Absolutely nothing beats the feeling of splurging on an exquisite piece of jewellery – although it's fair to say that the market is quite, well, saturated at the minute. Hugely popular jewellery brands are making their mark – perfect for when you're seeking an understated classic, like a simple Figaro chain or a pair of baroque pearl earrings, but less than ideal when you want something special and unusual that will stand out.
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There are some stellar independent jewellery designers out there right now, excelling in unique designs with a focus on quality craftsmanship that seriously ought to be on your radar.
Hello! Fashion shares our favourite must-follow luxury jewellery designers:
Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato
Elizabeth Fortunato set up her eponymous brand Lizzie Fortunato by herself back in 2008 from the sofa of her Lower East Side apartment, until her twin sister gave her a $10,000 cheque, plus a note reading "follow your dreams". Soon after, Kathryn joined the brand and the two have been creating gilded pieces inspired by organic gems and stones ever since.
Santa Clara earrings, $345, Lizzie Fortunato
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Brinker and Eliza Higgins
Mother-daughter duo Brinker and Eliza Higgins handcraft each piece Brinker + Eliza piece in their Connecticut studio – their chunky gold bracelets are just perfect for stacking.
Brinker + Eliza 'The Best Is Yet To Come' necklace, £100, Farfetch
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READ: The 6 best places to buy vintage jewellery online
Helle Vestergaard Poulsen
Named after those who inspire her most, her mother Anni and her daughter Luella, Helle Vestergaard Poulsen's brand Anni Lu is all about playful beading and bright colours, with designs strongly rooted in her Scandinavian heritage.
Anni Lu Nuanua bracelet, £40, Liberty London
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Rosh Mahtani
Rosh Mahtani is the brains behind exquisite literature-inspired jewellery brand Alighieri. The designer's modern heirlooms "celebrate the beauty of human imperfection and vulnerability" and because they are hand-crafted, each piece is completely unique.
Alighieri The Celestial Night necklace, £210, Liberty London
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Martha Kalvo
One for the Gen-Z aesthetic obsessive, Joolz by Martha Kalvo is seriously joyful. Think neon accents, chunky chains and smiley faces – plus this brand is adored by the Kardashians if you needed any more convincing.
Joolz by Martha Kalvo Mykonos bracelet, £95, Matches Fashion
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Suzanne Kalan
Suzanne Kalan comes from an Armenian family with a history rooted in jewellery-making and her custom-cut colourful gemstones are a case in point. With over 28 years of experience in the industry, her pieces should be your very first port of call whenever a playful diamond is on the agenda.
Suzanne Kalan Rainbow Baguette ring, £805, Liberty London
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Fernando Jorge
© Photo: InstagramBrazilian-born Fernando Jorge is one of the jewellery world's most exciting emerging luminaries. Directly inspired by the "laidback attitude and effortless sensuality of his home country", his work oozes cool elegance – plus Beyoncé is a fan. Enough said.
Fernando Jorge Clarity 18kt gold & diamond ring, £6,350, Matches Fashion
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Jacqueline Rabun
Since 1990, Jacqueline Rabun has enchanted the jewellery sphere with her pointed simplicity and clean lines. We particularly love her designs that boast a glassy, tactile element such as her rutilated quartz cocktail ring.
Jacqueline Rabun Gold and Rutilated Quartz A Beautiful Life Statement Ring, £9,758, Sotheby's
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Musée Roo
© Photo: InstagramCrafted for the "conscious antiquarian", Roo's historical-inspired jewels would turn any self-respecting Roman emperor green with envy. Handmade in Bristol, her quirky treasures are cast using the ancient lost-wax technique and are painfully stylish.
Nike amulet, £110, Musée Roo
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