Seven 'sweet-spot' jewellery brands to know now
From 'Queen of Hoops' Dinny Hall to the must-have label of the fashion set, Alghieri, here's the low down on the best sweet-spot jewellery brands- which bridge the gap between affordable and luxury- to know now...
Dinny Hall
Gem drop cluster pendant, £200, Dinny Hall
The lowdown: Elegant minimalism is the defining look of Dinny Hall’s label, which she started more than 30 years ago. Although prices start at around £30 for simple studs, her collection also includes statement fine jewellery designs.
Key pieces: Dinny has been dubbed ‘Queen of Hoops’ and it’s easy to see why; her versions, which start at £110, are sculptural and modern, but timelessly pared-back. We also love her colourful gem drop pendants (£150, above).
Missoma
Rhea malachite mini cage hoops, £75, Missoma
The lowdown: Missoma, founded by Marisa Hordern, has made the concept of layering jewellery its own, whether its piling on a carefully curated selection of necklaces or creating a line-up of tiny sparkling earrings.
Key pieces: Try the ‘meaningful gemstones’ line, which includes delicate rose-quartz necklaces, turquoise studs and malachite hoops (£69, below).
Alighieri
Baby lion earrings. £420, Alighieri
The lowdown:After reading French and Italian at Oxford, Rosh Mahtani began her Alighieri collection to create ‘modern heirlooms’ based on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Her gorgeous designs combine a contemporary look with a sense that they could have been discovered on an archeological dig.
Key pieces: The coin necklaces (below), which retail for around £200, were among Alighieri’s earliest hits, but pearl earrings and hair clips are now just as desirable.
Alex Monroe
Teeny weeny bee single stud earring, £190, Alex Monroe
The lowdown: If you like your jewellery with a pretty, bohemian feel, then you either already love Alex Monroe or are in for a treat. Every piece is handmade at his workshop in Bermondsey and is inspired by Alex’s love of nature, which began during his childhood.
Key pieces: Alex’s most famous designs are his bees, from pretty £125 stud earrings (above) to brooches and signet rings. But the split peach, squirrel and shell motifs are just as adorable.
Deborah Blyth
Ula pearl earrings, £160, Deborah Blyth
The lowdown: Blyth’s designs aim to ‘capture your individuality’ via subtle yet special handcrafted designs that are inspired by natural forms.
Key pieces: The Bark and Waves styles really show off Blyth’s signature aesthetic, but we also love the Arva pearl earrings (above left, from £140).
Cornelia Webb
Organic bracelet, £215, Cornelia Webb
The lowdown: Swedish jeweller Webb started out in 2005 with designs made to complement the human anatomy with their freeform lines. Now her pieces range from subtle Scandi classics to avant-garde creations like the Organic cuff (bottom left, £215).
Key pieces: Look to Webb’s label for a statement moulded cuff or ellipse ring.
Otiumberg
Tsavorite huggie hoops in 9-karat solid yellow gold, £430, Otiumberg
The lowdown: Sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg founded Otiumberg in 2014 as a jewellery brand by women, for women. Their pieces have keep-forever appeal but with a contemporary edge, and they’ve collaborated with influencers including Alex Eagle and Laura Fantacci.
Key pieces: You’ll want to build up a collection of their ‘huggies’ – that’s hoops encrusted with pretty stones including pink amethyst and tsavorite (above) – from £85.
