more than five minutes’. These are stuck on different points around the ear. So what is the truth?

Former prime minister Tony Blair’s wife Cherie was once photographed wearing ear seeds – while supermodel kate moss is said to have used them to help her overcome a cocaine addiction. Despite this, people who have ME are often met with accusations that their symptoms are all in their mind. Experts now think of it as a neurological illness – one that affects the brain and nervous system. It sounds like Ms Boxer just wants to help. But why is everyone so cross? But despite their celebrity following, none of the experts we spoke to were aware of proof they actually do much at all. And some patients I’ve worked with have said acupuncture has helped with their fatigue. As Professor Strain notes: ‘Many people with ME have been suffering from the disease for 40 or 50 years and haven’t been able to start a family because of it. Professor David Strain, senior clinical lecturer at the university of Exeter medical school and a medical advisor to the charity Action for ME, says: ‘Treatment for ME is about controlling people’s symptoms. The cause of ME isn’t fully understood, however, some research suggests it can be triggered by viral infections like glandular fever. He adds: ‘There is evidence to suggest acupuncture helps with some types of pain. Even if they help a bit, isn’t it worth trying? ‘If those ear seeds helped Giselle feel better, then that’s great.

Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand.

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. 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. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. 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. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. 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. 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. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. So she decided to make her own. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. 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. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. 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.

Gold Blueprint – Rinse And Repeat

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. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. 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. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. 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. 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. 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 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. 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.