There is evidence of Jewellery being worn by humans that dates back over 6000 years. These coloured shells and stones would be chosen to reflect the light and enthral others with elements of rudimentary design to shape them into objects of desire. As ancient civilisations developed their production capabilities, they could begin to mould metals such as silver and gold, mining stones from the earth to give them a rare or precious status that was even used as currency. In modern times the methods used, and fashions followed may have changed immeasurably but jewellery remains as much symbolic as it is aesthetic.
Top UK Jewellery Brands
The United Kingdom has a strong place in this glittering history. From the Mediaeval gem stones that adorned nobility to the gemstone-covered crowns and orbs that dressed Kings, Queens, and all the royalty in between, there has been a lineage of great jewellers that made this craft their very own art on these shores. As the 19th and 20th Centuries brought jewellery to wider society, these craftsmen and women built brands around their products that connected with the luxury lifestyles of customers. Let’s take a look at some of the finest UK jewellery brands that the 21st Century has to offer this great tradition.
Garrard
Garrard has been crafting some of the most iconic and exquisite jewellery the world has ever seen, since 1735. From Queen Mary’s consort crown to the infamous sapphire engagement ring given to Diana, Princess of Wales, Garrard has unmatched experience and history in the art of jewellery for this country. Founded by a master silversmith named George Wicks, he pioneered the concept of modern jewel craftsmanship that ultimately led to Garrard being appointed as the first Crown Jeweller in 1843.
In the modern world,Garrard is now synonymous with impeccable provenance and sustainability aligned with inspirational and female-empowering designs. Their bespoke service promises a collaborative journey to fashion the most spectacular objects possible that are imbued with your own influence and matched by world-class creative methods. Pieces from the Garrard couture collection are incredibly rare and exclusive with prices ranging from £18,500 cocktail rings to beautiful £340,00 necklaces.
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886 by The Royal Mint
The 886 Collection by the Royal Mint is where unrivalled history and heritage combine with innovation and luxury to create unforgettable jewellery pieces that could only be made in the UK. The Royal Mint has struck coins for British Monarchs for well over a thousand years and the 886 in the name is a tribute to the year this production began. The skills of the country’s Oldest Maker are infused into discreet and elegant chains, rings, pendants, and charms that are generational and wearable assets inspired by the symbolism of The Royal Mint as one of the oldest stores of wealth in all of history.
886 is also making a name for itself in pushing the boundaries of sustainability with collections such as the E-Waste Gold with jewellery made from discarded electronic elements and X-Ray Silver that uses elements reclaimed from NHS X-Ray files. The results are stunning with designs that remain clean and precise while holding incredible stories in their source materials.
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Liv Luttrell
Liv Luttrell blends her knowledge and experience of Gemmology with a passion for the ethereal wonders of abstract and sculpture to make some of the most interesting and arresting jewellery available today. There is a freedom of concept paired with a zen-like focus on materials and goldsmith production methods that inform every design and piece for this unmistakeable brand. The bespoke process offered by Liv Luttrell is arranged around emotional connections and moments in the client’s life that encourage individuality and expression.
The journey from commission to creation involves the use of maquettes, technical drawings, and hand-painted watercolour designs that slowly guide the collaborations and breathe life into every commission. Spear-tipped earrings in gold or white gold are accented with sustainably sourced Cadillac cut diamonds for a modern signature style that is chic and powerful. Jennifer Lawrence and Jourdan Dunn are both patrons of this blaze trailing brand.
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Minka Jewels
Minka Jewels has carved out a niche in the production of exquisite modern heirloom jewellery that takes inspiration from all over the world but remains identifiably London in its essence. Lucy Crowther created Minka after a stellar start to her career with time spent at the world famous Gem Palace in Jaipur and London’s Hatton Gardens. Minka collections take their cues from different locations to provide a unified theme present in each individual piece.
The Atlantis Collection connects to the treasures of a mythical sea with vibrant pearls and ocean-like diamonds sparkling amongst the rings, necklaces, and mermaid bracelets. The pursuit and understanding of sacred pathways and ancient places provide a connection for the Ley Lines Collection of bold diamond rings and pendants with rare, and responsibly sourced, tourmaline and diamond gemstones as remarkable centrepieces. Lucy is always happy to consider bespoke commissions too, with enviable access to precious stones for unique designs – a huge attraction for her clients.
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Jessie Thomas
Jessie Thomas is a Goldsmith and designer who learned her trade under the tutelage of her father, the celebrated Master Goldsmith, David Thomas. David’s work is currently on show in permanent collections at the V&A and The Goldsmiths Company, to give one an idea of the prestige involved. Their collaboration on this immaculate London brand is centred around an aesthetic of beautiful pieces, simply made, with the application of techniques that are rarely used elsewhere. Together, they design and hand-make every item from a London workshop with recycled gold, responsibly sourced stones, and conflict-free diamonds from Botswana. The technicality involved in Jessie Thomas pieces showcases craftsmanship that is often unseen in the modern jewellery industry. Subtlety and wearability are the key factors right across the entire collection of this beautiful brand.
From the creation of elegant earrings to beautiful bracelets, and royal rings, the UK is a crucible of emerging and historical jewellery brands that each deserve attention and celebration. Claiming your own perfect piece will make you a part of this age-old craft heritage.
