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Oct 29, 2024

4 Elegant Pieces of Jewellery That Goes With Everything, According to a Fashion Editor | Who What Wear

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Like a moth to a flame or a magpie to objects of the sheeny variety, I find myself drawn to

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Like a moth to a flame or a magpie to objects of the sheeny variety, I find myself drawn to jewellery and over the past three decades I've (unintentionally) become a collector of earrings. You could say it was written in the stars, as my mother has a particular penchant for shiny things. Come rain or shine, in sickness and in health (honestly, I've spent most of my worst health days with earrings in tow, to the point it's become humourous), you'll find me clad in jewels, like armour, to put the world to rights. Although jewellery has metamorphosed of late—with statement and joyous shapes, there's always a place for timeless shapes, which constitutes the majority of a jewellery capsule.

My personal collection includes a green quartz ring courtesy of Daniella Draper, a welded solid gold bracelet by firm favourite, Astrid and Miyu, Portuguese jewellery brand Cinco's diamond huggies and I'm very rarely without Bevza's grain-inspired drop earrings (I told you, I come fully sheathed in shimmer).

Knowing where to start can be quite the endeavour, so I've taken to my archive with a fine tooth-comb, to bring you wearable jewels from my favourite jewellery brands, with wearability, quality and versatility, at the forefront. Resulting in a capsule jewellery edit, including rings, bracelets, necklaces and, of course, earrings. Continue reading to discover some of my favourite retailers for jewellery, complete with many tried and tested personal favourites. Whether you're purchasing jewellery for yourself or a loved one over the festive period, you've come to the right place; I can guarantee you these jewellery pieces go with everything.

Style Notes: Earrings are my kryptonite and there's no rhyme or reason to my personal collection. Comprising overstated jewels of the '80s, to barely-there huggies encrusted in diamonds, my jewellery box is a smorgasboard of designs and features a myriad of independent designers whose work I admire. I'm particularly drawn to a drop stud and pendant huggies as I feel they offset most looks.

I recommend Monica Vinader to anyone starting to invest in their jewellery capsule. It offers attainable pricepoints and timeless design, though some of its styles are noticably more trend-forward, nowadays! I've owned the siren drop earrings for the best part of a decade and it still looks as good as new.

Maria Tash is one of the leading destinations for fine jewellery and its also reknown for its piercings studio. These diamond huggies make the perfect addition to an earring stack and you needn't remove them.

Oversized drop studs were spearheaded on fashion runways in 2022. Edge of Ember's iteration is equally as stunning as the original designs, albeit more wearable for every day. Overstated jewels are ever so prevalent I don't anticipate our adoration of the style changing anytime soon.

Ukrainian label Bevza is renown for directional jewels and upon receiving the Spikelet earings I had no idea how much wear I would squeeze out of this design. I wear them so much that my partner comments when I'm without them. Comprising a free-flowing design inspired by the wheat crop (which loans it a country style nonchalance) and short drop, I can attest to the wearability factor.

Style Notes: Chains are perhaps my least worn jewellery piece but one I appreciate nonetheless. Whether layered or worn alone, they can elevate an outfit to no end. For everyday wear, opt for a fine chain pendant necklace. Removable or otherwise. The benefit of removable pendants, however, is the opportunity to wear the chain alone on occasion. It's a two-in-one style hack that will see you through myriad dress codes, from formal to informal.

The milky pearl accent on this interlinking chain is a mighty juxtaposition. You're also invited to customise elements of this Abbott Lyon design by adding an extended chain, or additional layering chain if you wish to opt for the stacking effect.

I have it on good authority that the birthstone necklace is one of Kitty Joyas' most popular designs and it's no wonder why. The angular link chair with the addition of the sizable calligraphy pendent, birthstone and the brand's wholesome ethos equals a truly sentimental piece of jewellery.

I've accumulated a few treasures courtesy of Heavenly London and its jewellery is nothing short of excellence. From art-deco drop studs to diamond pendants, you'll find a host of refined and timeless pieces on site.

I'm not the biggest chain wearer but if anything could entice me to wearing a necklace everyday it's this adorable necklace by another firm favourite, Otiumberg. Conceived by the Wollenberg sisters in 2016, the brand aims to marry simplistic design with quality, to be adorned by people of all ages and walks of life.

Style Notes: Once an unsung hero, bracelets are becoming increasingly popular with the welded variety gaining traction of late. What's not to like about a peek through shimmer gracing your wrists — which can be particularly discreet if your corporate uniform calls for a modest dress code.

I recommend Astrid and Miyu's solid gold welded bracelets to everyone I know. I had mine fixed last year to mark a new chapter in Paris. The brand had a residency in Paris, so it felt fitting. Although I was slightly sceptical about the concept of a forever bracelet, I needn't have worried as it's become like second skin. Attached is my birthstone (you'll note a theme in the ring segment), an additional sentimental aspect. This bracelet is one of Astrid and Miyu's solid gold designs, which you can purchase as a reattachable bracelet. I'm so impressed by the quality. It'll make a fine gift for a lover of jewellery. Whether that's yourself or otherwise.

Head to independent designers for directional designs, case in point with Grove & Vae's Verona bracelet. The design comprises hammered elements with jaunty polished gold links. Each piece is expertly curated and designed in the brand's London studio.

The ultimate layering piece, Missoma's round tennis bracelets is one of its latest designs. Opulent, vintage-inspired, yet wearable for the every day, the brand has mastered the marrying of statement and refined in one piece.

In the words of Astley Clarke "we stand for Design, Integrity and Joy in Jewellery", which shines through the brand's design and ethos. Specialising in demi-fine and fine jewellery, with the use of recycled metals, quality is guaranteed and the sleek designs are equally notable. This fine band, for example, is decorated with lab grown diamonds.

Style Notes: Finger bands may be used to chronical relationship status but I believe rings are a declaration of love both inward too, and therefore hugely champion the celebration of rings irrespective of nuptials. It's a quiet accessory that speaks volumes and where investment will pay dividends. A quality ring will be with you and on you for a lifetime.

Founded in 2015, Mejuri sought to reshape public opinion about fine jewellery, thus, making it more accesible to the wider market. When thinking of wearability and minimalist jewels, it's one of the first brands to come to mind. Its barely there designs are conceptual, typically dainty and with quality at the forefront, you're investment is bound to pay dividends.

Another independent brand to have on your radar (and one I wear close to my heart) is esteemed British label, Daniella Draper. My pick from its fine offerings— the Green Quartz treasure ring. Treasured by me, this ring has barely left my finger since I initially acquired it. In the event I get married, I'd like an acknowledgement to the green quartz or peridot synymous with my birth month. Known for encouraging emotional balance, renewal and vitality, it's a nod to wellbeing and self-care that I hold dear.

Carrie Elizabeth Brice founded her eponymous brand in 2015 after specialising in jewellery for years prior. She draws inspiration from travels, specifically India, where her jewellery is ethically sourced and created by local artisans. The Ottie Diamond ring has caught my attention. It's made from solid gold and features a dainty diamond—special enough to be a wedding band and solid enough to adorn your fingers every day.

Kimai prides itself on its B Corp accreditation and traceability, so expect nothing less than recycled gold and lab grown diamonds when browsing its offering. It's best known for ethical credentials and the premium design and quality follows through. The brand utilises solid 18k gold lab grown diamonds for its simple designs, made with forever in mind.

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.

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