10 UK jewellery designers doing things differently

Buying a whole new wardrobe can be very expensive, but a new jewellery collection? Well, in truth it can be just as pricey, but where clothing can be cumbersome to store and quick to date, investing in jewellery can create an individual, sentimental approach to style that makes it much more worthwhile. 

Here in the UK, there is no shortage of independent jewellery designers to invest in, but where do you start? Here is our pick of ten young creatives just starting out on their journey. 

Astley Clarke

Founded in 2006 by Bec Astley Clarke, this brand is all about fine pieces that can be stacked in hundreds of different combinations. Perfect for those who like to keep things delicate and feminine, they are stocked in Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods and Fortnum and Mason and have been seen on the likes of Cameron Diaz and Sienna Miller. We’re big fans of their new ‘Luna’ range, inspired by the power and influence of the moon.

Luna Lace Agate Biography Bracelet, £125 | Marcel Oval Hoop Earrings, £175 | Triple Icon Nova Opal Ring, £850 | Luna Abalone Ring, £95

Olivia Burton

Known for their classic bee emblem, Olivia Burton’s most popular trade is their affordable watches, available in an array of designs that suit all ages. For AW18, they’re also influenced by the skies—the celestial range includes stars, stormy skies and moody hues of purple, rose gold and grey. Many of their watches also come with vegan leather straps, retailing at a competitive £92.

Celestial Demi Watch, £85 | 3D Bee Open End Bangle, £70 | Daisy Stud Earrings in Rose Gold, £40 | Honeycomb Bee Necklace, £65

Joanna Cave

With modernity at it’s heart, Joanna’s large earrings attract serious attention, inspired by the designers Greek upbringing. Teaming well with a sleek bun, her earrings stick to minimal colour palettes, bringing just the right amount of tasteful fun to a plainer outfit. We’re coveting the Lilian floral drop studs, which would work as well for a wedding as they would for the office.

Naya Oval Earrings, £180 | Kiveli Heart Earrings, £170 | Jolie Flower Earrings, £65 | Lilian Drop Earrings, £270

Annoushka Jewellery

Having proved her talents as founder of wildly successful brand Links Of London, Annoushka Ducas MBE’s namesake brand is all about the glitz and glamour. Featuring heavy embellishment, she is fast becoming known for her ‘Mythology Seeds’ pendants, featuring moveable acorns, conkers and pea pods, accompanied by a suitably hefty price tag. 

18ct Gold Smoky Quartz Conker Pendant, £7500 | 18ct Gold Mixed Tulip Earrings, £2450 | 18ct Gold Diamond Crown Ring, £2500 | Garnet Cuff, £7500

Lily Kamper

Championing themselves as the provider of alternative engagement rings for quirky brides, Lily Kamper’s romantic use of colour and modern materials has us in the mood for a celebration. Inspired by the art deco shapes and styles of the 1920’s, we’re big fans of their Perspex creations, which work well to liven up a Scandinavian wardrobe palletes of taupes, creams and monochromes. Each piece is handfinished in London, ensuring a completely individual finish. 

Frosted Earrings, £280 | Baguette Engagement Ring, £2500| Ball&Cube Wedding Band, £900 | Lumiere Pendant, £510

Missoma
Launched out of founder Marisa Hordern’s lifelong affection for gemstones, Missoma has fast become a beloved brands of bloggers and Internet influencers worldwide. For fans of subtlety, some of their earrings and bracelets are nearly impossibly tiny, perfect for layering. Missoma also offers engraving on many items within their range, a wonderful gift idea in time for Christmas. 

Rhodochrosite Medium Charm Hoops, £98 | Mantra Evil Eye Signet, £85 | Interstellar Star Necklace, £215 | Amethyst Double Wand Cuff, £105

Alex Monroe

Fans of the newly inaugurated timelady will likely be fans of Alex Monroe – in their exclusive collaboration range with Doctor Who (as seen on Jodie Whittaker in Season 11), you can expect stars and sparkle in the simple designs created to champion companionship. Outside of this range, expect carefully hammered metal pieces heavily inspired by nature, with various plantlife and woodland creates making an appearance.  

Doctor Who Hand Earrings, £150 | Dandelion Leaf Arm Cuff, £780 | Dragonfly Wing Cross Knuckle Ring, £285 | Big feather Necklace, £120

Monica Vinader

Making timeless jewellery for men and women since 2002, Monica Vinader’s new Autumn collection continues what they do best—sleek, bright metallics. Invest in something truly sentimental in their new Alta Capture charm bracelet; more fashion-forward than other brands on the market, charms start at £35 with engravable options, and the bracelet itself is available in gold, silver and rose gold. 

Siren Cluster Cocktail ring, £175 | Linear Bead Friendship Bracelet, £135 | Alta Capture Charm Bracelet, £250 | Siren Mini Nugget Cocktail Earrings, £295

Wolf & Moon

Handmade in East London, Wolf & Moon’s playful way with shape recalls a higher quality alternative to many of the styles currently found on the high streets. Incorporating pastels and florals in abundance, they appear very spring-like upon first glance, but with a little effort, their pieces also work well in a winter wardrobe – just pair one of their geometric necklaces with a thick, colour-clashing sweater for instant style points. 

Peony Brooch, £48 | Ocean Earrings, £68 | Lora Necklace, £45 | Wallpaper Ring, £28

Finest Imaginary

Kitsch and novelty fans needn’t look any further than Huddersfield-based designer Finest Imaginary’s laser-cut necklaces, brooches, earrings and collar clips. Recalling the likes of Tatty Devine, the intricacy has to be seen to be believed – her Palm Springs-themed necklaces were a huge hit across craft fairs this summer. For Autumn, northern-dwellers should be popping an ‘It’ll Be Reet’ brooch pin in their baskets, as well as her puppy-themed pieces.

It’ll Be Reet Pin, £7 | Pug Brooch, £25 | Diamond Terrarium Necklace, £30 | Palm Springs Necklace, £40