Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – at least if Marilyn Monroe is to be believed – but if that’s the case, then gold and silver are our life-long soul sisters. The perennials of the jewellery world that slot seamlessly into the nooks and crannies of our myriad sartorial puzzles.

It’s fortunate, then, that there’s a new wave of brands crafting some seriously perfect pieces that combine both style and substance.

Indeed, thanks to this dazzling clutch of demi-fine and contemporary brands, jewellery has had a makeover that the fashion cognoscenti haven’t been able to take off their lobes, wrists and necks. There’s bound to be a bit of bling from one of these purveyors that is sure to catch your eye. 

Keep going to see the 17 jewellery brands to shop in 2023. 

A Hackney-based brand that firmly believes 9 carat gold and sterling silver needn’t cost the earth, Catch Rhys is one of the fashion world’s best-kept jewellery secrets. Make it a go-to for solid gold hoop earrings, necklaces and bracelets that can be worn forever and promise to never lose their shine. 

Chances are you’ve seen one of Roxanne First’s pieces on your favourite fashion insider. The brand’s effortlessly cool designs have become something of a cult buy for people in the know due to its kaleidoscopic and colourful DNA; you always know a Roxanne First when you see one. The eponymous brand was founded by First in 2018 after she left a career in luxury retail and hospitality and sought to create a space within the jewellery sector for high-quality jewellery that also manages to have a contemporary feel to it.

Ever wondered where the Scandi style set nab their cool-girl coloured stones and their statement pearls? For the most part, the answer is Anni Lu, the jewellery brand founded by Helle Vestergaard Poulsen, a former creative director at a number of Danish fashion magazines.

This is go-to for jewellery that packs a punch and will have everybody asking just where is that from?

The rings that adorn your favourite fashion insider’s fingers, the bangles that shimmy and dance up their arms and the necklaces that lay like a crown for the décolletage are most probably pieces that’ve snapped up from Daphine.

Founded in 2017 by friends Damasia Ball and Philippine de Follin, the London label endeavours to craft and design timeless pieces of jewellery that don’t cost the earth. The result is a legion of famous fans, including Monikh Dale, who recently joined forces with the label on a sell-out blingy collaboration.

It’s not uncommon for a jewellery brand to shun its conscience in favour of profits, but that’s not what Edge of Ember is about. Founded in 2014 by Lynette Ong, the London label prioritises recycled materials, lab-grown diamonds and ethically sourced gemstones to ensure that its pieces don’t just look good, but do good too. 

The brand’s most recent collaboration with Victoria Magrath is a case in point of how accessibly priced the brand’s creations are without ever compromising on style. 

For those who find the mere concept of wearing the same jewellery as a cohort of other people jarring, look to Loveness Lee. The jewellery designer is based on London’s Southbank in a studio where she handmakes all of her pieces, which – as a result – are one-of-a-kind. A go-to for show-stopping jewellery that will stand the test of time.

Since Missoma’s conception in 2008, the London label has gone from strength to strength. While its string of collaborations with all manner of social media darlings can be credited with catapulting it into the stratosphere, the brand has has worked hard in the years since to establish itself as a bling brand with heart.

The fashion industry’s love affair with Monica Vinader started with its cult-status Fiji friendship bracelet. Fast forward 20 years since its inception and Monica Vinader is now one of fashion’s most highly regarded jewellery designers, responsible for crafting the pieces and designs that industry insiders just can’t get enough of. 

Otiumberg

Founded by sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg in 2016, Otiumberg was born out of the siblings’ shared frustration over the lack of elegant everyday pieces that hit the sweet spot between high street and high end. Six years later and Otiumberg is now one of the leading forces in the affordable and chic jewellery realm.

For quality jewellery that won’t break the bank, make Otiumberg your go-to. Each purchase from the brand is accompanied by a step-by-step guide on how to clean your jewellery, meaning your timeless treasures can shine brighter for longer. 

Founded on the principle that fine jewellery needn’t cost the earth, Mejuri was conceived in 2015 by Noura Sakkijha, and in the years since has become one of the jewellery realm’s worst-kept secrets. Its croissant rings are what cemented its new-found status, but for anyone looking to add a delicate chain, bracelet or pair of earrings to their collection, Canadian label Mejuri ought to be your first port of call.

Seoul-born and Seattle-raised Connie Nam had the idea for Astrid & Miyu in 2012, after noticing a gap in the market for affordable and high-quality jewellery. Throughout the intervening decade, the brand has grown at an exponential speed and is now a solid favourite among the style set.

Founded in 2019, the east London-born jewellery brand has both small batch and vintage jewellery focusing on precious stones. With Kate Middleton among the many loyal fans, Carousel Jewels is the go-to for those extra special pieces you want to keep in your jewellery box for many years to come. 

Created by British-Sicilian sisters Francesca and Marianna, the semi-fine jewellery brand creates special pieces which are made to be worn every day. Instead of saving them for best, the label wants you to show off your new jewellery at all times. Designed by women here in the UK and handmade by artisans in a family-run factory in Italy, celebs including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rita Ora and Jessie J are all fans of the jewels. 

London-based demi-fine jewellery brand Tada & Toy is the destination for jewels with an edge. Be it celestial or ocean inspired, each piece can be worn to elevate your everyday uniforms. The most recent collaboration with fashion insider Lizzy Hadfield has been particularly popular on Instagram thanks to the chunky signet rings. 

Images: courtesy of brands; Daphine