15 affordable jewellery brands, from royal-approved Missoma to tarnish free Abbot Lyon
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Despite having access to some of the world's most expensive - and in some cases priceless - baubles, the Duchess of Cambridge regularly opts for more affordable (but still high quality) jewellery options for red carpet events.
Take the glamorous Chandelier Hoop Earrings Missoma earrings she wore to the 2021 Royal Variety Performance, which, at £125, aren't beyond the realms of affordability if you want to invest a little more for a special occasion.
Or, the very popular Rhodochrosite Gold Mini Pyramid Charm Hoop Earrings, also by Missoma, which she donned in 2020 and continue to sell out thanks to their very affordable £85 price tag.
But that's not the only brand out there offering affordable but luxurious, demi-fine jewellery that might not become a priceless heirloom but are still keep-forever designs that'll last you a lifetime.
And there is also a raft of brands like Abbot Lyon emerging that specialise in beautiful, luxe-looking but hard-wearing, tarnish-free jewellery too (usually made using stainless steel as a base material because it lasts forever, won't tarnish, rust or turn your skin green). That means you can wear your jewellery in the shower, in the pool or sea, even to the gym - without the risk of ruining it.
Whether you're looking for a little gift-to-self, something to wear to a wedding or for a special occasion, or even a gift for a friend or partner, you should have these 15 brands on your radar.
And if you're in need of inspiration we've included some of their bestselling pieces. (Don't forget, a lot of brands will give a discount to new customers for full-price items if you sign up to their emails.)
Best affordable jewellery brands in the UK 2022
Missoma | Shop here
Bestseller: Rhodochrosite Gold Mini Pyramid Charm Hoop Earrings | £85
Another brand beloved by Kate and Meghan (as well as Gigi Hadid, Billie Eilish and Julia Roberts), Missoma describes itself as one of the first ever demi-fine jewellery brands. Based in London's Notting Hill, the brand's main lines carry 50% recycled sterling silver, silver-plated, gold vermeil and gold plated pieces – as well as semi-precious gemstones. There is also the Missoma Fine collection, which is made from 14ct solid gold, with recycled gold elements.
Missoma carbon offset deliveries and all packaging is recyclable. The brand is also a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), which encourages brands to do better for workers and the environment. Its diamonds are sourced through a supplier that’s also a member of the RJC and they adhere to the Kimberley Process and The World Diamond Council System of Warranties which help ensure they are conflict-free.
Monica Vinader | Shop here
Bestseller: Gold Vermeil Deia Beaded Pendant and Triple Beaded Choker Set | £105
Loved by royals and celebs alike, Monica Vinader's pieces can regularly be spotted on the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Beatrice, Daisy Edgar Jones and Emily Ratajowski — even Gareth Southgate has one of the brand's £100 Linear Men's Friendship bracelets.
Spanish born Vinader's pieces are all made from recycled gold vermeil, recycled sterling silver and sustainably sourced natural gemstones, diamonds and pearls. All their deliveries and returns are carbon-neutral, and the packaging is all fully FSC certified.
Rachel Jackson London | Shop here
Bestseller: Art Deco Initial Necklace | £55 (Also available at John Lewis & Partners)
Another celeb-favourite, Rachel Jackson London's minimal and art deco inspired pieces have been worn by Kylie Jenner, Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Nicole Scherzinger, Fearne Cotton and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
The brand is transitioning to using both Fairmined and recycled gold and silver, and has swapped out mined diamonds for conflict-free lab-grown cultured diamonds. All gemstones are bought from partners who are RJC certified and all gift boxes and outer-packaging are sustainably sourced, plastic free and recyclable.
Tilly Sveaas | Shop here
Bestseller: Small Gold T-Bar Belcher Chain | £100
Based in London, Tilly Sveaas creates classic-but-cool (with a slight rock chic edge) jewellery for women and men that are meant to last a lifetime, not a season. And her designs have garnered a cult following, with her T-bar chains, bracelets and earrings gaining iconic status amongst customers and influencers.
Sustainability is key - it's a licensed Fairmined brand. Not only is solid, sterling silver 925 stamped and used in her jewellery, but the gold plating is done by UK-certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. Each piece comes with a promised anti-tarnish seal from an Italian REACH* certified manufacturer. Additionally, the brand is part of the Project Earth initiative from Selfridges furthering the transparency between the consumer and producer.
The packaging is sustainable, too, and utilises sustainably managed paper from 100% recycled materials.
Abbot Lyon | Shop here
Bestseller: Custom Name Bracelet (Silver) | £65
This UK-based brand only started five years ago but is now a global sensation. Everything is designed by them in-house and there's so much to choose from - from cute nameplate necklaces to chunky curb chain heart chokers or more delicate pieces - even watches and handbags. With the huge amount of choice, you're likely to find something that'll make a great gift to self or someone else. Lots of their pieces can be personalised too.
All jewellery is made with 60% stainless steel; 80% recycled brass or over 90% recycled sterling silver. And the stones they use are cubic zirconia which has less of an environmental impact compared to mined stones.
Astrid and Miyu | Shop here
Bestseller: Wave Stacking Set | £89
Best known for gorgeous earring stacks (and piercing services), the brand has branched out into necklaces, rings and bracelets as well, and specialises in pretty, contemporary and feminine designs that look way more expensive than they are. FYI: the fine bracelets that they permanently 'weld' around your wrist in-store are causing a sensation on social media at the moment.
Astrid and Miyu also offers a sterling silver jewellery recycling scheme - and accepts pieces from other brands too. You'll get 1000 loyalty points if you do this (which is equivalent to £10) to spend instore or online. The money raised from doing this goes to The Felix Project (which saves surplus food from suppliers and redistributes it to charities).
Menjuri | Shop here
Bestseller: Bold Pearl Drop Earrings | £68
Menjuri's jewellery is inspired by sleek, modern sculptural patterns and is designed to withstand everyday wear, so you can sweat and sleep in your pieces. Founded by third-generation jeweller, Noura Sakkijha, the jewellery is made from recycled gold and 18k gold vermeil, ethically sourced diamonds and AAA-grade gemstones.
Blacksmith London | Shop here
Bestseller: 18k Gold Cage Ring | £24.99
You can feel extra happy about your purchase from this unisex jewellery brand as 5% of every sale goes to support mental health charity YoungMinds. Choose from chunky Cuban link chains and bracelets, more delicate rope chains, and the statement cage ring pictured above. The brand uses stainless steel as the base material for all the jewellery so it's all designed to last a lifetime
About November | Shop here
Bestseller: Fig Wave Hoop | £16
Hoop earrings are at the centre of About November's sterling-silver and 18ct gold plate collection, which also includes a series of limited-edition necklaces, rings and ear cuffs with clean contemporary designs. The small North Yorkshire based jewellery brand ensures its pieces are made with high-quality finishes and fastenings to give them longevity.
Daphine | Shop here
Bestseller: Oli Ring | £50 (was £65) (Also available at Selfridges)
With a focus on simple, uncomplicated, timeless designs intended to be treated as "little luxuries that could be reached for again and again", Daphine was founded in London in 2018 by friends Damasia Ball and Philippine de Follin.
Every piece is handmade in Jaipur, with 18ct gold laid over RJC certified recycled brass. All packaging is made from recycled materials, totally plastic-free and fully recyclable.
Yala | Shop here
Bestseller: Zero Waste Brass Pendant | £35
Yala was founded by Bristol-based Audrey Migot-Adholla, who works with more than 150 artisans in Kenya to create small batch collections of ethical jewellery for "the modern woman", with as little environmental impact as possible.
Named after the town in Kenya where Migot-Adholla's late grandmother lived, the brand's goal is to "challenge the common misconceptions about Africa and its people through beautiful design, entrepreneurship and creative talent".
The Zero Waste Brass Pendant pictured above is made from small pieces of brass that are left over in the production of other necklaces and earrings. Migot-Adholla's team rescue these pieces and transform them into smooth, bean-shaped pendants, which are then hung from a 14k gold chain made using recycled gold.
Oma The Label | Shop here
Bestseller: 18ct gold-plated brass and crystal bracelet | £62 at Selfridges
With bold designs inspired by a blend of Scandinavian and African influences, Oma The Label's gold-plated pieces are constructed with longevity in mind. New York-based fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe founded the brand in 2018 to counter a lack of people of colour representation within the fashion industry. She sought to provide high-quality fashion pieces while also diversifying the imagery that has dominated modern fashion.
Hoops and Chains LDN | Shop here
Bestseller: 90s Mix Tape Pendant Chain | £30
A relatively new, small, London-based business, it gained fame for its swear word jewellery - think necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.
It's not all curse words though - you'll find lots of witty pieces like 'Be Nice' smiley face chains, disco pill necklaces, and some classic and statement hoop earrings too.
And you can wear your Hoops and Chains jewellery anywhere - pool, beach, gym, sea - as it's tarnish resistant and made from the highest quality 316L stainless steel with 18k gold PVD vacuum plating. It's unlikely to cause skin allergies either.
All of their packaging is sustainably sourced and recyclable. And stainless steel is 100% recyclable - plus 60-70% of it comes from recycled materials anyway.
Misho | Shop here
Bestseller: Mini Interrupted Hoops | £111
Misho’s jewellery has been worn by Adele, Beyonce and Rihanna. The collection is characterised by clean lines, architectural forms and simplified geometric shapes, inspired by creative director Suhani Parekh's background studying Fine Art and Art History at Goldsmiths University in London. There is also a collection of pendents, bracelets and rings designed for men, as well as earrings specifically designed to be worn with ear pods.
Tutti & Co | Shop here
Bestseller: Surface Necklace, Gold | £38 (Also available at John Lewis & Partners)
Inspired by the natural surroundings of the North East Coastline, as well as director Kate Rose's travels around the globe, Tutti & Co's pieces are designed to add a touch of understated glamour to any outfit. The brand is committed to ethical working conditions and its silver and gold-plated handmade jewellery are delivered in recycled and recyclable packaging.
