The world’s very first vagina museum, which opened nearly four years ago, is to close tomorrow. As a property guardianship, we’ve always been aware that we may be asked to leave with very short notice. In a message on Twitter, the museum announced its closure, saying: ‘Sad news. Exhibits over the years have included ‘Muff Busters: Vagina Myths and How To Fight Them’, which have adorned the walls alongside giant glittery red tampons, menstrual cups and vagina-themed bunting. The museum, which aims to tackle the taboos surrounding the gynaecological anatomy, will welcome its final guests on Wednesday evening after landlords asked the museum to vacate. Prior to its opening, the museum had sparked concern among local resident groups after it was granted an alcohol license. On Twitter, the founders of the museum, currently located in Bethnal Green, said it was sad to be asked to close so quickly and would ‘continue to operate in the ‘digital world’ while it was searching for a new home. She also launched a crowdfunder web page which received widespread support from the general public by amassing almost £50,000. The museum, which has also frequently featured plays and comedy nights around the theme of vaginas, was the creation of science YouTuber Florence Schechter, who decided to create a building dedicated solely to vaginas after discovering Iceland’s Phallological Museum. Since opening four years ago, the museum has attracted both support and criticism and a social media campaign to save the museum has begun in earnest. We’ve received notice to vacate our premises at Bethnal Green by the end of this week. Inside the unique and free-to-enter exhibition, visitors are able to purchase necklaces that come with a vagina pendant, clitoris crochet, feminist books and vulva postcards and bookmarks – with 25 per cent off all items ahead of the closure. Also available to the public are leaflets informing them about vaginal health and information boards. In 2017, Florence set about making her vision a reality by hosting pop-up programmes and events across the country – including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They added that they are ‘incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in the ten months we’ve been at our Bethnal Green premises.

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

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. 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. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. 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. 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. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. 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.

Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. 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. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. 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 – see it here – silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. So she decided to make her own. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. 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. 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.