In Focus
Meet Fine Jewellery's Younger Sister... Demi
With a dusting of diamonds and a gilding of 14kt gold, these new demi-fine jewellery brands have brought the luxury of the elite with a contemporary feel. Playful, experimental and precious, these brands bridge the gap between fashion and fine jewellery.
This season, our womenswear buying team have introduced a delicate collection of modern jewellers who’s designs range from rainbow earrings to stackable bracelets. Let us introduce you to a selection of the hottest demi-fine jewellery brands and be prepared as your wishlist is going to get some new additions.
Roxanne First
Female founded, female-led and using a strong workforce of talented women, each piece of Roxanne First jewellery comes with an extra special dusting of girl power. After inheriting her Italian family’s penchant for collecting beautiful jewellery, Roxanne (aka Rocky) left her 9 to 5 to pursue her love of jewellery and launched Roxanne First in 2018. Crafted in solid gold and using a mix of ethical diamonds, sapphires and precious stones, these unique and playful pieces are designed to last forever. Inspired by curious, strong and diverse women, these layerable creations are meant to be stacked and built up, allowing the wearer to curate their own bespoke collection of fine jewellery masterpieces to last a lifetime.
Mateo
Launched in 2009 by Jamaican-born, New York-based Matthew Harris, Mateo keeps things simple with its minimalistic yet powerful design. Inspired by modern artists such as Kadinsky and Alexander Calder, Harris is entirely self-taught and began his design career creating jewellery for himself before starting a men’s line. In 2014, he launched his women’s collection using ethically sourced diamonds and precious gemstones set in 14kt gold. Wanting you to wear the jewellery and not it to wear you, Mateo’s earrings, necklaces and rings are subtle works of art.
Loren Stewart
Designed for everyday wear, L.A. based Loren Stewart has crafted a collection of modern day heirlooms in gold and silver using responsibly sourced metals and gemstones. Working with local artisans, each Loren Stewart creation is made using vintage machines and time-honoured techniques to ensure each piece is made to the highest standard. Launched in 2010 by Rachel Loren with sister duo Satya Stewart and Annah Stewart-Zafrani, the brand started its journey upcycling vintage designs, reimagined as contemporary pieces. An aesthetic that still informs their designs today, these minimal and experimental creations are presented with a collection of chunky chains, statement hoops and teardrop gem earrings.
Melissa Joy Manning
Redefining the meaning of ‘precious’, Melissa Joy Manning presents a collection of cutting edge jewellery that is designed to protect the planet and give back to the community. Using 100% recycled metals and responsibly sourced jewels, these sustainable treasures are designed to empower the wearer to make environmentally conscious decisions and invest in timeless and feel-good jewellery. Handcrafted in their Green certified California studio, Melissa Joy Manning operates on a zero-waste philosophy to help support a cleaner and healthier planet and regularly supports local charities with their philanthropic initiatives. Melissa Joy Manning’s expertly crafted collection of prong set gemstone earrings and pendant necklaces is just what we need to give us that daily dose of positivity.
Alison Lou
Famous for her sell-out ‘Loucite’ hoop earrings, Alison Lou has arrived at Browns for the first time and brought those highly sought-after earrings with her. Launching her jewellery brand in 2012 in her hometown of NYC, Alison’s pieces are created using 14kt gold, enamel plating and a mix of precious stones. Inspired by the Big Apple and symbolic trends, Alison’s playful emoticon earrings and charms are her signature style. After experimenting with lucite acrylic, she launched her diffusion ‘Loucite’ earrings collection in 2018 that went viral overnight, gaining the ultimate ‘IT’ girl clientele including Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Now expanding into bangles, we want one in every colour and there are plenty to choose from.
Words by Alexandra Oliver
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