Like ready-to-wear, jewellery trends swing back and forth like a pendulum: one moment you’ve got a penchant for Gucci-esque more-is-more costume jewellery, the next you’re keeping it simple with minimalist, dainty pieces. The beauty of it is, the better quality (and more sustainably) you buy, the longer it’ll last, meaning that you can rotate your precious pieces depending on the way the wind takes you.
Right now, we’re stockpiling all kinds of gold jewellery, from bold yellow-gold to more subtle white gold, ’90s-style chunky chains to less-is-more stackable rings. Thankfully, there’s a plethora of indie labels providing us with the sweetest pieces to add to our jewellery box.
Click through to meet the jewellery brands serving up the best gold jewellery around.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Astrid & Miyu
The story: Connie Nam founded Astrid & Miyu in 2012 when she spotted a gap in the jewellery market: a lack of affordable but contemporary jewellery that didn’t fall apart after one wear. Nam got to work designing and marketing her pieces, and soon enough her label became an Insta-fave. Now offering customers style consulting at its in-store Ear Bar, as well as dainty tattoos that match the delicate jewellery, Astrid & Miyu is a go-to for gold jewellery lovers.
The most-wanted piece: We love Astrid & Miyu for all our jewellery classics because they offer such great quality at reasonable prices — from chunky hoop earrings to simple stacking rings and everyday pendant necklaces. We should note that most of these cheaper pieces are not solid gold, but 18k gold plated brass, but we’ve already tried and tested some of their gold hoops over six months and have had no issues with tarnishing or green skin staining. You can find their solid gold pieces here though.
The price tag: Prices start at £30.
Astrid & Miyu Bold Small Hoops in Gold, $, available at Astrid & Miyu
Missoma
The story: Missoma is a family-founded label, created from the kitchen table by Marisa Hordern, mother Michele and sister Sophie. While Marisa was first inspired by a piece of Labradorite, and there are crystals and gemstones in the collections, the brand’s strong suit is its gold jewellery. From Roman coin charms to heavy-duty chains, this is the brand for people already hooked on gold and wanting to add some stand-out pieces to their collection. Influencer Lucy Williams has collaborated with Missoma on several collections, the stand-out being 1987, all ’80s and ’90s-inspired treasures paying homage to her mum’s old jewellery box.
The most-wanted piece: You’ll recognise this Lucy Williams Roman coin necklace from your Insta feed.
The price tag: Prices start at £29.
Lucy Williams x Missoma Engravable Roman Arc Coin Necklace, $, available at Missoma
Ottoman Hands
The story: Ottoman Hands is an artisanal British brand that specialises in handcrafted, gold-plated jewellery set with semi-precious gems. So no, it’s not technically gold jewellery but at prices like this and given its quality — each piece is hand cast in workshops in Istanbul — we can’t complain. Designs are rich in symbolism and pay homage to the brand’s Turkish heritage, including goddess-inspired pendants, intricately engraved coin earrings, delicate beaded necklaces and rings set with mother of pearl or lapis.
The most-wanted piece: These romantic, vintage playing card-inspired earrings.
The price tag: Prices start at £25.
Ottoman Hands Tyche Engraved Gold Drop Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Daisy London
The story: Founded by Ruth Bewsey in 2009 on Portobello Road, Daisy London creates the pieces missing in your jewellery box. The first collection was inspired by wildflowers, but since then the label has used its bohemian aesthetic on everything from the female figure to the moon and stars. The perfect label for people wanting something halfway between minimalist and statement: it’s simple enough to layer lots of chains and stack plenty of rings, but distinctive enough to wear pieces alone, too.
The most-wanted piece: The Sunburst signet ring from the Estee Lalonde collection is a big hit, but we love the chunky hoops and Eternity multi-stone ring in gold, too.
The price tag: Prices start at £19.
Estée Lalonde x Daisy London Sunburst Shield Ring, $, available at Daisy London
Mejuri
The story: Co-created by Noura Sakkijha in 2015, Mejuri was founded on the principle that fine jewellery shouldn’t have to be gifted. Following a ‘love yourself” ethos, the jewellery brand aims to marry the quality of traditional fine jewellery with fresh modern designs. Using 14k gold, certified recycled gold and 18k gold vermeil, the brand offers simplistic gold pieces at a range of price points. Plus, by the end of 2021, Mejuri aims to ensure that 100% of its gold is traceable.
The most wanted piece: You can’t go wrong with a classic chain necklace.
The price tag: Prices start at £25.
Mejuri Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
STELLAR 79
The story: Sisters Natasha and Sheena draw inspiration for their collections from their combined passion for travel, art and culture, coupled with their rich diverse Trinidadian and Mauritian heritage. Each piece is made from 9 karat gold and 18 karat gold vermeil mixed with precious and semi-precious stones, offered in a variety of contemporary styles that can be layered or worn individually. Each piece is designed by the sisters in London and hand-made in Jaipur, India, by skilled artisans.
The most-wanted piece: We love the new summer collection, made up of vintage glamour-inspired pieces that feature nostalgic opulent twirls and twists.
The price tag: Prices start at £55.
Stellar 79 Suncatcher Ring, $, available at Stellar 79
Alighieri
The story: Rosh Mahtani’s brand Alighieri has gone from strength to strength since she founded it in London in 2014. The first collection was inspired by the 100 poems of Dante’s Divine Comedy after she studied the hell, purgatory and paradise-filled tome at Oxford University, and since then, her craggy and misshapen pieces have been seen on everyone from Lisa Aiken to Andrew Scott. Mahtani’s pieces have become such an industry breakthrough that she was nominated for the British Emerging Talent Womenswear award at the Fashion Awards in December 2019, too.
The most-wanted piece: The Infernal Storm pearl and gold earrings sparked a thousand knock-offs but we love the ancient-looking charm necklaces.
The price tag: Prices start at £100.
Alighieri The Fragments of Africa Choker, $, available at Alighieri
Monica Vinader
The story: An amalgamation of fashion and fine jewellery, Monica Vinader founded her brand in 2008 and won Brand of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards the very same year, starting her story with a bang. Committed to ethical sourcing (the brand gets its diamonds from suppliers that follow the Kimberley Process, and has been given the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for its outstanding commitment to sustainability), Vinader doesn’t forgo style when producing guilt-free pieces.
The most-wanted piece: The jewelled pendants and charms are highlights, but we love the minimalist and sleek gold pieces like the Alta Capture linked bracelet.
The price tag: Prices start at £22.50.
Monica Vinader Alta Capture Mixed Metal Charm Bracelet, $, available at Monica Vinader
Otiumberg
The story: There’s a reason everyone and their mother ditched plain old silver hoops in favour of dainty gold huggies up and down their ears: Otiumberg. While fashions’ coolest are buying their engagement rings from the 2016-founded London label, they’re best known for their sapphire and pearl ear decorations. Created by sisters Christie and Rosanna, the brand is all about collecting and layering, but don’t overlook their other gold pieces: their gold twist rings and name bracelets are thoroughly ’90s.
The most-wanted piece: Any of the huggie hoops, but their personalisation service allows you to create your own necklaces, rings and earrings — heaven!
The price tag: Prices start at £30.
Otiumberg Mini Chunky Twist Hoops Yellow Gold Vermeil, $, available at Otiumberg
Wolf and Zephyr
The story: Founded in 2018 by Tori Shay, who trained under a goldsmith whose designs were sold in Liberty and Harvey Nichols in the ’70s, Wolf and Zephyr use 14ct gold to create a range of stand-out and hand-made jewellery. Drawing inspiration from bohemian motifs, the brand has quickly become known for its collection of coin pendants, eclectic studs and free-spirited necklaces. However, if you’re after something more minimalistic, the label also sells a range of gemstone rings that will be sure to add some classic sparkle to your IG hand selfies.
The most-wanted piece: We are completely obsessed with the Star Ear Cuff, but the elemental inspired charm necklaces are also high on our wish list.
The price tag: Prices start at £15.
Wolf and Zephyr Air Element Necklace Gold Vermeil, $, available at Wolf and Zephyr
PDPAOLA
The story: Another family-run brand, PDPAOLA was started by siblings Paola and Humbert in Barcelona back in 2014. The label drops 11 collections a year, inspired by everything from architecture to nature, and is the perfect addition to any collection of delicate jewellery, PDPAOLA is all about small details and hyper-feminine touches, from dainty huggie hoops to thin stackable rings.
The most-wanted piece: We’re suckers for some great, quality, gold hoops — the kind that dress up a basic tee and jeans, and that becomes your everyday, go-to jewellery choice.
The price tag: Prices start at £28.
PDPAOLA Pirouette Gold Earrings, $, available at PDPAOLA
Seol + Gold
The story:
Seol + Gold are all about affordable quality — creating beautiful, trending pieces that don’t cost the earth. Whatever you’re after you’ll find it here, whether you’re a one-delicate-gold-chain kind of person or are after a chunky, statement-making piece like this stunning cocktail ring.The most-wanted piece: We’re always here for celestial inspired jewellery, especially when they’re as beautifully crafted as this domed ring.
The price tag: Prices start at £8.
Seol + Gold 9ct Solid Gold North Star Ring, $, available at Seol + Gold
BAR Jewellery
The story: BAR stands for Born from Ambition to create Responsibly. They’re all about elegant, timeless designs that transcend trends, handmade by artisans that are paid a fair wage, using recycled materials (100% recycled silver and brass) and ensuring the correct disposals for chemicals.
The most-wanted piece: BAR’s Script Necklaces are a unique take on personalised jewellery and perfect for that very special gift you have planning.
The price tag: Prices start at £75.
Bar Jewellery Script Necklace | Gold Plated, $, available at Bar Jewellery
Orelia London
The story: Aiming to provide an affordable way into well-made jewellery, Orelia has always given its customers fashionable 18k coated brass pieces that don’t break the bank. Offering everything from statement earrings to layering chains, their selection of gold goodies is ideal for those who want to build a collection of conscious pieces.
The most-wanted piece: Switching up the classic hoop earrings with a cool, angula triangle shape, the Tapered Earrings are the first pick on our wishlist.
The price tag: Prices start at £15.
Orelia Large Tapered Square Hoop Earrings, $, available at Orelia
Daniella Draper
The story: After graduating from Central St. Martins with a degree in jewellery design in 2009, Daniella Draper set up her eponymous brand from her home county of Lincolnshire. Shop for cool, modern takes on classic styles; organically-shaped, hammered pendants made with recycled metals, delicate stone rings and pieces personalised with engraving or special messages.
The most-wanted piece: Though expensive, we’ve got our eyes on the Gold Midi Star Trace Chain Necklace. It’s the kind of piece you could wear everyday, no matter the occasion.
The price tag: Prices start at £15.
Daniella Draper Gold Midi Star Trace Chain Necklace, $, available at Daniella Draper
Carousel Jewels
The story: Now six years old, Carousel Jewels is committed to small-batch production, working with artisans to handcraft romantic, vintage-inspired pieces with a slow-fashion mindset. Even better, they are conscious of sustainability, planting a tree with every order and donating a proportion of monthly revenue to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
The most-wanted piece: Everything from their collection TBH, which features natural gemstones and timeless, vintage-inspired designs.
The price tag: Prices start at £50.
Carousel Jewels Wave Earrings With Pearl, $, available at Carousel Jewels
Laura Lombardi
The story: Eponymous New York label Laura Lombardi has fast become the go-to jewellery brand for influencers and editors alike, thanks to Lombardi’s sustainability credentials and eye for distinctive design. Almost all of her pieces are made from raw or recycled metals, and with a background in fine art, her sculptural pieces are cult collectables. This 2010-founded label is ideal for those who like their hoops chunky and their chains thick.
The most-wanted piece: The Mini Icona earrings are perhaps the perfect gold hoops.
The price tag: From £54 and up.
Laura Lombardi Gold Mini Icona Earrings, $, available at SSENSE
Katie Mullally
The story: London-based jeweller Katie Mullally learned the tricks of the trade at her grandma’s antique business in the Old Grays Antique Market in South Molton Street but didn’t start her own business until her 50s in 2012. While all of her pieces are vintage-inspired, making the peas-in-a-pod charms and wishbone necklaces the sweetest gifts, it’s the Goldsmiths Company Assay Office-accredited hallmark stamped on the back of each piece that makes it feel special.
The most-wanted piece: The English and Irish coin charms are our favourites, but you can get anything from a key to a love heart and layer them up on her gold chains.
The price tag: From £60 and up.
Kate Mullally Double Irish 3d Coin Pendant Gold 9 Carat, $, available at Kate Mullally
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