When it comes to jewellery, pieces that have a special meaning or have been bought to mark a special occasion will always be closest to our hearts, literally and figuratively speaking. Or make like Kate and get The Duchess necklace for just €111.20 (was €139). Even better, each order is personalised within 24 hours of ordering, personalisation is complementary and can be shipped to Ireland within 2-3 days. Black Friday shopping event ever. Founded by mum-of-four Béatrice de Montille from her kitchen table in 2007, the company was conceptualised with the aim of celebrating the special bond between families by creating one-of-a-kind personalised pieces that can be cherished forever, hence the name Merci Maman, which translates as ‘Thank you, Mummy’. In 2014, the brand shot to fame when The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted wearing a charm adorned necklace that had been gifted to her by her sister Pippa to mark the arrival of Prince George. One of the first brands to tap into the trend and continue to cultivate its enduring ascendancy is London-based Merci Maman. The gold-plated talismanic necklace, which has since been renamed The Duchess as a tribute to its very famous owner, featured a hand-engraved disc bearing George’s name, a charm engraved with the initial ‘W’ as a not to Kate’s husband, William, accompanied by a little boy silhouette charm. The brand is also loved by Irish mums Rosie Connolly and Una Healy who have both customised pieces to feature the names of their children. Included in the 20 percent off deals are best-sellers such as the Personalised Signature Disc Necklace at €71.20 (was €89), the Personalised Intertwined Necklace at €79.20 (was €99), and the Personalised Flat bangle at €31.20. Each piece is available in 18k gold plating or 925 sterling silver, and can be hand-engraved with special names, dates, or messages. ‘The day we discovered one of the world’s most stylish mums, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Merci Maman necklace was one of our most exciting milestones,’ shares de Montille. In the past decade, the trend for personalised jewellery has really taken hold, and necklaces, bracelets and rings bearing initials, engravings, nameplates and symbolic charms have become a mainstay for most accessories enthusiasts. Whatever you choose, the special people in your life will thank you. ‘Kate Middleton wore a personalised charm necklace following the birth of her son, Prince George.
Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift.
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. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. 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. 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. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. 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. 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.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. 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. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling – backtoglamour.com – silver. 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. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. 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. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. 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. 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. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality 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. 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. 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. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. 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. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. 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. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. 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. 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.