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By Heidi Quill , Faye Fearon and Jessie Atkinson
Jewellery is a failsafe gift that always elicits a great response. From Alice Made This to Tiffany & Co, here are the jewellery brands for women sure to sparkle, whatever the occasion
Gift-giving season can be tough… and so can jewellery shopping. Somehow, no matter where we are in the year, it feels as though a birthday, Christmas or Valentine’s Day is only ever just a couple of weeks away. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about what to buy the special lady in your life… and one of the smartest ways to go is with jewellery.
Oft-heralded as a failsafe gift for just about everyone, the truth is that jewellery shopping is no easy task. With distracting embellishments, a wide array of brands and more styles that one can even comprehend… the process can sometimes prove a little overwhelming to say the least.
So where to start? With a cue from GQ, of course. From award-winning independent ateliers to unique designs from luxury houses (and not forgetting those elegant offerings that won’t break the bank), here are ten of our favourite names in women’s jewellery right now – any gift from which is sure to impress…
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A favourite for those fashion-forward who work in womenswear, Mejuri’s everyday fine jewellery is the easiest way to elevate one's style game. Serving all kinds of 14kt yellow gold staples (from croissant dôme earrings and chain necklaces to square signet rings), each piece comes packaged in an elegant box and dust bag: making it a go-to source for the upcoming gifting season. Especially since there’s a holiday collection available too…
On Instagram, TikTok and just about everyone's jewellery wishlist: it seems that Missoma is everywhere right now. With a wide-ranging offering spanning everything from delicate gold rings set with freshwater pearls to the bohemian-inspired necklaces layered on top of one another, any piece from this edged-up yet elegant, influencer favourite is sure to produce smiles upon unwrapping. Oh, and Missoma also made Margot Robbie's jewellery for Barbie, just in case you weren't already sold.
It might not surprise you to hear that the precious material handled by the British brand Olivia & Pearl is pearls, but looking at these creations should certainly impress. These are ornaments grown with the intention of adorning necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, with traditional rounded beads as well as baroque pearls used in hyper-classic pieces. An accessible price point makes these delicate pieces a thoughtful, affordable gift for the woman who loves the classics.
As the delicate home of high-quality, celestial-themed designs, this is unlikely to be your first interaction with the Seoul-born brand, Astrid & Miyu. Founded as a home for unusual trinkets and treasured wearable arts, the label is underpinned by an ethos of inclusivity, empowerment and elegance.
Here to revolutionise your jewellery box, Astrid & Miyu utilises modern techniques – from welding to 3D printing – to bring an impactful, ultra-modern finish to daily ensembles.
Delivering on kaleidoscopic maximalism ever since its foundation in 1947, Emilio Pucci's eponymous label has graced some of the most discerning wardrobes in history, from Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Kennedy.
Straying from the designer's affinity for paisley and swirling prints, however, the brand's jewellery collections are underpinned by metallic-made aquatic motifs in a continued reference to the brand's fame for a bold sense of fluidity and movement.
Laden with royal themes and celestial motifs, Thomas Sabo has a crown for every queen. Made to be innovative and expressive, the label ranges from classic layering pieces to dramatic, edgy designs. With stars, skulls and crucifixes placed alongside dainty diamond embellishments and the infamous love knot motif, Thomas Sabo is about capturing the essence of a person or emotion and distilling it into a pendant, ring or bracelet as a piece of wearable art. Thomas Sabo gives you the ability to communicate exactly what you’re feeling with a gift.
Sure, Tiffany & Co is every woman’s dream for an engagement ring (we get it), but the heralded house shouldn’t just be praised for its designs that seal the deal. Because, in fact, it’s also a go-to port of call for all things classic, whether you want a casual link bracelet for her to wear during the day, a sophisticated pendant to complete her evening attire or a stainless-steel watch that she can rely on day in, day out. It may be an obvious jewellery brand of choice, but it’s an absolute failsafe, because as soon as she sees that little aquamarine box and its contents, she’ll fall in love with you all over again.
Searching for a sophisticated jewellery gift which won’t break the bank? & Other Stories has got you covered. The high street store’s revolving range of accessories always tick the box for effective simplicity, often crafted from recycled brass and recycled sterling silver. With Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect avenue for stylish stocking fillers; particularly, its collection of rings, wavy hoop earrings and layered pearl pendant necklace. Easy wins.
Those who used to peer in the windows of Swarovski's shops without going in could be forgiven for thinking that this is a brand all about swan ornaments. A conflict-free but dazzling alternative to diamonds, Swarovski's handling of crystals is world-renowned. Both simple and more experimental designs are abundant, but it's the chic, clean lines of its tennis bracelets that deserve a standing ovation.
Known for its heady combination of 1980s style references, Hollywood glamour, and whimsical motifs, Alessandro Michele's Gucci is nothing short of an icon in the modern fashion realm. The house's jewellery selection is laden with antique-effect gold and vibrant embellishments arranged in geometric designs, all of which have been heavily influenced by the label's own archival works.
Searching for some women’s jewellery which retains style without breaking the bank? We suggest a trip to Arket: our go-to high-street destination for well-crafted, seasonless staples. In the jewellery collection, all designs tick the box for sophisticated simplicity, whether this be through the hammered texture hoops, chained bracelets or pearl-detailed bracelets.
Designing to celebrate women and inspire them with confidence, Monica Vinader creates jewellery that doesn't define itself via expense or exclusivity, but by its focus on quality. Empowering women with recycled gold vermeil, sterling silver and ethically sourced natural gemstones, the brand prides itself on the creation of art, not just jewellery. With innovation and integrity at the heart of each design, you can expect simplicity and luxury from Monica Vinader, with delicate, elegant pieces. Standing out this season are the label's earrings: set with naturally occurring gems in strong but effeminate shapes, these pieces are made to elevate her everyday and bring a touch of Vinader's signature magic into her wardrobe.
After growing up around her father, a skilled artisan with his own artistic endeavours, Gigi Clozeau created her own label after pondering fond memories of playing in her father’s Parisian studio as a child. The Gigi Clozeau style is a distinctive one that chimes with nearly every aesthetic and taste; characterised by their resin beads and 18-carat gold chains, Clozeau’s pieces are delicate and effeminate with a modernised edge. Sometimes detailed with small gold motifs or diamond embellishments, the lucky recipient of a Gigi Clozeau will not be asking for a gift receipt.
Serge DeNimes is the trend-centric brand that's revolutionising the landscape of affordable jewellery. Founded on the belief that budget-friendly accessories shouldn't mean compromising on style (and shouldn't be turning your fingers green), the brand creates and designs distinctive pieces crafted from sterling silver. Building on its legacy, Serge DeNimes' latest offering, The Tudor Collection, is a hymn to Renaissance craftsmanship, where construction was sacred rather than accelerated. An ode to hallmarking law, these are modern-day heirlooms, detailed throughout with sharp, anachronistic motifs that subtly (and not-so-subtly) reference the Tudor period. The brand that unites maximalists and minimalists alike, Serge DeNimes is never to be overlooked come gift-giving seasons.
For women whose style centres on sharp minimalism, Jil Sander’s jewellery line is a failsafe source for decoration. Innovative in design thanks to the brand’s frequent experimentation with shape, texture and detail, the brand’s gold and silver-toned pieces are an essential addition to her everyday look. If she’s stuck on a place to start, allow us to point you in the direction of the drop hoop earrings: an effortless style with a classic polished finish.
Wallflowers, look away. Brimming with an experimental, maximalist spirit, fine jewellery label Jupiter produces colourful and head-turning pieces laden with a whimsical, childlike spirit. Creating with a focus on ethical design, Jupiter crafts its pieces using precious stones and enamel-coated metal in '90s-inspired colours and bulbous constructions, evoking all the joyful creativity of sensory development.
In the market for an elegant piece of jewellery that won’t break the bank? Cos is the way to go. Sure, it’s not a luxury brand, but the jewellery suggests otherwise because it’s consistently elegant, eye-catching and right in line with the ethereal minimalism that’s taken the jewellery world by storm of late. The standout, for us, has to be the earring collection, because every piece is brilliantly sculpted – whether it be a dangly, ceramic-inspired set, recycled polyester hoops or general texture, shape and undeniable style. What’s not to love?
Specialising in everyday treasures, Maria Tash is the New York-based label that makes high-quality pieces for daily style moves. Our pick of the bunch goes to this subtle 14kt rose-gold hoop and its delicate turquoise studding.
Once a men's shirts specialist, now the reputable outfitter of all manner of contemporary ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories, Ted Baker designs with an unswerving focus on quality and sharp, but subtle luxury.
Ted Baker's sleek line of women's jewellery balances more traditionally glamorous elements with a more atypical, edged-up structural style in a wide-reaching and varied collection that can appeal to just about any and every jewellery aesthetic out there.
Ethereal, poetic and dreamy, Sophie Bille Brahe is a fine jeweller for whom sensuality and Scandinavian design go hand in ring-bejewelled-hand. Constructing its collections of necklaces, earrings and bracelets from a nostalgic blend of yellow gold and South Sea pearls, Sophie Bille Brahe's designs embody a very classic interpretation of glamour and femininity. Put simply, you can't put a foot wrong.
If she’s on the lookout for the most luxury jewellery of all, few brands can compare to Bulgari. The Greek-Italian house has been serving the most exquisite styles since 1884, and for the summer season ahead, this translates to the “Mediterranea” collection. Served across sapphire necklaces in an abundance of shapes – from oriental buds to baroque motifs – these pieces are the smartest investment to seal her silhouette with pure beauty.
If she’s really into fashion, she’ll secretly be craving a piece of jewellery from Alighieri. Since its inception in 2014, the London-based brand has risen to become a firm favourite among the world’s most elegant women. So much so that its founder, Rosh Mahtani, won the acclaimed Queen Elizabeth II Award last year. All designs are influenced by Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy”, which translates to an understated range of medallion necklaces, pearl earrings and sacred rings beautifully plated in a signature 24ct gold. Any item will leave her in awe.
Few high fashion brands are as classic as Saint Laurent, so if a piece of the French house’s jewellery rests above your giftee's ensemble, their style points will be instantly lifted. For first-time shoppers, we suggest starting with a logo-framed design: whether it be a gold charm bracelet, threader earrings or a statement broach. All are simple but, rest assured, promise to put them in the most fashionable standing.
New York-based brand Khaite is a go-to port of call for fashion-conscious women thanks to its timeless designs and exceptional quality: two traits which extend to its jewellery collection. Across a refined series of chokers, earrings necklaces and bracelets, you’ll find only the most sophisticated motifs – from minimalist panelling across the Julius earrings (available in both silver and gold-plated brass) to Art Deco spinels across the pendant necklace (created in collaboration with Danish brand Elhanati).
If you want to gift her with truly luxury jewellery, there’s only one place to go: Cartier. Savoir-faire is spoken in every detail of this iconic luxury French house, whether it be through classic bracelet offerings such as the “Love” and “ Juste un Clou” collections or the “Panthere de Cartier” designs, which elevate jewellery to its highest form. Our ultimate recommendation, though, if you really want to go to town, comes from the watch department: the Cartier Tank (AKA the symbol of modern elegance).
If its smile-inducing phonetic spelling wasn't enough to pique your interest, Joolz By Martha Calvo's colourful collections will surely do the rest. Having begun designing as an infant, Calvo's creations carry with them a childlike glee, where necklaces are punctuated with pearls painted with smiling emojis, rainbows, and doodled flowers. Sure to evoke the same kind of nostalgic joy in any giftee, you can't go wrong with jewels (or Joolz).
Described by its founders as “one long art project”, the David Yurman brand has been pushing the boundaries for expressive jewellery since 1980. Infusing depth and beauty into each design, she can rest assured that the addition of any Yurnam piece will elevate her style standing to a point of pure grace. For the current Spring season, turn your attention to the Carlyle collection.
Christmas Jewelry Sets A firm favourite of Harry Styles (who could forget those chunky Marge-Simpson-style beaded necklaces?), Éliou was founded by best friend duo Cristina Mantilla and Duda Teixeira with the dream of making ‘statement jewellery for the everyday’. Inspired by the treasures of the natural world, Éliou's offers a wide selection of colourful beaded goodness punctuated by pearls and painted motifs.