BRASILIA, July 4 (Reuters) – Brazilian federal police on Thursday formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of embezzlement for allegedly misappropriating jewelry he received while head of state, including luxury items given by the Saudi Arabian government, two police sources said. News website G1 reported earlier on Thursday that police had formally accused Bolsonaro. Some of the jewelry was seized by customs officials at Sao Paulo’s international airport in October 2021 when it was found in the backpack of a government aide returning from Riyadh. Cid’s lawyer noted in a statement that his client has been under a plea bargain agreement with Brazilian authorities, saying police accusation is just another phase of the investigation. At the time, Justice Moraes said the items had been sold and the sale had not been declared. In an investigation authorized by Supreme Court Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes, police last year searched the homes of military officers who allegedly helped Bolsonaro sell some of the jewelry in the United States. The police also formally accused on Thursday former mines and energy minister Bento Albuquerque, whose aide had returned with him from a visit to Riyadh, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp Mauro Cid, who was allegedly involved in selling jewelry, his lawyer Frederick Wassef and his spokesperson Fabio Wajngarten, according to a source. Bolsonaro’s lawyer did not return calls requesting comment. According to him, neither Cid or Bolsonaro had told him to purchase back the watch. The jewelry, some of it made by Chopard of Switzerland, was valued at $3.2 million and included a diamond necklace, ring, watch and earrings given to Bolsonaro and former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro by the Saudi government. Later, the former president could be indicted if a judge accepts these potential charges. Albuquerque could not immediately be reached for comments. The police accused Bolsonaro of money laundering, criminal association and embezzlement, according to one of the sources, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity. He was charged in March with forging his COVID-19 vaccine records. Brazil’s prosecutor general can now chose whether to charge Bolsonaro based on police accusations. Wassef said in a statement he only bought a watch in the United States with his own money in order to return it to Brazilian authorities. Brazil’s federal police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His legal defense had previously denied the former president had committed any crimes. His eldest son Flavio, who is a senator, wrote on Thursday in his account on social media platform “X” that Bolsonaro was being “persecuted”. In his “X” account, Wajngarten said the accusation was “arbitrary, unfair and persecutory”, arguing he had just instructed Bolsonaro to return the gifts to Brazil’s audit court. This is the second time police have formally accused Bolsonaro of a crime.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase.
Sterling Silver Charm Necklace
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. So she decided to make her own. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash.
Sterling Silver Bracelet Supplies
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets.