Best affordable jewellery brands
Yet now, thanks to a host of new 'demi-fine' and 'contemporary' brands filling the awkward gap between a Topshop choker and Chanel pearls, we are positively spoilt for choice.
Whether you're treating yourself or a friend, or looking for something for your girlfriend for Valentines day, you really can't go too far wrong with something from one of these brands.
Missoma
British brand Missoma creates perfect jewellery for your everyday wardrobe. Their delicate, distinctive pieces combine semi-precious gemstones with zircon pavé set in 18ct gold vermeil to give a refined but playful feel.
Their pieces are designed to be worn alone or layered, and interchangeable studs, pendants and charms allow you to make them your own.
They have also created two wildly popular collections in partnership with lifestyle influencer Lucy Williams, the second of which is inspired by a trip to Rome.
Ottoman Hands
Deniz Gurdal , who started out selling her jewellery on Portobello Road back in 2009, designs jewellery inspired by the ancient Ottoman Empire. Each piece is handmade from 21 ct gold-plated brass and set by hand with semi-precious stones by master jewellers in their workshop in Istanbul.
Prices range from £16 - £75, so this really is wonderfully affordable stuff.
Available to buy in Topshop Oxford
Alex Monroe
Alex Monroe celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017, making the British brand one of the more established in this category.
All the jewellery is nature-inspired, designed by Alex and his team and handmade in England. This year marks the 10th birthday of the iconic bumble bee necklace, a piece which propelled the brand into the forefront of fashion in 2008 and remains its bestseller today.
Look out for the collection it's launching this week in partnership with shoe designer Sophia Webster.
It has a boutique in London Bridge below Alex’s workshop (SE13SU), or you can shop it online here.
San Soeurs
Spanish siblings Cristina and Estefania Sanchez Rodriguez founded Sansoeurs in 2010, combining their family name with the French word for sisters. With backgrounds in architecture and international business, the pair create pared-back contemporary jewellery inspired by modern art.
Perfect for a girl who likes to keep things chic and simple.
All pieces are made in 18k gold, and prices start at £50.
Monica Vinade
British jewellery designer Monica Vinader's eponymous brand shot to fame soon after it launched in 2008 thanks to the widespread popularity of her Fiji bracelets. The grown-up take on friendship bracelets were a sellout hit, and remain the brand’s bestselling style today.
This is the go-to brand for instantly wearable, contemporary pieces to style, stack and personalise with engraving.
Visit one of her boutiques in Chelsea, Mayfair and Canary Wharf;
Otiumberg
Founded in 2014 by sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, who have backgrounds in fashion (Burberry and Louis Vuitton) and art, Otiumberg's sterling silver and gold-plated designs.are fashion-forward and incredibly wearable.
