London’s best jewellery shops

Zoe & Morgan’s handcrafted jewellery is all inspired by one grand idea: choosing love. You’ll feel that passion and care in every piece, whether in its jaw-dropping range of engagement rings or its line of sometimes subtle, sometimes statement-making earrings. The brand’s designs often come with a graphic, geometric edge that feels fresh and modern, but in a way that won’t quickly become dated.

This expensive-looking Islington store is, in fact, full of highly affordable but beautifully designed women’s and men’s pieces by London jeweller Maya Magal. The shop’s minimalist-luxe feel reflects the similarly clean, simple nature of the jewellery, whose designs draw on Magal’s time spent in menswear and have been seen on the likes of Alexa Chung. The Islington branch is the flagship store, but the brand also has shops in Notting Hill and Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross.

WeAreArrow has moved from one market to another, hopping from Netil Market to Columbia Road. Unlike the flower market, though, this unique store is open more than just Sundays. It’s fitting its new location is so associated with plants – founder Tatiana Andrea’s work is inspired by natural shapes and textures so the gorgeous designs manage to feel both of the earth and high-class at the same time.

This delightful boutique in Kentish Town is the first for jeweller Jessica de Lotz (recognise that name? Her sister used to run the quirky Mouse & de Lotz café in Dalston). Every detail of its interior design – from the porthole shaped like a pocket watch to the taxidermy animals – has been put together with love – and it feels like stepping into a teeny tiny curiosity shop. De Lotz’s jewellery has a distinctive, antiquey feel, thanks to the use of stamps, wax seals and ornate metalwork.

Tatty Devine’s acrylic pieces have never been for the faint-hearted but rather for those who like their accessories unashamedly kitsch and bold. So whether you’re after a giant bejewelled lobster to wear around your neck or a sparkly brooch in the shape of a banana, this is your place. The Covent Garden store (the original’s in Brick Lane) can create personalised name necklaces while you wait. Perfect for the indie sleaze revival. 

Inside her multicoloured flagship, Solange Azagury-Partridge’s exquisitely barmy trinkets are guaranteed conversation starters (so much so that her pieces are on show in the permanent collection at the V&A). There’s a fabulous touch of the occult about her luxurious collections – think gemstones gripped by jewelled talons, glittering eye rings, and pendants shaped like drops of blood.

Roadkill isn’t something we’d normally think to decorate ourselves with – but it’s exactly what Hackney-born Tessa Metcalfe draws her inspiration from. By casting bird claws (including pigeon feet) in precious metals, the designer transforms them into things of dark beauty. Her work is the ultimate in one-of-a-kind – so much so, you’ll have to make an appointment to pay Metcalfe’s shop a visit in person (or you can shop til you drop online).

Quintessentially British designer Alex Monroe is known for his nostalgic, nature-inspired designs (including those famous golden bumble bee pendants). Head to the newly refurbished London Bridge boutique or the Covent Garden location to snap up delicate flowers, acorns, ferns and more on rings, earrings and necklaces – plus some in-store exclusives. Every piece is handmade in London.

EC One has been kicking around in Clerkenwell since the nineties. Its staying power owes to the fact that there’s much to love here, from the broad, unpretentious range of designers it stocks (something for every style) to its championing of new talent via its annual ‘Unsigned’ jewellery awards. EC One is also renowned for its bespoke pieces, that are handmade in the workshop out back. It’s also committed to making only ethical and responsibly sourced jewellery so you can adorn yourself with its dazzling goods with the knowledge you’re not adding to the world’s woes.

Ruberg founder Kamilla Ruberg mixes minimalist charm, Scandi aesthetics and chic geometrics in her fine jewellery. The ‘angle’ collection hangs diamonds and pearls on chains at off-kilter, well, angles and forms sharp, smooth points in its rings and earrings. The ‘curve’ line is softer but no less stunning, playfully subverting what you might expect from simple circular lines.