Whenever my friends ask me for shopping advice, I always make a point to provide them with suggestions that aren’t completely obvious. For example, if they ask me where to buy great workout clothes, I’m not going to tell them Lululemon because everyone already knows that. The same goes for jewelry. I get a lot of questions about fine jewelry, in particular, since it’s an investment and you’re likely to want to choose carefully. I completely get that, and I always make a point to answer carefully as well.
Some of my favorite fine jewelry brands at the moment are ones you may or may not have heard of, but I’m quite sure that you won’t soon forget them once you’re familiar. Scroll on to familiarize yourself with these cool fine jewelry brands and to shop some of my favorite pieces. (Feel free to tell your friends about them, too.)
Kinn is one of the few jewelry brands that I can say—without hesitation—that I’d wear every single piece it makes. Kinn manages to subtly acknowledge current trends while keeping its pieces timeless. It’s a great brand to shop if you love modern gold pieces that can be mixed and matched and dressed up and down. In other words, it’s perfect.
Colorful Italian jewelry brand Bea Bongiasca has quickly become a Who What Wear editor favorite. Its whimsical pieces are made of enamel, crystal, gemstones, and gold, and they’re so eye-catching that you won’t be able to leave the house without garnering plenty of compliments.
Given that Anna Sheffield made my engagement ring and wedding band, I’m very much biased. I’ve been obsessed with her pieces for years now. If you’re not in the market for an engagement ring, not to worry—her fine jewelry is just as stunning and special. The gemstone and cut combinations she comes up with are so unique and interesting.
Edge of Ember is a sustainable, London-based brand that works with artisans in Asia. The pretty pieces are perfect for everyday wear, and the price points are refreshingly reasonable. If you need some help narrowing it down, my favorites are the Opal Huggie Earrings. I’ve been wearing them daily.
The name Local Eclectic really speaks for itself. The company champions emerging and independent jewelry designers, most of which are female, so there are plenty of styles to choose from to suit your aesthetic. If you want a unique, affordable piece of fine jewelry for yourself or to gift, this is a great place to find it.
Lily Booth is a new Raleigh, NC-based brand creating timeless pieces that are destined to become heirlooms. The stunning Art Deco-inspired pieces are made of rich 18k or 22k gold, which imparts an authentically vintage look.
Not only is Aurate New York based in NYC, co-founder and designer Sophie Kahn is very much inspired by the city (think rings modeled after the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge). The ethical, sustainable brand believes in transparent, fair pricing, and you’ll reach for them every day, so the cost-per-wear is impressively low.
Wwake is one of the OG cool-girl fine jewelry brands. It really put opals on the map, proving that they’re a trend with longevity. If you have multiple piercings, don’t sleep on Wwake’s selection of delicate yet still bold stud earrings.
