You’ve made it through January, and so has your bank account - just. But as we emerge from the post-Christmas slump our sights are firmly set on the first big holiday of the year: Valentine’s Day. For those who celebrate it’s a perfect opportunity to spoil their significant other. While for others it can be a confusing time, filled with uncertainty of whether to get your situationship something.
Chocolates, roses and a card is your classic Valentine’s Day trifecta, but hear me out - nothing beats a gorgeous piece of jewellery. A well made ring or necklace not only lasts a lifetime, it can also be worn almost daily. Case in point: I haven’t taken my Ellie Mercer signet ring off once since my boyfriend gifted it to me two Valentine’s Days ago. And according to TikTok’s “Girl Math” equation - which basically means an item’s cost-per-wear - that makes it a triumph of a gift.
But although you can’t really go wrong with a piece of jewellery, it is possible. That’s why we compiled the chicest, hard-to-part-with jewellery brands to gift this Valentine’s Day.
Kirstie Le Marque
Prices: from £50 - £995
Diamonds don’t have to cost an arm and a leg - just ask Claire Le Marquand and Kirstie Beecroft, founders of Kirstie Le Marque. Renowned for using pave diamond beads, their sparkly pieces scream luxurious fun without the alarming price tag. It’s a winning formula, one that’s already caught the attention of Gwyneth Paltrow, who stocks the brand in the Westbourne Grove Goop store, Holly Willoughby and Dua Lipa.
Pond London
Prices: from £85 - £850
It's important to prioritise brands that place sustainability at the forefront. That’s why we love Pond, a London-based brand who prides itself on using predominantly vintage jewellery, recycled metals and dead stock materials. Check out their small crushed heart pendant, which was made by hammering a pre-loved locket found in a local market and then casting it in solid gold. As well as their signature jellyfish earrings, which was made from repurposed freshwater pearls and recycled silver ear hooks.
Byredo
Prices: from £350 - £27,000
After dominating the fragrance and make-up landscape, the word “Byredo” is now practically synonymous with cool. As for their next venture, the Swedish label is turning its coveted hand to fine jewellery. And if history is anything to go by, then it's set to be a hit - coming to all aesthetic Instagram dumps near you. We recommend their link lock bracket, which was made in collaboration with jewellery designer Charlotte Chesnais, for your minimalist partner.
Astrid & Miyu
Prices: from £40-550
Since its inception in 2012, Astrid & Miyu has become a cult favourite for fashion editors, influencers and celebrities alike. It’s easy to see why - mixing timeless design with an ultra modern edge (they famously use 3D printing methods), the brand has all your everyday needs catered to. Although best known for their stunning ear stacks, their stunning gold chain necklaces and bracelets are topping our wish lists this year.
Maria Tash
Prices: from £115 - £32,000
Not many jewellery brands have started a “global movement” - but then again, not every brand is Maria Tash. It’s all thanks to their assortment of single stud earrings, which are designed for wearers to customise their holes in unique and exciting ways (since coined “The Curated Ear”). With a new concession at Harrods, there’s no better time to see what the fuss is all about. Warning - it’s on the pricier side, so would not recommend for your situationship.
Otiumberg
Prices: from £110 - £1800
The brainchild of London-based sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, Otiumberg is a demi-fine jewellery brand that has all your stackable needs covered. Having made a name for themselves for their “huggies” earrings, which - as you can imagine - perfectly snug one’s earlobes, they’ve since become a reliable go-to for understated but outfit elevating pieces.
Panconesi
Prices: from £130 - £440
Panconesi pieces are widely seen as art, which makes sense considering its founder, Marco Panconesi, worked on accessories under Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy, Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga and with Rihanna on her Fenty line. Having earned his stripes with the best of the best, in 2019 he set up shop and has been captivating us mere mortals ever since. His blown-out silver rings and shape shifting hoops are a must have this Valentine's Day, so is their dangle ring collaboration with London based KNWLS.
Mejuri
Prices: from £30 - £695
It would probably be quicker to say what celebrities haven’t worn Mejuri. Mejuri is regularly seen on Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift and many other ultra A listers, and before you ask - no, it’s not even expensive either, many of its bestselling pieces are under £100. We recommend the gorgeous round topaz necklace made with a gold vermeil chain. At just £98 it’s a shocking affordable precious stone piece guaranteed to woo this Valentine’s Day. Add to basket.
Hugo Kreit
Prices: from £65 - £510
It-girl approved label Hugo Kreit was inescapable last year. From TikTok’s For You Page to fashion week FROWs, the Paris-based jewellers have made a big dent in the fashion crowd. Influenced by techno music and electro pop artistry, the surreal handmade pieces are not for the faint hearted. Stand out statement earrings like his pearl explosion or spikey heart ring are my personal favourites, and I’m sure your stylish significant other would agree.
Justine Clenquet
Prices: from £27- £235
With inspiration ranging from 70s glam rock to underground punk subcultures, Justine Clenquet’s eponymous brand has been firmly on our radar this year. Her signature punky chains comprising a hodgepodge of embellishments, from paper clips to studs, are guaranteed to land you a compliment. While her hoop earrings layered with gems are just the right dose of fun. Best of all, it’s at a price point most of us can afford.
Mondo Mondo
Prices: £50 - £1200
“Mondo Mondo” means “World” in Italian, which is fitting for this otherworldly jewellery brand. Founded in Los Angeles in 2012 by Natasha Ghosn, who was born into a family of artists and trained in Mexico, these regal pieces feel as if they belong in a fantasy film. Perfect for channelling your inner Greek goddess - or whatever your chosen deity might be - this Valentine's Day.
Missoma
Prices: £35 - £400
The beauty of Missoma’s jewellery isn't just in its high-quality materials, but in its ultra wearable, affordable offering. A go-to brand for the Duchess of Sussex, Cindy Crawford, Julia Roberts and Margot Robbie, you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one item from their store. But if we had to, we’d recommend their Savi x Missoma Sculptural 18ct recycled vermeil pendant necklace, which serves Bottega motifs at a fraction of the price.
