Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed fragments of a glass bracelet stamped with seven-branched menorahs. Jane Marchand, senior archaeologist from Dartmoor National Park, described the haul as one of the most important discoveries since the 19th century. One of the menorahs has a single flame depicted above each branch. If you dug these up in your garden, you probably wouldn’t think twice about throwing them away. Glass bracelets (visit this site) and pendants from these periods decorated with symbols of a menorah are well known in Israel, Lebanon and Syria. She said: ‘The amber beads probably came from the Baltic – and meant they were long-distance trading 4,000 years ago. The 1,600-year-old glass piece was hidden in an uncovered box, containing a number of other glass fragments that had been discarded as waste. The bracelet remains were found on the second night of Hanukkah in Mount Carmel National Park – once a large settlement during the late Roman or early Byzantine period. Also found in the same refuse pile was the base of a large glass bowl and a lumps of debris from a glass kiln. She added that the findings may provide proof that Jewish people lived in the ancient settlement. It is unusual to find such objects in settlement strata, and even rarer to discover them in an ancient refuse pit,’ said Yael Gorin-Rosen, one of the Antiquities Authority researchers. Another theory is that the bracelet came from a workshop in the area and had been intended for other markets. Glass jewelry was used extensively in the late Roman period, and we can reasonably assume that those items that were specially decorated were more expensive than the plain, unornamented ones,’ the researchers said. After cleaning, we were excited to discover that the bracelet, which is made of turquoise coloured glass, is decorated with symbols of the seven-branched menorah,’ said Limor Talmi, an excavation directors for the Israel Antiquities Authority. The fragment shows two menorahs with seven branches each. The fragment shows two menorahs with seven branches each. Unearthed from a prehistoric burial chest on Dartmoor last year, they were heralded as one of the most significant historical finds in more than a century. These artefacts show Dartmoor wasn’t the isolated, hard-to-reach place we thought it was. But the researchers explained that archaeologists usually found this kind of jewellery as part of funerary offerings. This mystery is unfolding. This has been fascinating to work on, but it’s just one piece in a puzzle. But the unassuming objects are 4,000-year-old Bronze Age beads, and worth their weight in gold.
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. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. 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. 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. 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. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director.
Sterling Silver Sports Charms
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. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. 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. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. 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. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. 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. 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.
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. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. 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. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. 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. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. 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. 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. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. 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. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. 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. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. 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.