MOSCOW, March 31 (Reuters) – A small Russian jewelry company specializing in science and medicine-themed ornaments has launched a coronavirus-shaped pendant, a move that has drawn accusations of insensitivity by some. When the first microscopic images of the coronavirus emerged a few months ago, Dr. Vorobev, a jewelry firm based in Kostroma, a city around 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Moscow, thought the intricately-shaped virus could become a good addition to its collection. Moscow and dozens of other regions have declared lockdowns. Sold online for around $20, its sterling silver (Going Listed here) coronavirus pendants reproduce the shape of the virus – a circular shell topped with club-shaped spikes – that causes an acute respiratory illness known as COVID-19. Pavel Vorobev, the firm’s founder, told Reuters. Responding to accusations of insensitivity, Vorobev said the pendants are not intended to cash in on what has become an international crisis. Vorobev said the firm was now planning to donate brooches with caged coronaviruses to doctors toiling to curb its spread. Russia has reported 2,337 cases and 17 deaths across its vast territory, and on Tuesday registered its biggest daily rise in cases for the seventh day in a row. The virus, which emerged in China late last year, has since infected more than 777,000 people and killed 37,500 globally, according to a Reuters tally compiled on Tuesday. The company also produces pendants in the shape of hearts, lungs and DNA double helixes.
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. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. 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. 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. 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. 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. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver.
Making Sterling Silver Jewelry
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. 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. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. 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. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. 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. 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. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. So she decided to make her own.
