A woman from Melbourne is selling the charm bracelet her ex-husband gave her while he cheated his way through their marriage. She went on to describe the bracelet as something you can only buy as a ‘complete set’, detailing each charm with equally biting remarks. The woman said the bracelet also features a ‘chick – like the babies he was trying to force me to have because he wanted babies before he was 30 and wouldn’t entertain the discussion about what I wanted’. Other charms – backtoglamour.com – include a ‘bride and groom dancing’. Not that we ever danced,’ she posted. And then again, when I found out how long they’d been going on for’. It also has a ‘forever together’ sign, which she succinctly adds: ‘Apparently not’. I’m selling the Pandora bracelet that my ex-husband thoughtfully put together for me while he lied to me throughout our marriage,’ the woman wrote on the Gumtree page. The unnamed woman posted the ad for an ‘authentic Pandora bracelet’ on Gumtree on New Year’s Eve, where she is looking for $350. Anyone who wants it can pay either via PayPal or cash as ‘apparently tears of my enemy is not a legitimate payment type’. The pieces are all in very good condition (much like I am now after the divorce),’ she added. He hated dancing but I loved it. She said it also has a ‘heart with a 14ct yellow gold arrow – symbolising the pain in my heart when I found out about the lies. 14ct yellow gold hearts – designed to keep the bracelet together better than our marriage,’ she wrote. The one time I didn’t move a guy on quickly enough, a scotch glass came hurtling through the air at me to let me know of my ex’s displeasure’. Since she shared it, the woman’s post has been shared far and wide. Oh and god forbid some guy approached me on the dance floor.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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’. 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. 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.
Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. 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. 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. 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. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. 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 pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. So she decided to make her own. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. 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. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery.
Sterling Silver Birthstone Charms
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. 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 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. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. 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. 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. 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. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling.
Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back.
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. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. 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. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. 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. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. 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. 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. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. 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 Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points.