For A Little Treat
Tada & Toy
Childhood friends Tansy Aspinall and Victoria van Holthe set up Tada & Toy in London in 2013, with the aim of creating jewellery that is ‘accessible, modern and always effortlessly chic’. The look is playful and a bit Scandi; loads of trendy layering is encouraged.
Tada & Toy regularly features in glossy magazines and its celebrity fans include Emma Watson. With its finger firmly on the pulse, the brand regularly collaborates on collections with the social-media influencers of the moment.
In 2021, the pair opened a boutique in Notting Hill, saying: ‘After six years in business we wanted to take the leap for a more personal relationship with our customers so that we could meet face to face after this long year of lockdowns, host piercings and bespoke appointments. We want to create a physical space which is in an extension of our website.
GWG Top Pick: White Constellation Ear Cuff, £50
For A Medium Treat
Monica Vinader
This reasonably priced label punches above its weight, with the Princess of Wales and Duchess Sussex regularly showcasing its wares.
Founded in 2008 by Fine Arts graduate Monica Vinader, the brand focuses on ‘jewellery that makes you feel the best version of you – every single day’.
There are currently twelve Monica Vinader stores in the UK, with a new opening planned in York soon.
The company defines itself by its keen sense of duty to the environment and was awarded the 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development by Queen Camilla. Vinader says: ‘I want to prove that luxury and sustainability can co-exist; quality jewellery can be designed and made with both integrity and responsibility.’
GWG Top Pick: Corda Fine Chain Friendship Bracelet, £115
For A Mega Treat
Philippa Herbert
This exquisite high-end jeweller, founded in 2007 by a pair of old friends and sisters in law, made its name casting babies’ hands and feet and engraving their fingerprints onto charms.
Philippa Herbert is now the place to go for bespoke jewellery commissions and a stunning signature line of bracelets, rings and necklaces.
With an in-house goldsmith and a second workshop in Hatton Garden, they work in solid gold and silver use ethically sourced gems.
They say: ‘We both feel strongly that jewellery must be filled with meaning and love and we want to create pieces that are treasured and passed down through generations.’
Best of all, their vast technical knowledge and enthusiasm makes for an endlessly pleasurable customer experience.
GWG Top Pick: Bezel Set Round Diamond Ring, £5,595
By Becky Ladenburg
January 2024
