16 Affordable Jewellery Brands That Fashion Editors Are Obsessed With
Accessorising well does not have to cost the earth
Photo: Courtesy
15 Affordable Jewellery Brands That Fashion Editors Are Obsessed With
If you're looking to update your jewellery box, but don't want to spend all your savings, here are 22 very cool jewellery brands that fashion editors turn to, which don't cost the earth. Whether you're in the market for striking earrings, unusual rings, delicate necklaces or even chunky anklets, here's where to go.
1. Éliou
Éliou is the brainchild of globetrotting designers Cristina Mantilla and Duda Teixeira, which was founded on the idea of combining traditional sensibilities with contemporary aesthetics—brought to life through their sand and sea inspired handmade bijoux pieces. The duo behind the kitschy cool jewellery brand also gets to call Gigi Hadid their fan.
2. Après Jewelry
Sister label to the LA-based Luv Aj, Aprés Jewelry was conceived when the founder, Amanda Thomas, realised that there was a lack of bridal fine jewelry that was both chic and affordable at the same time. This one-stop shop for all things bridal now also doubles as a place to stock up on perfect everyday pieces that editors and stylists approve of coveting.
3. AGMES
Founded by sisters Morgan and Jaclyn Solomon in 2016, AGMES is a contemporary jewellery label inspired by urban landscapes, architecture and modern art. Pieces from the collection exude femininity, sophistication and a timeless sense of elegance through clean, geometric designs and sculptural silhouettes. The duo sees their designs one day becoming modern heirlooms, and we think they’re well on their way to that.
4. Sorelle NYC
Sorelle, meaning sisters in Italian, is an up-and-coming luxury jewellery brand founded by Francesca Grosso in New York City. With her minimalist aesthetic infused with sculptural elements, it’s easy to see why the label is popular.
5. KATKIM
There’s much to be said about Los Angeles-based jewellery brand KATKIM, especially when it comes to their commitment to sustainable jewellery-making. Founder Katherine Kim believes in designing and developing pieces with consideration for the community and environment, which she practices through her use of conflict-free diamonds, recycled gold (where possible) and in employing artisans to create products on a smaller scale instead of mass-producing.
Sustainable practices aside, Kim proves to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her understanding of contemporary jewellery design—clean lines combined with novel silhouettes. She also gets to call the likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna fans of her work. We especially love KATKIM’s ear pin collection.
6. Khiry
What started out as a Kickstarter campaign by founder Jameel Mohammed, has since become New York Fashion Week-debuting jewellery fine loved by the likes of Solange and Ayesha Curry. Pieces from Khiry are inspired by the African Diaspora, and celebrate the continent’s rich heritage and culture via contemporary lenses.
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7. Foundrae
Founded by husband and wife Murat and Beth Bugdaycay in 2015, Foundrae’s collections are inspired by a lexicon of classical and mythological symbols. Think pieces that the likes of Stevie Nicks and Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story: Coven character Misty Day would wear, except less wiccan-ish and more contemporary and whimsical.
8. Wald Berlin
Wald Berlin is most likely in every fashion lover's trinket box. Stylist Dana Roski and model Joyce Binneboese originally started Wald Berlin in 2012 and since then it has gained huge popularity thanks to their stand-out pieces. The jewellery is reflective of their travels around the world, with the idea being that each item could be worn in bustling cities such as New York or on tranquil beaches in Bali.
9. Katie Mullally
Katie Mullally combines vintage pieces with modern design linking to her Irish heritage. She encourages her customers to incorporate their own individuality when it comes to her pieces - for example, her two-coin necklaces are detachable, so the wearer can swap to their own chain or ribbon to layer up with other pieces.
10. Maria Black
Undeniably cool Scandi label Maria Black manages to turn accessorising on its head with simple yet striking pieces that you truly wouldn't be able to get your hands on anywhere else. From gold hoops with a twist to chunky signet rings and delicate ankle chains, this is a brand to know if you really want to step up your accessorising game.
11. Missoma London
British-based brand Missoma London is all about having fun with everyday jewellery. Collections include collaborations with Instagram star Lucy Williams, those featuring beautiful gemstones and a number of initial-based pieces. Although the necklaces are striking enough to be worn alone, we love layering them up – it's truly a way to put your personal touch on the pieces and make the jewellery your own.
12. Laura Lombardi
If chunky, gold, minimal jewellery is your thing, then you need to know about Laura Lombardi. The New York-based label focuses on an industrial aesthetic with pieces – from chunky chains to oversized hoops – that will turn heads for all the right reasons.
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13. Alighieri
Alighieri is a collection of jewellery inspired by Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’. Every piece corresponds to one of the poet’s 100 poems, as designer Rosh Mahtani studied French and Italian at Oxford University. After graduating in 2012, she was inspired to create jewellery influenced by her work.
14. Katerina Makriyianni
You won't have failed to miss Makriyianni's trademark fringed, fan earrings on Instagram. The colourful statement pieces – made by the Greek jewellery designer – are the perfect finishing touch to a simple outfit and make for particularly special holiday jewellery.
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15. Maria Tash
Maria Tash is renowned in the jewellery industry for coining the term 'fine body art' thanks to her New York-based luxury piercing studio and simple, elegant designs. Now with a permanent base in London's Liberty store (as well as another in Rome), the designs have fast grown in popularity with fashion folk and celebrities alike. Carey Mulligan wore the brand's earrings to Meghan and Harry's royal wedding and Rihanna chose them for the Met Gala. Need we say more?
16. Tohum
Designer Verda Alaton is heavily inspired by her studies of anthropology, with her pieces drawing inspiration from her childhood fascination with exotic cultures, far away lands and arts, plus her extensive travels throughout Asia and Africa. Think statement, chunky pieces that are a chic addition to any ensemble.
17. Sandralexandra
Sandralexandra is a handmade brand, which works with cultured pearls grown in freshwater mussels, giving every jewel a different colour, shape and size. As every piece is unique, each item (whether it's a statement earring or necklace) may include minor variations so no two pieces of jewellery will be identical.
18. Bar Jewellery
Launched by former Burberry designer Sophie McKay, Bar Jewellery has a strong focus on minimal accessorising – and has fast grown in popularity, already boasting fans such as Emma Watson, Jenna Coleman and Naomie Harris. With a focus on elegance and simplicity, the pieces are designed to be worn for years to come, rather than being a one-season trend. Perhaps most importantly though, everything is handmade in London through sustainable and ethical practices.
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19. Anissa Kermiche
You might know Anissa Kermiche from her Insta-famous vases that celebrate the female form - but she also designs striking fine jewellery “which reflects the generation of successful, powerful and funny women” that surround her.
20. Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader has something for everyone – from delicate diamond rings to more casual woven bracelets – but every piece has the same elegant aesthetic that will instantly elevate any ensemble, whether you are wearing it to work or out to dinner.
21. Gaviria
Add a little dose of drama to your jewellery box with Barcelona-based Gaviria, whose chunky, colourful designs are truly unique. From the brand's cult 'Fortune Cookie' earrings to the very cool 'Raviolis', every piece – which are all handmade in Barcelona – will give your look a fun twist.
22. Stellar 79
Founded by sisters Sheena and Natasha Appadoo, Stellar 79 is a brand new demi-fine jewellery brand based in East London. With inspiration taken from their Trinidadian and Mauritian-Indian heritage as well as their worldwide travels, the eclectic pieces – all made of 18-karat gold vermeil – make a beautiful and dainty addition to any jewellery box.
As well as creating beautiful jewellery, the brand is committed to supporting and empowering girls and women in underprivileged positions by donating 10 per cent of the profits of certain pieces to India-based charity Educate Girls.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR UK.
Additional reporting by Navin Pillay.