British jewellery has a rich heritage of goldsmithing with numerous jewellery districts dotted around the UK. It’s not surprising that many UK jewellery brands go on to become international successes. Here, we’ve put together a list of our favourite top 12 British jewellery brands.
If you’re looking for more affordable jewellery, check out our article on the best affordable jewellery brands in the UK.
Although there are many designers and brands out there, we looked at their creative philosophies, heritage, materials, prices and what makes them unique. So, in no particular order our top 12 UK jewellery brands are:
1. Taylor & Hart
Previously known as Rare Pink, Taylor & Hart rebranded in 2016 and established themselves as one of the top jewellery brands in the UK. They’re known for their high-quality bespoke jewellery services, specialising in engagement and wedding rings but also offering a high-quality range of fine jewellery pieces. They ‘tailor’ their services to create pieces with ‘heart’ in a quintessentially British fashion.
Taylor & Hart’s ethos is to create meaningful jewellery that tells a story. In line with this, their jewellery takes inspiration from the stories of their customers, making each bespoke piece truly unique and personal. Every ring that they create is finished with a tiny ruby set into the inner edge of the band – a tangible symbol that of their brand.
Although they’re based in London, Taylor & Hart has a strong online presence and have also expanded into the US, with a storefront in New York.
Customer Reviews:
“Taylor and Hart were exceptional. Mark designed and created both my Fiancé’s engagement ring and a matching wedding ring. Both rings were very personal and bespoke and we are very happy with how they turned out and the level of service that Taylor and Harte have provided.”
“My experience with Taylor & Hart has been absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Aurélie brought us up to speed on everything we needed to know, and went above and beyond to ensure the ring was delivered on time and the diamond was up to their high standards. The communication was perfect from start to finish.”
2. Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader is a British luxury jewellery brand that celebrates individuality. She was one of the first designers to create demi fine jewellery that sat between fashion and fine jewellery. Her iconic Fiji friendship bracelets are what catapulted her brand to fame when a window dresser at Liberty of London displayed these stunning bracelets on a roll of fabric. Her love of colour and gorgeous gemstones make her jewellery easy to recognise.
Although her starting prices are affordable, the jewellery will last a long time, as her pieces are made from sterling silver and gold vermeil. The jewellery style is contemporary and designed to be stacked and personalised with your own engravings. Monica Vinader jewellery is a favourite of celebrities including Olivia Palermo, Emma Watson and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Customer Reviews:
“My experience with Monica Vinader has been great from the start. It was really easy to order, they had what I wanted in stock and delivery was very quick. I would recommend!”
“The third time I have ordered gifts from from Monica Vinader. I know from experience that the jewellery is well made wears well. My go to place for special occasions.”
3. Missoma
Missoma Jewellery is a British designer jewellery brand that creates the perfect everyday pieces. Marisa Hordern, the founder and Creative Director, who started collecting gemstones when she was 5 years old, still travels to India to source the gemstones which are the inspiration behind most of her collections. Their jewellery is delicate yet distinctive and combines semi-precious gemstones set in 18ct gold vermeil. The result is jewellery that is refined but come with a playfulness.
Unusual facets and special cuts have become a core part of Missoma jewellery. Although their jewellery is not custom or bespoke, the versatility and interchangeable pendants let the wearer create their own pieces that are a unique expression of their style. We especially love the Meaningful Gemstone collection and the Lucy Williams Roman Coin collaboration.
Customer Reviews:
“I often shop with Missoma for myself and when buying gifts that are always well received. Recently the brand replaced some pieces of jewellery that had broken swiftly & professionally. Highly recommended.”
“Very easy to order, delivery was really quick and all the packaging is lovely. The ring itself is beautiful, my second from Missoma and I’ll definitely be getting more.”
4. Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is a London based luxury jewellery brand with cutting-edge designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Stephen started his jewellery journey in London’s Hatton Garden where he began an apprenticeship at the age of 16 and learned traditional goldsmithing.
His jewellery takes inspiration from music, fashion, literature and art to produce contemporary, bold and glamorous collections. His attention to detail has created jewellery that’s memorable. His latest collection Fish Tails beautifully mixes initial pendants with a sea creature sharing the same initial such as J for Jellyfish and C for Crab.
Customer Reviews:
“Amazing unique design.”
“Great service and brilliant staff Faritza was brilliant very helpful.”
5. Alex Monroe
Alex Monroe’s jewellery is synonymous with British style as his pieces are delicate, quirky and feminine. Alex launched his first collection in 1987 and is now based in the wilds of Suffolk, in the south of England, where each piece of jewellery is handmade by Alex and his team.
A childhood spent in the countryside has meant that nature has always been a strong muse for Alex. His collections are inspired by animals and plants as well as travel. (Be sure to check out his iconic bee pendants and the bird life collection). His jewellery style has become easily recognisable with his mix of rustic stylisation and fine materials. His collaborations also speak volumes about the style and look of his jewellery, such as his corgis and carriages collaboration with Buckingham Palace or the teacups and candelabras for his Beauty and the Beast collaboration.
Customer Reviews:
“Promised myself this necklace when I got the job. Got the job. Necklace out of stock. The social media customer service team tracked it down at one of their boutiques. Richard arranged it for me and Alic sent it within 24 hours with this note. Thank you SO much team Alex Monroe, Customer service at its finest.”
“I love this place! Both the boutique and the online service has always been exceptional. The staff are friendly and I am really surprised to read that they’ve been anything else. I have many pieces from AM and love them all. I’m always complimented on my jewellery if I am wearing AM. Keep up the good work!”
6. Boodles
Boodles jewellery has had a very different beginning to most jewellery brands. No other fine jewellery brand started their story in Liverpool or has been directed by the same family for over two hundred years.
The unique position in the world and history meant that Boodles was operating during the British empire right with the shipping docks of Liverpool on its doorstep. Boodles went on to make commissions for several members of the royal family including a solid silver cake stand for the wedding cake of Elizabeth II.
Boodles fine jewellery features diamonds and pearls as well as other precious stones. Their craftsmen are continually exploring technical boundaries with hidden details, asymmetric design, elegant settings and immense precision.
Customer Reviews:
“A family owned company of many generations with wonderful customer service. Emma and Andy have been exceptional: approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. The Boodles’ reputation for the finest products backed up by great customer service is well earned. A company you can trust. Thank you!”
“If you are thinking of picking out an engagement ring in Liverpool, this is should be your first stop. Even if you’re not quite ready to take that particular plunge yet the staff are welcoming and happy to discuss with you what might be best purchase for yourself or loved one.”
7. Tatty Devine
Tatty Devine was started in 1999 by founders Harriet and Rosie; they soon gained a massive cult following with fans they still have almost 20 years later. Tatty Devine jewellery is original and fun statement piece made from Perspex. We love that each piece is handmade but at such affordable prices.
Fan favourites include their gorgeous giant lobster necklace and their iconic name necklaces. All their jewellery is made by hand in their Bricklane workshop, or if you fancy making one of their necklaces they have lots of workshops and events where you can do this.
Alongside their classic pieces, they have also worked on many collaborations with artists, designers and charitable institutions. Their most recent one celebrates 100 years of Women’s Voting rights in the UK.
Customer Reviews:
“Love Tatty Devine, such innovative designs. Everything about the brand is top quality, they understand their fan base and engage brilliantly with them. Great quality jewellery, items always sent quickly and customer services is top quality too. Always a pleasure to buy from Tatty Devine.”
“A great brand, lovely and quirky jewellery. Always delivered quickly and I also love their homewares and luggage. It’s great to support such an original British brand and a treat to wear and own their gorgeous well made items too. Have bought many times before and will buy many times again. Thank you Tatty Devine I am a fan.”
8. Pandora
Although Pandora is a Danish brand, it is one of the most prevalent jewellery brands in the UK. The brand was founded in 1982 but didn’t open the first store in the UK until 2005. The iconic charm bracelets took the UK by storm and soon most women were wearing the famous snake chain bracelets with the beautifully named “Moments” charms.
Pandora’s ethos has been to give women the chance to be creative with their own self-expression of jewellery through Pandora jewellery. The Moment’s charms are to tell the individual stories of the wearer and create a personal collection of charms that make a unique bracelet.
Customer Reviews:
“I had a great experience buying from Pandora. The website was easy to navigate and place an order. I received emails advising of dispatch and the delivery date. My order arrived very quickly and was well packaged. Great company and I would happily buy from them again.”
“Pandora is a beautiful shop and website with stunning products, I’ve bought many things from Pandora now and never disappointed . Super speedy delivery also and well packed too.”
9. Swarovski
Swarovski is another brand that started its roots in Europe but has become one of the most popular brands in the UK. Initially founded in Austria and famous for their Swarovski Crystal figurines later they would capture the jewellery market with “Diamonds for All” offering affordable crystal jewellery in beautiful classic designs.
Some of the most famous pieces include the Nirvana ring and the Slake bracelet. Today the famous model Karlie Kloss is the global brand ambassador for Swarovski, as the modern woman representing the essence and spirit of the Swarovski brand.
Customer Reviews:
“I’ve ordered from Swarovski for years. One of my Xmas figures broke over Xmas and customer service were helpful. Repaired in a few weeks and ready in store to collect.”
“I recently bought this beautiful necklace with a clover design, and I absolutely love it, I saw how low the review rating of Swarovski is and I felt so bad, I want to spread the fact that they make excellent jewelry and that I appreciate every single thing I have bought from them!”
10. Astley Clarke
Founded in 2007, Astley Clarke jewellery was initially an online jewellery boutique, but their creations were so popular that they reopened as their own brand. Quality fine jewellery for the modern woman is the core philosophy of the brand’s identity.
Symbology and colour have played an essential part of the brands look. We love their striking biography bracelets which come in a multitude of colours with symbol charms and colourful gemstones. Their gorgeous store is tucked in a cobbled street in London’s Paddington area and worth the visit if you’re strolling through the neighbourhood.
Customer Reviews:
“Astley Clarke customer services have been amazing. Both Claudia and Emma were incredibly helpful and obliging. I can’t rate them both highly enough and would highly recommend them and Astley Clarke itself. Absolutely love the beautiful jewellery and I look forward to adding more of their pieces to my collection.”
“Outstanding customer service from the lovely Claudia. I cannot thank her & Astley Clarke enough for looking after me with my recent issue. I love all the products especially the Biography Bracelets and wish I had more hands to wear all of them on. Thank you again for sorting me out.”
11. Great Frog
Great Frog is another British jewellery brand with a long heritage. In fact, they have been handmaking their jewellery in Soho, London since 1972.
Their jewellery has a real rock and roll style, with large chunky silver and steel rings with skull motifs. They have always offered a cool alternative to mainstream jewellery catering to the emerging subcultures of heavy metal, rock ‘n’ roll, rockers, punks and bikers.
Every piece, no matter where it’s sold, is made in the same workshop they opened in 1972. We recommend having a look through the long list of previous clients they had which include The Rolling Stones, Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid.
Customer Reviews:
“Amazing shop and amazing staff who a super helpfull with all your needs. Got a ring there that was sized perfectly and would highly recommend to anyone who needs a badass ring.”
“Superb Support from the Staff, really helpful on the phone and via Email. Gaby did everything to help me chose a christmas present and thanks to super fast handling and shipping it reached me in time!”
12. Shaun Leane
Shaun Leane jewellery was born at the bench in London’s renowned jewellery district, Hatton Garden. Since the age of 15, Shaun Leane apprenticed in the most beautiful techniques of traditional craftsmanship. Later he would go on to collaborate with long-term friend Alexander McQueen and launch his own jewellery collection in 1999.
His jewellery mixes a beautiful blend of technical expertise and classic artistry. The result is refined edgy pieces that are still feminine and distinct, such as the quill collection which was designed by Shaun Leane by casting the quills of an African porcupine into silver. The simple elegance in his work means that many pieces are unisex, and we especially love his classic tusk earrings and the feminine cherry blossom collection.
Customer Reviews:
“Was looking for a birthday present for my girlfriend and a friend told me really good things about Shaun Leane, so I bought a pair of the Hook earrings for her last week. She absolutely loves them! She’s worn them every day since. Super quick delivery as well. Great range. Highly recommend.”
“Love my Shaun Leane jewellery! Have treated myself to earrings, a necklace and bracelet over the last two years and I often get compliments on the quirky design. Service has always been fantastic with quick delivery. Highly recommend!”
Wrapping Up
London is fashion capital and the UK has been the birthplace of many excellent jewellery brands. From great quality and craftsmanship to excellent customer service, these brands are sure to have what you need. Did your favourite brand make it into our list?
