By Niamh ODonoghue
05th Apr 2018
05th Apr 2018
A recent jewellery-box clear out has sent me on a hunt to find sophisticated and fun jewellery that better suits my matured personality and taste. I’ve done away with my old plastic bits (not that there is anything wrong with plastic jewellery), the chains that left a green shadow around my neck and the half-broken, half-superglued earrings. What I’ve learned is that a jewellery box cleanse is a lot like a soul cleanse: it’s out with the old you and in with the new. In a sea of online brands, it can be hard to spot the gold from the not-so, so here’s a handy list of six international jewellery designers who are worth having on your vanity table.
Roxanne Assoulin
Based / NYC
What / Multicolored candy-like necklaces and bracelets that look good enough to eat*.
**but are not edible.
Rainbow brite bracelet, starting from €61.15 at roxanneassoulin.com
Roxanne Assoulin describes her brand as “uncomplicated” and it’s characterised by collectable stacks of candy-coloured chokers and bracelets that have taken social media by storm. Having been a designer for three decades, Assoulin offers a playful approach to modern jewellery that’s both high-quality and pocket-friendly. Her age-defining jewellery adorns the wrists and necks of some of our favourite Insta ladies; contributing editor at @harpersbazaares Sofía Paramio Delgado, Sarah Jessica Parker and the Man Repeller. Assoulin has cleverly created an Instagram empire by hosting make-your-own bracelet events with your nearest gal pals. At €154.91 a ticket, the 60-minute event is quite costly, but the Instagram Likes and new arm candy is worth it. Now, if only we lived in New York…
Gimaguas
Based / Worldwide
What / Natural shell and gold earrings, necklaces and bracelets
Apricot necklace, €25 at gimaguas.com
Spanish twins Sayana and Claudia spent years travelling the globe together (dream) and developed a special appreciation for handcrafted jewellery. The pair launched ‘Gimaguas’ (meaning ‘twins’ in South America) in 2016 and have created a truly ethereal collection featuring delicate metals and natural materials. This dainty apricot necklace, above, is handcrafted in India and each piece is individually hand-cut and hammered. At €25, it’s a steal and you’re helping local economies, too.
Nalin Studios
Based / Paris
What / Limited edition jewellery in gold and gold-plated
Paris bracelet, €109 at nalinstudio.com
Nalin Studios design jewellery and accessories for dreamers and creatives with an emphasis on wearable jewellery that translates from day to evening. The Studio wants you to feel comfortable, sensual and confident in its jewellery and showcase its designs on a number of strong and striking ‘everyday’ women on their website. With Nalin Studios, it’s all about layering, and each piece is made to pair perfectly with another. I’d team mine with an oversized cotton shirt for daytime or a delicate satin dress for after hours.
Annoushka
Based / London
What / Fine jewellery
Flamenco 18ct white gold 1.93ct diamond ring, €11,900 at annoushka.com
Annoushka Ducas’ jewellery is the type we dreamt of as little girls: rare gems and sparkling-bright diamond earrings, pink pearl drop necklaces, charms and dainty bangles. Designed in London by Annoushka Ducas, the exquisite pieces are powerful and poetic and exceptionally beautiful. This exotic ‘flamenco’ diamond-encrusted ring is inspired by the vibrant city of Andalusia and is decked with white gold and mother of pearl and would sit perfectly on any vanity table… if only…
Brinker And Lou
Based / Manhattan
What / Statement earrings, chunky gold
Watchful eye oval bracelet, €71.75 at elizahiggins.com
Brinker and Lou are a mother-daughter duo from Connecticut who have been working together creatively for years. It began early on in Lou’s childhood with decorating ski helmets and barrettes and has since evolved into jewels of all shapes and sizes. Much of their inspiration comes from the countless hours spent hunting for sea glass at the beach and racing on the ski slopes. Each piece is handmade in Connecticut using a mix of new and vintage gold, brass, glass and beading.
Doodad And Fandango
Based / Australia
What / Bold pop-art jewellery, customisation
Cockatoo earrings, €66.71 at doodadandfandango.com
If bold accessories are your vibe coming into summer, then Australian label Doodad & Fandango will tickle your accessory taste buds. Founder Nikita Margarita adapted her unique style from Japan’s late 1990s street fashion scene, and the costume jewellery heyday of the 1930s to the 1950s, and her work encapsulates a love of colour and pop art. What’s more, she can even create custom-made earrings to look just like you. And in the age of vanity, nothing says ‘look at me’ quite like a stylised picture of yourself on your ear.
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