The tail end of Hurricane Ophelia has reached the UK, lashing it with rain and high winds of up to 70mph. We are lucky that it has tamed the worst of its fury and though Britain will be battered it has been largely saved from the devastation such forces can bring. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to those who have suffered as a result.

This weather did get me thinking about the odd choice of names these hurricanes are given and pondering over whether hurricanes are solely a negative thing?

Rumour has it that  the high pressure, more devastating, hurricanes are given female names to make them sound less threatening or dangerous, but this is a fallacy.

Originally all hurricanes were only given female names. However, by 1978 male names were also being used and naming now follows a strict procedure established by the World Meteorological Organization.

For Atlantic hurricanes, there is a list of male and female names which are used on a six-year rotation. When a particular hurricane causes unspeakable devastation, it is deemed inappropriate to reuse its name on a different storm and that name is therefore dropped out of respect to those who have suffered.

Natural disasters appear to be on the increase and, with our ever-increasing connectivity, we are also far more aware than ever before of the destructive impact of such events.

But such dramatic occurrences can also bring positives; be a source of change, renewal and stimulation.

Geographically hurricanes lower temperatures, help to build up the coastal areas of islands, thereby making the island wider, whilst winds from a hurricane can also make a long-term contribution to the agricultural sector by causing topsoil to be distributed to areas in which it was lacking.

Monsoons rejuvenate deserts, relieving drought and bring much needed moisture to all forms of life in these environments.

In a similar way to which nature springs back to life in its wake of such adversity, forces of nature can imbue great inspiration in artists. Dramatic paintings by artists such as Stephanie Peters  or Jave Yoshimoto  help us relate to and contemplate such events; hopefully making us more aware of our own actions and their consequences.

For me inspiration translated itself into a dramatic double-sided silver jewellery collection; The Monsoon Collection.

Droplet shaped pieces cocoon a dark body with striking flowing swirls representing movement and drama. Most pieces can also be worn in reverse, displaying a serenely clean and smooth surface representing the calm either before or after the storm.

These pieces do indeed present two very differing auras creating a very unique and versatile jewellery collection. Some love the idea that one piece creates two looks. Others say it expresses their personality...especially those with tempestuous emotions!

Jewellery lovers appreciate how adornment affects and lifts the emotions. Jewellery can elate or commemorate, capture the essence of an event or personality, and certainly create the ultimate emotional gift. Explore the complete Monsoon Collection and see which side you prefer.